Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inclusion in the Greek Secondary School: Students’ Attitudes Concerning Their Peers With Special Educational Needs in the General Education.

The present research is aimed to assess secondary general education students‟ attitudes concerning the inclusion of their peers with special educational needs and to reveal the determinants that are associated to their attitudes. The survey involved 1348 secondary students, who attend the Greek general school and completed the Chedoke - McMaster Attitudes Toward Children with Handicaps Scale, (CATCH), (Rosenbaum, et al., 1986). The results showed that students adopt generally neutral attitudes concerning their classmates with a special need. A complex of variables, like gender, school grade, year of birth, age, place of residence, contact with a friend with special needs, disability type, disability grade and having a member with disability in the family or in the extended family environmenthave a differentiating effect on students‟ attitudes on their peers with disability. The research underlined the importance of reinforcing children‟ s attitudes concerning their special needs peers, in order for the policy of inclusive education to be implemented successfully.
Thermal stability of epoxy nanocomposites: surface treatment and morphology impact based on nano SiO2 and hBN fillers

Epoxy resin is one of the most commonly used thermosetting macromolecular synthetic materials. It displays excellent adhesiveness properties, good dielectric property, mechanical property and chemical stability. Consequently, epoxy resins have been widely used for many industrial purposes, such as electrical casting into power transformers, ignition coil systems and potting. In this paper, TGA and DSC measurements were carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of epoxy nanocomposites. Based on the results of dispersion and distribution of particles within epoxy nanocomposites, it concluded that both presences of nano SiO2 and hexagonal BN (hBN) particles have obvious impact on base materials in which the influences of latter particle are much more significant due to its shape, and thus both fillers leads to worse thermal stability than pure samples. However, particles could act as flame retardants in polymer nanocomposites and postpone the initiation of decomposition by hindering/slowing the oxidisation. When compared within two SiO2 based nanocomposites, the surface treatment seems to help mitigate the influences on base materials by achieving better filler dispersion and modify the cross-linking density at the interfacial areas by removing surface functional groups.
Effect of Thiourea as a Doping for Nanotitania

Sulphur-doped TiO2 samples were prepared by sol gel method using thiourea as sulphur source. The amount of thiourea solutions are 0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2 ml, respectively. Sulphur-doped TiO2 was calcinated at 450°C. Sulphur-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2 were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Photo catalyst tests were carried out under sunlight and UV lamp. Based on XRD characterization, the samples are anatase phase. Furthermore, particle size was calculated using Scherrer equation and results of 8.94 and 12.98 nm, respectively for TBT-1.5 and TBT-0.5. TEM characterization showed that particle size of sulphur-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2 are 8.6 and 12.5 nm. Compared to TiO2 without doping, sulphur-doped TiO2 has a better photo catalyst activity for degradation of remazol golden yellow under visible light.
The association between caries andperiodontal diseases

Aim: The aim of this clinical study was to compare adults with a healthy periodontium and those with chronic periodontitis, in terms of caries’ risk and caries’ clinical and microbiological measures. Methods: Ninety-six healthy adults were divided into chronic periodontitis (n= 38) and healthy periodontium (n=58) based on their periodontal status, and matched for age, gender, and ethnic background. Chronic periodontitis was defined as having at least four teeth with ≥1 site with a pocket depth ≥4 mm and clinical attachment loss ≥2 mm. Each group were subsequently subdivided in 2 groups according to their caries status: participants having at least one untreated decayed surface and those with no untreated caries. Data were collected by means of self-administrated questionnaire, clinical examination, and supraand subgingival plaque sampling. Assessments of oral levels of Streptococcus mutans and six periodontal pathogens were conducted by PCR amplification techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistical tests. Results: Individuals with chronic periodontitis were 3.5 times more likely to have caries than healthy individuals (OR 3.5; CI: 1.5 – 8.3; P = 0.006). Subjects with both chronic periodontitis and dental caries had a significantly lower level of education than periodontally healthy subjects without dental caries (OR 6.0; CI: 1.7 – 21.7; P = 0.04). A significant higher proportion of subjects with high oral levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. g.) and Treponema denticola (T. d.) was found among subjects with chronic periodontitis and untreated caries compared to periodontally healthy subjects with untreated caries (P. g.: OR 8.6; CI: 2.4 – 30.3; P = 0.004 and T. d.: OR 10.0; CI: 2.6 – 38.1; P = 0.003). Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that, adults with chronic periodontitis are more prone to caries disease than those adults with a healthy periodontium. Furthermore, low educational level could have a negative impact on the periodontal status of individuals.
Assessing the Unique Characteristics of Close-Proximity Soil Samples: Just How Useful Is Soil Evidence?

