Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social desirability bias in self-reported well-being measures: evidence from an online survey

Social desirability seems to enhance well-being measures because individuals tend to increase the degree of their satisfaction and happiness resulting in response artifacts and in a serious threat to the validity of self-reported data. This paper explores social desirability bias in self-reported subjective well-being, controlling for several socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, education, marital/relationship status and employment status. This is in order to test whether social desirability has incremental validity in predicting some well-being measures. Three different facets of well-being are proposed which deal with subjective happiness, general life satisfaction, and gratitude and loneliness, respectively regarded as a positive and negative emotional response. Through a web-based survey a convenience sample of 170 participants completed an online questionnaire including measures of social desirability, subjective happiness, life satisfaction, gratitude and loneliness. Correlation analyses and two-step hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. All well-being measures show modest significant correlations with social desirability ranging from . 235 to . 309, except subjective happiness. Social desirability accounted for from about 3% to 6% of the variance of these measures, after controlling for socio-demographic variables. Social desirability seems thus to play little role in well-being self-report measures, as revealed by previous studies. Some limitations are discussed, as well as issues about social desirability bias in online investigation.
A novel CYP1A1 gene polymorphism and the risk of head and neck cancer in Pakistani population

Several polymorphisms in the CYP1A1 locus have been identified and their genotypes appear to exhibit population frequencies that depend on ethnicity. In this study, we assessed the role of CYP1A1 genotype in 388 head and neck cancer patients in Pakistani population via a case-control study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single stranded conformational polymorphism assays were used. Most of the patients (51%) enrolled for the study, were from the age group of 40 to 60 years (±16.59). Mean age of the cancer patients involved in the study was 48 ± 16.59 years. Statistical analysis has shown that, tobacco users have more chances of head and neck cancer (P 0.05). Jobless persons are more prone to head and neck cancer (P < 0.01) compared with employers and housewives. After the genetic analysis, it was found that no already reported variants of CYP1A1 gene were found in Pakistani population. A novel mutation in CYP1A1 gene at exon 2 in 21 patients (P < 0.001, Odd Ratio (OR) = 9.4 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3 to 70.8) has been found with a serine formation instead of tyrosine at amino acid 110. The patients showing this mutation have the mean age of 51.75 (±15.7). Therefore, mutation in CYP1A1 gene may be one of several factors that increase the chance of developing head and neck cancer. Key words: Cytochrome P450 1A1 gene (CYP1A1), head and neck cancer (HNC), mutation, novel polymorphism, Pakistani population.
Framing human dignity through domination and submission? Negotiating borders and loyalties (of power) in the New Testament

Networks of power characterised by domination and submission in a hierarchically and imperially inscribed context constituted the original context of the New Testament documents. This article in the first instance explores the extent to which domination and submission generated or contributed to specific loyalties as well as borders in NT texts. Secondly, the impact and lasting influence of fixed patterns of domination and submission on rhetorical, ideological and theological levels are considered – in connection with the extent to which NT documents interacted with and counteracted against such loyalties and possible border-crossings are eva-luated. Finally, strategies are suggested for using texts born from domination and submission, as normative scriptures in discussions of human dignity.
Investigating the Effect of the Training Program on Raters’ Oral Performance Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Study on Raters’ Think-Aloud Verbal Protocols

Although the use of verbal protocols is growing in oral assessment, research on the use of raters’ verbal protocols is rather rare. Moreover, those few studies did not use a mixed-methods design. Therefore, this study investigated the possible impacts of rater training on novice and experienced raters’ application of a specified set of standards in rating. To meet this objective, the study made use of verbal protocols produced by 20 raters who scored 300 test takers’ oral performances and analyzed the data both qualitatively and quantitatively. The outcomes demonstrated that through applying the training program, the raters were able to concentrate more on linguistic, discourse, and phonological features; therefore, the extent of their agreement increased specifically among the inexperienced raters. The analysis of verbal protocols also revealed that training how to apply a well-defined rating scale can foster its use for raters both validly and reliably. Various groups of raters approach the task of rating in different ways, which cannot be explored through pure statistical analysis. Thus, think-aloud verbal protocols can shed light on the vague sides of the issue and add to the validity of oral language assessment. Moreover, since the results of this study showed that inexperienced raters can produce protocols of higher quality and quantity in the use of macro and micro strategies to evaluate test takers’ performances, there is no evidence based on which decision makers should exclude inexperienced raters solely because of their lack of adequate experience.
The timescale of low-mass proto-helium white dwarf evolution

