Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
British Muslims’ discourse of belonging and conflict

According to the 2011 UK Census, Muslims form the second largest religious community in Britain. The relationship of this community to British society more generally has come under much scrutiny. The current study focused on British Muslim’s constructions of belonging and conflict towards Britain. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using discourse analysis. Findings suggested that for these participants second generation Muslims were more likely to construct themselves as belonging to Britain than first-generation Muslims, who show more attachments to their own culture and religion. Both generations produced rationalizations in order to negotiate their sense of belonging to British society and /or other culture. Moreover, their discourse was constructed in such a way that it fulfilled the function of protecting both generations from issues of accountability in social interactions.
Planing and Turning Characteristics of Gmelina arborea Grown in Two Ecological Zones in Ghana

Gmelina arborea grown in Ghana has not been promoted for its efficient use by the wood industry due to the limited technical information available and is therefore classified as a lesser-used timber species. This paper presents research findings on the planning and turning properties of Gmelina arborea cultivated in two ecological zones in Ghana. Samples of logs from six trees of the species were obtained from Daboase and Abofour in the Wet Evergreen and Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest zones of Ghana. These were crosscut into top, middle and butt sections using a chainsaw. An LT 15 Wood-Mizer bandsaw was used to saw each log into 2.6 cm-thick boards; these were then stacked for air drying. Planning and turning tests were conducted following the American Society for Testing and Materials International D1666-87-2004 method to determine the machining characteristics of Original Research Article Mitchual et al.; AIR, 14(2): 1-11, 2018; Article no.AIR. 39024 2 the wood. The results of the study indicate that Gmelina arborea is a medium-density species and that irrespective of where it is grown, the best planing performance is obtained at a feed speed of 6 m/min using a cutting angle of 30°. The results also indicate that the turning characteristics of Gmelina arborea obtained from the two ecological zones were best at spindle speeds of 1850 rpm and 2500 rpm. At the 5% level of significance, the spindle speed and the interaction between location and spindle speed, tree section and spindle speed and location, tree section and spindle speed had a significant effect on the surface quality of the turned specimen. It is therefore found that Gmelina arborea cultivated in Ghana has good planing and turning characteristics.
English language teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs for grammar instruction: implications for teacher educators

ABSTRACT It is increasingly recognised that language teachers’ self-efficacy (LTSE) beliefs, i.e. their beliefs in their abilities to fulfil specific language teaching-related tasks that support learning, play a crucial role in filtering the way that their knowledge is transformed into action. Nevertheless, despite their importance, these beliefs remain under-researched in specific domains of language teachers’ work, including grammar instruction. Set in a Turkish university foundation programme context, this study addressed the gap, drawing on research instruments that elicited LTSE beliefs for grammar instruction, together with self-reported classroom practices and self-perceived language proficiency, while grammatical awareness was assessed. Factor analysis led to the identification of three different types of grammar teachers. Calibrating individuals onto the three factors and making use of qualitative data helped the researchers to identify positive relationships between higher LTSE beliefs, greater levels of grammatical awareness and self-reported, discovery learning, grammar instruction practices in some teachers. Implications for in-service language teacher education are discussed.
Teachers' Perceptions of the Need for Assistive Technology Training in Newfoundland and Labrador's Rural Schools.

This study examined the perceptions of teachers in rural Newfoundland (NL) about their current ability to support the use of assistive technology (AT) in their classrooms, and identified possible training needs that could be accomplished remotely. Thirty-two educators from rural areas of NL completed an online survey with a mix of closed- and open-ended questions. Five dimensions were explored for this needs assessment including: current beliefs, skills, use, comfort level, and perceptions of AT; identification of specific service needs; learning preferences; available technology; and potential barriers. Results reveal that teachers had positive attitudes about the utility and use of AT in their classrooms, yet were not fully implementing AT with their student’s due to a variety of perceived barriers. The study identified a clear need for AT teacher training. Based on the results and the research, literature recommendations are made for teacher training to address the need identified by this study.
Keyphrase extraction: from distributional feature engineering to distributed semantic composition

