Small Class Research Articles

Handling the Imbalanced Problem in Agri-Food Data Analysis.

Imbalanced data situations exist in most fields of endeavor. The problem has been identified as a major bottleneck in machine learning/data mining and is becoming a serious issue of concern in food processing applications. Inappropriate analysis of agricultural and food processing data was identified as limiting the robustness of predictive models built from agri-food applications. As a result of rare cases occurring infrequently, classification rules that detect small groups are scarce, so samples belonging to small classes are largely misclassified. Most existing machine learning algorithms including the K-means, decision trees, and support vector machines (SVMs) are not optimal in handling imbalanced data. Consequently, models developed from the analysis of such data are very prone to rejection and non-adoptability in real industrial and commercial settings. This paper showcases the reality of the imbalanced data problem in agri-food applications and therefore proposes some state-of-the-art artificial intelligence algorithm approaches for handling the problem using methods including data resampling, one-class learning, ensemble methods, feature selection, and deep learning techniques. This paper further evaluates existing and newer metrics that are well suited for handling imbalanced data. Rightly analyzing imbalanced data from food processing application research works will improve the accuracy of results and model developments. This will consequently enhance the acceptability and adoptability of innovations/inventions.

Small but Unwieldy: A Lower Bound on Adjacency Labels for Small Classes

Small but Unwieldy: A Lower Bound on Adjacency Labels for Small Classes

Relationship of high-density lipoprotein subfractions and apolipoprotein A-I with fat in the pancreas.

To investigate the associations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) with fat in the pancreas. A total of 170 individuals were studied. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging on a single 3.0-Tesla scanner to determine the presence/absence of fatty pancreas. HDL subfractions were measured using a commercially available lipoprotein subfractions testing system and classed as large, intermediate and small HDL. Both unadjusted and adjusted (accounting for demographics, anthropometrics, insulin resistance and other covariates) logistic regression models were built. Individuals with fatty pancreas had significantly lower circulating levels of the large HDL class and apo A-I. Every unit decrease in the large HDL class was associated with a 93% increase in the likelihood of fatty pancreas in the most adjusted model (P < .001). Every unit decrease in apo A-I was associated with a 45% increase in the likelihood of fatty pancreas in the most adjusted model (P = .012). The intermediate and small HDL classes were not significantly associated with fatty pancreas. Fat in the pancreas is inversely associated with the circulating levels of large HDL particles and apo A-I. Purposely designed studies are warranted to investigate the potential of fatty pancreas as an indicator of the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Katolik (PAK) Materi Aku Pribadi yang Unik melalui Metode Problem Based Learning (PBL) di Kelas III SDN 071163 Siwalubanua Tahun Pelajaran 2024/2025

This research aims to improve the learning outcomes of 3rd grade elementary school students in Catholic Religious Education subjects, especially the material "I am a Unique Personality", through the application of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) method. This Classroom Action Research (PTK) was carried out in two cycles with 5 students as research subjects. The research results showed an increase in the percentage of learning completion from 40% in the pre-cycle to 80% in the second cycle, as well as an increase in student learning activities from 60% to 100%. The application of PBL has proven to be effective in improving students' conceptual understanding, critical thinking abilities and problem solving skills in a small class context.

DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL PARAMETERS OF SINTERING OF ROLLING SCALE

This article presents the results of studies conducted to determine the optimal parameters of sintering of rolled scale in a mixture with iron-containing steelmaking waste. The conducted studies of sintering of rolled scale have shown that the gas permeability of the charge depends on a number of physical properties, the size and shape of the grains, the amount of return, the height of the charge layer, and the moisture content of the charge. The initial gas permeability strongly depends on the degree of humidification of the agglomeration charge, especially when sintering small classes of materials under study. The maximum gas permeability of the charge is ensured with an optimal granulometric composition of the charge, which is characterized by an average equivalent diameter: the higher this indicator, the higher the gas permeability of the charge. The value of the surface tension reaches its maximum at a certain moisture content of the charge, which is the optimal moisture for this charge. By increasing the amount of return during agglomeration, the vertical sintering rate increases and the quality of the agglomerate improves. These factors lead to an increase in the productivity of sintering plants. According to the results of the study, the optimal parameters of the sintering sintering process of rolled scale in a mixture with iron-containing steelmaking waste were worked out. It is established that the optimal amount of return is the use of 20 % of the mass of the sintering charge at the optimal height of the sintered layer of 300 mm. As a result of the conducted research, the following optimal indicators were achieved: mechanical strength – 70.2 %, sintering rate – 28.7 mm/min, specific productivity – 1.75 t/m2·hour. Keywords: Rolling scale, agglomeration, optimal parameters, sintering, return, layer height.

PENGARUH HARGA JUAL DAN SYARAT KREDIT TERHADAP PENJUALAN KREDIT PT HOME CREDIT INDONESIA CABANG SURABAYA

As the economy changes after the pandemic storm in all countries, especially Indonesia, many parties move very quickly, everyone must survive to survive, from national business corporations to small and medium class MSMEs to develop their businesses. The development of the business provides significant benefits for the company or business, which has an impact on increasing company profits. The company's goal is to sell goods to consumers and users both directly and digitally, so it is necessary to carry out effective and efficient sales. Sales usually consist of sales of goods and services, both cash and credit. Research conducted by Syarial, (2015), shows that the results of his research have a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions, in this case researchers purchase using credit sales. The rise of credit sales in various regions both online and offline, many people from various walks of life to follow the latest trend. Technological advances have made many digital platforms appear. One that is widely used because of the convenience provided is the sales application. Because of this phenomenon, researchers are interested in examining Credit Sales at PT Home Credit Indonesia Surabaya branch studied through credit prices and credit terms. The purpose of this thesis is to find out the selling price, credit interest rate affects the credit sales of PT Home Credit Indonesia Surabaya branch, Validity test, reliability test, multiple linear regression statistical test, F test, and t test are used in this influence research, a non- experimental quantitative research method. The results found that credit sales (Y) were influenced by selling price (X1) and credit terms (X2), and both variables were influenced by credit sales (Y) if tested simultaneously.

Development of Canva-Based E-Modules on Nanotechnology Materials for Class X High School Students

The development of e-modules aims to be an effective learning resource for students. This research focuses on assessing the validity and student response to Canva-based e-modules on Nanotechnology material at the high school level. The research method used is Research and Development (R&amp;D), using the Planning, Production, and Evaluation (PPE) development model. Data analysis was done quantitatively using descriptive techniques. The results showed that the e-module had been successfully made using the Canva application and had been validated by material experts, media experts, and educational practitioners, the validity of the product reached an average value of 94.4%, categorized as very good and declared feasible to be tested. Student response trials were conducted in two classes, namely small class trials reaching a score of 92.5 and large class trials with a score of 91.3. Both results fall into the very good category.

Implementation of Contextual Learning Strategies in Small Class Sunday Schools

Effective learning strategies are very important in achieving learning objectives, especially in the context of Christian Religious Education in Sunday Schools. One of the strategies that can be applied is Contextual Teaching and Learning. This research aims to analyze the implementation of contextual learning strategies in small class Sunday School. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The participants consisted of Sunday School teachers and small class students. The results show that the implementation of contextual learning strategies in small class Sunday School includes seven main components: constructivism, discovery, questioning, learning community, modeling, reflection, and authentic assessment. This strategy is effective in improving students' understanding and engagement in the learning process. The implementation of contextual learning strategies in small class Sunday School is proven to facilitate meaningful learning that is relevant to students' daily lives. This strategy can be an alternative for teachers in designing and implementing Christian Religious Education learning that is more contextual and effective.