An evaluation of current techniques used in the forensic analysis of soils and geologic evidence. Research was performed to determine the discriminative qualities of the various procedures to discern at what point soils become indistinguishable from one another. Included in this research is an assessment of the techniques from an analyst standpoint to determine what level of advanced mineralogical examination is required to segregate one sample from another. One hundred samples were collected from three different sites; a beach, an island isolated by a river, and a bus parking lot. The samples were analyzed utilizing color determination, particle size distribution analysis and mineralogical profiles of the twenty-five most common soil minerals. Of the three hundred samples examined, over one-half could be discriminated by color alone, the remainder needing only particle size distributions analysis for differentiation, negating the need for lengthy mineralogical examinations. These examinations were conducted with very inexpensive equipment and calculations which could be used with a minimum of training and cost.
Cataract, macular characteristics and assessing lens opacities

Age-related macular degeneration and cataract are very common causes of visual impairment in the elderly. Macular pigment optical density is known to be a factor affecting the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration but its behaviour due to light exposure to the retina and the effect of macular physiology on this measurement are not fully understood. Cataract is difficult to grade in a way which reflects accurately the visual status of the patient. A new technology, optical coherence tomography, which allows a cross sectional slice of the crystalline lens to be imaged has the potential to be able to provide objective measurements of cataract which could be used for grading purposes. This thesis set out to investigate the effect of cataract removal on macular pigment optical density, the relationship between macular pigment optical density and macular thickness and the relationship between cortical cataract density as measured by optical coherence tomography and other measures of cataract severity. These investigations found: 1) Macular pigment optical density in a pseudophakic eye is reduced when compared to a fellow eye with age related cataract, probably due to differences in light exposure between the eyes. 2) Lower macular pigment optical density is correlated with thinning of the entire macular area, but not with thinning of the fovea or central macula. 3) Central macular thickness decreases with age. 4) Spectral domain optical coherence tomography can be used to successfully acquire images of the anterior lens cortex which relate well to slit lamp lens sections. 5) Grading of cortical cataract with spectral domain optical coherence tomography instruments using a wavelength of 840nm is not well correlated with other established metrics of cataract severity and is therefore not useful as presented as a grading method for this type of cataract.
Innovations of the food products from the perspective of the gen Y consumers

This article includes results of questionnaire surveys concerning behaviour of the consumers - representing Generation Y - in the process of purchase decisions concerning innovative food products. The aim of this thesis is to identify the ways of perception of innovations on the food market by a consumer of Generation Y. Conducted questionnaire surveys shows that young consumers, in a very different way, defi ne innovations on the market of the food products, associating them, above all, with introduction of the new ways of food preservation (without preservatives, without pasteurization) and reduction of the level of unhealthy ingredients. It is worth noticing that young consumers willingly accept innovations on the food market, every third respondent declared that he/she quickly buys innovative food products, but after due consideration.
Exploring Diverse Perspectives On the Mental Health and Community Support Systems for Immigrant and Refugee Children

Despite an extensive history with immigration, structural barriers and health inequities for immigrant and refugee populations continue to be widely documented within Canada. As a result, attention to particularly vulnerable subgroups such as newcomer children has become increasingly paramount. However, large gaps concerning newcomer children’s wellbeing persist within previous literature. In response, this study examines newcomer children’s issues, the roles of family and community support systems, and the impact of sociopolitical factors from the perspective of key stakeholders. A total of 15 newcomer parents and community professionals were interviewed in order to illuminate the current context of support for immigrant and refugee children living in the Waterloo Region. Throughout stakeholder discourse, large, structural factors such as neoliberalism were documented as having a strong impact on the lived experience of newcomer parents, children, and community organizations. Newcomer children were established as an invisible population whose needs were largely overlooked on account of a preoccupation with adult concerns and the expectation of childhood resiliency. Lastly, a paradox regarding newcomer parenthood was documented, in which newcomer adults were simultaneously responsibilized for the care of their children and faced with structural barriers that restrict their parenting capabilities. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of the critical, multi-level analysis of newcomer children’s support systems, with particular attention to the diverse perspectives of key stakeholders.
Evaluation of factors influencing bank operating efficiency in Tanzanian banking sector

