Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The perception and production of english interdental fricatives by brazilian efl learners

THE PERCEPTION AND PRODUCTION OF ENGLISH INTERDENTAL FRICATIVES BY BRAZILIAN EFL LEARNERS MARA SILVIA REIS UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA 2006 Supervising Professor: Dr. Barbara Oughton Baptista The present study investigates the perception and production of the English interdental fricative phonemes, /T/ and /D/, by Brazilian learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in different levels of proficieny. The main questions of the study are (a) whether there is a pattern of replacement of the target phonemes; (b) whether the participants can perceive replacement of the target phonemes; (c) to what extent learners in different levels are influenced by foreign language experience (d) whether there is a correlation between perception and production of the interdental fricatives, and (e) whether one of the target phonemes is more difficult than the other. The participants of the study are two groups attending the extracurricular language project of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 12 learners from the pre-intermediate level and 12 students from the advanced level. The learners performed the three production tests and the three perception tests that constituted the data gathering instruments, while five native speakers of English participated as a control group in the perception tests. The production tests consisted of (a) reading a text, (b) reporting the story of the text, and (c) reading a list of sentences. The perception tests were (a) listening to a recorded speech
ASSESSING CONTAMINATION LEVEL OF JAKARTA BAY NEARSHORE SEDIMENTS USING GREEN MUSSEL ( PERNA VIRIDIS ) LARVAE

Accumulation of heavy metals in the bottom sediment could pose serious environmental issues to marine ecosystems and as well as human health. Jakarta Bay is located adjacent to the capital city of Indonesia where the bay is notorious for its pollution problems. It is the aim of this study to analyze the toxicity of sediments from thirty one locations across Jakarta Bay using bivalves (i.e. green mussel Perna viridis) as a bioindicator. Specifically, we analyzed sediment toxicity using bivalve larva bioassay procedures and counted the amount of abnormal (non D-shaped) larvae. Our study finds that larval abnormality is prevalent after the larvae were being exposed to sediments taken proximate to the mainland (i.e. estuaries and within 5 km from the shoreline of Jakarta). These sites with high larval abnormality are located downstream from the Cengkareng Drain, Kamal River, Grogol River, Cakung River, North Jakarta integrated industrial area as well as along sea transportation lines. Combined, our findings highlight significant influence of anthropogenic activities from the mainland Jakarta to marine ecosystems
Efficacy of single and mixed treatments of Tnchoderma harzianum as biocontrol agents of Ganoderma basal stem rot in oil palm.

Two Trichoderma harzianum strains (FA 1132 and FA 1166) were tested as biocontrol agents for basal stem rot in oil palm seedlings artificially infected with the causal pathogen, Ganoderma boninense. The treatment was carried out by applying a Trichoderma-infused surface mulch and periodic applications of a conidial soil drench made from spore suspensions of the respective Trichoderma strains. A disease severity index (DSI) ranging from 0 to 100 was used to assess the disease severity. A single strain application of T. harzianum, FA 1132 gave the best disease suppression with the lowest DSI of 28.35 compared to the infected, non-treated control plants that gave the highest DSI of 86.67. However, FA 1166 as a single application was ineffective, so was the mixture of the two strains. The biological control property of Trichoderma was shown to be strainspecific and not species-specific. In addition, it was found that applying the mixed inocula significantly decreased the performance of FA1132, the choice strain.
Different Approaches to Automatic Polarity Annotation at Synset Level

In this paper we explore two approaches for the automatic annotation of polarity (positive, negative and neutral) of adjective synsets in Dutch. Both approaches focus on the creation of a Dutch polarity lexicon at word sense level using wordnet as a lexical resource. The first method is based upon the simple transfer of an English sentiment lexicon (Sentiwordnet 1.0) into Dutch. The second approach regards the use of a wordnet based propagation algorithm with different settings with respect to the quality and length of the seed lists. Results are validated against manually compiled gold standards and compared with results of similar approaches generating polarity lexicons for English.
Modeling Factors Influencing Mathematics Learning and Performance in Tanzanian Secondary Schools

