Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF MULTIMEDIA-BASED GRAPHIC NOVEL PRESENTATION ON CRITICAL THINKING AMONG STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT LEARNING APPROACHES

This study investigated the effects of graphic novels on the critical thinking skills in history learning among 291 Secondary Two students in three secondary schools in Malaysia. This research consisted of two parts, namely, development and evaluation. In the first part, the multimedia learning material entitled ‘Japanese Occupation of Malaya 1942-1945’ was designed and developed. In the second part of this research, this study investigated the critical thinking effects of three multimedia graphic novel instructional modes on students of different learning approaches – deep and surface. This study utilized the quantitative method to gather information. ANOVA and ANCOVA analyses were conducted to test the five hypotheses in this study. The results showed that students who were exposed to the Graphic novel and Narration (GN) mode performed significantly better than their counterparts in the Graphic novel and Text (GT) mode and the Graphic novel, Text and Narration (GTN) mode. Both the surface-approach students and the deep-approach students who were exposed to the GN mode performed significantly better than those in the GT mode and the GTN mode. It was also found that the GN mode provides equivalent benefits to both surface-approach and deep-approach students. The interaction effects between the students’ learning approach and the three learning modes related to the posttest scores were not significant. The conclusion of this study is supportive of the positive value of the GN mode multimedia graphic novel learning environment based on Mandell and Malone’s Thinking like a Historian (TLH) model to enhance and facilitate students’ critical thinking skills toward history learning.
Secular variation of the Sun's magnetic flux

We present an extension of the model of Solanki et al. (2000) that allows us to reconstruct the time evolution of both the total and the open magnetic flux at the solar surface since 1700. The flux emerging in large active regions is determined using the sunspot number as a proxy, while the flux emergence in small ephemeral regions is described by an extended cycle whose amplitude and length are related to the corresponding sunspot cycle. Both types of regions contribute to the open flux, which is the source of the heliospheric field. The overlap of the activity cycles of ephemeral regions leads to a secular variation of the total cycle-related magnetic flux (active region flux + ephemeral region flux + open flux). The model results indicate that the total surface flux has doubled in the first half of the last century. The evolution of the open flux is in good agreement with the reconstruction by Lockwood et al. (1999).
Radiative transfer with POLARIS: I. Analysis of magnetic fields through synthetic dust continuum polarization measurements

Aims: We present POLARIS (POLArized RadIation Simulator), a newly developed three-dimensional Monte-Carlo radiative transfer code. POLARIS was designed to calculate dust temperature, polarization maps, and spectral energy distributions. It is optimized to handle data that results from sophisticated magneto-hydrodynamic simulations. The main purpose of the code is to prepare and analyze multi-wavelength continuum polarization measurements in the context of magnetic field studies in the interstellar medium. An exemplary application is the investigation of the role of magnetic fields in star formation processes. Methods: We combine currently discussed state-of-the-art grain alignment theories with existing dust heating and polarization algorithms. We test the POLARIS code on multiple scales in complex astrophysical systems that are associated with different stages of star formation. POLARIS uses the full spectrum of dust polarization mechanisms to trace the underlying magnetic field morphology. Results: Resulting temperature distributions are consistent with the density and position of radiation sources resulting from magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) - collapse simulations. The calculated layers of aligned dust grains in the considered cirumstellar disk models are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Finally, we compute unique patterns in synthetic multi-wavelength polarization maps that are dependent on applied dust-model and grain-alignment theory in analytical cloud models.
Religion, Corruption, and the Rule of Law

Existing research has found that economic growth is higher in countries where (1) certain religious beliefs are stronger and (2) the rule of law is stronger and corruption is lower. This paper examines whether religion is correlated with the rule of law and the level of corruption, thereby providing a partial explanation of the correlation between religion and economic growth. We find that the strength of the rule of law and the level of corruption are both associated with a country’s religious heritage, as measured by the country’s largest religious group in 1900. In addition, we find that our results sometimes differ when we control for variables where we lack data for all countries in the sample, but that these differences are attributable to changes in sample composition rather than inclusion of the control variables. Our results suggest that researchers should take great care to distinguish between the effects of adding a control variable and the resulting sample composition effects when doing cross-country analysis.
SEASONAL VARIATION IN PRODUCTIVITY OF ATRIPLEX STOCKSII FROM A COASTAL MARSH ALONG THE ARABIAN SEA COAST

