Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of virtual reality on EFL writing performance

Today technological developments emerge in a blink of an eye with an astounding speed and each update or development is investigated by educational researchers to contribute educational research and practice. VR (Virtual Reality), one of these technologies, can be defined as the visual technology in which a person experiences various virtual environments through dedicated hardware and software. Having adopted a Sequential Exploratory Mixed Method, the current research was inspired by the virtual opportunity provided by VR technologies and aimed to examine the effect of VR experience on developing EFL writing skills. 24 freshman EFL students initially attended a semi-structured interview and watched a VR and a 2D traditional video in different time periods. After completing a short writing task, learners were interviewed again for post-experience opinions. The results showed that (1) EFL learners were aware of VR technology, (2) VR experience did not affect short term writing performance but was found to be promising in the long run and (3) a majority of learners enjoyed VR videos but also expressed a number of technical limitations such as low video quality and physical discomfort. VR technologies were also discussed in terms of language teaching research.
Capacitor Voltage Natural Balance Multilevel Converter for High Power Applications

Capacitor voltage balance control has attracted increasing attention in the studies of cascaded multilevel converters and modular multilevel converters. This paper proposes a novel multilevel converter topology based on diode clamped halfbridge cascaded converter for medium/high voltage and high power applications. The capacitor voltages of this converter are self-balanced and only two voltage sensors are required for the capacitor voltage control. Therefore, the control of the converter can be designed as simple as that of a two-level converter. A pulse width modulation (PWM) method based on phase shifted PWM and a control strategy of the converter utilized as astatic Var generator (SVG) are also presented. The proposed converter and control strategy were simulated with PSIM. Experiments were also carried out with a laboratory prototype. Both the simulation and experiment results validated the performance of the proposed converter. The capacitor voltage natural balancing is realized with the new topology, and the applied PWM and control method also work effectively.
Revising global ozone dry deposition estimates based on a new mechanistic parameterisation for air-sea exchange and the multi-year MACC composition reanalysis

Dry deposition at the Earth’s surface is an important sink of atmospheric ozone. Currently, dry deposition of ozone to the ocean surface in atmospheric chemistry models has the largest uncertainty compared to deposition to other surface types, with implications for global tropospheric ozone budget and associated radiative forcing. Most models assume that the dominant term of surface resistance in the parameterisation of ozone dry deposition velocity at the oceanic surface is constant. We present a consistent, process-based parameterisation scheme for air-sea exchange in which the surface resistance accounts for the simultaneous waterside processes of ozone solubility, molecular diffusion, turbulent transfer, and a first-order chemical reaction of ozone with dissolved iodide. The new scheme makes the following realistic assumptions: (a) the thickness of the top water layer is of the order of a reaction-diffusion length scale (a few micrometres) within which ozone loss is dominated by chemical reaction and the influence of waterside turbulent transfer is negligible; (b) in the water layer below, both chemical reaction and waterside turbulent transfer act together and are accounted for; and (c) iodide (hence chemical reactivity) is present through the depth of the oceanic mixing layer. The asymptotic behaviour of the new scheme is consistent with the known limits when either chemical reaction or turbulent transfer dominates. It has been incorporated into the ACCESS-UKCA global chemistry-climate model and the results are evaluated against dry deposition velocities from currently best available open-ocean measurements. In order to better quantify the global dry deposition loss and its interannual variability, the modelled 3-h ozone deposition velocities are combined with the 3-h MACC (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate) reanalysis ozone for the years 2003–2012. The resulting ozone dry deposition is found to be 98.4 ± 4.5 Tg O 3 yr −1 for the ocean and 722.8 ± 20.9 O 3 yr −1 globally. The new estimate of the ocean component is approximately a third of the current model estimates. This reduction corresponds to an approximately 20 % decrease in the total global ozone dry deposition, which is equivalent to an increase of approximately 5 % in the modelled tropospheric ozone burden and a similar increase in tropospheric ozone lifetime.
Pulp Tissue Reaction of Dog Canines to Root MTA and Portland Cement Compared to ProRoot MTA as Pulp Capping Agents

