Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of a short training in the use of a rehearsal strategy on memory for words and pictures in children with Down syndrome

This study describes the effects of using a memory training programme with children with Down syndrome at schools for children with severe learning difficulties. The results suggest a small but significant improvement in memory spans for children at schools where they were trained by teachers or teaching assistants. There were no significant differences between auditory or visual stimulus presentation or between manual or verbal responses, but a three-way interaction between assessment point, stimulus presentation and response mode showed that memory and verbal recall of longer words particularly improved. Responses demonstrated a classic word length effect. One further finding was a significant correlation between reading and memory scores after the training.
Factors Influencing Teachers' Performance and Retention

It is critical to retain high quality and qualified teachers to provide high quality education in schools. Turnover intentions of teachers in schools have a negative impact on student satisfaction and on their educational development as well. The retention and performance of school teachers is possible through their job satisfaction to which reduces their turnover intentions and lead to their higher performance. Therefore, it is vital to consider all possible factors that impact on the teacher’s performance and on their turnover intentions. Thus, due to the importance of teacher’s turnover issue, the purpose of this paper is to review the literature relevant to teacher’s performance and factors that reduce teacher’s turnover intentions from schools. This study also aims to review the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors to assess teacher’s performance and their staying intentions. Dimension for intrinsic motivation is the satisfaction derived from teaching, recognition, enjoying teaching, career development, the challenging and competitive nature of teaching, teaching as one goal in life and control over others. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation mainly includes the award applied externally as a salary or wages, free accommodation, educational progress in paying premiums, meals, additional payments in case of financial problems, paid leave and free medical assistance. The existing literature has identified major influential factors such as working conditions, administrative support and student behavior impacting teacher’s performance and their retention. This study also provides some directions for future research in this regard as well. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n1p233
PACLOBUTRAZOL-INDUCED BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN POMEGRANATE (PUNICA GRANATUM L.) CV. ‘MALAS SAVEH’ UNDER FREEZING STRESS

Freezing injury is an important limiting factor in the production of pomegranate in Iran.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of paclobutrazol (PBZ) on cold hardiness of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. ‘Malas Saveh’. Different concentrations of PBZ including 0 (control), 31, 62, 125 or 250 mg L–1 were sprayed on one-year-old plants in August and the electrolyte leakage of their stems was measured at three acclimation stages (November, January, and March). PBZ treatments, especially at 125 and 250 mg L–1 concentrations increased cold hardiness, and corresponding soluble carbohydrates and proline contents. The highest variation in freezing tolerance was observed between control and PBZ-treated plants in January, and the lowest found in November. Irrespective of PBZ treatment, correlations between cold hardiness and soluble carbohydrate concentrations were stronger, compared to proline. Soluble carbohydrates were higher in January, associated with deep dormancy, whereas the maximum proline content was detected in March, at deacclimation stage. Results suggest that PBZ application can reduce low temperature-induced dysfunction of cell membrane through increasing soluble carbohydrates and proline contents.
A longitudinal study of developmental synchrony between conceptual identity, seriation, and transitivity of color, number, and length

ACHENBACH, THOMAS M. , and WEIsz, JoHN R. A Longitudinal Study of Developmental Synchrony between Conceptual Identity, Seriation, and Transitivity of Color, Number, and Length. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1975, 46, 840-848. Simplified tests of conceptual identity, seriation, and transitivity for the properties of color, number, and length were administered to 102 preschoolers on 2 occasions, 6 months apart. Contrary to a strict interpretation of Piaget's theory, the 3 achievements did not emerge simultaneously for any of the 3 properties. Instead, identity preceded seriation, which preceded transitivity across all 3 properties. There was a pronounced ordering among identity concepts, with color preceding number, which preceded length, but the ordering of properties was less consistent for seriation and transitivity. Relationships of Binet MA to identity, seriation, and transitivity suggested that Piaget finds synchrony among these operations because the verbal skills needed for his tasks do not emerge until all 3 operations are available.
Diversity of indigenous fruit trees and their contribution to nutrition and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa: examples from kenya and Cameroon

