Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Classroom Environment and EFL Learners' Academic Self-Efficacy

The present study sought to examine the relationship between classroom environment and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' academic self-efficacy. To this end, a sample of 200 advanced EFL learners (146 females and 54 males) completed the What is Happening In This Class ? (WIHIC) which consists of seven scales including Student Cohesiveness, Teacher Support, Involvement, Investigation, Task Orientation, Cooperation, and Equity that help to measure classroom learning environment. The Self-Efficacy for Learning Form (SELF-A) was also administered to gauge the participants’ academic self-efficacy. In order to analyze the data, Spearman rank-order correlation was run. The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between EFL learners’ classroom environment and their self-efficacy (rho = .438). The findings reflected that the highest relationship was between task orientation and self-efficacy (rho = .433) followed by the relationship between student cohesiveness and self-efficacy (rho = .353). However, the lowest relationship was found for the relationship between cooperation and self-efficacy (rho = .199). Overall, the results highlight the relationship between classroom environment and academic self-efficacy.
SUN REGULATES FRUIT SHAPE AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH IN TOMATO

The SUN gene, located on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) chromosome 7, controls elongated fruit shape. The extremely elongated fruit shape and lack of seeds when SUN is overexpressed resemble the parthenocarpic fruits caused by auxin overproduction. To better understand its role in regulating plant growth, we studied the effects of SUN on vegetative plant parts using Near Isogenic lines (NILs) that differ at sun locus and SUN overexpressing lines in both wild tomato S. pimpinellifolium accession LA1589 and cultivated tomato Sun1642. Our results show that, in addition to fruit shape, SUN also underlies morphological variations in cotyledon, leavf and vascular structure as well as non-fixed directional twisting of stem and leaf rachis. Moreover, overexpression of SUN leads to a magnified effect of this gene on plant morphology. SUN overexpressors also display reduced rhizogenesis in response to exogenous auxin. The observed phenotypes suggest that SUN may play roles in auxin response and/or transport.
Properties of pullulanase debranched cassava starch and type-III resistant starch.

The objective of this study was to produce type-III resistant starch (RS-III) by the pullulanase reaction. A 10% (dry weight) cassava starch suspension adjusted to either pH 5.0 or 5.5 was gelatinized at 120°C for 30 min. Pullulanase of 3%, 5% and 10% (v/w) of starch weight was added to debranch the starch and placed in a water bath of 50°C for hydrolysis periods of 2 to 24 h. The resulting starch was retrograded by a cooling of 4°C and dried by hot air at 40°C. The starch products were determined for reducing sugars, amylose, RS-III, and for in vitro starch digestibility, as well as changes in the structural properties. The results showed that the reducing sugars obtained with any treatments tended to increase with the length of the reaction time. The starches treated at pH 5.0 or pH 5.5 and hydrolyzed with 5% pullulanase for 8 h had significantly higher reducing sugars of 1.57±0.1 and 3.43±1.2 g/100g, respectively, than the initial content (0.62±0.0 g/100g) and showed more effect than the 3% pullulanase. At pH 5.0, the starches hydrolyzed with 3 and 5% pullulanase for 8 h gave a higher amylose content than those treated at pH 5.5. An acidity effect of pH 5.0 related to the content of RS-III formed over the reaction time of 8 h, showing a high value of 12.8±1.3 and 17.4±1.5 g/100g for the 3% and 5% pullulanase, respectively. When the starch was reacted with 10% pullulanase for 8, 16 and 24 h, a significant increase in the RS-III from the gelatinized cassava starch (9.2 ± 0.0 g/100g) resulted with a value of 41.2±3.5, 45.8±2.5 and 42.5±1.3 g/100g, respectively. This result also related to the in vitro starch digestibility of the RS-III samples being about 20 to 30 % slower than the starting starch after 90 min of amylase digestion. Finally, the structural changes to the type-B crystallites via type-C and a mixture of the Vtype, as well as the scanning electron micrographs of the RS-III could confirm its property of slow enzymatic digestion. Thus, conditions of pH 5.0, hydrolysis of 10% pullulanase for 24 h and hot air drying were suitable for partially debranching amylopectin of the cassava starch, consequently providing small linear fragments and small clusters of the amylopectin for recrystallization and formation of the RS-III.
A tale of two commons. Some preliminary hypotheses on the long-term development of the commons in Western and Eastern Europe, 11th-19th centuries