The productivity of Atriplex stocksii population located near the coast (Gizri Creek) of Karachi, Pakistan was studied for two years. The net biomass production showed seasonal variation and productivity appeared to be influenced by rainfall during both years. Belowground and above ground biomass showed no change during the dry year, however, considerable biomass was produced after the availability of moisture. The above ground dead biomass remained unchanged during 1997-98 but it registered a substantial promotion during the wet season. The ion concentration of root was much higher than shoot. Na + and Cl - remained high however, the concentration of other ions did not change much during both seasons. Root fresh weight was significantly promoted at low salinity and increase in salinity inhibited root and shoot growth. Fresh weight of shoots at low density was not affected by low salinities, however, at higher salinity concentrations there was no effect of density. Root fresh and dry weight were higher at low density and low salinity, however under high salinity, density had no effect. Succulence on dry weight basis was also higher at higher densities. However, succulence decreased substantially at high salinities on per plant basis. Shoots of A. stocksii accumulated large quantities of Na + and Cl whereas other ions were found in lower amount. Na + and Cl - in root increased but were much lower in comparison to shoot.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND RISK OF DESERTIFICATION IN ALTO SERTÃO REGION, ALAGOAS STATE, BRAZIL

In this research, the authors evaluated the degree of degradation of the Caatinga biome in Sertao do Sao Francisco Microregion, Alagoas State, Brazil, by the association of these results with the aridity. We obtained a panorama of the desertification propensity in this area. From the aridity index (IA), the region was classified as having a semi-arid condition (0.2 ≤ IA <0.5). It was observed values of IA less than 0.50, characterizing an environment with high propensity to establish the state of desertification. From the collected data, we realized the state of degradation of the municipalities in study, all with percentage of anthropic areas greater than 60%. The municipality of Piranhas deserves highlight by the analysis of temporal evolution of the anthropized Caatinga area, with an increase of 44, 661 km² between 2002 and 2009, corresponding to an increase of 17.8% in only seven years. It leads to a scenario where 74.21% of the original Caatinga is in an anthropized state. The critical values of the aridity index, associated to high degree of anthropization may lead to the establishment of desertification process in the study area.
Subduction Initiation With Vertical Lithospheric Heterogeneities and New Fault Formation

How subduction initiates with mechanically unfavorable lithospheric heterogeneities is important and rarely studied. We investigate this with a geodynamic model for the Puysegur Incipient Subduction Zone (PISZ) south of New Zealand. The model incorporates a true free surface, elasto‐visco‐plastic rheology and phase changes. Our predictions fit the morphology of the Puysegur Trench and Ridge and the deformation history on the overriding plate. We show how a new thrust fault forms and evolves into a smooth subduction interface, and how a preexisting weak zone can become a vertical fault inboard of the thrust fault during subduction initiation, consistent with two‐fault system at PISZ. The model suggests that the PISZ may not yet be self‐sustaining. We propose that the Snares Zone (or Snares Trough) is caused by plate coupling differences between shallower and deeper parts, the tectonic sliver between two faults experiences strong rotation, and low‐density material accumulates beneath the Snares Zone.
Intoxicaciones exógenas en niños atendidos en una unidad de emergencia pediátrica

OBJETIVO: Describir las caracteristicas epidemiologicas de los casos de intoxicaciones exogenas en ninos atendidos en una unidad de emergencia pediatrica de Recife (PE), en el periodo de abril a setiembre del 2006. METODOS: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de los casos de intoxicaciones exogenas ocurridos en ninos del grupo etareo de 0 a 12 anos de edad notificados en el Centro de Asistencia Toxicologica de Pernambuco. Los datos fueron recolectados a traves de entrevistas y consultas a las fichas de atencion hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Fueron registrados 26 casos de intoxicacion exogena accidental. Predomino el sexo masculino (65,4%) siendo el grupo etareo de menores de cinco anos de edad el mas afectado (65,4%). Los medicamentos estaban involucrados en el 50,0% de los casos. CONCLUSION: La intoxicacion exogena accidental de ninos, sobre todo en menores de cinco anos es un problema de salud publica que requiere medidas preventivas para evitar que ocurra en la infancia.
On Random k-Out Graphs with Preferential Attachment

In a series of papers, Hansen and Jaworski explored a very general model for choosing random mappings with exchangeable in-degrees. The special case in which the in-degrees are obtained by conditioning independent random variables with a specially chosen negative binomial distribution on their sum corresponds in distribution to a process for choosing random mappings which exhibits preferential attachment images are chosen one at a time, and vertices chosen as images earlier in the process are more likely to be chosen again. They consider the functional digraph as a random object, and study its properties. We generalize Hansen and Jaworski’s preferential attachment model to a new setting: our model M n,k produces digraphs with labeled arcs and uniform out-degree k; other than a few technical wrinkles, the graph Gn,k obtained by ignoring arc directions, loops, and multiple arcs is essentially a preferential attachment version of the k-out graph model first studied by Fenner and Frieze. This dissertation splits nicely in to three parts: first, we build a collection of analytical tools for studying M n,k; second, we study structural properties of the graph G α n,k induced by M α n,k, including minimum vertex degree, vertex connectivity, and the k-core; finally, we present a very strong measurement of the differences and similarities between M n,k and the limiting case M∞ n,k, which is uniformly random.
Production and characterization of alkaliphilic alpha-amylase from Bacillus subtilis A10 isolated from soils of Kahramanmaras, Turkey