Keyphrases of a document provide high-level descriptions of the content, which summarise the core topics, concepts, ideas or arguments of the document. These descriptive phrases enable algorithms to retrieve relevant information more quickly and effectively, which play an important role in many areas of document processing, such as document indexing, classification, clustering and summarisation. However, most documents lack keyphrases provided by the authors, and manually identifying keyphrases for large collections of documents is infeasible. At present, solutions for automatic keyphrase extraction mainly rely on manually selected features, such as frequencies and relative occurrence positions. However, such solutions are dataset-dependent, which often need to be purposely modified to work for documents of different length, discourse modes, and disciplines. This is due to the fact that the performance of such algorithms heavily relies on the selections of features, which turns the development of automatic keyphrase extraction algorithms into a timeconsuming and labour-intensive exercise. Moreover, most of these solutions can only extract tokens explicitly appearing in documents as keyphrases, thus they are incapable of capturing the semantic meanings of keyphrases and documents. This research aims to develop a keyphrase extraction approach that automatically learns features of phrases and documents via deep neural networks, which not only eliminates the effort of feature engineering, but also encodes the semantics of phrases and documents in the features. The learnt features become representations of phrases and documents, which enhance the robustness and adaptability of the learning algorithm on different datasets. Specifically, this thesis addresses three issues: 1) the lack of understanding the meanings of documents and phrases inhibits the performance of the existing algorithms; 2) the feature engineering process turns the development of keyphrase extraction algorithms into a time-consuming, potentially biased, and empirical exercise; and 3) using public semantic knowledge bases such as WordNet to obtain additional semantics is practically difficult because they supply limit vocabularies and insufficient domain-specific knowledge. In this thesis, we firstly carry out a systematic study on investigating the application of combining distributional features that measuring the occurrence patterns, and distributed word representations that supply additional semantic knowledge. We then develop a series of models to learn the representations of phrases and documents that enable classifiers to ‘understand’ the semantic meanings of them. We demonstrate that the models developed in this thesis provide effective tools for learning general representations and capturing the meanings of phrases and documents through similarity and classification tests. The learnt representations enable classifiers to efficiently identify keyphrases of documents, without using any manually selected features.
Psychometric properties of the human system audit-transformational leadership short scale in Germany and Philippines: A cross-cultural study

The aims of this research are to analyze the psychometric properties of the Philippine (N = 308) and German (N = 200) version of the Human System Audit transformational leadership short-scale (HSA-TFL short-scale) and to identify whether transformational profiles are similar or different in both countries. In todays’ globalized environment, the number of multinational organizations increases and trade relations between countries become straighter. This intensifies the companies’ need for short leadership instruments that are scientifically designed, reliable and quick to apply. We analyzed factor structure, convergent and criterion validity, as well as transformational profiles for Germany and the Philippines, both important economies in their regional economic blocks that experienced a considerable growth of their bilateral relations. Results indicate that the HSA-TFL short-scale is a reliable instrument (Philippines: α = .90; Germany: α = .91) with a one-factor structure for the Philippine (RMSEA = .08, CFI = .88) and the Germany version (RMSEA = .06, CFI = .89) showing convergent validity for both countries. Criterion validity was different in both countries and sensible to the cultural context. The transformational profiles, using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X), showed differences for both countries. This research provides empirical evidence for the validity and usefulness of the HSA-TFL short-scale.
The Importance of Using Manipulatives in Teaching Math Today

This paper explores the research and use of mathematics manipulatives in the teaching of mathematics today during an age of technology and standardized testing. It looks at the drawbacks and cautions educators as they use math manipulatives in their instruction. It also explores some cognitive concerns as a teacher goes about teaching with math manipulatives. The paper shares many commonly used math manipulatives used in today’s classrooms and matches them up to some of the Common Core Math Standards that are taught today in classrooms in the USA and around the world.
Minecraft as a learning and teaching tool : designing integrated game experiences for formal and informal learning activities

