Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bridging scientific reasoning and conceptual change through adaptive web-based learning

This study reports an adaptive digital learning project, Scientific Concept Construction and Reconstruction (SCCR), and examines its effects on 108 8th grade students' scientific reasoning and conceptual change through mixed methods. A one-group pre-, post-, and retention quasi-experimental design was used in the study. All students received tests for Atomic Achievement, Scientific Reasoning, and Atomic Dependent Reasoning before, 1 week after, and 8 weeks after learning. A total of 18 students, six from each class, were each interviewed for 1 hour before, immediately after, and 2 months after learning. A flow map was used to provide a sequential representation of the flow of students' scientific narrative elicited from the interviews, and to further analyze the level of scientific reasoning and conceptual change. Results show students' concepts of atoms, scientific reasoning, and conceptual change made progress, which is consistent with the interviewing results regarding the level of scientific reasoning and quantity of conceptual change. This study demonstrated that students' conceptual change and scientific reasoning could be improved through the SCCR learning project. Moreover, regression results indicated students' scientific reasoning contributed more to their conceptual change than to the concepts students held immediately after learning. It implies that scientific reasoning was pivotal for conceptual change and prompted students to make associations among new mental sets and existing hierarchical structure-based memory. 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 91-119, 2010
Interventionist (Explicit and Implicit) versus Non-interventionist (Incidental) Learning of Phrasal Verbs by Iranian EFL Learners

Phrasal verbs are commonly used in spoken English. Due to the problems experienced by Iranian EFL learners in acquiring phrasal verbs, this study investigated the effectiveness of interventionist and non-interventionist approaches to learning (both recognition and production) of phrasal verbs. To this end, 63 Iranian EFL learners in three groups, with equal numbers of participants, participated in the study: a non-interventional control group, an experimental implicit group, and an experimental explicit group. They were homogenized through a TOEFL test and were asked to complete a pre-test to ascertain their unfamiliarity with the target phrasal verbs. Then, they were given 10 different passages followed by comprehension questions. After a 10- session treatment period, the recognition and production of these target phrasal verbs were tested through a post-test. The results of the ANOVA revealed the superiority of interventionist groups over the non-interventionist group in both recognition and production of phrasal verbs. In addition, the interventional explicit group greatly outperformed the interventional implicit group in both recognition and production. This effect of interventionist learning implies the necessity of a more balanced approach involving both implicit and explicit practice and instruction in order to enhance the acquisition of phrasal verbs.
Was Africa rising? Narratives of development success and failure among the Mozambican middle class

ABSTRACT Was Africa rising? Narratives of development success and failure among the Mozambican middle class. Territory, Politics, Governance. In the 2000s and 2010s, a narrative of ‘Africa Rising’ was popularized by businesses, donors, media and political leaders. High economic growth rates, increased investment from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the export of natural resources supported claims of development success. One group held up as beneficiaries was the emerging African middle class. Despite the optimism, poverty ratios remained stable and impoverishment was widespread. Change was occurring, but the gains were uneven. Mozambique had a liberalized economy and was at the forefront of numerous accounts of Africa’s rise in 2014. Perceptions of change among middle-class Mozambicans working in small and medium-sized enterprises in the hospitality, retail and construction sectors in the capital Maputo were investigated. Economic growth enabled good performance for some businesses in the capital city, but there were challenges such as regulations that hampered enterprises, rising inequality and labour exploitation by foreign companies. There was frustration among the middle class with the state and business elites. Through a process of extraversion, leaders in the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party worked as intermediaries between the global and national markets and gained from uneven development. Mozambique served as an important example of how economic growth had limited developmental benefits for those in the middle.
Examination of Turkish extreme athletes' personality traits in terms of gender and some demographic factors