Bacillus subtilis A10 isolated from orchard soil, Kahramanmaras, Turkey. The enzyme synthesis was observed between pH 7.0-11.0, with an optimum 37°C. The amylase was purified by fractional ammonium sulfate precipitation and sephadex G-100 column. Analysis of the enzyme with sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed a single band which was estimated as 46.9 kDa. The enzyme presented an optimum activity at pH 8.5 and 45°C. Its thermal stability between 20-50°C was about 89.5% for 30 min. The pH stability was observed between pH 7.0 and 10.0 with an average of 84.9% of retaining activity for 15min. The activity of the enzyme was inhibited by SDS and EDTA by 48.4 and 75.9%, respectively. On the other hand, Na2SO3 and b-Mercaptoethanol did not effect the enzyme activity. This alkaliphilic amylase is suitable for waste-paper, starch and bioethanol industries. Key words: Bacillus subtilis, alpha amylase, alkaliphilic, enzyme.
The Self-Expansiveness Level Form: A conceptualization and measurement of a transpersonal construct.

The development of adequate measures of transpersonal concepts is a major requirement if empirical work is to proceed in the field of transpersonal psychology. The development of such instruments would enable a variety of research projects to be accomplished in such a way that a cumulative benefit could occur due to shared technique. Some may think that the transpersonal area eludes measurement and perhaps all empirical explorations, but it is the position of this paper that such work is possible and desirable. The approach taken to address this need is the construction and validation of an objective self-report instrument, the Self-Expansiveness Level Form.
The inter-relations between spatial and object factors during sustained visual attention to dynamic objects

The main goal of our research was to investigate attention to dynamic visual stimuli. Observers were instructed to attentively track a variable number of moving visual objects for a sustained period of several minutes. At random intervals, a target stimulus of brief duration was presented inside one of these objects and observers were required to identify it. The number of relevant objects to be tracked and the grouping strength among objects that had to be attended, operationalized as the size of relative area among those objects, were manipulated. The results indicated that only a single object could be attentively tracked, unless the objects formed a perceptual group. In this case, more than one dynamic object could be attended, but effectiveness of attention would be mediated by perception of the spatial relations among them.
Organisational Commitment in the Public Service of Ghana: An Empirical Study

Overall performance of an organisation depends on several factors including organisational commitment. This phenomenon is a valuable factor that affects policy direction of organisations of today. The current study examines commitment of workers in the civil/public service of Ghana. In the process, the researchers also investigated differences in commitment in terms of age and length of service. Subjects were 343 male and female civil/public servants, drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies. Analyses show that males are more committed than their female counterparts. It was further revealed that age is positively associated with employee commitment, and that longer serving employees are more committed than staff with short tenure in an organisation. The implications were discussed and recommendations made. Keywords : Civil Service, Ghana, Organisational Behaviour, Organisational Commitment, Public Service.
Histological Study on the Oesophagus and Crop in Various Species of Wild Bird

The histology of the oesophagus and crop was studied in six species of birds: Rock Dove, Collared Dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Kestrel, House Sparrow and Linnet. In species, the epithelium of oesophagus and crop was a keratinised stratified squamous. The lamina propria was a loose connective tissue containing glands. Glands were either purely mucous or seromucous (mixed). In the rock dove, rose-ringed parakeet and collared dove, there were no glands either in the cervical part of oesophagus or in the crop. There were differences in the histochemistry of glands’ secretions. The muscularis mucosa was present as a thick layer of smooth muscle fibres. The tunica submucosa was a loose connective tissue containing vessels and nerves. The tunica muscularis consisted of smooth muscle and was surrounded by the tunica adventitia at the cervical part of the oesophagus and crop, and by the tunica serosa at the thoracic part of the oesophagus.
Comparing the self-efficacy and writing-related abilities of native and non-native English-speaking students