Statement of Problem: Mineral trioxid aggregate (MTA) cement is widely used for root-end filling, pulp capping, perforation repair and other treatments in endodontics. Investigations have shown similar physical and chemical properties for Portland cement (type I), Root MTA and ProRoot MTA. Purpose: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the reaction of dog canine pulp after pulp capping with Root MTA and Portland cement versus ProRoot MTA. Materials and Methods: All four canines from fifteen healthy dogs, 12-18 months of age, were mechanically exposed via buccal class V cavities under aseptic conditions. MTA, Portland cement and Root MTA were prepared according to the manufactures’ instructions and placed in the cavities. Tricresol formalin was used in the control group. After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the teeth were fixed and processed for light microscopic analysis. The presence and thickness of the dentinal bridge and the degree of inflammation were evaluated. Data were submitted to Mann-Whiteny and Kruskal Wallis tests for statistical analysis. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in the presence and thickness of the dentinal bridge, and the degree of inflammation between Root MTA, Portland cement and ProRoot MTA (P>0.05). Conclusion: Root MTA, Portland cement and ProRoot MTA showed similar comparative results when used as direct pulp capping materials. The results of this study support the idea that Portland cement and Root MTA have the potential to be used in clinical situation similar to those in which ProRoot MTA is being used.
The wentletrap Epitonium hartogi spec. nov. (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae), associated with bubble coral species, Plerogyra spec. (Scleractinia: Euphyllidae), off Indonesia and Thailand

This is the fi rst record of an association between a wentletrap species (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) and coral species of the Euphylliidae (Scleractinia), i.e. Plerogyra simplex and P. diabolotus. While describing Epitonium hartogi spec. nov., special attention is given to the ontogenetic development within the egg-capsules, the structure and microsculpture of the opercula, the radulae, and the microsculpture on the radular jaws. These characters proved to be at least partly diagnostic in the epitoniid species Epitonium albidum, E. billeeanum, E. costulatum, E. hoeksemai, E. ingridae, E. lochi, E. millecostatum, E. pyramidalis, E. twilae, E. ulu and Nitidiscala tincta. Spiculae-like crystals covering the epitoniid egg-capsules are described; such crystals are also present within the tentacles of the Plerogyra host.
Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Features of Bladder Cancer: A Report from Kermanshah Province, Iran

Background: Bladder cancer accounts for about 7% of all cancers among adults in Iran. We aimed to evaluate epidemiological and clinicopathological features of bladder cancer in Kermanshah province, west Iran. Methods: In a descriptive retrospective study, records of patients with bladder cancer referring to Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah city, Iran during 2011-2013 were analyzed. Sex, age, smoking habits, patients’ symptoms, histopathology and staging of the tumor were extracted from the records. The grading of the tumor was performed according to the Ash grading system. Results: 220 patients were registered. 179 (81.4%) were patients men. The mean±SD age for patients at diagnosis was 62.5±15.1 years (range: 14-90 years). 71 (43%) patients were smokers. 165 (75%) patients were from rural areas. Hematuria, dysuria, and frequent or painful urination were reported in 74.5%, 5.5%, and 41.8%, respectively. Transitional cell carcinoma was the most common pathology in 93.2% of the patients. Grade І, ІІ, ІІІ and ІV tumors were observed in 0.5%, 41.5%, 37% and 21% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: Bladder cancer occurs most commonly in the elderly. Bladder cancer in Asia is more common in men compared with Europe and Africa. Since hematuria was the main presenting manifestation of the patients with bladder cancer, elderly patients with hematuria should be referred at the earliest convenience for investigation. *Corresponding author: Masoud Sadeghi, Address: Cancer Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran Email: Sadeghi_mbrc@yahoo.com
Characterization of biochars from different sources and evaluation of release of nutrients and contaminants

The biochar, product of pyrolysis of organic waste, has been used as a soil conditioner and alternative on solid waste management. However, the raw material and pyrolysis temperature used influence the quantity and dynamics of release of nutrients and contaminants from the biochar. The objective wasto evaluate the use of waste sugarcane bagasse, eucalyptus and sewage sludge for production of biochar and determine the chemical, physical, mineralogical properties and acid extraction of these materials produced at 350 °C and 500 °C. Were evaluated the proportion of C, H, N, O; ashes; macro and micronutrients, plus some contaminants; characterization of mineral phases by diffractometry of X- rays; functional groups by infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, it was determined the release of nutrients and contaminants for the extraction in increasing concentration of HNO3 (0,01 - 2,0 mol L-1). The O/C and H/C relations decreased with increasing temperature of pyrolysis, which define a greater stability of the C of biochars. Sewage sludge biochar (BC-L) had the highest nutrient release rates and contaminant metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb). Acid extraction of other biocarvoes was very low (<20% of the total content). The results indicate that the carbon fraction of biochar contributes to the low rateof release of the elements in acid place.
West Africa Extreme Rainfall Events and Large-Scale Ocean Surface and Atmospheric Conditions in the Tropical Atlantic