In this article, we present our hypotheses regarding the divergence in the development of common-property regimes between Eastern and Western Europe. The latter area developed formalized arrangements for the collective exploitation of natural resources particularly early, and it was chosen not only by farmers, but also in the cities – by craftsmen – to deal with the economic and social problems during the late medieval and early modern times. In the East the development of such institutions for collective action started – we believe – much later, due to a number of factors. Whereas in the West population growth and urbanization occurred together with a speedy commercialization of the economy, putting pressure on natural resources and hence leading to an increasing demand by peasants to formalize the collective use of their land, the peasants east of the Elbe River lacked the agency to demand such change in the governance regime of their land. They were limited in their behaviour by the strictures of the second serfdom, which was accompanied by lesser urbanization and commercialization. In this article, we offer some explanatory frameworks to understand and study this long-term development – or lack thereof – of institutions for collective action across the European continent.
The Changing Epidemiology of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection: The Associated Effects on the Incidence of Ocular Herpes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) with a worldwide distribution has been reported in all human populations, resulting in a clinical spectrum of infections. Although HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is known as the most common cause of genital herpes, an increasing number of cases with genital herpes are caused by HSV-1. The present study aimed to discuss the changes in the epidemiology of HSV-1 infection including the decline in the general incidence of HSV-1 infection in childhood and the increased rate of genital herpes, caused by HSV-1. Moreover, changes in the epidemiology of ocular herpes, i.e., the reduced rate of primary ocular herpes in children and increased incidence of ocular HSV infection in adults, were discussed.
Husbandry practices associated with the presentation of abnormal behaviours in Chilean Creole horses Prácticas de manejo asociadas a la presentación de conductas anormales en caballos Criollo chileno

T Tadicha,b*, JP Smuldersb, O Arayac, CJ Nicold aBecario CONICYT, Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. bInstituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. cInstituto de Ciencias Clínicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. dCentre for Behavioural Biology, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK.
THE EFFECT OF THE 'NORTHSTAR' INTERSTEM ON THE GROWTH, YIELDING AND FRUIT QUALITY OF FIVE SWEET CHERRY CULTIVARS

The experiment was carried out during 1995-2003 on a grey-brown podzolic soil in the Experimental Orchard in Dabrowice (central Poland). The influence of the 'Northstar' interstem on the growth, yielding and fruit quality of five sweet cherry cultivars: 'Burlat', 'Vega', 'Kordia', 'Buttner's Red' and 'Merton Premier' was investigated. Two lengths of the interstem, 50 and 70 cm, were compared. The dwarfing effects of the interstem were compared with the dwarfing effects of the 'P-HL A' rootstock. Trees of each cultivar grafted directly on Prunus avium L. seedlings without the interstem served as the control. It was found that the growth of all the trees with the 'Northstar' interstem was significantly weaker than that of the control trees. The use of the 'Northstar' interstem for sweet cherry trees induced early fruit bearing and increased the yields of all the cultivars except 'Burlat'. The trees of this cultivar grafted on the 'Northstar' interstem had the trunk cross-section area several times smaller than the control, yielded very poorly, produced small fruit and had yellow leaves each year. These results indicate acute symptoms of incompatibility between the 'Northstar' interstem and the cultivar 'Burlat'. However, 'Northstar' proved to be a good interstem for 'Vega', 'Kordia', 'Buttner's Red' and 'Merton Premier'.
Factors Influencing Students’ Selection of a Bank

The paper aims to determine what factors influence students’ choice of bank. Exploratory sample data (N= 100) was taken from students at John & Wales University, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island (All Southern New England). The instrument was comprised of fourteen questions, ten being derived from the related literature: service provision, the proximity of ATM, branch location, card design, students benefit, service charge, financial products, recommendation, security, and online service. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed using convenience sampling; 94 were returned, and among them 89 were deemed valid, yielding a response rate of 89%. This rate was considered sufficient for exploratory survey research, using the self-administered questionnaire approach. Responses were measured using the five-point Likert type scale on importance, which ranged from 1 (“not at all important”) to 5 (“very important”). A rank order of the top three factors are: first, “Secure Feelings” (M = 4.70; SD = 0.412); the second, “Proximity of Branch and ATM Service” (M = 4.67; SD = 0.452); and third “Banks Reputation” (M =4.34; SD = 0.516). Gender differences were not statistically significant, except for proximity of branch and ATM service where females rated higher in importance than males (p < .05).
Assessing Production Efficiency of Dairy Farms in Burdur Province, Turkey

This study finds that a sample of 132 dairy farmers located in Burdur Province, Turkey, are producing at a low level of production efficiency. Efficiency ranges from 24 percent to 94 percent, with the average being 50 percent. Eighty one percent of the variation in output among the sampled farmers is due to differences in their production efficiency. If a farmer with average efficiency improved efficiency to that of the most efficient farmer in the sample, then the average dairy farmer could realize a 47 percent saving in cost. Two statistically significant factors associated with the variation in production efficiency are identified: the type of feeding system used and herd size. Use of extension programs explained little of the variation in production efficiency.
Collision models in quantum optics