Station-rotation blended learning model in science education a case study for rural classrooms

ABSTRACT This study investigates the implementation of the station-rotation blended learning model in science education within rural classrooms in Turkey. The research employs a case study approach to explore the learning experiences of 5th-grade students as they engage with this model. Throughout the implementation, teacher-led instruction, online instruction, and independent work instruction stations were established, and students rotated between these stations. The participants include eight 5th-grade students, comprising five girls and three boys, aged 10-11. Data were collected through focus group interviews, open-ended questionnaires, reflective diaries, and a researcher diary including researcher observations. The students expressed positive sentiments, stating that they learned better in the teaching process, found the lessons enjoyable, acquired independent learning skills, gained different perspectives, improved their peer teaching and collaboration skills, and experienced increased interest in the subjects. However, they also reported negative experiences, such as limited classroom space, issues during station transitions, and insufficient time. Additionally, students mentioned facing the most difficulty with the independent work station, finding the online station the most entertaining, and considering the teacher-led station to provide the most information. Finally, two models for the implementation of the station-rotation model in science classes, tailored for small and large classes, are proposed.

Management of Teaching Space and Time: Evidence from Tertiary Institutions in Ghana

Overcrowding in classrooms is a common issue in tertiary institutions in Ghana. Proper management of teaching space and time is critical for maximising the use of available resources and stressful-free learning environment for students in tertiary institutions. This article aims to provide empirical evidence and practical recommendations for improving the management of teaching space and time in Ghana's tertiary institutions. The study is grounded in utilization theory, and adopted a descriptive survey design. The population for this study consists of 26 general-purpose lecture rooms available at a university in Ghana. Census Sampling was applied to select all the 26 general-purpose lecture rooms. The instruments used for data collection was an observation checklist. Quantitative results from the observation checklist were analysed using teaching space utilization formulas. The study revealed that general-purpose lecture rooms were underutilized in terms of time but were efficiently utilized in terms of space. The study also found that the lecture rooms have high utilization rates on Mondays and low utilization on Fridays. Additionally, morning sessions revealed efficient utilization, while afternoon and evening sessions were underutilized. The study recommends implementation of centralized timetabling and computerization of space allocation. Additionally, the study recommends for provision of a few more large general purpose lecture rooms to accommodate very large class sizes, which can also be partitioned effectively to accommodate small class sizes for efficient utilization of the lecture rooms.

Diet variation and trophic impact of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, within multiple marine habitats of the eastern United States.

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) is not federally managed but feeds on species of management and ecological interest. We examined the trophic ecology of weakfish in Chesapeake Bay and the coastal and offshore waters of the eastern United States. For these areas, we determined the dominant prey of weakfish; identified how much diet variation was explained by the factors: season, size class, and year; and quantified prey biomass removed by weakfish from 2007 to 2019. In general, diet composition was mostly dominated by Engraulidae, Osteichthyes (bony fishes), and Mysidacea, and significantly varied by season and size class in Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters, although this was less dramatic in Chesapeake Bay. The total amount of variance explained by the three factors was 23.1% (Chesapeake Bay) and 14.7% (coastal waters), with year not being a significant factor in explaining weakfish diet variation for these areas. Weakfish total prey biomass removal occurred primarily in coastal waters in the fall and small size class (annual mean: approximately 41,038 t; maximum: approximately 63,793 t). Highly opportunistic feeders, weakfish cannibalism also played an essential part of their diet. These results have implications for fisheries and ecosystem management of weakfish when considering ecological interactions in regulatory approaches, such as recruitment and cannibalism, competition with federally managed fishes, and the natural mortality of their prey.

Calculation of the total 10th order QED contribution to the electron magnetic moment

The total 5-loop quantum electrodynamics universal contribution to the anomalous magnetic moments of the leptons was calculated by the author. The obtained value A1(10)=5.891(61) provides the first complete verification of the previously known value obtained by T. Aoyama, M. Hayakawa, T. Kinoshita, and M. Nio (AHKN). The discrepancy is 5σ. The computation includes the recalculation of the part that the author calculated in 2019 using a slightly different method and the calculation of the remaining part of the coefficient. A comparison with the AHKN values in 32 gauge-invariant classes is provided. In addition, the results are divided into 95 small gauge-invariant classes that subdivide the former ones. Such a detailization is provided for the first time. The method described in previous works of the author was used, in general. However, the Monte Carlo integration method is new and is described in detail. Some useful technical information and information on numerical cancellations is also given. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Evaluation of Primary Reading Teaching in Multigrade Classes According to Teachers' Views