Abstract The internationalisation of higher education generates several issues related to quality, uniformity of subjects taught across campuses and the role of differences in English-speaking ability, which may affect student learning and skills development. This study used a self-assessment survey framework to investigate Australian (native English speaking) and Malaysian (non-native English speaking) students’ perceptions of their writing-related competencies. These perceptions were then correlated with students’ grades for specific writing tasks at the Australian and Malaysian campuses of Monash University, a research-intensive tertiary institution. Student perceptions of six competencies were determined upon commencement and completion of a core science subject, SCI2010. Australian and Malaysian student perceptions of their abilities improved for all six, and four of the surveyed competencies, respectively. Upon commencement of the science unit, Malaysian students’ self-efficacy was higher than that of Australian students for three competencies. However, by completion, Australian students had higher self-efficacy for all six competencies, which correlated with their higher literature review grades. There was no difference in grades for the annotated bibliography assignment. These results have important implications for the delivery of university subjects across international campuses.
Parental Role Satisfaction Among Korean Mothers (I)

Parental satisfaction is the foundation of a happy family. It is a key factor in overall life satisfaction and also a critical variable in the development of children, and thus an education program aimed at parental satisfaction improvement is needed. This study attempts to determine basic elements of parental satisfaction that could enable better parental education programs. To accomplish this, mother's parental satisfaction and factors related to it were examined. The subjects were 641 mothers of primary school and middle school students aged 10, 12, and 14 residing in Seoul, Pohang and Kwangyang. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used to ascertain mothers' parental role satisfaction, mothers' role values, children related variables, mother related variables, father related variables, and home environment variables. The findings indicate that the variables related to parental satisfaction are multi-dimensional, that mothers' parental satisfaction can be improved by other family member's effort, and that a family's external characteristics are less important than its internal characteristics. These results imply that it is essential to include the characteristics of the family system when designing parental education programs. Furthermore, the role of specific family members, namely the husband, should be expanded in more supportive ways in Korean families to improve mothers parental satisfaction.
Measuring and testing change in strategic management research

This paper reviews some critical issues associated with measuring and testing change and then reports on how strategy researchers have addressed those matters. We first discuss three key methodological requirements: reliability assumptions of change variables, correlations between the change variable and its initial measure, and selection of unbiased measurement alternatives. Next, we present data from a content analysis of 126 change studies which suggest that strategy researchers tend not to recognize those requirements. Indeed, the typical approach used to measure and test change (as a simple difference between two measures of the same variable) is usually inappropriate and could lead to inaccurate findings and flawed conclusions. We conclude by offering suggestions for how change can be studied more rigorously. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bystanders in Bullying: Do ToM and Social Competence Skills Play a Role?

The present study aimed at investigating: (a) the direct effects of Theory of Mind (ToM) on elementary school children’s self-reports of participant roles in school bullying, (b) ToM’s indirect effects via self-reported social competence skills. Gender was examined as moderator. A total of 171 elementary school children (Ν = 95 girls) from 3rd to 6thgrade from Greek public schools participated in the study. Participants were examined individually through the administration of advanced ToM stories. Also, they were asked to complete in groups self-report questionnaires as regards their roles as bystanders in bullying situations and their social competence skills. Path analysis indicated significant positive direct effects of ToM on prosocial skills and defending behavior and a negative effect on assisting/reinforcing behavior. Significant indirect effects were found from ToM on bystanding behavior, via its direct effect on prosocial competence skills. Gender was not a significant moderator of the above relations.
Brood size and immunity costs in zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata

Birds rearing experimentally enlarged broods have lower antibody responses to a novel antigen, and we tested three hypotheses that could explain this result. We used zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata inoculated with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as a study system, for which this trade-off was previously demonstrated. 1. Compensatory cellular immunity: The humoral immune response is slow, and removal of SRBC through up-regulated cellular immunity could pre-empt an antibody response. However, cellular immune response to PHA decreased with increasing brood size, allowing rejection of this hypothesis. 2. Costs of anti body-production: Chicks in large broods grow less well, and birds with large broods may allocate resources to chicks instead of antibodies when these are costly. Compared to saline controls, SRBC suppressed metabolic rate in the hours following immunisation, but there was no effect in the following night, or at any time 4 and 8 days later. Fitness costs were measured by repeatedly immunising parents with SRBC while rearing young. Chick growth, parental condition, and subsequent reproduction of the parents were not affected by SRBC. We conclude that the costs of antibody formation cannot explain the trade-off between brood size and antibody responsiveness. 3. Costs of immune system maintenance: Maintaining a system enabling antibody-formation may be very costly, and birds rearing large broods may have down-regulated this system. Based on this hypothesis we predicted that antibody formation would still be reduced in parents rearing large broods when immunised after rearing the chicks. Our results confirmed this prediction, and we suggest that birds rearing large broods have lower antibody responses because they economised on the maintenance costs of the immune system.