The present study was conducted for the purpose of examining the personality traits of extreme athletes. In line with this purpose a total of 227 extreme athletes, as 86 female and 141 male athletes selected through judgment sampling, that either actively compete or trains to compete in any of the branches of snowboarding, snowkiting, kitesurfing, windsurfing, river kayaking, mountain biking, free diving, paragliding and rafting were included within the sample group of the study. Questionnaire applications were carried out in extreme sports facilities throughout the country. Within the scope of the study, an 85-item short form of the Five Factor Personality Scale developed by Somer, Korkmaz and Tatar was used as the data collection tool. Data analysis was carried out by means of the SPSS 16.0 software and the percentages frequencies, mean, standard deviation and to find the differences between the sexes "independent t" test were calculated. Examining the obtained results showed that the male athletes have higher extravertion level from female athletes (p <0.05). This finding obtained in our study suggest that, in an essentially male-dominant society, the higher level of pressure women are subjected to in social, economic, cultural and psychological terms and the difficulties and pressure they experience in the working life are significant factors for women to be more introvert. Ozet Bu arastirma, ekstrem sporcularin kisilik ozelliklerinin incelemesi amaciyla yapilmistir. Bu amac dogrultusunda arastirmaya, yargisal ornekleme yontemiyle secilmis, snowboard, snowkite, ucurtma sorfu, ruzgar sorfu, akarsu ve nehir kanosu, dag bisikleti, serbest dalis, yamac parasutu, kaya tirmanisi ve rafting branslarinda yarismaci olan ya da bir yarismaya katilmak icin hazirlik yapan, 86’si kadin, 141’i erkek olmak uzere 227 ekstrem sporcu katilmistir. Anket uygulamalari, ulke genelinde bulunan ekstrem spor tesislerinde gerceklestirilmistir. Arastirmada veri toplamak amaciyla Somer, Korkmaz ve Tatar tarafindan gelistirilen bes faktor kisilik envanterinin 85 sorudan olusan kisa forumu kullanilmistir. Elde edilen veriler SPSS programinda kaydedilmis, frekans, yuzde, aritmetik ortalama, standart sapma degerleri hesaplanmis ve cinsiyetler arasi farkliligi bulmak icin “independent samples t- test” kullanilarak yorumlanmistir. Elde edilen bulgular incelendiginde, erkek sporcularin erkek sporcularin kadin sporculara oranla daha yuksek disa donuk ozellik gosterdigi gorulmektedir (p <0.05). Sonuc olarak; temelde erkek egemen bir toplumda, sosyal, ekonomik, kulturel ve psikolojik anlamda kadinin daha cok baskiya maruz kalmasi, sosyal hayatinda ustelendigi roller, is hayatinda karsilasilan zorluk ve baskilarin bir sonucu olarak, daha ice kapanik bir yapiya sahip olmalarinda onemli bir etken oldugunu dusundurmektedir.
The interaction between the gall wasp Leptocybe invasa and Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves: A study of phyto-volatile metabolites

A comparative study of the volatile terpene fraction isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis attacked by the gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa) and from the healthy leaves of the plant was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 59 components representing 89.13 and 88.6%, respectively, of their total volatile fraction contents were analyzed. Of these volatiles, 26 compounds with concentrations greater than (0.1± 0.02%) have been used for statistical comparison. A number of 21of these compounds were identified, in different concentrations, in the leaves volatile fraction of both healthy plants and plants attacked by the wasps. The other 5 volatiles: p-mentha-2-4(8) diene, δ-elemene, β-elemene, E-caryophyllene and bicyclogermacrene, were exclusively found in the volatile fraction of the attacked leaves. The newly produced compounds in the attacked leaves or the change in concentration of those commonly found in that fraction, could be part of the plant defense mechanisms, or/and an element of the plant allelopathic and communication mechanisms. Identifying the components of the gall wasp-damaged leaves can help in their recycling for different physiological, pharmacological and medicinal uses. Key words: Eucalyptus, gall wasp, plant defense mechanisms, plant recycling, terpene fraction.
The Life-cycle Growth of Plants in Colombia: Fundamentals vs. Distortions

We take advantage of rich microdata on Colombian manufacturing establishments to decompose growth over an establishment’s life cycle into that attributable to fundamental sources of idiosyncratic growth \x{0336} physical productivity, demand shocks (firm appeal), and input prices \x{0336} and distortions that weaken the link between those fundamentals and actual growth. We accomplish this using data on quantities and prices for individual products for each manufacturing establishment. Pooling all ages, measured fundamentals explain around 75% of the variability of output relative to birth level, with the remaining 25% explained by distortions and other unobserved factors. Demand shocks and TFPQ are equally important in the explained part, while input prices play a more minor role. Distortions explain more than 50% of the variance in growth up to age seven, but their contribution falls to less than 25% by around age 20. For the fraction explained by fundamentals, early life growth variation is explained by TFPQ with demand and input prices playing a minor role. But demand is the crucial factor in variation in long-run growth, with a contribution that surpases that of TFPQ and unobserved factors by around age 15. In the 2000s compared to the 1980s, two decades separated by a wave of deep structural reforms, the contribution of TFPQ to the variance in life cycle growth grows by around 6 p.p , compensated by a lesser role for input prices and, interestingly, distortions.
The effect of positive psychology intervention on psychological well-being of drugs inmates