Multigrade classes which are at least two or more grade’s students are brought together in the same classroom and educational activities are carried out simultaneously by a single teacher. The main purpose of this study is how this practice, closely related to many teachers, students and parents, is evaluated by teachers. The aim of this study is to reveal how teachers explain this experience, its positive and negative aspects, and the difficulties experienced during sound-based sentence teaching. Semi-structured interviews were held with 7 teachers in order to evaluate primary reading instruction in multigrade classes according to teachers' opinions. The data regarding the participants selected by the criterion sampling method were transferred to the word environment on the computer and descriptive analysis was performed. The analyses were evaluated and interpreted. Teachers stated that teaching in multigrade classrooms is quite different from teaching in independent classrooms. They stated that this experience provides greater satisfaction at the teaching profession and increases the sense of belonging to the school. They also stated that it is important to step in the role of community leadership and to reside in the village. Among the positive aspects of teaching in multigrade classes; supporting students’ social and emotional development; supporting cognitive development by more effective usage of peer teaching, and the small class member number. Among the negative aspects, there are time constraints, emotional difficulties experienced by teachers, insufficient readiness of students, upper classes to make fun of lower classes, physical limitations and material deficiencies. It has been mentioned that some teachers changed the order of the letters during the teaching reading, that the region where the school is located is a place with intense dialect, making the process difficult, and the difficulties of performing some sound recognition activities. In order to allocate more resources to the relevant schools in order to overcome the difficulties experienced in the multigrade classrooms and to enable the teachers to start the process more ready, it is recommended that the education courses in the multi-grade classrooms conducted at the university should be more practice-based. The participants in this study are teachers. A study can be conducted that addresses the students' perspective.

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Komik Digital pada Pembelajaran IPS Materi Kegiatan Ekonomi Kelas IV SD Negeri 43 Pangkalpinang

This research is motivated by students’ lack of understanding of economic activities due to the inappropriate use of learning media to describe economic activity material and its relationship with various fields of work around where they live. This research aims to produce digital comic learning media for social studies learning material for class IV economic activities at SD Negeri 43 Pangkalpinang that is feasible and practical. The type of research used is research and development (R&amp;D) using the ADDIE (Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) development model. The data collection techniques used were interviews, questionnaires, and tests. The data analysis technique is quantitative descriptive using a Likert scale, the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test, and a paired t-test. The subjects in this research were fourth-grade students at SD Negeri 43 Pangkalpinang. This research produces digital comic learning media that is “feasible and practical." This can be seen from the material expert validation percentage results of 88.88% and the media expert validation results of 94.66%. Furthermore, the results of the practicality of learning media from the results of student questionnaire responses in small classes were 97.33%, and the results in large classes were 97.65%. Based on the pretest and posttest results, the average pretest score was 51.66, and the average posttest value was 81.00. Based on the paired t-test results, it was obtained that t_count&gt;t_le was 15.832&gt;1.699, meaning that Ha was accepted.

Challenges Facing the Implementation of Inclusive Education in Public Primary Schools of Tehsil Liaquatpur