Abstract Quantum collision models (CMs) provide advantageous case studies for investigating major issues in open quantum systems theory, and especially quantum non-Markovianity. After reviewing their general definition and distinctive features, we illustrate the emergence of a CM in a familiar quantum optics scenario. This task is carried out by highlighting the close connection between the well-known input-output formalism and CMs. Within this quantum optics framework, usual assumptions in the CMs’ literature - such as considering a bath of noninteracting yet initially correlated ancillas - have a clear physical origin.
Distribution of Xanthine Oxidase in Selected Tissues of a Mouse Model of Menopause

The goal of this study was to investigate the common clinical chemistry and distribution of xanthine oxidase (XO) in selected tissues of a mouse model of menopause. Twenty four NMRI female mice were divided into three groups: normal control (NC), and ovariectomized (OVX) groups and an estrogen-treated ovariectomized (OVX+E) group which received subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate (2 mg/kg). After 8 weeks, blood samples were collected for determining plasma clinical chemistry. Tissue XO activity was measured spectrophotometrically based on monitoring uric acid (UA) formation. Plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (G), and calcium, and enteric XO activity increased in OVX group as compared with NC group. Hepatic XO activity in OVX group declined in comparison with NC group. E2, TP, and G levels and liver and brain XO activities increased in OVX+E group when compared with OVX group. However, TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, UA, and ALB levels decreased in OVX+E group compared with OVX group. The brain and heart XO activities increased in OVX+E group as compared to that of NC group. XO activity was not detected in womb, spleen and stomach of all studied groups. XO activity was not detected in muscles of NC group while OVX and OVX+E groups showed muscle XO activity. Induction of ovariectomy produced a hypoestrogenic state that coincident with an adverse alteration of plasma clinical chemistry in mice. XO activity also changed after ovariectomy and estrogen-replacement therapy with a tissue-specific manner.
Gapless mean-field theory of Bose-Einstein condensates

We present a topical review of the development of finite-temperature field theories of Bose-Einstein condensation in weakly interacting atomic gases. We highlight the difficulties in obtaining a consistent finite-temperature theory that has a gapless excitation spectrum in accordance with Goldstone's theorem and which is free from both ultraviolet and infrared divergences. We present results from the two consistent theories developed so far. These are the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory within the Popov approximation and a many-body T-matrix approach which we have termed gapless-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (GHFB). Comparison with the available experimental results is made and the remaining difficulties are highlighted.
Oceanic and atmospheric forcing of Larsen C Ice-Shelf thinning

Abstract. The catastrophic collapses of Larsen A and B ice shelves on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula have caused their tributary glaciers to accelerate, contributing to sea-level rise and freshening the Antarctic Bottom Water formed nearby. The surface of Larsen C Ice Shelf (LCIS), the largest ice shelf on the peninsula, is lowering. This could be caused by unbalanced ocean melting (ice loss) or enhanced firn melting and compaction (englacial air loss). Using a novel method to analyse eight radar surveys, this study derives separate estimates of ice and air thickness changes during a 15-year period. The uncertainties are considerable, but the primary estimate is that the surveyed lowering (0.066 ± 0.017 m yr−1) is caused by both ice loss (0.28 ± 0.18 m yr−1) and firn-air loss (0.037 ± 0.026 m yr−1). The ice loss is much larger than the air loss, but both contribute approximately equally to the lowering because the ice is floating. The ice loss could be explained by high basal melting and/or ice divergence, and the air loss by low surface accumulation or high surface melting and/or compaction. The primary estimate therefore requires that at least two forcings caused the surveyed lowering. Mechanisms are discussed by which LCIS stability could be compromised in the future. The most rapid pathways to collapse are offered by the ungrounding of LCIS from Bawden Ice Rise or ice-front retreat past a "compressive arch" in strain rates. Recent evidence suggests that either mechanism could pose an imminent risk.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Risky Sexual Behavior Leading to HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Egyptian Substance Abusers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Rapidly growing youth population with changing sexual trend in Egypt raised HIV potential. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding unsafe sexual behavior among Egyptian drug abusers. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 in the Freedom Drugs and HIV Program on 410 drug abusers in Egypt. Included respondents were subanalyzed by gender, age, education, and intravenous drug usage. Results. KAP average scores on safe sexual behavior were low compared to the maximum possible denoting low awareness and action of drug addicts towards avoidance of infection. Respondents with higher education had significantly better knowledge about safe sexual behavior. Significant positive correlation was shown between age and knowledge of safe sexual behavior. Older age groups were predicted to know more about safe sex, while gender; educational level and intravenous drug usage were not. Similarly, females and intravenous drug users were predicted to have higher attitude for safe sex while age and educational level did not. Conclusion. KAP of safe sexual behavior were low among drug addicts in Egypt increasing potential towards infection with STDs including HIV. The more the age and education level, the better the knowledge towards safe sexual behavior.
Impact of selected organizational characteristics on psychological and behavioural outcomes of hotel frontline employees.

