Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structured Intervention as a Tool to Shift Views of Parent-Professional Partnerships: Impact on Attitudes toward the IEP.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the roadmap that helps educators and families drive the education of students with disabilities, improve outcomes, and fulfill each child’s potential. However, the IEP can be challenging due to the large number and diversity of stakeholders, dynamics and culture of collaboration, and the complex procedures guiding the referral, evaluation, and placement. This study describes changes in attitudes toward the IEP reported by special educators and parents participating in a statewide six-month collaborative training model. Preand post-test data analysis indicates an interaction effect on overall attitude toward the IEP, with parents’ ratings of the value of the IEP decreasing at the end of the training and teachers’ ratings increasing. Moreover, special educators’ significantly higher ratings of the value of team planning for the IEP indicate enduring preand post-intervention differences. These findings have implications for school districts and agencies providing professional development to improve collaboration in IEPs.
Modeling the minimum enzymatic requirements for optimal cellulose conversion

Hydrolysis of cellulose is achieved by the synergistic action of endoglucanases, exoglucanases and β-glucosidases. Most cellulolytic microorganisms produce a varied array of these enzymes and the relative roles of the components are not easily defined or quantified. In this study we have used partially purified cellulases produced heterologously in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to increase our understanding of the roles of some of these components. CBH1 (Cel7), CBH2 (Cel6) and EG2 (Cel5) were separately produced in recombinant yeast strains, allowing their isolation free of any contaminating cellulolytic activity. Binary and ternary mixtures of the enzymes at loadings ranging between 3 and 100 mg g−1 Avicel allowed us to illustrate the relative roles of the enzymes and their levels of synergy. A mathematical model was created to simulate the interactions of these enzymes on crystalline cellulose, under both isolated and synergistic conditions. Laboratory results from the various mixtures at a range of loadings of recombinant enzymes allowed refinement of the mathematical model. The model can further be used to predict the optimal synergistic mixes of the enzymes. This information can subsequently be applied to help to determine the minimum protein requirement for complete hydrolysis of cellulose. Such knowledge will be greatly informative for the design of better enzymatic cocktails or processing organisms for the conversion of cellulosic biomass to commodity products.
Determinants of Consumer Evaluations of Brand Extensions in Chile and Comparison Against Global Evidence

Brand extensions are a common marketing practice, not just in the North American and European markets, but also in the Latin American business world. In this article, we perform an empirical test of the determinants of brand extensions’ evaluations in a developing country such as Chile. In particular, we examine in an exploratory way the role the parent brand may play in the evaluation of the brand extension, and also the importance of “fit” between the parent brand product category and the extension category. These relationships are then tested empirically through a regression model replicating the original Aaker and Keller study (1990), and the results are compared against the world evidence.
Bubble rise in a liquid with a surfactant gas, in particular carbon dioxide

When a gas bubble rises in a surfactant solution, the velocity field and the distribution of surfactant affect each other. This paper gives the theory for small Reynolds and internal Péclet numbers if the surfactant is gaseous or volatile, if its mass flux across the bubble and around its surface dominates its mass flux through the bulk liquid, and if slowness of both adsorption and convective diffusion must be allowed for. The theory is tested on the experiments of Kelsall et al. (J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans., vol. 92, 1996, p. 3879). Their bubbles rose as expected in a pure liquid until the apparatus was opened to the atmosphere. That significantly slowed the bubbles down. The effect is so sensitive to small concentrations of slowly adsorbing or reacting surfactants that atmospheric carbon dioxide could have caused it, even though it alters the equilibrium surface tension by less than four parts per million in pure air. There are still unexplained discrepancies between experiment and theory. Additional experiments are suggested that would help to explain them.
Land Use Change Effects on Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in the Pyrenees during the Last 150 Years: a Modelling Approach

In the southern Pyrenees, human population and therefore land uses have changed from forests to pastures, then crops, and back to pastures and secondary forests during the last two centuries. To understand what such rapid land use changes have meant for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, we used data from two forest sites in the western Pyrenees, combined with regional data on pastures and crop production (potato, cereal), to calibrate the ecosystem-level model FORECAST. Then, we simulated 150-year of land use for each site, emulating historical changes. Our estimates show that the conversion from forests into pastures and crops created C and N deficits (378-427 Mg C ha -1 , 4.0-4.6 Mg N ha -1 ) from which these sites are still recovering. The main ecological process behind the creation of these deficits was the loss of the ecological legacy of soil organic matter (SOM) created by the forest, particularly during conversion to farming. Pastures were able to reverse, stop or at least slow down the loss of such legacy. In conclusion, our work shows the deep impact of historical land use in ecosystem attributes, both in magnitude of removed C and N stocks and in duration of such impact. Also, the usefulness of ecological modelling in absence of historical data to estimate such changes is showcased, providing a framework for potential C and N stocks to be reached by climate change mitigation measures such as forest restoration.
An Alternative Estimation Framework for Firm-Level Capital Investment