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education programs in Pakistani public primary schools in Tehsil Liaquatpur. The goals of this research project are: 1) To determine the status of inclusive education implementation. 2) To determine the main challenges in implementing inclusive teaching methods. 3) To investigate the attitudes of administration and teachers about inclusive education. 4) To look into whether resources are adequate and available. A descriptive quantitative survey design was selected for this study. The population of this study is all public primary schools (595) of tehsil LQP, and the sample is 119 public primary schools. From these schools, 119 head teachers and 357 teachers participated as a sample. A simple random sampling technique is used. For data collection, two self-structured questionnaires were used; one for head teachers and one for teachers. After data collection, SPSS was used to analyze data. The results revealed significant challenges in the implementation of inclusive education such as parents’ reluctance, lack of teacher training, insufficient resources, traditional methods, a lack of educational facilities, lack of support, poverty, transportation issues, etc. The study suggests that working with students with disabilities and small class sizes positively impacted the participants’ attitudes toward inclusion. A teacher must hold high self-efficacy beliefs, reliable teaching strategies, and positive attitudes toward children with special needs. The study will aid the teachers, head teachers, parents, policymakers, sponsors, and the general public need in handling the investigated obstacles for better learning and development.

Occurrence and abundance of microplastics in surface water of Songkhla Lagoon.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is now a global critical issue and has been the subject of considerable worry for multiple various types of habitats, notably in lagoons which are coastal areas connected to the ocean. MPs are of concern, particularly because floating MP in surface water can be ingested by a number of marine organisms. There are several lagoons along Southeast Asia's coastline, but Songkhla Lagoon is Thailand's only exit with a rich biodiversity. To date, there has been little research undertaken on MP in this lagoon, so there is a pressing need to learn more about the presence of MP in the lagoon's water. We investigate MPs in the surface water of Songkhla Lagoon, Thailand. Sampling took place at ten stations in the lagoon during the wet season in December 2022 and the dry season in February 2023. Samples were digested with hydrogen peroxide to remove organic matter followed by density separation using saturated sodium chloride. MPs were visually examined under a stereo microscope to describe and determine the shape, size, and color. Polymer type was identified using a micro Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Moreover, the in-situ of water quality of the surface water was measured using a multi-parameter probe. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed to investigate the variations in MP levels and water quality parameters between the wet and dry seasons. Correlation analysis (Spearman rho) was used to determine the significance of correlations between MP and water quality (p < 0.05). MPs were detected at all ten of the sites sampled. The most abundant MPs were small size class (<500 µm, primarily consisting of fibers). Five types of polymers were seen in surface water, including polyethylene terephthalate, rayon, polypropylene, polyester, and poly (ethylene:propylene). Rayon and polyester were the dominant polymers. Additionally, the most dominant color of MPs in the wet and dry season was black and blue, respectively. The mean contents of MPs in the wet and dry season were 0.43 ± 0.18 and 0.34 ± 0.08 items/L, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test suggested a significant difference between water quality in the wet and dry seasons (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis (Spearman rho) indicated a negative significant difference relationship between the MPs and the values of total dissolved solid (TDS) in the wet season (r = -0.821, p = <0.05), revealing that the large amounts of MPs may possibly be dispersed within surface water bodies with low TDS concentrations. Based on the overall findings, MP pollution in the surface water of the lagoon is not found to be influenced by the seasonal context. Rivers flowing into the lagoon, especially the U-Taphao River, may be a principal pathway contributing to increased MP pollution loading in the lagoon. The results can be used as baseline data to undertake further research work relevant to sources, fates, distribution, and impacts of MPs in other coastal lagoons.

Variability in resource use of sympatric cowfish Aracana aurita and A. ornata in southeastern Australian waters

Sympatric species that share morphological similarities tend to diversify their prey resources to coexist. The striped cowfish (Aracana aurita) and ornate cowfish (A. ornata) live together on the continental shelf from western to southern Australia including Tasmanian waters. The present study analyzed stomach contents and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) to investigate the use of food resource between the two species collected in Tasmanian waters, Australia. In total, 139 A. aurita and 46 A. ornata were collected from 2014 to 2018. The small size class of A. aurita (<140 mm SL) mainly consumed polychaetes and amphipods, while its large size class (≥140 mm SL) preyed more on bivalves and crustacean decapods. The main prey items of the small size class of A. ornata (<140 mm SL) were amphipods and crabs. No differences in diet were observed between the sexes of either species. Stable isotope analyses showed significant differences in δ15N and δ13C between the two species, but not between the two size classes of A. aurita (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Integrating analyses of stomach contents and stable isotopes indicated that the two species preferred different food resources based on different trophic sources. Consequently, although the habitats of the two species overlap, both species can co-exist through dietary segregation.