This paper explores a model of the effects of empowerment, training, and reward on frontline employees' service recovery performance, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions. Data were collected using questionnaires. The hotel industry was chosen as the platform being surveyed due to the boundary spanning roles of its employees who were underpinned by frequent contacts with customers during their day to day activities. As such, it is most likely that employees, particularly the front-liners, would be individuals who address service failures. Hypotheses were formulated from previous conceptual and empirical studies. In this study, eleven hypotheses were posed to test the inter-linkages between six identified variables. Spearman Correlation was used as the method of analysis, whereby empowerment and training were found to be correlated with service recovery performance, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions. Meanwhile, reward was found to be correlated with only service recovery performance and job satisfaction. Conclusion, limitations and future research direction were also discussed.
The Influence of Stellar Spin on Ignition of Thermonuclear Runaways

Runaway thermonuclear burning of a layer of accumulated fuel on the surface of a compact star provides a brief but intense display of stellar nuclear processes. For neutron stars accreting from a binary companion, these events manifest as thermonuclear (type-I) X-ray bursts, and recur on typical timescales of hours to days. We measured the burst rate as a function of accretion rate, from seven neutron stars with known spin rates, using a burst sample accumulated over several decades. At the highest accretion rates, the burst rate is lower for faster spinning stars. The observations imply that fast (>400 Hz) rotation encourages stabilization of nuclear burning, suggesting a dynamical dependence of nuclear ignition on the spin rate. This dependence is unexpected, because faster rotation entails less shear between the surrounding accretion disk and the star. Large-scale circulation in the fuel layer, leading to enhanced mixing of the burst ashes into the fuel layer, may explain this behavior; further numerical simulations are required to confirm this.
A Combined QFD; AHP and ANP Approach for Quality Improvement and Capacity Expansion in the Greek Banking Sector: Some Preliminary Results

STRUCTURED ABSTRACT Purpose This paper proposes the utilisation of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in order to detect and translate bank customers’ needs into actionable goals for capacity expansion. Specifically, this study aims to identify the selection criteria -“wants” of banks’ customers in Greece. Customers “wants” are also related to key market segments to develop the First House of Quality. Methodology/Approach A specific questionnaire was designed based on a list of selection criteria that was drawn from previous surveys as well as on the professional experience of the authors. Five hundreds forty nine (549) questionnaires were personally administered to customers of major banks in Thessaloniki, Greece. A total of 1770 customers were approached, yielding a response rate of 31%. Findings
An Empirical Exponential Model based on Reflectivity Measurements for Soil Nitrogen Detection

Right amount of nutrients in soil plays an important role in maintaining the health of the plant as well as the soil. In this regard, developing novel ways of soil macronutrient detection has become a must in the present day scenario. Studies based on diffused reflectance for detecting soil nutrients and attributes have taken great strides towards building up more effective systems. These trends have been contributing significantly to precision farming. Reflectance measurements in the near-infrared region have proved to be reliable in terms of measuring various soil attributes like pH, organic matter and soil nutrients. In the current work, a system was designed using an NIR source of 850nm to detect the amount of nitrogen present in soil. It was used to collect the reflectivity of the sample when variable amount of chemical was added which was then correlated to the output voltage. Based on the raw data collected, a mathematical model was developed through statistical analysis. The exponential based model was found to have the best fit with the characteristic data obtained from the sensor when analyzed statistically. The model performance estimated for the optimized combination were R of 0.99 and RMSE of 0.5. Moreover, an algorithm based on this model was tested and validated with a success rate of 90%. Based on the thresholds obtained from experimentation, an Arduino was programmed in order to detect the presence of nitrogen in soil as low, medium and high. The system so designed can be employed as a cost-effective optical sensor for detection of soil nitrogen and can make a significant impact on precision farming.
Analytical Pyrolysis Characteristics of Enzymatic/Mild Acidolysis Lignin (EMAL)

Fast pyrolysis is a promising method that is being investigated for application in the degradation of lignin into phenolic chemicals. In this study, enzymatic/mild acidolysis lignin (EMAL) isolated from eucalyptus (E-EMAL) and wheat straw (W-EMAL) were characterized by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results showed that the compositions and yields of the products were determined by the lignin type and pyrolysis temperature. The identified products from the E-EMAL and W-EMAL pyrolysis mainly included G-phenols such as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and guaiacol, S-phenols such as syringol and 2,6-dimmethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-phenol, and H-phenols such as phenol, 2-methylphenol, and 4-vinylphenol. The overall yield of these phenolics varied with the investigated conditions. The G- and S-phenols were the primary products during the E-EMAL pyrolysis, while more H-phenols were produced during the W-EMAL pyrolysis. A compromise mild pyrolysis temperature of 450 °C to 650 °C resulted in a high phenolics yield, while a temperature greater than 650 °C led to the production of more aromatic hydrocarbons.