Our understanding of the effect of investment-financing constraints in transition economies faces significant problems, both in terms of choice of the underlying theoretical model of investment behaviour and in the estimation framework adopted. These problems drive the choice in this paper of implementing a double hurdle estimation routine based on the Abel and Eberly (1998) investment model. We find evidence that a model incorporating intermittent adjustment of capital stock and using rates of capacity utilisation captures different effects compared to a standard accelerator model. Application of this methodology to sample of firms from Romania and Spain suggests that firms in Romania may be more financially constrained than previously estimated.
An investigation into the impact of reflective teaching on EFL learners autonomy and intrinsic motivation

This study has sought to explore the effect of reflective teaching on learner autonomy and the intrinsic motivation of Iranian upper-intermediate female learners. The subjects included 60 adult upperintermediate EFL learners chosen out of ninety, based on the scores obtained through administration of the TOEFL exam. They were randomly assigned to two groups: a) the experimental group taught by a reflective teacher and b) the control group instructed by an unreflective teacher. The motivation questionnaire and the autonomy questionnaire were administered to both groups to make sure that the two groups were not significantly different in terms of the level of motivation and autonomy. The experimental group was then taught by the reflective teacher and the control group was taught by the unreflective teacher who adopted no tangible reflective actions. Finally, both groups sat for motivation and autonomy questionnaires. The results indicate that reflective teaching leads to the enhancement of both learners’ autonomy and the intrinsic motivation level.
Religious as quest and its relationship with intrinsic and extrinsic orientation

Allport and Ross (1967) originally developed the religious orientation concept, identifying two types: intrinsic and extrinsic orientation. Later, Batson (1976) conceptualized a third type: the quest orientation, measured by the unidimensional Quest Religious Orientation Scale. However, subsequent works have reported the presence of a three-factor structure: preparation, self-criticism and openness. The aim of this work was the adaptation of the Quest Religious Orientation Scale to the Argentinean context in order to account for its dimensionality and to analyze its relationship with I-E Age Universal Scale (intrinsic and extrinsic orientation) in a sample of 334 university students (36.2% men) with an age range of 18 to 42 years (M = 24.8, SD = 2.63). The main results indicate a better fit of the data to the three correlated dimensions model of the Quest Religious Orientation Scale. This model allowed us to distinguish the relationship of each factor and the intrinsic and extrinsic orientations discovering significant differential relationships.
Seismic, petrological and geodynamical constraints on thermal and compositional structure of the upper mantle: Global thermochemical models

Mapping the thermal and compositional structure of the upper mantle requires a combined interpretation of geophysical and petrological observations. Based on current knowledge of material properties, we interpret available global seismic models for temperature assuming end-member compositional structures. In particular, we test the effects of modelling a depleted lithosphere, which accounts for petrological constraints on continents. Differences between seismic models translate into large temperature and density variations, respectively, up to 400 K and 0.06 g cm(-3) at 150 km depth. Introducing lateral compositional variations does not change significantly the thermal interpretation of seismic models, but gives a more realistic density structure. Modelling a petrological lithosphere gives cratonic temperatures at 150 km depth that are only 100 K hotter than those obtained assuming pyrolite, but density is similar to 0.1 g cm(-3) lower. We determined the geoid and topography associated with the density distributions by computing the instantaneous flow with an existing code of mantle convection, STAG-YY. Models with and without lateral variations in viscosity have been tested. We found that the differences between seismic models in the deeper part of the upper mantle significantly affect the global geoid, even at harmonic degree 2. The range of variance reduction for geoid due to differences in the transition zone structure (i.e. from 410 to 660 km) is comparable with the range due to differences in the whole mantle seismic structure. Since geoid is dominated by very long wavelengths (the lowest five harmonic degrees account for more than 90 per cent of the signal power), the lithospheric density contrasts do not strongly affect its overall pattern. Models that include a petrological lithosphere, however, fit the geoid and topography better. Most of the long-wavelength contribution that helps to improve the fit comes from the oceanic lithosphere. The signature of continental lithosphere worsens the fit, even in simulations that assume an extremely viscous lithosphere. Therefore, a less depleted, and thus less buoyant, continental lithosphere is required to explain gravity data. None of the seismic tomography models we analyse is able to reproduce accurately the thermal structure of the oceanic lithosphere. All of them show their lowest seismic velocities at similar to 100 km depth beneath mid-oceanic ridges and have much higher velocities at shallower depths compared to what is predicted with standard cooling models. Despite the limited resolution of global seismic models, this seems to suggest the presence of an additional compositional complexity in the lithosphere.
Toumeyella parvicornis (Hemiptera: Coccidae), Causing Severe Decline of Pinus caribaea var. Bahamensis in the Turks and Caicos Islands