Abstract This paper examines factors affecting operating efficiency of 36 commercial banks in Tanzania for the period between 2000 and 2017. The paper employs robust random-effect regression model to estimate the relationship between bank operating efficiency and its determinants. The results show that bank liquidity and capital adequacy have a positive relationship with bank operating efficiency. This suggests that capital adequacy and liquidity, not only strengthen financial stability by providing a larger capital cushion and bank required liquidity level, but also improve bank operating efficiency by lowering moral hazard between shareholders and debt-holders. Furthermore, the study shows that bank profitability and operating efficiency are directly related—implying that banks should put emphasis on improving their earning generating power to increase their operational efficiency. This paper suggests banks to increase their profitability by investing more on financial innovations and branch networks, and expand their market shares to boost their operational efficiency. Further, the paper argues that banks should optimally use their asset capacity to enhance their earnings profiles. At the same time, banks should avoid reckless lending that would increase the level of unsecured credits in banks’ portfolio. Finally, the results encourage banks in Tanzania to monitor and evaluate these factors for improvement to enable the sustainability of banks and industry for economic growth.
Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward the Elderly and the Application of a Senior Simulation for Changing to a Positive Attitude

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate nursing students' attitudes toward the elderly and to explore the effects of senior simulation on nursing students' attitudes. Method: For the purpose of the study, the program was performed on 223 nursing students in Gyung-gi. An Aging Semantic Differential Scale was utilized to evaluate attitudes toward the elderly. The senior simulation equipment consisted of a special spacesuit, glasses, gloves, and sand bag. Before and after the experiment subjects filled out questionnaires. Result: The attitude score before the experiment was 4.13, which indicates a neutral attitude, Nursing students' attitudes toward the elderly related significantly to religion, living with grandparents, volunteer work for the elderly, and acquired knowledge. The Senior simulation enabled nursing students' attitudes to turn positive toward the elderly. Conclusion: Senior simulation can affect nursing students' attitude toward the elderly. There is a need to develop routine education programs to maintain the positive attitude.
AIDS, drugs and prevention : perspectives on individual and community action

AIDS, Drugs and Prevention brings together a range of international contributions on the research, theory and practice of developing community-based HIV prevention. It aims to understand how individual actions to prevent HIV transmission are constrained and encouraged by situational and social context. Drawing on ethnographic and epidemiological research among populations of drug users, sex workers and gay men, it explores how future HIV prevention interventions can target changes at the level of the individual as well as at the level of the community and wider social environment. AIDS, Drugs and Prevention offers practical and theoretical insights into community-based health work in the time of AIDS. It provides invaluable reading for students, lecturers, researchers and practioners in health promotion, health policy, social work and medical sociology.
Evaluation of IgA and IgG serology for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND: Serology is a safe, simple and noninvasive means of determining the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Reported sensitivity and specificity, however, have varied tremendously, and it is not clear whether positive serology reflects previous infection (treated within the past one to two years) or ongoing infection.
A Qualitative Exploration of Family Strength and Unity in Family Crucibles

A Qualitative Exploration of Family Strength and Unity in Family Crucibles Taralyn Clark Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership, BYU Master of Science The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine family relationships in families where one adult member was diagnosed with chronic illness resulting in chronic pain to determine why the crucible, or trial, of chronic illness triggered some families to strengthen while others weakened. The introduction of chronic illness instigates a process of change in family life, yet there is a paucity of research examining families in this situation, specifically when the chronic illness results in chronic pain. Utilizing grounded theory methodology and qualitative data analysis methods, dyadic interviews and periods of observation were conducted with six families across the United States. Questions were focused on family relationships and the impact of adult-onset chronic illness on relationships and family life. Open, axial, and selective coding were conducted during the process of data analysis, illuminating the important role family unity played in helping families remain strong. Findings detail the relationship between family strength and family unity. Adult-onset chronic illness provided a catalyst for families to establish and/or maintain family unity. Five families established or maintained family unity and reported positive changes in family strength, while one family failed to maintain or establish family unity and reported negative changes in family strength leading to separation and eventually divorce. This study has important implications for families facing adult-onset chronic illness and for practitioners serving this population.
How Have Green Companies Fared in Transactions with Banks? A Stakeholder‐Management Perspective