Research has shown the educational benefits of using the video game Minecraft in areas such as sciences and educational purposes as a teaching tool to transfer knowledge. Most studies, however, address the issue from an external perspective, rather than a student-centred perspective by evaluation from the researchers’ or teachers’ perspectives. This leads to a gap of data from the participants’ perspective and its usage in education. Those studies discuss how Minecraft is used as a simple teaching tool by filling it with content. Likewise, little research has studied in detail about the pedagogical designs of the virtual learning environments, or the design of the content within the game. This study aims at examining how the chosen content design and playability of the online learning environments influence the formal and informal learning outcome of a student in Minecraft. It looks at challenges faced by teachers and students by using those designs as a tool for transferring knowledge and how those challenges are dealt with during the study. In addition, the “Steinbeiß-Ruotsalainen Model for Formal, Non-Formal and Informal Learning with Minecraft” will be introduced and validated. In order to do so, a design-based research project was carried out, including six face-to-face interventions. 16 students participated in those interventions and had the opportunity to access to the online content 24 hours a day over a time period of three months. The presented data was collected through observations, video data, interviews and a survey. Based on the results of the study, the research showed that gamified designed learning environments in Minecraft benefit informal and formal learning experiences. It was observed that the designed reward-based learning environments can function as a motivational tool during the formal and informal learning phases. The introduced “teacher as an online facilitator” can support the learning outcome during formal and informal learning phases in Minecraft. It was concluded that spatially divided designs for learning environments can benefit formal learning, and that designing a learning environment by simply providing content can benefit informal learning. Designs facilitating an online society in Minecraft can create opportunities to establish social connections, and self-regulated learning benefits the learning outcome. It was observed that children need time to adapt to newly designed learning environments in Minecraft, and those with previous gaming experience do not necessarily benefit more than others. Clear rules on the Minecraft-server are needed to be implemented in order to maintain a successful learning environment. By linking theory and research results it was concluded that the “Steinbeiß-Ruotsalainen Model” can be used as a cornerstone for designing educational content in the game and for further research attempts in Minecraft based on design-based research.
Semesters or Quarters? The Effect of the Academic Calendar on Postsecondary Student Outcomes

There exists a long-standing debate in higher education on which academic calendar is optimal. Using panel data on the near universe of four-year nonprofit institutions and leveraging quasi-experimental variation in calendars across institutions and years, we show that switching from quarters to semesters negatively impacts on-time graduation rates. Event study analyses show that the negative effects persist beyond the transition. Using transcript data, we replicate this analysis at the student level and investigate possible mechanisms. Shifting to a semester: (i) lowers first-year grades, (ii) decreases the probability of enrolling in a full course load, and (iii) delays the timing of major choice. (JEL I23, I28)
Observed learning outcomes of integrated communication training in science education: skills and subject matter understanding

ABSTRACT In this paper we explore how different ways of training communication skills can be successfully implemented in higher education, and which effects these activities may have on science students’ learning. Using content analysis, we studied a material consisting of 34 reports, written by 70 academic science teachers, as part of a teacher-training course on communication in science higher education. In the course, the teachers developed and implemented communication tasks into their content courses, and analysed and reported on the observed learning outcomes. The tasks covered both written and oral communication addressing different audiences, inside as well as outside of academia. We found that integrating different ways of communication training in science courses entailed improved skills in sharing and discussing science information, and in addition, increased subject understanding. Thus, we conclude that the integration of communication training may effectively support students’ science learning in higher education.
Circulating levels of oxytocin may be elevated in complicated grief: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Complicated grief (CG) is a debilitating syndrome characterized by persisting and intense distress and impairment after the death of a loved one. The biological mechanisms associated with this syndrome remain unclear but may involve neurobiological pathways implicated in the stress response and attachment systems. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been implicated in attachment and social behaviour, and loss of social bonds has been associated with disruptions in oxytocin signalling. Furthermore, prior research has reported associations between circulating oxytocin and other mental illnesses, including depression. The present pilot study aimed to examine plasma levels of oxytocin in bereaved adults with primary CG (n = 47) compared to age- and sex-matched bereaved individuals with primary Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (n = 46), and bereaved individuals without any mental disorder (n = 46). In unadjusted analyses comparing groups according to primary diagnosis, oxytocin levels were significantly higher for primary CG compared to primary MDD (p = 0.013), but not compared to bereaved controls (p = 0.069). In adjusted regression models, having a primary or probable (Inventory of Complicated Grief ≥ 30) diagnosis of CG was associated with significantly higher oxytocin levels (p = 0.001). While additional research is needed, findings from our pilot study provide preliminary support for recent conceptualizations of CG implicating a role for oxytocin and the attachment system. Importantly, these findings contribute to the limited current knowledge about possible biological correlates of CG. HIGHLIGHTS • Compared to age- and sex- matched bereaved individuals with primary Major Depressive Disorders, individuals with primary Complicated Grief exhibited significantly higher circulating oxytocin levels. • Having a primary diagnosis of Complicated Grief or scoring above the threshold for probable Complicated Grief may be associated with elevated oxytocin levels. • Oxytocin and the attachment system may be implicated in the pathophysiology of Complicated Grief.
Reliability and Maintenance of Structures under Severe Uncertainty