Introduction: Positive psychology is a new branch of psychology. The focus of this field is on personal growth; and rather than treating illness, it utilizes scientific methods to aid the achievement of a satisfactory life. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of positive psychology intervention on psychological well-being of drugs inmates. Methods: The subjects were 30 male drugs inmates in Semnan prison. They were selected through random sampling and randomly assigned to experimental 15 and control groups 15. All participants answered to psychological well-being scale before and after intervention. Experimental group received positive psychology intervention during 12 sessions while control group received no therapy. Data was analyzed using multiple analysis of variance. Results: The statistical analysis showed the mean psychological well-being of the experimental group was meaningfully higher than the mean of psychological well-being of the control group. Conclusion: positive psychology intervention by focusing on personal growth, rather than treating mental illness can improve psychological wellbeing of drug inmates. Declaration Interest: None
Impact of forest fire on occurrence of Heterobasidion annosum s.s. root rot and other wood-inhabiting fungi in roots of Pinus mugo

Summary Forest fi res result in disturbance of wood- and soil-inhabiting fungal communities and also have an impact on the persistence of rot-causing fungi that are present in infected root systems. The aims of the present study were to (1) investigate the occurrence of the root pathogens Heterobasidion and Armillaria in root disease centres on burned and non-burned sites in Pinus mugo forest and (2) study the impact of forest fi re on the community structure of other wood-inhabiting fungi colonizing tree roots. A total of 18 root disease centres were investigated in 120-year-old plantations on sandy dunes in the Curonian Spit of western Lithuania, 14 of which were located on burned and 4 on non-burned sites. A total of 484 fungal isolates representing 16 taxa were obtained from 270 P. mugo root systems sampled at 10 – 30 cm in the soil. The two most frequently isolated fungi were Trichoderma viride and Penicillium sp. found in all disease centres and 96.7 per cent and 39.6 per cent of root systems, respectively. Heterobasidion annosum s.s. was the most commonly isolated basidiomycete found in 15 disease centres. Overall, it was isolated from 19.3 per cent of the root systems. The fungus gave growth from 42.5 per cent of root systems on non-burned and from 15.2 per cent of root systems on burned sites, and the difference was statistically signifi cant (chi-squared test; P < 0.001); thus forest fi re in disease centres seemingly had reduced occurrence of the pathogen. Nevertheless, H. annosum s.s. persisted on 11 burned sites, and on four of those fresh sporocarps were observed. Armillaria borealis was less commonly isolated (3.0 – 5.0 per cent of the root systems). Somatic incompatibility tests with 35 strains of H. annosum s.s. , isolated from six (two from burned and four from non-burned) disease centres, showed genetically diverse populations of the fungus even within small and compact areas (0.01 – 0.07 ha). Fungal communities and species richness were moderately similar in burned and non-burned sites. Results of the study suggest that forest fi res on sandy soil can reduce the occurrence of H. annosum s.s. in disease centres in P. mugo plantations.
Estimation of genetic trends for economic traits in crossbred cattle by using regression methods

The present study was conducted on 782 crossbred cows sired by 35 bulls, maintained over the period from 1985 to 2009. The data were analyzed to estimate genetic, phenotypic and environmental changes in characters of economic importance which might have taken place during the several years of selective breeding practiced in the herd. The economic traits studied were first lactation milk yield, first lactation milk yield per day of lactation length and first lactation milk yield per day of calving interval in kg and age at first calving, first lactation length, first calving interval, first service period and first dry period in days. The average genetic changes in a given trait were estimated by four methods. Phenotypic trends were negligible for all the traits except age at first calving while, genetic trends were in desirable direction. Comparison of methods of estimation of genetic trend showed that adjustments for biases due to non-random allotment of dams with respect to their age and merit suggested by Powell and Freeman were useful for increasing the precision of the estimates. This method showed lower magnitude of standard error in comparison to other methods. Method-III showed lower standard error than method-IV. Hence, method –III was the best method of estimation of genetic trends.
An exploratory study of the citizenship processes of immigrants to South Africa : a case study of Pakistanis in Durban.

The number of Pakistani immigrants who are becoming citizens of South Africa is on the increase. This research was conducted with Pakistani citizens in Durban, South Africa, to examine the individual, social and political decision-making processes that resulted in their citizenship. The motivation for embarking on this study was to highlight the complexity involved in the process of contemplating and acquiring citizenship. In addition to this, local migration literature concentrates on African immigrants, thus this study on the citizenship processes of former Asian immigrants was necessary. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Pakistani citizens to determine their motivations to acquire citizenship and their experiences with local people and authorities. Pakistani citizens gained citizenship primarily for personal reasons. However, a range of contextual factors were also taken into consideration when deciding whether citizenship would be worthwhile. Social and political factors as well as the circumstances in the country of origin and the destination country were considered during the decision-making process. Durban was favoured as a city to settle in as Pakistani citizens believed it had a multitude of opportunities in comparison with other locations in South Africa. Furthermore, locals have embraced them and this has allowed them to assimilate into local society relatively easily. Pakistani citizens participate politically and make efforts to redress social inequalities; furthermore they are skilled professionals who have honest intentions. Thus they would like locals to abandon the negative preconceptions they hold towards foreigners.
Convergence of Gossip Algorithms for Consensus in Wireless Sensor Networks with Intermittent Links and Mobile Nodes

