Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling potential distributions inside the cochlea caused by electrical stimulation

During the last decades the average speech intelligibility of cochlear-implant (CI) users has steadily been improved. Nevertheless, problems still occur especially in complex listening situations. One reason for that is the inaccurate signal transmission between CI electrodes and stimulated nerve cells. To develop new methods overcoming this problem, models are required that provide insight into the processes of electrical stimulation inside the complex geometry of the cochlea. This paper presents a detailed model of the electrically stimulated cochlea. The model consists of a virtual three-dimensional representation of the most important structures of the human cochlea. It serves as a basis for the volume conductor model, which was developed using finite element method. It allows for computation of the electrical potentials inside the modeled structures caused by current applied to the CI electrodes. The presented model was used to compare current spread for different electrode positions and configurations. The results show that the model can represent characteristic differences in spatial selectivity and hence be a help in realizing spatially more focused electrical stimulation.
Effects of memorizing Quran by heart (hifz) on later academic achievement

Current study was conducted to investigate the effects of memorizing Quran (Hifz) in relation to academic achievement and socio-cultural life of Huffaz. For the said purpose, Purposive sample of 36 Huffaz, (N=36) from different colleges and universities were approached. Results were compiled and assessed through SPSS, Content analysis technique and in percentages. The results revealed a significant difference in academic achievement of Huffaz before and after Hifz. Moreover the Content analysis showed overall positive impacts on education and socio-cultural life of Huffaz.
Introduction to the absolute brightness and number statistics in spontaneous parametric down-conversion

As a tutorial, we examine the absolute brightness and number statistics of photon pairs generated in spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) from first principles. In doing so, we demonstrate how the diverse implementations of SPDC can be understood through a single common framework, and use this to derive straightforward formulas for the biphoton generation rate (pairs per second) in a variety of different circumstances. In particular, we consider the common cases of both collimated and focused Gaussian pump beams in a bulk nonlinear crystal, as well as in nonlinear waveguides and micro-ring resonators. Furthermore, we examine the number statistics of down-converted light using a non-perturbative approximation (the multi-mode squeezed vacuum), to provide quantitative formulas for the relative likelihood of multi-pair production events, and explore how the quantum state of the pump affects the subsequent statistics of the down-converted light. Following this, we consider the limits of the undepleted pump approximation, and conclude by performing experiments to test the effectiveness of our theoretical predictions for the biphoton generation rate in a variety of different sources.
Assessing the Acceptability of Adaptive E-Learning System

AEL based on students’ knowledge-level contribute many benefits to its users. The study on such system is vital as currently, most AEL only consider student’s preferences, interest, and browsing behaviour when investigating student’s behaviour for personalized services. Further, compared to previous studies on AEL system, user’s acceptance towards this type of system, however, has not been assessed and understood thoroughly. In order to get more experience about the acceptance of AEL system that tailored learning content based on students’ knowledge-level, a survey consisting of 314 students have been conducted. Based on TAM, this study proposed a conceptual model of AEL system acceptance. The result of regression analysis shows a positive indication on the acceptance of such system among students with the adaptability feature affect student’s intention to use the system. The study provides insight into the usefulness of an AEL system based on students’ knowledgelevel. Moreover, it is an important step towards a better understanding on the user’s intention to use the system in the future as it gives a more intensive view of the AEL system users.
Bulking up or bulging over: Motivating physical activity through framing

Motivating people to perform physical activities can be a challenging task. One possible avenue is through the use of framing of exercise-related imagery and messages. Gain-frame imagery demonstrates the benefits of performing an activity, whereas loss-frame demonstrates the risks of not taking action on something (Tversky & Kahneman, 1981). With social media as a prevalent platform for exercise tips and tricks, it is possible that the way in which such imagery is framed in advertisements, blogs, and apps could be hindering or helping followers get closer to their physical activity goals. I hypothesized that gain-framed imagery motivates participants to have a desire to exercise more than loss-framed imagery. Two moderators, consideration of future consequences and social comparison, were also analyzed. Union College students (N = 135) recruited through an online database completed a survey on physical activity, social comparison, and consideration of future consequences, were asked to analyze either gain-frame or loss-frame imagery, and afterwards concluded with a survey of their exercise social cognitions. While gainframing did not influence motivation to exercise across the variables, loss-framing successfully influenced the strength of moderate-intensity exercise intentions. Thus, negatively-framed messages might be more successful in promoting exercise behavior. Prospect Theory, when applied in this manner, could be used on social media platforms and marketing campaigns to encourage people to exercise. Framing may be able to create a healthier society if these techniques that were successful in changing cognitions can also be applied to behaviors in future studies.
The Dragonfly Nearby Galaxies Survey. IV. A Giant Stellar Disk in NGC 2841