Maintenance of structures and infrastructures is of increasing importance in order to reach acceptable level of safety despite the unavoidable uncertainty, and the economic efforts have to be reasonable. These two goals represent competing objectives in an overall optimization of very complex system and structure, which involve significant uncertainties. In fact, all civil engineering structures and engineering systems are subjected to degradation by fatigue cracks and corrosion due to varying loads. When the cracks propagate or corrosion grows, the structural system accumulates damage thereby leading to serviceability loss and eventual collapse. These failures can be prevented by appropriate maintenance scheduling and repair, even in the presence of uncertainties of various nature and scale, leading to a reduction in fluctuations and changes of structural and environmental parameters and conditions in the models describing the processes involved in fatigue cracks and corrosion growth. Degradation models used to predict the future state of components often involve simplifications and assumptions to compensate a lack of data, imprecision and vagueness, which cannot be ignored. To overcome these issues, the imprecise probabilities framework and markovian approach are proposed for performing reliability analysis, decision-making, and risk-based design and maintenance. It is shown how these approaches can improve the current practise based on models: B31G, Modified B31G, DNV-101 and Shell-92 failure pressure models. The reliability assessment is performed by taking into account the simultaneous action of many natural and technological loads. These loads are random by nature and can be adequately described only by stochastic processes; which are not performed due to lack of valid calculation methods. This methodology has been applied to study the reliability of arctic pipeline infrastructure. Finally, a robust and efficient probabilistic framework for optimal inspection and maintenance schedule selection for corroded pipelines and fatigue cracks in bridges is presented. Optimal solution is obtained through only one reliability assessment removing huge computational cost of the reliability-base optimization approach and making the analysis of industrial size problem feasible.
The impact of public service motivation on fundraising - The emotional charity marketing flaw

Many academics criticize charity appeals that focus on negative emotions to drive donations. With UK citizens being statistically more likely to donate to save a dog's life over a refugee’s life, understanding how emotions impact charitable giving may help non-profits match their marketing appeals to motivations of the donor. Consequently, this study examines the underlying motivations of individuals through public service motivation theory and investigates if it leads to donations when beneficiaries are dogs or refugees. Furthermore, we draw upon positive emotions to see if they influence the relation between motivation and donations. Using a vignette web-based survey, 328 respondents had the option to spend money on a dog rescue charity, a Syrian refugee charity or decide to withhold donations entirely. The study found a positive relation between public service motivation and monetary giving. However, the relations differed when individual public service motivation dimensions were taken into account across the two beneficiaries. When positive emotions were included in the moderation tests, results were contrary to what was expected. These findings suggest non-profit marketers target audiences with high levels of public service motivation, but that positive emotions may not be effective in generating donations.
Influence of the semantic structure of word problems on second graders' eye movements.

This study used the technique of eye-movement registration to examine the influence of the semantic structure of one-step addition and subtraction word problems (simple vs. complex) on the eye-fixation patterns of 10 high-ability and 10 low-ability second graders. We investigated the effects of the factors semantic complexity and ability level on response time and on the amount and proportion of fixation time spent on words and on numbers in the problem. For a subgroup of 10 children, we analyzed the data for two substages separately: an initial systematic reading phase and the rest of the solution process
Stereotype Threat and STEM Self-Perceptions of Saudi College Women

2 Introduction . 4 Overview of Gender Stereotypes . 6 Academic Effects of Female Stereotypes in STEM Domains . 8 Women’s Academic Self-Concept in STEM . 10 Women’s Academic Self-Efficacy in STEM . 12 Women’s Academic Resilience in STEM . 14 Stereotype Threat . 16 Women and Females Stereotypes in Saudi Arabia . 22 Women in Saudi Arabian Culture . 22 Saudi Arabian Women in Education . 26 Saudi Women in STEM Fields . 29 Gender-Mixing in Saudi University.34 Hypotheses . 37 Methods.41 Research Design.41 Participants and Procedures . 42 Measures . 45 Independent Variables . 45 Dependent Variables . 47 Data Analysis . 49 Results . 50 Discussion . 62 Limitations and Future Directions . 73 Challenges and Suggestions for Stereotype Threat Research . 74 Conclusion . 76 References . 78 Appendices . 95 Appendix A: Research Script.95 Appendix B: The Information Sheet for Participation in the Study . 97 Appendix C: The Study Debriefing . 98 Appendix D: The Full Research Surveys.99 Appendix E: Correlation Matrix . 107