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), growing both domesticated and wild fruit species on farms diversifies the crop production options of small-scale farmers and can bring significant health, ecological and economic revenues (keatinge et al., 2010; Weinberger and Lumpkin, 2005). Dozens of indigenous fruit tree species (IFTs), although relatively unknown in global markets, are locally of large importance for food/nutrition security and income generation. Akinnifesi et al. (2008) showed the high potential of many wild fruit species from different African regions for undergoing domestication followed by successful on-farm production. Fruit markets in SSA are estimated to grow substantially due to economic and human population growth and increasing urbanisation rates, e.g. by 5.7 per cent per year in kenya (calculation of ICRAF based on Ruel et al., 2005). Women are often strongly involved in and benefit from fruit processing and trade, particularly with regard to indigenous fruits (Schreckenberg et al., 2006). With appropriate promotion, the contribution of fruits to the livelihoods and health of African farmers and consumers could be substantially increased. Currently, fruit consumption in SSA – with a daily average of only 36 g per person in Eastern and about 90 g in Western Africa (WHO, 2002) – is far below the recommended daily amount of 200 g per person (WHO, 2003). In sub-Saharan Africa about 30 per cent of inhabitants, most of them women and children, suffer from malnutrition (UNSCN, 2010). Fruits offer not only easily available energy, but also micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals necessary to sustain and support human healthy growth and activity (see examples below). There are, however, a variety of factors that constrain fruit consumption and production in Africa such as:
IMPROVED FITNESS OF APHID PARASITOIDS RECEIVING RESOURCE SUBSIDIES

The availability of nonhost resource subsidies affects the ability of parasitoids to overcome egg and time limitation and maximize lifetime reproductive success. We combined field and laboratory experiments to examine the effects of floral resource subsidies on the reproductive fitness of aphid parasitoids. Under controlled laboratory conditions, sugar resources significantly increased longevity and potential fecundity (egg load) in the endoparasitoids Aphidius rhopalosiphi and Diaeretiella rapae (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae). Laboratory microcosm experiments showed that increased potential fecundity translated into significantly higher realized fecundity (i.e., rates of aphid parasitism) by A. rhopalosiphi receiving resource subsidies. Mechanisms of enhanced realized fecundity also operated under natural field conditions. Replicated field experiments on cultivated wheat, with host density controlled by experimental placement of aphids, showed that, in general, proximity to floral resource patches significantly increased rates of parasitism. Parasitism rates declined exponentially with increasing distance from floral patches, reaching zero beyond 14 m. Increased potential fecundity reduces the chances of parasitoids becoming egg-limited, whereas increased longevity reduces the chances of parasitoids becoming time-limited during host oviposition. Although the plasticity of egg load and longevity observed under varying conditions of resource availability is probably more relevant to parasitoid evolution, the individual fitness benefits from ephemeral resource patches are certainly important in the ecological enhancement of biological control agents.
Physica Status Solidi C : Current Topics in Solid State Physics Optical and Magnetic Properties of Some XMnSb and Co 2 YZ Compounds : ab initio calculations

In present work, our research is mainly focused on the electronic structures, optical and magnetic properties of XMnSb(X=Ni, Cu, Pd), Co2YZ (Y=Ti; Z=Si, Ge, Sn) and Co2YZ (Y=Mn; Z=Al, Ga, Si) Heusler compounds by using ab initio calculations within the generalized gradient approximation. The calculations are performed by using the Vienna ab-initio simulation package based on the density functional theory. The band structure of these Heusler alloys for majority spin and minority spin were calculated and the majority spin states cross the Fermi level and thus have the metallic character, while the minority spin states open the band gaps around the Fermi level and thus have the narrow-band semiconducting nature. We also find that these Heusler compounds have the indirect band gaps in the minority spin channel. The real and Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation imaginary parts of dielectric functions and hence the optical functions such as energyloss function, the effective number of valance electrons and the effective optical dielectric constant for XMnSb and Co2YZ compounds were also calculated. In addition, we also show the variations of the total magnetic moment per f.u. and minority spin gap width of these compounds with optimized lattice constants: minority spin gap width decreases with increasing the lattice constants. Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation physica status solidi Optical and Magnetic Properties of Some XMnSb and Co2YZ Compounds: ab initio calculations Selami Palaz1, Husnu Koc2, Haci Ozisik3, Engin Deligoz4, Amirullah M. Mamedov*,5,6, Ekmel Ozbay5 1 Harran University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Physics, 63000, Sanliurfa, Turkey 2 Siirt University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics, 56100, Siirt, Turkey 3 Aksaray University, Education Faculty, BOTE Department, 68100, Aksaray, Turkey 4 Aksaray University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Department of Physics, 68100, Aksaray, Turkey 5 Bilkent University, Nanotechnology Research Center, 06800, Ankara, Turkey 6 Baku State University, International Scientific Center, Baku, Azerbaijan Received XXXX, revised XXXX, accepted XXXX Published online XXXX
Potassium Supplying Capacity of Diverse Soils and K-Use Efficiency of Maize in South Asia