Based on daily precipitation from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) data during April–October of the 1997–2014 period, the daily extreme rainfall trends and variability over West Africa are characterized using 90th-percentile threshold at each grid point. The contribution of the extreme rainfall amount reaches ~50–90% in the northern region while it is ~30–50% in the south. The yearly cumulated extreme rainfall amount indicates significant and negative trends in the 6°N–12°N; 6°N–12°N; 17°W–10°W and 4°N–7°N; 4°N–7°N; 6°E–10°E 4°N–7°N; 6°E–10°E 4°N–7°N; 6°E–10°E domains, while the number of days exhibits nonsignificant trends over West Africa. The empirical orthogonal functions performed on the standardized anomalies show four variability modes that include all West Africa with a focus on the Sahelian region, the eastern region including the south of Nigeria, the western part including Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea-Bissau, and finally a small region at the coast of Ghana and Togo. These four modes are influenced differently by the large-scale ocean surface and atmospheric conditions in the tropical Atlantic. The results are applicable in planning the risks associated with these climate hazards, particularly on water resource management and civil defense.
Determinants of functional income distribution in OECD countries

Wage shares have fallen substantially over the past 25 years. In the Euro area the (adjusted) wage share declined by almost ten percentage points. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the determinants of functional income distribution. IMF (2007a) and EC (2007) find that technological change has been the main cause of the decline in the wage share and that globalization has been a secondary cause. This study, firstly, tries to replicate these studies to investigate the robustness of their findings. Secondly, the estimated wage share equation is extended to allow for distributional effects of financial globalization and for different effects of union density according to social security system. We find that the estimations on which the conclusions of IMF and EC are based suffer from serious econometric problems and that their findings are not robust. In particular, the effect of technological change is often not statistically significant. Globalization (in production), however, has a robust effect. Results from the extended model suggest economically important (and mostly statistically significant) effects of financial globalization and of union density of non-Ghent countries. However, overall the results are sensitive to the specification and the estimation method.
Influence of twist and blend ratio on characteristics of ring-spun tencel blended yarns

The properties of tencel-polyester and tencel-cotton blended ring-spun yarns produced with five different blend ratios and six twist factors have been studied. It is observed that tencel-polyester yarns are stronger, more extensible, more even, rigid, less hairy and have fewer imperfections than their tencel-cotton counterparts. A higher level of twist produces a yarn with higher extension, unevenness, imperfection and flexural rigidity, and lower hairiness. The yarn strength, on the other hand, increases initially but decreases thereafter as the yarn twist is further increased beyond that level. An increase in proportion of tencel fibre in the mix enhances the tensile and regularity characteristics of tencel-cotton yarns. However, for tencel-polyester yarns, both these characteristics deteriorate with increase in tencel content in the mix.
Direct Multiple Shoot Regeneration from Shoot Tip and Nodal Explants of Solanum Nigrum L. A Medicinal Herb

In vitro multiple shoot regeneration of Solanum nigrum L. , an Indian medicinal plant was accomplished on MS medium utilizing shoot tip and nodal explants. Direct multiple shoots differentiated within 6 weeks when explants were cultured on MS medium containing BAP (1.0-5.0 mg/l) and KIN (1.0-5.0 mg/l) individually. Among various concentrations of cytokinins tested, maximum number of multiple shoots was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP (1.0 mg/l) from shoot tip (20.4±0.22) and MS medium supplemented with BAP (3.0 mg/l) from nodal explants (8.4±0.22). The in vitro regenerated shoots were rooted (8.4±0.16 roots per shoot) on MS medium supplemented with NAA (1.0 mg/l) within 2-3 weeks of culture and the regenerated plantlets could be successfully established in soil where they grow normally.
Eddy Surface properties and propagation at Southern Hemisphere western boundary current systems