Context. A large number of low-mass (<∼0.20 M ) helium white dwarfs (He WDs) have recently been discovered. The majority of these are orbiting another WD or a millisecond pulsar (MSP) in a close binary system; a few examples are found to show pulsations or to have a main-sequence star companion. There appear to be discrepancies between the current theoretical modelling of such lowmass He WDs and a number of key observed cases, indicating that their formation scenario yet remains to be fully understood. Aims. Here we investigate the formation of detached proto-He WDs in close-orbit low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). Our prime focus is to examine the thermal evolution and the contraction phase towards the WD cooling track and investigate how this evolution depends on the WD mass. Our calculations are then compared to the most recent observational data. Methods. Numerical calculations with a detailed stellar evolution code were used to trace the mass-transfer phase in a large number of close-orbit LMXBs with different initial values of donor star mass, neutron star mass, orbital period, and strength of magnetic braking. Subsequently, we followed the evolution of the detached low-mass proto-He WDs, including stages with residual shell hydrogen burning and vigorous flashes caused by unstable CNO burning. Results. We find that the time between Roche-lobe detachment until the low-mass proto-He WD reaches the WD cooling track is typically Δtproto = 0.5−2 Gyr, depending systematically on the WD mass and therefore on its luminosity. The lowest WD mass for developing shell flashes is ∼0.21 M for progenitor stars of mass M2 ≤ 1.5 M (and ∼0.18 M for M2 = 1.6 M ). Conclusions. The long timescale of low-mass proto-He WD evolution can explain a number of recent observations, including some MSP systems hosting He WD companions with very low surface gravities and high effective temperatures. We find no evidence for Δtproto to depend on the occurrence of flashes and thus question the suggested dichotomy in thermal evolution of proto-WDs.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROPULSIVE FORCE IN BREASTSTROKE AND SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF ELITE ADOLESCENT MALE SWIMMERS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anthropometric variables on propulsive force of swimmers. Since it was not possible to purchase and implement an MAD 1 machine in Iran, an indirect method of determining active drag (IMAD) was used. The population consists of 30 adolescent male swimmers aged11-14 years old who were selected as samples - due to low quantity, the population could not be larger. Over the last year, swimmers have been training three times a week on average and they are members of Qazvin selected team. The longitudinal, latitudinal, environmental and body composition anthropometric variables were measured which included: standing and sitting height, length of two open hands, arm length, forearm length, length of palms, thigh length, shin length, foot’s length, shoulder and hip width, diameter of wrist, ankle, elbow, knee, arm size in rest, arm size in contraction mood, thigh size at rest, thigh size in contraction mood, size of chest, waist, hip, head, weight, lean mass and weight of fat mass. The results indicated that except sitting height, length of arm, forearm, palms, hip, ankle and knee width and fat mass weight, remaining anthropometric variables had a meaningful relation with propulsion. According to the results of the research, the best Breaststroke Swimmers are the ones who are mesomorph, and relatively have high weight and lean mass, their shoulder and hip are wider than other swimmers. In addition, they are tall, and their hand, shin and foot are long. These parameters are important in propulsive force in breaststroke swimming.
The effect of amount oxidizing agent and reaction time on the properties of hydroxyl terminated epoxidized natural rubber (htenr) via oxidative degradation

Hydroxyl terminated epoxidised natural rubber (HTENR) was synthesised via oxidative degradation method to produce a low molecular weight rubber. Epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) was depolymerised via chemical degradation method using cobalt (II) acetylacetonate (CAA) as the oxidising agent, followed by a treatment with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent to introduce hydroxyl (OH) functional group at both chain ends. The reaction times and the amount of oxidising agent tested were varied from one, three, five and twenty hours and 1to 5 wt% of CAA to obtain the low molecular weight of HTENR. The molecular weight of HTENR was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The lowest molecular weight of HTENR was achieved at 3 wt% of CAA after 5 h of reaction time at 60 °C where average number (Mn)and average weight (Mw) were 34,000 g/mol and 62,000 g/mol FTIR analysis confirmed that HTENR contained OH groupwith the appearance of a broad peak around 3,200 - 3,600 cm-1 after the reaction. The presence of OH endgroups was verified by NMR analysis with the appearance of two peaks at 3.38 ppm and 3.88 ppm, corresponding to methylene proton adjacent to hydroxyl group in HOCH2CH2CH2 and methane proton adjacent to OH group in CH2CH2CH(OH)CH3.
Visit larger displays but probe proportionally fewer flowers: counterintuitive behaviour of nectar-collecting bumble bees achieves an ideal free distribution