Neutral gas is commonly believed to dominate over stars in the outskirts of galaxies, and investigations of the disk-halo interface are generally considered to be in the domain of radio astronomy. This may simply be a consequence of the fact that deep H i observations typically probe to a lower-mass surface density than visible wavelength data. This paper presents low-surface-brightness, optimized visible wavelength observations of the extreme outskirts of the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 2841. We report the discovery of an enormous low-surface brightness stellar disk in this object. When azimuthally averaged, the stellar disk can be traced out to a radius of ∼70 kpc (5 R25 or 23 inner disk scale lengths). The structure in the stellar disk traces the morphology of H i emission and extended UV emission. Contrary to expectations, the stellar mass surface density does not fall below that of the gas mass surface density at any radius. In fact, at all radii greater than ∼20 kpc, the ratio of the stellar mass to gas mass surface density is a constant 3:1. Beyond ∼30 kpc, the low-surface-brightness stellar disk begins to warp, which may be an indication of a physical connection between the outskirts of the galaxy and infall from the circumgalactic medium. A combination of stellar migration, accretion, and in situ star formation might be responsible for building up the outer stellar disk, but whatever mechanisms formed the outer disk must also explain the constant ratio between stellar and gas mass in the outskirts of this galaxy.
Predictors of dietary practices and nutritional status among diabetic type II patients in Kiambu County, Kenya

Background: Diabetes type 2 has become a serious global health threat due to its increasing prevalence particularly among African countries. Numerous scientific evidence points out on the importance of an individual’s dietary practices and nutritional status in its prevention and management. The objective of the study was to identify the predictors of dietary practices and nutritional status among diabetes type 2 patients.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and a total of 153 study subjects were recruited. A pretested researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was analyzed using both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results: The study established significant associations (p<0.05, at 95% C.I) between participants’ education level (AOR=4.72), occupation (AOR=2.41), monthly income (AOR=6.02) and level of dietary knowledge (AOR=2.33) and their dietary practices. Further, there was a significant association between nutritional status and education level (AOR=1.26), monthly income (AOR=1.72), level of dietary knowledge (AOR=1.11) and dietary diversity (AOR=1.62). Majority of the participants were obese (51%). Conclusions: Majority of the participants were obese. Dietary knowledge, education level, occupation, monthly income and dietary practices were the factors associated with the patients’ dietary practices and nutritional status. Up-scaling of interventions targeting these variables is thus crucial. Further, reinforcing the need for healthy dietary practices and optimal nutritional status is critical in the prevention and management of diabetes.
Yield Performance of Chickpea Varieties Following Application of Growth Regulator

An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh, during the period from November, 2005 to March, 2006. Three varieties viz. BARI chola-1 (V ), BARI chola-4 (V ) and BARI chola-5 (V ) were given foliar spray of water spraying (G ) and 1 2 3
LET ’ s start a new LETS : Learning from a case study in Brno , Czech Republic

This paper presents information about the operation of RozLEŤSe, a LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) network, based in Brno, Czech Republic. LETS are complementary monetary systems in which local community networks attempt to emancipate themselves from the international economy by using their own currency. LETS are supposed to promote sustainable development by localising economic relationships. Although several LETS groups were developed in the Czech Republic between 1990 and 2000, all of them vanished during the first few years of the new millennium. RozLEŤSe was built from the remains of one of these former LETS groups. The aim of this study is to evaluate its current operations and to determine possible threats to the future existence of the group. It is a sociological case study examining the socio-demographic characteristics, motivations and organisational operations of the group. We point out some serious threats to the group (lack of supply, growth in negative credit, decrease in trust) and we discuss some possible solutions.
Stakeholder Perception of Global Warming, Rainfall Variability and Sea Level Rise Hazard Perils in Three Coastal Districts of Douala-Cameroon