In a recent study, the authors investigated whether and to what extent a company's environmental practices and record affect the terms of its bank loans. The study reports evidence of a clear association between environment‐friendly corporate practices and both lower borrowing costs and less use of restrictive financial covenants. And consistent with the above findings, the authors also report that companies with better environmental practices have more stable income streams, lower leverage ratios, and higher future valuations. The authors also find that relationship (as opposed to first‐time) lenders respond to improvements in companies' environmental records by offering more favorable borrowing terms over time.Moreover, the authors find that the association between more effective environmental management and lower loan costs is more pronounced for corporate borrowers that operate in industries facing greater industry competition and stricter environmental regulation. In addition, borrowers with better records for green management are less likely to violate covenants, default on loans, or file for bankruptcy—a conclusion that should shed light on the current green finance policy debate among central banks and regulators as to whether they should reduce capital requirements or offer other policy inducements for bank financing of green assets.
PLA/MMT and PLA/Halloysite Bio-Nanocomposite Films: Mechanical, Barrier, and Transparency

The usage of biopolymers in developing biodegradable food packaging films that are sustainable and safe towards environment has been restricted because of the poor mechanical and barrier properties of the biopolymers. This study aims to enhance the limited properties of biopolymers particularly polylactic acid (PLA) for food packaging applications by investigating the effects of incorporating different types (montmorillonite (MMT) and halloysite) and concentrations (0–9 wt.%) of nanoclays on the mechanical, oxygen barrier, and transparency properties of the films. PLA with 3 wt. % concentration of nanoclays resulted in the optimum mechanical and oxygen barrier properties due to the strong interaction between nanoclays and torturous path length created by nanoclays respectively. Nevertheless, these properties reduced as more nanoclays (≥5 wt.%) was added into the films due to agglomeration of nanoclays. PLA incorporated with MMT nanoclay exhibited better properties compared to halloysite nanoclay due to the nanoclay structure in nature. Addition of 3 wt. % nanoclays into virtually transparent PLA film have only small effects on the transparency of the film whereby the reduction in light transmittance was only around 10%. This study is crucial to improve the feasibility of biopolymers usage for food packaging applications.
Assessing inter-annual and seasonal patterns of DOC and DOM quality across a complex alpine watershed underlain by discontinuous permafrost in Yukon, Canada

Abstract. High-latitude environments store approximately half of the global organic carbon pool in peatlands, organic soils and permafrost, while large Arctic rivers convey an estimated 18–50 Tg C a−1 to the Arctic Ocean. Warming trends associated with climate change affect dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export from terrestrial to riverine environments. However, there is limited consensus as to whether exports will increase or decrease due to complex interactions between climate, soils, vegetation, and associated production, mobilization and transport processes. A large body of research has focused on large river system DOC and dissolved organic matter (DOM) lability and observed trends conserved across years, whereas investigation at smaller watershed scales show that thermokarst and fire have a transient impact on hydrologically mediated solute transport. This study, located in the Wolf Creek Research Basin situated ∼20 km south of Whitehorse, YT, Canada, utilizes a nested design to assess seasonal and annual patterns of DOC and DOM composition across diverse landscape types (headwater, wetland and lake) and watershed scales. Peak DOC concentration and export occurred during freshet, as is the case in most northern watersheds; however, peaks were lower than a decade ago at the headwater site Granger Creek. DOM composition was most variable during freshet with high A254 and SUVA254 and low FI and BIX. DOM composition was relatively insensitive to flow variation during summer and fall. The influence of increasing watershed scale and downstream mixing of landscape contributions was an overall dampening of DOC concentrations and optical indices with increasing groundwater contribution. Forecasted vegetation shifts, enhanced permafrost and seasonal thaw, earlier snowmelt, increased rainfall and other projected climate-driven changes will alter DOM sources and transport pathways. The results from this study support a projected shift from predominantly organic soils (high aromaticity and less fresh) to decomposing vegetation (more fresh and lower aromaticity). These changes may also facilitate flow and transport via deeper flow pathways and enhance groundwater contributions to runoff.
Remittance and poverty nexus in Botswana: A multivariate approach

This study investigates the causal relationship between remittance and poverty in Botswana using time series data from 1980-2017. To improve the robustness of the results, two poverty proxies are used, namely: household consumption expenditure and infant mortality rate. Employing the autoregressive distributed lag approach (ARDL) to cointegration and ECM-based causality test, the findings of the study reveal a short-run and long-run bidirectional causal relationship between poverty and remittance when household consumption expenditure is used as a proxy for poverty. However, when poverty is measured by infant mortality rate, a unidirectional causal relationship is confirmed both in the long run and the short run from poverty to remittance. Employing the same proxy, remittance was found to have an indirect causal effect on poverty through real gross domestic product per capita. The study concludes that remittance inflows play an important role in driving poverty reduction in Botswana, irrespective of whether the level of poverty is measured by household consumption expenditure or by infant mortality rate.