A Multilevel Analysis of Factors Influencing Bullying Victimization at School among Indonesian Students with Binary Outcome

Bullying is an aggressive act toward someone who cannot defend themselves. Students who experience bullying victimization are treated badly by their friends, such as by being teased, ostracized, or kicked. Therefore, this study aims to determine the influencing factors of students being bullied among Indonesian students. The data used is secondary data from the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) for Indonesia, with a sample comprised of 11,479 students from 403 schools. Data analysis uses a multilevel model with a binary response because the data is hierarchically structured, and the response variable is binary. The results show that male students, who have missed school, are late for school, repeat a grade, have low grade levels, low teacher support, low discipline, rural schools, and those with small class sizes will have a higher chance of experiencing bullying victimization more often. Overall, this study helps explain the influencing factors of students being bullied so that these factors can be given more attention to improving school policies.

Do DOM quality and origin affect the uptake and accumulation of a lipid-soluble contaminant in a filter feeding ascidian species (Ciona) that can target small particle size classes?

The widely reported increase of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (terrDOM) in northern latitude coastal areas (“coastal darkening”) can impact contaminant dynamics in affected systems. One potential impact is based on differences in chemical adsorption processes of the molecularly larger terrDOM compared to marine DOM (marDOM) that leads to increased emulsification of lipophilic contaminants with terrDOM. Filter feeders filter large amounts of water and DOM daily and thus are directly exposed to associated contaminants through both respiration and feeding activity. Thus, increased exposure to terrDOM could potentially lead to an increase in bioaccumulation of lipid soluble contaminants in filter feeders. To assess the effect of DOM on bioaccumulation in filter feeders, we exposed the mucous based filter feeding ascidian Ciona intestinalis (formerly known as Ciona intestinalis Type B), to the lipophilic veterinary drug teflubenzuron (log KOW: 5.39) in combination with four DOM treatments: TerrDOM, marDOM, a mix of the two called mixDOM, and seawater without DOM addition. The exposure lasted for 15 days, after which the individuals in all DOM treatments showed a trend towards higher bioaccumulation of Teflubenzuron than those in the seawater control. However, there was considerable overlap in posterior distributions. Against our expectations, marDOM resulted in the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAF), followed by mixDOM, with terrDOM resulting in the lowest BAF except for seawater (kinetic BAF L/kg median, 2.5 %–97.5 % percentile marDOM 94, 74–118; mixDOM 82, 63–104; terrDOM 79; 61-99; seawater 61, 44–79). All BAFs were below the level of concern according to the EU REACH regulation (BAF < 2000 L / kg) and, therefore, likely not environmentally problematic in the examined context. However, the results show that DOM can act as a dietary vector; thus, different combinations of contaminants, DOM, and filter feeding organisms should be tested further.

A global perspective on social stratification in science

To study stratification among scientists, we reconstruct the career-long trajectories of 8.2 million scientists worldwide using 12 bibliometric measures of productivity, geographical mobility, collaboration, and research impact. While most previous studies examined these variables in isolation, we study their relationships using Multiple Correspondence and Cluster Analysis. We group authors according to their bibliometric performance and academic age across six macro fields of science, and analyze co-authorship networks and detect collaboration communities of different sizes. We found a stratified structure in terms of academic age and bibliometric classes, with a small top class and large middle and bottom classes in all collaboration communities. Results are robust to community detection algorithms used and do not depend on authors’ gender. These results imply that increased productivity, impact, and collaboration are driven by a relatively small group that accounts for a large share of academic outputs, i.e., the top class. Mobility indicators are the only exception with bottom classes contributing similar or larger shares. We also show that those at the top succeed by collaborating with various authors from other classes and age groups. Nevertheless, they are benefiting disproportionately from these collaborations which may have implications for persisting stratification in academia.