Summary 1. Patterns of pollinator responses to variation in floral display size have significance for pollen flow among plants. Here we test a theoretical model for explaining such patterns by simultaneously assessing bumble bee behaviour and nectar availability in two native stands of Cirsium purpuratum with different spatial densities. 2. A bumble bee ( Bombus diversus ) foraging on a plant remembered and avoided only one or two flower heads that it had probed before, so that the flower-head revisitation rate increased as it stayed longer on a plant. Moreover, the revisitation rate increased less rapidly on larger displays. 3. The number of heads probed per plant increased less than proportionally with display size, and this increase was smaller at higher plant density. This pattern is consistent with our expectation that a bee leaves a plant when the cost of flower-head revisitation exceeds that of interplant movement. However, bees left plants slightly earlier than predicted. 4. As predicted, the visitation rate of bees per plant showed a decelerated increase with floral display size, and this increase was greater at higher plant density. 5. As a result of these complementary changes in the number of heads probed per plant and visitation rate per plant across plant densities, nectar rewards per head were equalized among displays (an ideal free distribution was achieved).
Applicability of the real-time PCR assay in the amplification of cyanobacterial DNA from preserved samples

Applic ability of the real-time PCR assay in the amplification of cyanobacterial DNA from preserved samples The study and monitoring of cyanobacterial blooms often involves the use of preserved samples to avoid cellular degradation. However, preserved samples may not be suitable for molecular biology studies because preservation methods can interfere with DNA quality/quantity. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis (qPCR) has been widely applied in molecular analysis and is considered a promising method for monitoring purposes. This study intended to evaluate the applicability of the real-time qPCR technique in samples that were subjected to different methods of preservation: (1) 15% Lugol’s iodine solution (2) 4% formaldehyde and (3) 25% glutaraldehyde. The ability to amplify and quantify DNA extracted from Planktothrix agardhii was assessed using the rpoC1 gene as the target fragment in both raw water samples and in vitro cultures. No reliable DNA amplification was obtained from glutaraldehyde-preserved samples. Successful amplification was obtained from Lugol’s and formaldehyde-preserved samples. In this case, however, the quantification that was achieved by real-time PCR cannot be used to infer cell numbers, because the Ct values that were obtained from the Lugol’s and formaldehydepreserved samples were significantly higher than the Ct values that were obtained from the unpreserved samples. Therefore real-time PCR can be used for the detection and identification of cyanobacteria in preserved samples but no reliable cell quantification can be performed using this method.
The Effects of Permanent Technology Shocks on Labor Productivity and Hours in the RBC Model

Recent work on the effects of permanent technology shocks argue that the basic RBC model cannot account for a negative correlation between hours worked and labour productivity. In this Paper, I show that this conjecture is not necessarily correct. In the basic RBC model, I find that hours worked fall and labour productivity rises after a positive permanent technology shock once one allows for the possibility that the process for the permanent technology shock is persistent in growth rates. A more serious limitation of the RBC model is its inability to generate a persistent rise in hours worked after a positive permanent technology shock along with a rise in labour productivity that are in line with what the data suggests.
Characterization and Structural Identification of an 11S Globulin of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. Kernel from the Changbai Mountains in China

KEYWORD: Juglans mandshurica Maxim. ; Walnut; 11S globulin; purification; structural characterization ABSTRACT: The major seed storage protein 11S globulin from Juglans mandshurica Maxim. (JSG) was isolated and purified to identify its structure and analyze its physicochemical properties. JSG was found to be composed of two distinct major polypeptides with molecular masses of ~23 and ~20 kDa, and whose amino acid sequences are highly similar to those of the 11S globulin from J. regia in the NCBI database. JSG contains essential amino acids that correspond to the adult standard recommended by FAO/WTO. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a single endothermic peak with a denaturation temperature of 96.83 °C and an enthalpy value of 12.07 J/g. The secondary structure of the JSG consists of β-sheets (32.83%) and α-helices (11.67%). A red shift was also observed in the fluorescence spectra with guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) or urea as denaturant; GdnHCl was proven to be a stronger denaturant than urea.
Connectedness.. Validation Studies

This investigation reports the development of a measure of adolescent connectedness and estimates of its psychometric properties. A measure was developed to assess the ecological and developmental dimensions of adolescent connectedness, defined as adolescents' caring for and involvement in specific relationships and contexts within their social ecology. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in studies one and two yielded theoretically consistent factor solutions. These models were crossvalidated in studies three and four with three geographically and ethnically diverse adolescent samples totaling 1454 adolescents. The measure of adolescent connectedness demonstrated satisfactory inter-item and test-retest reliability and convergent validity across samples. Consistent with social control and problem-behavior therapy, two higher order factors emerged across all of these samples: conventional vs. unconventional connectedness. These two dimensions of connectedness were found to differentially explain substance use for delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents. Using this ecological assessment, . adolescent connectedness appears to differ as a function of age, sex, and problem-behavior status; varies across relationships and contexts; reflects wither conventional or unconventional behaviors and attitudes; and can explain engagement in risk-taking behaviors. (Contains 62 references and 6 tables.) (Author) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
Literacy Achievement in Small Grade 1 Classes in High-Poverty Environments