Present day climate change scientist fully embrace the concept of global warming and have repeatedly pointed out that a solution to global warming problem requires studies on climate change education, awareness and proper understanding of causes and impacts. The present study was designed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of inhabitants of three sub divisions of Douala on the impacts of SLR hazards. 1200 questionnaires were administered to inhabitants of Douala I, IV and V by stratified purposive sampling technique. The Chi square ( X 2 ) statistical tests were performed to compare responses to survey questions across sub divisions as well as across demographic groups. The Cramer’s V test (nonparametric correlation) was performed to detect strength of associations of causes and impacts of global warming, rainfall variability, sea level rise perception and social determinants. Correlates of perception of global warming, rainfall variability, sea level rise and water quality parameters and environmental hazards were also assessed. Results show that awareness and perception to global warming, yearly variation of rainfall and knowledge of sea level rise were highly significant (p˂0.000) across districts. The Douala V inhabitants (37.8 %) were more aware of global warming and bothered about its impact than Douala IV and I respondents. Douala V respondents perceived that human beings are linked to the causes of global warming, rainfall variability and sea level rise than Douala I and IV. The Douala IV respondents were more knowledgeable in terms of SLR (37 %) than Douala I and V respondents. Impacts of exaggerated heat wave and increase in floods had significant differences across the district (p˂0.000). Sources of water during the rainy season (rivers/streams, wells, rainfall) were highly significant while differences in the use of water resources for domestic purposes across the three districts were also significant. Flooding and tidal effects were perceived to be the most devastating hazards in Douala I, IV and V as they were highly significant (p˂0.000). Highly significant association (P˂0.01) between the perceived human causes of sea level rise and knowledge of it for Douala I and IV were observed. Rising water tables, inundation, changed colour of water and odour of water as impacts of sea level rise were associated with the taste of water sources. The most devastating hazards were tidal effects and flooding (39 % each) for Douala IV and wave action (44 %) for Douala I. Awareness and knowledge on causes and impacts of climate change were low. A majority of the respondents perceived the will of God as being responsible to climate change causes and impacts on water resources quality in the study area. There is an urgent need for education of inhabitants on causes and impacts of climate change variables that are implicated on water source quality. Keywords : Perception and awareness, global warming, rainfall variability, sea level rise hazards, Douala-Cameroon
Bioactive compounds in different acerola fruit cultivares Compostos bioativos em diferentes cultivares de acerola

The increased consumption of acerola in Brazil was triggered because it is considered as a functional food mainly for its high ascorbic acid content, but the fruit also has high nutritional value, high levels of phenolic compounds, total antioxidant activity, anthocyanins and carotenoids in its composition. The objective was to evaluate the chemical, physical-chemical and antioxidant activity of eight varieties of acerola tree. The acerolas used in the research were the harvest 2015, 8 varieties: BRS 235 Apodi, Mirandópolis, Waldy CATI 30, BRS 238 Frutacor, Okinawa, BRS 236 Cereja, Olivier and BRS 237 Roxinha, from the Active Bank Germplasm APTA Regional Alta Paulista in Adamantina SP. Avaluated the following attributes: pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, reducing sugar, instrumental color, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. The design was completely randomized, 8 varieties and 3 replications of 20 fruits each. Acerola fruit of the analyzed varieties prove to be good sources of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, ensuring its excellent nutritional quality relative to combat free radicals. The variety BRS 236 Cereja presents higher ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds, and the lowest value for flavonoid, which was higher than the other cultivars, especially Olivier and Waldy CATI-30.
Permasalahan Kemahiran Membaca dan Menulis Bahasa Melayu Murid-murid Sekolah Rendah di Luar Bandar

Kemahiran membaca dan menulis merupakan kemahiran asas Bahasa Melayu untuk murid-murid sekolah rendah. Hal ini amat penting untuk mereka mencapai kejayaan yang lebih cemerlang pada masa hadapan. Oleh hal yang demikian, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti permasalahan tentang kemahiran membaca dan menulis Bahasa Melayu dalam kalangan murid-murid sekolah rendah di luar bandar. Responden kajian terdiri daripada 161 murid sekolah rendah tahun 4 dan 5 di luar bandar di Negeri Sembilan, Pahang dan Sarawak. Kajian ini adalah berbentuk tinjauan deskriptif dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik yang merangkumi maklumat latar belakang serta masalah yang murid-murid alami dalam kemahiran membaca dan menulis. Sehubungan itu, dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa terdapat masalah dalam diri murid untuk menguasai kemahiran membaca dan menulis dalam Bahasa Melayu, antaranya pengetahuan asas membaca dan menulis, persekitaran dan kaedah pengajaran guru. Dapatan kajian dalam masalah kemahiran membaca menunjukkan bahawa kegagalan murid-murid memahami kandungan maklumat dalam teks yang dibaca (min = 3.40; sp = .71) dan tidak memahami maksud ayat yang dibaca (min = 3.24; sp = .60). Manakala dapatan kajian tentang masalah kemahiran menulis menunjukkan bahawa murid-murid tidak dapat membezakan huruf besar atau huruf kecil melalui pengecaman (min = 3.62; sp = .62), di samping itu, mengenali tanda baca (min = 3.42; sp = .80). Kesimpulannya, bagi mengatasi masalah ini, pendidikan pemulihan merupakan satu wadah yang dapat membantu meningkatkan potensi murid-murid yang mengalami masalah dalam kemahiran membaca dan menulis. Program pemulihan peringkat awal akan memberi kesan yang lebih efektif dalam usaha memperkasakan pendidikan di negara kita. Kata kunci : Pembelajaran Bahasa Melayu; kemahiran membaca; kemahiran menulis; murid-murid sekolah; sekolah rendah luar bandar
Gromov--Witten invariants for mirror orbifolds of simple elliptic singularities