The purpose of this study is to develop a factor model describing factors affecting mathematics performance in Tanzania’s secondary schools. The factors were first identified by first administering structured questionnaires to 520 secondary school students with designed variables therein. Factor analysis/principal component method was used to identify the underlying factors affecting students’ performance in mathematics. It was revealed that lack of interest while studying mathematics, triviality and lack of practice by students, lack of drive and enthusiasm for teachers and students, perception and attitude towards the subject terming it to be difficult and lack of qualified mathematics teachers are the main contributors towards mathematics performance. Principal component analysis revealed that, lack of interest and triviality in studying mathematics were the most significant factors to the performance of students in mathematics. The factor model explained 50.5% of the total variation of the students’ mathematics performance. Furthermore, multiple linear regression and correlation analysis were conducted on the factors identified. Multiple linear regression revealed that lack of interest while studying mathematics and triviality and lack of practice by students are the main contributors towards the students’ performance in mathematics. Correlation analysis revealed that lack of interest while studying mathematics and lack of qualified mathematics teachers correlated with all other factors.
Trust, Risk and Perceived Usefulness in Consumer Acceptance of Online Health Services

The Web is developing into an important health information dissemination channel. Benefits cannot however materialize without consumer acceptance. This study developed a research model of the effects of trust, perceived risk and perceived usefulness on consumer acceptance of online health information services. Trust was modeled as a higher-order construct reflected by trust in the online information provider, the website interface, and the institutional structures of the Internet. We collected data from a sample of 161 university students in South Africa. Only 30% of respondents indicated strong future usage intentions. Our multi-dimensional trust construct was found to have both direct and indirect effects, via perceived usefulness, on consumer acceptance. Perceived risk was not found to have a significant influence on consumer acceptance. Results have helped us identify the relative salience of trust, risk and usefulness perceptions in consumer acceptance of online health information services and have important implications for practice.
The mediating relationship between internet addiction with happiness and personality traits in students

Introduction: This study aimed to develop a mediating model of internet addiction disorder, the amount of happiness and personality characteristics. Materials and Methods: This study is a correlational and the statistical population included all students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in the academic year of 2015-2016. 384 students were selected using stratified random sampling based on Krejcie and Morgan Table. They completed the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the NEO personality questionnaires (NEO) and the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) as well as a demographic information checklist. Data were analyzed using statistical methods, descriptive statistics and path analysis. Results: Findings indicated that the first model was not sufficiently fitted, so the modified model showed a better fit with the data (CFI=0.99, AGFI=0.97, GFI =0.99, RSMEA= 0.02, I�2/df= 1.15). In this model, it was found that among NEO Five-Factor personality traits, neuroticism had a significant correlation with the Internet addiction (R=0.18). In addition, among personality traits, neuroticism had a significant correlation with the Internet addiction, and a significant negative relationship between conscientiousness and the internet addiction was obtained (R= -13, P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings, a structural analysis of personality variables, and happiness showed a clearer picture of the relationship between psychological structures and addiction to the Internet.
Band profiles and band strengths in mixed H2O:CO ices

Context. Laboratory spectroscopic research plays a key role in the identification and analysis of interstellar ices and their structure. To date, a number of molecules have been positively identified in interstellar ices, either as pure, mixed or layered ice structures. Aims. Previous laboratory studies on H2O:CO ices have employed a “mix and match” principle and describe qualitatively how absorption bands behave for different physical conditions. The aim of this study is to quantitatively characterize the absorption bands of solid CO and H2O, both pure and in their binary mixtures, as a function of partner concentration and temperature. Methods. Laboratory measurements based on Fourier transform infrared transmission spectroscopy are performed on binary mixtures of H2O and CO ranging from 1:4 to 4:1. Results. A quantitative analysis of the band profiles and band strengths of H2O in CO ice, and vice versa, is presented and interpreted in terms of two models. The results show that a mutual interaction takes place between the two species in the solid, which alters the band positions and band strengths. It is found that the band strengths of the H2O bulk stretch, bending and libration vibrational bands decrease linearly by a factor of up to 2 when the CO concentration is increased from 0 to 80%. By contrast, the band strength of the free OH stretch increases linearly. The results are compared to a recently performed quantitative study on H2O:CO2 ice mixtures. It is shown that for mixing ratios of 1:0.5 H2O:X and higher, the H2O bending mode offers a good tracer to distinguish between CO2 or CO in H2O ice. Additionally, it is found that the band strength of the CO fundamental remains constant when the water concentration is increased in the ice. The integrated absorbance of the 2152 cm −1 CO feature, with respect to the total integrated CO absorption feature, is found to be a good indicator of the degree of mixing of CO in the H2O:CO laboratory ice system. From the change in the H2O absorption band strength in laboratory ices upon mixing we conclude that astronomical water ice column densities on various lines of sight can be underestimated by up to 25% if significant amounts of CO and CO2 are mixed in.
The mechanics of the table contact phase of gymnastics vaulting