We study the convergence of pairwise gossip algorithms and broadcast gossip algorithms for consensus with intermittent links and mobile nodes. By nonnegative matrix theory and ergodicity coefficient theory, we prove gossip algorithms surely converge as long as the graph is partitionally weakly connected which, in comparison with existing analysis, is the weakest condition and can be satisfied for most networks. In addition we characterize the supremum for the mean squared error of convergence as a function associated with the initial states and the number of nodes. Furthermore, on the condition that the graph is partitionally strongly connected, the rate of convergence is proved to be exponential and governed by the second largest eigenvalue of expected coefficient matrix. For partitionally strongly connected digraphs, simulation results illustrate that gossip algorithms actually converge, and broadcast gossip algorithms can converge faster than pairwise gossip algorithms at the cost of larger error of convergence.
Environmental Labeling, Protected Geographical Indications and the Interests of Developing Countries

Among developing countries, one can identify both proponents and opponents of extending the use of geographical indications (GIs) beyond wines and spirits. Such an extension is currently being discussed under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organization. While labeling is mostly based on private initiatives, GIs are considered to be long-term public rights. Proponents therefore regard GIs as the stronger tools for protecting their national property rights and offering them new opportunities to develop their export markets. Opponents, however, consider GIs to be new barriers to trade that impede their export opportunities. This article clarifies these positions and pulls together some evidence on costs and benefits related to GIs versus labels.
In vitro activity of tobramycin, amilorides and other non-antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia

Chronic respiratory infection, mainly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex, is the major cause of complications and eventually of death in patients with cystic fibrosis. These problems are exacerbated by drug resistance mechanisms induced in the infectious microorganisms, and by persistence of the microorganisms by sequestration in viscous mucus or biofilms. The sequestration prevents effective antibiotic access to the bacteria. Such problems have led to the search for alternative treatments and therapies, but none of these alternative techniques have yet been tested rigorously or successfully in clinical patients. In this project, we used a standard strain of P. aeruginosa (NCTC 10662) and a B. cenocepacia isolate from cystic fibrosis sputum to appraise tobramycin/amikacin efficacy in combination with clinically relevant concentrations of the adjunctive agents amiloride, benzamil hydrochloride, phenamil, salbutamol, verapmnil, and amlodipine. Altered conditions in the cystic fibro sis lung were simulated by using different concentrations of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium gluconate, D-mannitol, and N-Methyl-D-glucamine. Benzamil hydrochloride was the most potent additive compound against the organisms tested; enhancing the antibacterial effect of tobramycin. A sub-inhibitory concentration of amlodipine was only marginally useful, even though its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against both microbes was the lowest of all the nonantibiotic compounds tested. Conversely, salbutamol, verapamil, and amlodipine were antagonistic in some combinations with tobramycin. Amikacin was generally more potent than tobramycin. Sodium and potassium chlorides and sodium gluconate increased the tobramycin MIC up to 8-fold at salt concentrations fron1 50-400 mM. This antagonistic effect of cations appeared to be partially reversed by adding amiloride, verapamil, or salbutamol. This study needs to be extended by further assays with more clinical isolates, but it has shown that non-antibiotic adjunctive agents can be used with antibiotics to produce effective results in vitro; and potentially in vivo as an alten1ative regime for the treatment of chronic airway infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Valuation of Mobile Broadband PSE Network for Society

WecalculatetheaddedvalueforsocietyofPublicSafetyandEmergency(PSE) agencies when they have a dedicated mobile wideband/broadband network to complement the offering of the existing PSE mobile networks. The principles of benefit valuation are demonstrated. The basic PSE operational processes aredividedintooperations.Theoperationsofanorganizationcanbemodelled and the sub-tasks of operations utilizing improved communication tools and applications can be redefined. The modelling and the definition of the costs of every operation can be done using the System Dynamic analysis and Three Viewpoint Model analysis (Martikainen and Halonen, 2011) tools. After that the costs of the new mobile network service are estimated; the alternatives analysed include the dedicated TEDS (TETRA Enhanced Data System) and LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks. The proposed approach gives answers to the three following questions: (1) is there any benefit in building a new high speed mobile data network for PSE agencies; (2) what is the Net Present Value (NPV) of the business case including the costs of the new PSE wideband/broadband mobile network and what are the social benefits that the new network makes possible, and; (3) how can the benefits of mobile broadband/wideband communication be correlated to population density in order to create additional value for society.