We explored the influence of three interventions on the literacy achievement of grade-1 students in 10 schools in high poverty environments: small class size, a focus on literacy, and teachers’ continuing professional development. Despite the short-term nature of the project, the students made noteworthy gains in reading and writing, as measured on test scores. In interviews, teachers, principals, students, and parents described not only the general advantages of small classes, but also the additional benefits accruing from an instructional focus on literacy and from teachers’ continuing professional development. La recherche porte sur l’influence de trois facteurs sur les resultats en alphabetisation d’eleves de premiere annee dans dix ecoles de quartiers defavorises : petite classe, accent sur l’alphabetisation et perfectionnement professionnel des enseignants. En depit de la courte duree du projet, les eleves ont fait des progres remarquables en lecture et en ecriture, comme en temoignent les notes obtenues. Au cours d’entrevues, les enseignants, les directeurs d’ecole, les eleves et les parents ont decrit non seulement les avantages lies aux petites classes, mais aussi les bienfaits derives de l’accent mis sur l’alphabetisation et de la formation professionnelle continue des enseignants.
The effect of floating covers on gas emissions from liquid pig manure

Livestock manure is the source of different pollutant gases that can generate soil acidification, eutrophication, and contribute to global warming, or have a negative impact on health. Covers can control gas emissions from manure, but their impact is still under discussion. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of different covers on methane (CH4), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from liquid pig manure. Six types of floating covers were tested: light expanded clay aggregate (leca), peat, sunflower oil, sawdust, straw, and plastic film. Manure was stored at 5, 15, and 25 °C for 37 d. Gas emissions were measured from the headspaces of the dynamic chambers. The results of our study showed that both cover and temperature have a noticeable impact on gas emissions from liquid pig manure. The plastic film cover was the most efficient at all tested temperatures because it reduced emissions of all the measured gases. In this case, mean emission reductions were: CH4 91.5% (P < 0.01), NO 92.0% (P < 0.05), H2S 78.1% (P < 0.05), NH3 54.7% (P < 0.01), CO 98.4% (P < 0.01), and CO2 67.1% (P < 0.01). Other covers had an inconsistent impact on separate gas emissions. However, covers generally helped to decrease NH3, H2S, and CO2 emissions.
Dicyandiamide (DCD) reduces nitrate losses from Irish soils

Nitrate leaching is a concern for both environmental and public health reasons. Because of this European farmers are being increasingly regulated to reduce nitrate losses. Dicyandiamide (DCD) has been shown to reduce nitrate losses from grazed pastures in New Zealand, and could potentially be used to satisfy European regulations. In this trial DCD was applied in autumn to urine-treated lysimeters in Ireland and leachate was collected for 12 months following urine application. DCD reduced peak nitrate concentrations by up to 55 %, and reduced total annual nitrate losses by up to 45 %. These results confirm that DCD application has the potential to be a useful tool for Irish farmers to satisfy their environmental obligations.
An experimental study on influence of aesthetic interface in B2C: E-retail website concerning first impression and behavioral intention

This study focused on exploring users’ attributed affect, cognitive process and behavior on high aesthetic website interface which had been overlooked in B2C E-retail researches. Basing on literature review of Munsell’s color harmony formula and Golden Section theory, this experiment conducted a 2×2 factorial design, in which there were two independent variables of aesthetical interface – layout balance (Golden Section layout vs. Symmetrical balance layout) and color harmony (color harmony vs. color disharmony), to investigate individual effect on three dependent variables, customers’ perceived attractiveness, emotions and behavioral intention to use. During the experiment, through respondent-driven sampling technique, 150 Chinese participants made assessment on emotional reflection and users’ behavioral intention of target website, and then gave responses to seven questions about its aesthetic quality. Ultimately, the results indicated that only the presence of layout balance significantly impacted on users’ emotion, whereas the presence of color harmony had no significant influence on three dependent variables. Due to the results of this study are inconsistent with previous studies, further researches should continuously devote to author’s research direction. Additionally, with respect to designing E-retail websites, the results suggested that website designer should adopt Golden Section layout rather than symmetrical balance layout. Besides that if E-retail websites are consisted of abound colorful images, designers should pay more attention on the structure rather than color scheme of interface frame.