Increased nutrient withdrawal by rapidly expanding intensive cropping systems, in combination with imbalanced fertilization, is leading to potassium (K) depletion from agricultural soils in Asia. There is an urgent need to better understand the soil K-supplying capacity and K-use efficiency of crops to address this issue. Maize is increasingly being grown in rice-based systems in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and North East India. The high nutrient extraction, especially K, however, causes concerns for the sustainability of maize production systems in the region. The present study was designed to estimate, through a plant-based method, the magnitude, and variation in K-supplying capacity of a range of soils from the maize-growing areas and the K-use efficiency of maize in Bangladesh. Eighteen diverse soils were collected from several upazillas (or sub-districts) under 11 agro-ecological zones to examine their K-supplying capacity from the soil reserves and from K fertilization (100 mg K kg−1 soil) for successive seven maize crops grown up to V10–V12 in pots inside a net house. A validation field experiment was conducted with five levels of K (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha−1) and two fertilizer recommendations based on “Nutrient Expert for Maize-NEM” and “Maize Crop Manager-MCM” decision support tools (DSSs) in 12 farmers’ fields in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Comilla districts in Bangladesh. Grain yield and yield attributes of maize responded significantly (p < 0.001) to K fertilizer, with grain yield increase from 18 to 79% over control in all locations. Total K uptake by plants not receiving K fertilizer, considered as potential K-supplying capacity of the soil in the pot experiment, followed the order: Modhukhali > Mithapukur > Rangpur Sadar > Dinajpur Sadar > Jhinaidah Sadar > Gangachara > Binerpota > Tarash > Gopalpur > Daudkandi > Paba > Modhupur > Nawabganj Sadar > Shibganj > Birganj > Godagari > Barura > Durgapur. Likewise, in the validation field experiment, the K-supplying capacity of soils was 83.5, 60.5 and 57.2 kg ha−1 in Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Comilla, respectively. Further, the order of K-supplying capacity for three sites was similar to the results from pot study confirming the applicability of results to other soils and maize-growing areas in Bangladesh and similar soils and areas across South Asia. Based on the results from pot and field experiments, we conclude that the site-specific K management using the fertilizer DSSs can be the better and more efficient K management strategy for maize.
Aortic Root Dilatation in African Hypertensives Subjects: Frequency of Occurrence and Associations: A Multicentre Echocardiographic Survey

Aortic Root Dilatation in African Hypertensives Subjects: Frequency of Occurrence and Associations: A Multicentre Echocardiographic Survey Anecdotal reports suggest that hypertension is associated with an increased predisposition to aortic root dilatation (ARD). Reports on epidemiology of ARD and demographic or clinical associations among African hypertensive subjects are scarce. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of ARD among Nigerian hypertensive subjects.
Learning to Learn From Data: Benchmarks and Instructional Communities

This article examines the use of interim assessments in elementary schools in the School District of Philadelphia. The article reports on the qualitative component of a multimethod study about the use of interim assessments in Philadelphia. The study used an organizational learning framework to explore how schools can best develop the capacity to utilize the potential benefits of interim assessments. The qualitative analysis draws on data from intensive fieldwork in 10 elementary schools and interviews with district staff and others who worked with the schools, as well as further in-depth case study analysis of 5 schools. This article examines how school leaders and grade groups made sense of data provided through interim assessments and how they were able to use these data to rethink instructional practice. We found substantial evidence that interim assessments have the potential to contribute to instructional coherence and instructional improvement if they are embedded in a robust feedback system. Such feedback systems were not the norm in the schools in our study, and their development requires skill, knowledge, and concerted attention on the part of school leaders.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: two genes, multiple clinical applications

The discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2 hereditary breastovarian cancer genes was driven by a well-defined practical purpose: it was expected, that the identification of genetic causes of these diseases will allow to ascertain yet healthy women at-risk, and therefore to reduce cancer mortality through implementing relevant diagnostic and preventive programs. BRCA-associated syndrome is apparently the most common Mendelian genetic disease in humans. Studies on geographic spread of BRCA1/2 mutations revealed a number of founder alleles, thus permitting non-expensive and rapid identification of thousands of mutation carriers in genetically homogenous human communities (1). On the other hand, the majority of patients with suspicion for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer require comprehensive BRCA1/2 testing; exhaustive BRCA1/2 analysis remains complicated even for the time being, as it includes the detection of both small mutations and gross rearrangements across the entire coding regions of these genes (2). BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alterations appear to be associated with somewhat distinct disease phenotypes, with a plethora of genetic and non-genetic factors modifying their penetrance (3,4). Diagnostic attitudes towards BRCA1/2 mutation carriers continue to evolve, given that some of the BRCAdriven cancers are notoriously difficult to detect at yet manageable stages (5,6).
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Heterotrophic Bacteria , Pico-and Nano-phytoplankton along the Bangpakong Estuary of Thailand

– The densities and distribution of heterotrophic bacteria and picoand nano-phytoplankton were determined along the Bangpakong River during the dry (February and April) and wet (July and September) seasons of 2004. Heterotrophic bacteria, with average densities ranging from 1.38 x 10 to 1.87 x 10 cells/ml, were 10 to 100 times more abundant than autotrophic picoplankton (picophytoplankton). The communities of nanophytoplankton were dominated by nanoflagellates, with average densities ranging from 2.54 x 10 to 1.33 x 10 cells/l. Other nanophytoplankton included diatoms, dinoflagellates, coccolithophorids and cyanobacteria, with average densities ranging from < 1 to 10 cells/l. The abundances of picoand nano-plankton were higher in the wet season than in the dry season. Higher densities of both groups were also recorded in the upper estuarine region and the densities tended to decrease towards the sea. Heterotrophic bacteria and nanoflagellates dominated the picoand nano-plankton communities throughout the study periods, while the densities of the other groups showed an increasing trend from the lower estuarine region of the river (salinity > 25 psu) towards the sea. The densities of the picoand nanoplankton were statistically related to the temperature, salinity and dissolved inorganic nutrients in the
Seminal Plasma Proteins Prevent Detrimental Effects of Ram SpermCryopreservation and Enhance the Protective Effect of Lecithin

Background: One of the main drawbacks of refrigerated and frozen-thawed semen is lipid peroxidation and the subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species from cellular metabolism. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the use of antioxidant compounds improves the frozen-thawed sperm quality. We analysed the effect of different antioxidants, or antioxidant-like additives, upon the processes involved in cooling and freeze-thawing ram semen. Methods: Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and stability, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were tested immediately after thawing and following incubation for 3 h and 6 h at 37°C. Results: The addition of oleic/linoleic acid did not improve sperm viability, although it resulted in increased motility after refrigeration and rewarming, similar to that found with pyruvic acid. In frozen-thawed samples, the effect of 75 mM ascorbic acid was beneficial and improved viability, membrane stability, MMP and motility. Pyruvic acid, melatonin, pinoline and N-acetyl cysteine, or the combination of certain antioxidants such as oleic/linoleic acids with tocopherol, lipoic and ascorbic acids, melatonin and pinoline, N-acetyl cysteine and GSH did not significantly improve the frozenthawed sperm quality. Thawed samples supplemented with lecithin scored higher (p<0.001) membrane integrity and stability and MMP values than controls. However, the alterations induced in the inner mitochondrial membrane resulted in a very low proportion of functional mitochondria in a time-dependent manner after thawing. These detrimental effects were prevented by seminal plasma proteins, which enhanced the protective effect of lecithin. Conclusion: Seminal plasma proteins strengthened the cryoprotective ability of lecithin and not only were sperm viability and membrane stability well maintained, but mitochondrial functionality was preserved. General significance: Lecithin together with seminal plasma proteins may be used as cryoprotectants for ram semen.
The Cue-of-the-Cloud Effect: When Reminders of Online Information Availability Increase Purchase Intentions and Choice

In offline purchasing settings (e.g., retail stores), consumers often encounter reminders that product information can be found on the Internet. The authors refer to a reminder of the availability of online information as a “cue-of-the-cloud” and explore its unique consequences on offline consumer behavior. This research finds that when consumers are presented with relatively large amounts of information in offline purchasing situations, a cue-of-the-cloud can enhance purchase intentions and choice behaviors. This occurs because the cue increases consumers’ confidence in being able to retain and access the information seen in-store, which engenders positive feelings about the decision to purchase. Four studies, including two experiments in real brick-and-mortar field settings, demonstrate the consequences of a cue-of-the-cloud, along with some novel moderators of these effects.