We consider a mirror symmetry of simple elliptic singularities. In particular, we construct isomorphisms of Frobenius manifolds among the one from the Gromov--Witten theory of a weighted projective line, the one from the theory of primitive forms for a universal unfolding of a simple elliptic singularity and the one from the invariant theory for an elliptic Weyl group. As a consequence, we give a geometric interpretation of the Fourier coefficients of an eta product considered by K. Saito.
The Mediating Role of Sibling Maintenance Behavior Expectations and Perceptions in the Relationship Between Family Communication Patterns and Relationship Satisfaction

ABSTRACT Sibling relationships are influenced both by the behaviors performed within the relationship (e.g., relational work) and by the family system as a whole. This study extends family communication patterns theory (FCP) by examining whether communicative relationship maintenance plays a role in the relationship between FCP and sibling relationship satisfaction. Data from 327 adult siblings from across the United States tested using Hayes (2013) PROCESS revealed that conversation and conformity orientation had positive indirect effects on sibling relationship satisfaction through both (a) relational maintenance expectations and (b) perceptions of sibling actual maintenance behavior in nearly all models (i.e., including positivity, openness, assurances, networks, and tasks maintenance behaviors). The results suggest that the parent-child relationship remains important long after children become adults as it continues to influence interpersonal relationships with others. Future directions for communication scholars are discussed along with theoretical implications for research on family communication patterns and the maintenance strategy framework.
Empirical Research Towards the Factors Influencing Corporate Financial Performance on the Bucharest Stock Exchange

Abstract This study aims to investigate the potential factors of influence on corporate financial performance, by using the panel data regression analysis. The research was employed for a sample consisting of 40 companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, over the period 2010-2012. Corporate financial performance considered as the dependent variable was proxied through return on assets, return on equity, and Tobin’s Q ratio. There were selected the following factors that could influence corporate financial performance: capital structure, firm size, and corporate social responsibility involvement. Likewise, several control variables have been introduced: structure of the ownership and institutional investors. The results show a strong negative relationship between corporate financial performance and debt to equity ratio. Also, there has been revealed a positive influence of the company size on performance, although weak. Furthermore, the relationship between financial performance and social performance has been statistically validated, both using accounting and market ratios.
Value creation: A catalyst to job satisfaction of vocational educators in tertiary institutions in selected states of Nigeria

The study assessed the influence of value creation on job satisfaction of vocational educators in tertiary institutions in Edo and Delta States. One research question was raised and one hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a survey research design. A sample of 189 (one hundred and eighty nine) vocational educators was used for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha was used to compute the reliability of the instrument and yielded 0.98. A questionnaire titled Value Creation and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (VCJSQ) was administered on the respondents by the researchers with two research assistants. The data collected revealed that some vocational educators expressed dissatisfaction that value created by them is not met by their employers, while some other expressed satisfaction that management met the value created by them. There is a significant difference in job satisfaction between male and female vocational educators. Based on these findings, it was recommended that vocational educators’ job satisfaction in tertiary institutions in Edo and Delta States could be enhanced by management and councils of various tertiary institutions if adequate attention is paid to the welfare of vocational educators in terms of regular promotion, enhanced remunerations, guaranteed job security, adequate social support system. Efforts should also be made to meet the demands of vocational educators through on-the-job training to strengthen their motivation, satisfaction and commitment to minimize turnover or attrition rate. Additionally, promotion decisions on vocational educators should be based on merit and equity to increase job satisfaction and higher productivity. Key words: Value creation, job satisfaction, tertiary institutions, motivation, vocational educators.
Cross-Diffusion, Viscous Dissipation and Radiation Effects on an Exponentially Stretching Surface in Porous Media

In the last few decades, fluid flow with heat and mass transfer on a continuously stretching surface has attracted considerable attention because of its many applications in industrial and manufacturing processes. Examples of these applications include the drawing of plastic films, glass-fibre and paper production, hot rolling and continuous casting of metals and spinning of fibers. The kinematics of stretching and the simultaneous heating or cooling during such processes play an important role on the structure and quality of the final product.
ELECTRONIC AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF TIN DIOXIDE IN CUBIC PHASE

Abstract – The electronic structure, energy band structure and electronic density of 2 SnO ceramic in cubic phase have been investigated using first principle full potential-linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within density functional theory (DFT). Local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), which are based on exchangecorrelation energy optimization were used. The band gap was 2.2 eV at  point in the Brillouin zone within our approach. Calculations of the band structure and electronic structure of 2 SnO were in a good agreement with the previous experimental and theoretical results with different approximations. Moreover, electronic density map shows that the bonding between Sn and O atoms is ionic.