A computer simulation model of the table contact phase of gymnastics vaulting was developed to gain an understanding of the mechanics of this phase of the vault. The model incorporated a gymnast and a vaulting table, and used a novel two-state contact phase representation to simulate the interaction between these two bodies during the table contact phase. The gymnast was modelled in planar form using seven segments, with torque generators acting at the wrist, shoulder, hip and knee joints. The model also allowed for shoulder retraction and protraction, displacement of the glenohumeral joint centre and flexion/extension of the fingers. The table was modelled as a single rigid body that could rotate. The model was personalised to an elite gymnast so that simulation outputs could be compared with the gymnast's performance. Kinematic data of vaulting performances were obtained using a optoelectronic motion capture system. Maximal voluntary joint torques were also measured using an isovelocity dynamometer, and a torque - angle - angular velocity relationship was used to relate joint torques to joint angles and angular velocities. A set of model system parameters was determined using a gymnast-specific angle-driven model by matching four simulations to their respective performances concurrently. The resulting parameters were evaluated using two independent trials, and found to be applicable to handspring entry vaults. The torque-driven model was successfully evaluated, and shown to produce realistic movements, with mean overall differences between simulations and recorded performances of 2.5% and 8.6% for two different handspring entry vaults. The model was applied to further understanding of the mechanics of the table contact phase of gymnastics vaulting. Optimisation showed that there was limited potential (1.3%) for the gymnast to improve performance through technique changes during the table contact phase. However, with additional changes in configuration at table contact post-flight rotation could be increased by 9.8% and post-flight height could be increased by 0.14m. Angular momentum was found to always decrease during the table contact phase of the vault, although the reductions were less when maximising post-flight rotation.
Warmer and Drier Climates that Make Terminal Great Lakes

ABSTRACT A recent empirical model of glacial-isostatic uplift showed that the Huron and Michigan lake level fell tens of meters below the lowest possible outlet about 7,900 14C years BP when the upper Great Lakes became dependent for water supply on precipitation alone, as at present. The upper Great Lakes thus appear to have been impacted by severe dry climate that may have also affected the lower Great Lakes. While continuing paleoclimate studies are corroborating and quantifying this impacting climate and other evidence of terminal lakes, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory applied their Advanced Hydrologic Prediction System, modified to use dynamic lake areas, to explore the deviations from present temperatures and precipitation that would force the Great Lakes to become terminal (closed), i.e., for water levels to fall below outlet sills. We modeled the present lakes with pre-development natural outlet and water flow conditions, but considered the upper and lower Great Lakes separately with no river connection, as in the early Holocene basin configuration. By using systematic shifts in precipitation, temperature, and humidity relative to the present base climate, we identified candidate climates that result in terminal lakes. The lakes would close in the order: Erie, Superior, Michigan-Huron, and Ontario for increasingly drier and warmer climates. For a temperature rise of T°C and a precipitation drop of P% relative to the present base climate, conditions for complete lake closure range from 4.7T + P > 51 for Erie to 3.5T + P > 71 for Ontario.
Using Student Self Concepts In Placement And Evaluation

For the past two decades, Purdue University has been using student self-reports to provide information that has proved to be invaluable in educational planning and development. These critical student inputs are used to help place students in beginning courses, to identify high-risk and honors students, to evaluate the quality of courses, services and resources, to initiate and evaluate existing and new programs, and to help students make career decisions. This paper discusses the use of self-reports of beginning engineering students using the Mathematics Science Inventory (MSI). The MSI is used in placing students in beginning mathematics and chemistry courses and to evaluate their perceptions of their achievements in these courses. Introduction This paper reports on the mathematics and chemistry phases of a comprehensive research effort conducted at Purdue University to measure the background, achievements and self-perceptions of beginning engineering students. Initial efforts to examine the differential computer abilities of engineering, science and technology students demonstrated the feasibility of using self-reports to measure computer literacy, knowledge and competency[1]. Later studies using self-reports have focused on computers[2], self concepts, mathematics[3] and chemistry. Each of these student self-reports studies indicated that cognitive abilities could be reliably and validly measured and were especially valuable in measuring change. Baird[4] in his excellent ETC Research Monograph has pointed out, “self-reports can be believed, they can be made psychometrically adequate and useful, and often are more predictive of later creative accomplishments than grades and test scores”. The Mathematical Skills Self-Appraisal Survey (MSSAS) was developed at Purdue as part of a comprehensive action-oriented research program to improve placement in beginning courses and to measure student achievement[5]. This research began in 1991 with a pilot study of approximately 400 students enrolled in beginning mathematics courses. Based on the results of this preliminary data, the study was extended to include virtually all the entering engineering students for 1992 and 1993 [6]. In 1993 we expanded our study to examine the potential of using self-reports in chemistry and found that self-reports could be effectively used in placement and in measuring change. In 1994 items from the two inventories were combined into the Mathematics Science Inventory (MSI). This paper summarizes the results of our research on the MSI. Objectives The research goal was to provide information to students, teachers and counselors that can be used to improve the academic achievement and retention of beginning engineering students. The specific objectives were: 1)to examine the overall and differential impact of beginning mathematics and chemistry courses on students' perceptions of their mathematics and chemistry Page 283.1 Page 2 knowledge, and 2) to examine the relationships of the student self-reports to achievements in mathematics and chemistry.
Running head: POSITIVE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 1 Positive Social Psychology: A Multilevelled Inquiry into Socio-Cultural Wellbeing Initiatives