ABSTRACT Since it was first formally recorded there in 2005, the Nearctic pine tortoise scale Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) has caused severe decline of the Caribbean pine, Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis (Grisebach) W. H. Barrett & Golfari, in the pine forests on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). The scale infestations reduce host vigor, cause dieback and high levels of mortality. Honeydew excreted by the insects enables the growth of associated sooty molds to smother the under-storey plants inhibiting their growth. Surveys carried out on the islands suggest that the entire Caribbean pine population in the TCI is under immediate threat from this invasive pest, with potentially devastating effects on the pineyard ecosystem. The biology, distribution, impact and economic importance of the pine tortoise scale are reviewed.
Operation of TUT Solar PV Power Station Research Plant under Partial Shading Caused by Snow and Buildings

A grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) research facility equipped with comprehensive climatic and electric measuring systems has been designed and built in the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Tampere University of Technology (TUT). The climatic measuring system is composed of an accurate weather station, solar radiation measurements, and a mesh of irradiance and PV module temperature measurements located throughout the solar PV facility. Furthermore, electrical measurements can be taken from single PV modules and strings of modules synchronized with the climatic data. All measured parameters are sampled continuously at 10 Hz with a data-acquisition system based on swappable I/O card technology and stored in a database for later analysis. The used sampling frequency was defined by thorough analyses of the PV system time dependence. Climatic and electrical measurements of the first operation year of the research facility are analyzed in this paper. Moreover, operation of PV systems under partial shading conditions caused by snow and building structures is studied by means of the measured current and power characteristics of PV modules and strings.
Adaptive Technology Strategies and Technical Efficiency: Evidence from the Sri Lankan Agricultural Machinery Industry

Recent research has highlighted the importance of technology strategies in influencing the economic performance of firms in developing countries. Attention has focused on two types of strategies: the first involves adopting technologies developed elsewhere without undertaking any modifications and the second involves investing in such technologies but adapting them to suit firm-specific needs and circumstances. Whilst it has been indicated that the second type of adaptive strategy is likely to lead to higher productivity gains than the first, this hypothesis has not been tested econometrically. Using survey data, this paper undertakes an econometric analysis of the effects of these alternative technology strategies on firm-level technical efficiency in the agricultural machinery industry in Sri Lanka. Controlling for other possible determinants, it finds that adaptive strategies have a significant positive effect on efficiency in this industry. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BEHAVIOR AND GLUTAMATE TRANSAMINASE CHANGES IN RAT EXPOSED TO LEAD AND TREATED BY WORMWOOD EXTRACT

Objective : Lead poisoning induced severe behavioral abnormalities and impaired cognitive functions in experimental animals. The aim of the present study is to investigate the detrimental effects of lead exposure on the behavior of rats and its association with altered neurochemistry. Methods : Twenty-four young male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: G1: a control group receiving drinking water. G2: intoxicated group (Pb) exposed to lead acetate (1000 ppm in drinking water). G3: receives Wormwood aqueous (A. Ab) extract at a dose of 300 mg/l in drinking water. G4: rats are receiving Pb+A. Ab mixture for 4 additional weeks after intoxication for 8 w. In the present study, locomotors activity in rats was assessed by open field test (OFT) while anxiety and depressive behavior were monitored by elevated plus maze (EPM) and the forced swim test (FST), the evaluation of glutamate metabolizing enzymes in whole brain and lipid peroxidation was carried out in all groups. Results : our results showed that lead acetate intoxication increased the level of lipid peroxidation in brain, decreased brain glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activities and increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase. Also, lead (pb) exposure resulted in increased anxiety and fear-related behavior in both elevated plus maze and light dark box tests, showed hyperactivity in open field test presented by increased horizontal locomotion. However, A. Ab extract reduced the TBARS level by preventing oxidative stress induced by lead and increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity. Conclusion : The wormwood extract administration reduced anxiety, fear and locomotion and improved learning ability and memories. Therefore, these results indicated that wormwood is ameliorating the deleterious effects of lead and it appeared to be a protective agent against lead-induced toxicity.
Technological value of blends (bread wheat flour and durum wheat semolina) for bread manufacture

In the present study, the rheological and baking properties of blends containing bread wheat flour and durum wheat semolina were analyzed. Two bread wheat varieties (Almansor, Pirana), three durum wheat varieties (Celta, Helvio, Marialva) and two replacement levels (25 and 60%) were used to determine differences in dough behaviour and bread properties. These varieties showed difference in their properties, once they have different allelic composition for the most determinant loci to quality (Glu-1 in bread wheat and Glu-3 in durum wheat). The addition of durum wheat semolina to Almansor flour had a deleterious effect on almost all quality parameters. The dough stability and loaf volume of Pirana flour (weak bread wheat) were improved when blends were made with Helvio’s semolina. The replacement level of durum wheat in both types of blends increased alveograph P/L and yellowish crumb colour but decreased alveograph deformation energy W and loaf volume of blends with Almansor. This study showed the possibility of making bread with acceptable characteristics using mixtures of bread and durum wheats, although, can cause lower bread volume.
Development and survival of the spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) at low temperatures in the laboratory and the field

The European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is a highly destructive pest of spruce monocultures. Adult spruce bark beetles are well-adapted to survive over winter however, the ability of sub-adult stages to overwinter has not been clearly established. The increase in average temperature recorded over the last three decades has resulted in an increase in voltinism by one generation, but due to insuffi cient time the last generation may not complete its development. It is crucial to investigate the survival and development of sub-adult stages at low temperatures in order to predict the effect of increased voltinism on the population dynamics of this species. We measured the development and survival of larvae and pupae (over 12 weeks) in logs kept at winter temperatures outdoors (in shade and exposed to sunlight) and in the laboratory (at 0 and 5°C), with 10°C as a control, at which normal development was expected. Overall, fi ndings revealed that development continued at low temperatures, although it was slower than at high temperatures. Importantly, after 12 weeks signifi cant numbers of spruce bark beetles were present, including newly emerged adults. We demonstrate, for the fi rst time, that sub-adult spruce bark beetles can mature over winter and the percentage survival was signifi cant, indicating that some of the beetles that did not complete their development before the onset of winter can complete their development during winter and potentially adversely affect forests and pose problems for their management.
Micromechanical study of dispersion and damping characteristics of granular materials

The wave-propagation characteristics of dense granular materials have been studied from the micromechanical viewpoint, in which relationships are sought between properties at the micro-scale of particles and interparticle contacts and properties at the continuum, macro-scale. The dispersion and damping characteristics have been determined from a three-dimensional lattice analysis in which the particle interaction is modeled with linear elastic springs and linear viscous dashpots. Due the presence of rotational degrees of freedom of the particles, optical branches are observed in the dispersion and damping characteristics, besides the acoustical branches. The influence of the micromechanical characteristics on the macroscopic dispersion and damping characteristics has been determined for a face-centered cubic lattice and a body-centered cubic lattice. For small wave numbers (large wave lengths) the damping of the optical branches is very large. This means that the optical branches will not be observed in conditions where a continuum-mechanical description is appropriate.
The Composition of Fiscal Adjustments: Economic and Social Implications

We examine episodes of fiscal adjustments in OECD countries from 2000 to 2014 and analyse its shortand long-run impact on economic growth and inequality. This paper offers two results. First, in line with previous literature, we find that in the short run, spending-based adjustments are more expansionary than tax-based adjustments, although they are associated with higher inequality. Second, we find that in the long run, spending-based adjustments are still more expansionary, and their impact on inequality is smaller than that of tax-based adjustments.
Morphology of the first larval stage of Macrobrachium brasiliense (Heller, 1868) (Caridea: Palaemonidae)

In this paper, we describe and illustrate the morphology of the first larval stage of the prawn Macrobrachium brasiliense. Two ovigerous females were obtained in a stream environment, which belongs to Parana River Basin, Southeastern of Brazil, and were maintained in laboratory until the time of hatching. The newly-hatched larva bears very advance morphological features, with benthic habits. They had sessile eyes and all appendages, except for the uropods; however, most of the appendages were not fully formed. The description given here is compared with the first larval stage of Macrobrachium species with abbreviated larval development from other localities.
Teaching optics with a spatial light modulator

The appearance of commercial spatial light modulators (SLM) opens new ways for teaching some optical phenomena. There are possible applications in a great variety of fields: interferometry, diffraction theory, simulation and compensation of random media, Fourier Optics, etc. In this paper, we propose the use of low cost liquid crystals displays (LCDs) as SLMs to perform some interesting optical experiments. The liquid crystal SLMs are extracted from a commercial video projector. This is one of the cheapest ways to obtain a SLM. For phase modulation, it requires the calibration of the system, because the manufacturers do not provide the physical specifications of the LCDs. This work is quite instructive since many different aspects are involved in the calibration process. Finally, we show an experiment using this setup, which demonstrates that the proposed SLM is an easy-to-use and flexible tool to show some well-known optical phenomena.