Although the field of positive psychology has made great strides in developing interventions for wellbeing, many of these are aimed at individuals, designed to engender adaptive psychological qualities and skills. As such, relatively little attention has been paid within the field to the socio-cultural factors that influence health and wellbeing. However, there is an emergent body of work that does focus on these factors, as summarised in this paper. Using Urie Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) multileveled ecological systems theory as a framework, the paper provides an overview of socio-cultural wellbeing interventions and research at multiple levels of scale (microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, macrosystems, and ecosystems). In doing so, the paper has two main aims: (a) to show how positive change in wellbeing can be affected by the strategic manipulation of socio-cultural contextual factors; and (b) to suggest ways in which the adoption of such a contextual approach can inform policy making.
Design guidelines for proximity coupled U-slot microstrip antennas

The frequency bandwidth of microstrip patch antennas can be increased using both of U-slot and proximity feeding. Although some design rules have been already explained for the probe-fed U-slot antenna the proximity coupling causes to consider a lot of parameters for design procedure; consequently, to deal with all of them seems confusing. In this paper after investigating the effect of various parameters on the multiple resonant frequencies of the antenna and recognizing the most effective factors, some guidelines to design a proximity coupled U-slot microstrip antenna are proposed. In addition, an antenna element with 16% impedance bandwidth is designed at center frequency of 16.7GHz, and its broadband impedance and radiation characteristics are vastly considered. Also, 1×2 and 2×2 arrays of the antenna element are designed to use as subarrays for designing large arrays. The measurement results of return loss and radiation pattern, show good agreement with simulation results. Keywords— microstrip antenna; U-slot; proximity coupled feed; wide band
SEGMENTATION OF THE ROMANIAN WINE MARKET: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

French companies in the wine industry are facing a decline in demand on their domestic market and an increasing competition on their traditional export markets. A solution for French companies could be to seek new outlets. Eastern and Central European countries, because of their fast economic growth and of the recent evolution of their consumption modes, are very attractive market targets. In order to better understand these emerging markets, this article analyses wine consumption using a sample of consumers of the area of Banat in Romania. From data collected using a questionnaire, it aims describing and identifying the principal characteristics and determinants of this consumption and proposes a market segmentation. With this intention, we use two different approaches of market segmentation (one-dimensional and multidimensional) based on socio-economic and behavioral criteria. We obtain five segments which are different by the importance given to various product characteristics and the modes of data processing. Four of them describe the principal characteristics of the consumers interested by wine, whereas the fifth gathers the individuals not interested by wine.
Surface structure of the CoRoT CP2 target star HD 50773

Aims. We compare surface maps of the chemically peculiar star HD 50773 produced with a Bayesian technique and based on high quality CoRoT photometry with those derived from rotation phase resolved spectropolarimetry. The goal is to investigate the correlation of surface brightness with surface chemical abundance distribution and the stellar magnetic surface field. Methods. The rotational period of the star was determined from a nearly 60 days long continuous light curve obtained during the initial run of CoRoT. Using a Bayesian approach to star-spot modelling, which in this work is applied for the first time for the photometric mapping of a CP star, we derived longitudes, latitudes and radii of four different spot areas. Additional parameters like stellar inclination and the spot’s intensities were also determined. The CoRoT observations triggered an extensive ground-based spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric observing campaign and enabled us to obtain 19 different high resolution spectra in Stokes parameters I and V with NARVAL, ESPaDOnS, and SemelPol spectropolarimeters. Doppler and Magnetic Doppler imaging techniques allowed us to derive the magnetic field geometry of the star and the surface abundance distributions of Mg, Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Y, and Cu. Results. We find a dominant dipolar structure of the surface magnetic field. The CoRoT light curve variations and abundances of most elements mapped are correlated with the aforementioned geometry: Cr, Fe, and Si are enhanced around the magnetic poles and coincide with the bright regions on the surface of HD 50773 as predicted by our light curve synthesis and confirmed by photometric imaging.