Abstract. Oceanic eddies exist throughout the world oceans, but are more energetic when associated with western boundary currents (WBC) systems. In these regions, eddies play an important role in mixing and energy exchange. Therefore, it is important to quantify and qualify eddies associated with these systems. This is particularly true for the Southern Hemisphere WBC system where only few eddy censuses have been performed to date. In these systems, important aspects of the local eddy population are still unknown, like their spatial distribution and propagation patterns. Moreover, the understanding of these patterns helps to establish monitoring programs and to gain insight in how eddies would affect local mixing. Here, we use a global eddy data set to qualify eddies based on their surface characteristics in the Agulhas Current (AC), the Brazil Current (BC) and the East Australian Current (EAC) systems. The analyses reveal that eddy propagation within each system is highly forced by the local mean flow and bathymetry. Large values of eddy amplitude and temporal variability are associated with the BC and EAC retroflections, while small values occur in the centre of the Argentine Basin and in the Tasman Sea. In the AC system, eddy polarity dictates the propagation distance. BC system eddies do not propagate beyond the Argentine Basin, and are advected by the local ocean circulation. EAC system eddies from both polarities cross south of Tasmania but only the anticyclonic ones reach the Great Australian Bight. For all three WBC systems, both cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies present a geographical segregation according to radius size and amplitude. Regions of high eddy kinetic energy are associated with the eddies' mean amplitudes, and not with their densities.
Identity, pathogenicity, and comparative virulence of Fusarium spp. related to stand declines of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) in the Northern Plains

Strains of Fusarium spp. causing root disease and crown rot on leafy spurge in natural epidemics and in association with stand declines were identified as F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. proliferatum. These species predominated among Fusarium spp. isolated from stunted and diseased feeder roots and crowns. There were significant differences in virulence for strains among and within each species. Two strains of F. oxysporum belonged to the same vegetative compatibility group. Ten of 11 strains of Fusarium originated from noncropped or wild areas. These results indicate that Fusarium spp. capable of causing disease on leafy spurge vary as to species, virulence, and compatibility group and are found in a number of sites where this troublesome perennial weed occurs.
ASSESSMENT OF WORK-SPACE AND WORK-METHOD DESIGNS IN NIGERIA AUTOMOBILE SERVICE AND REPAIR INDUSTRY

Nigeria automobile service industry is labour intensive with high level of work-related injuries among its workforce. This research assessed work-space (WsD) and work-method designs (WmD), level of compliance with recommended standards (RSs) and effects on workers’ wellbeing. Clearances for services in 55 supine positions and 45 stand-up workbenches’ (SUWb) heights were measured and compared with RSs. Questionnaires were completed among 252 workers to measure prevalence of work-related injuries. Descriptive statistical procedure and Chi-Square tests were conducted using SPSS. 94.4% of workers suffered from low back, 43.5% neck and 40% knees pains among others. Averagely, 43.33±7.3cm and 67±0.15cm were measured for supine position clearance and SUWb heights with 15.03±14.3 and 26.55±16.23 percentage deviations respectively from the minimum RSs. Automotive mechanics may be prone to back, hand and/or wrist related problems and Cumulative Trauma Disorders. Ergonomics trainings, use of mechanical devices and protective equipment will reduce injuries connected with the job. http://dx.doi. org/10.4314/njt.v35i2. 12
Disciplining ‘Problem Parents’ in the Youth Court: Between Regulation and Resistance

This paper explores the ways in which parents, who have been the recipients of Parenting Orders, perform identity work through their accounts of their experiences in court. Discourse analysis is used to identify five key ‘strategies of resistance’ through which parents manage their parental identity and argues that such discursive practices highlight the fragility of such parents' claims to a positive parental identity in light of hegemonic gendered and classed conceptions of ‘responsible parenting’. The paper concludes by reflecting on what such practices might mean for parents who find themselves at once both regulated and resistant.
Gender, Entrepreneurship, and Bank Lending: The Criteria and Processes Used by Bank Loan Officers in Assessing Applications

Previous research provides unequivocal evidence that women–owned businesses start with both lower levels of overall capitalization and lower ratios of debt finance. Structural dissimilarities between male–owned and female–owned businesses explain most, but by no means all, of these contrasting funding profiles. Explanations of residual differences, viewed in terms of supply–side discrimination or demand–side debt and risk aversion, remain controversial. Using experimental and qualitative methodologies, this study explores the role of gender in bank lending decisions, focusing on the criteria and processes used by male and female loan officers. Results reveal similarities in the criteria used to assess male and female applicants but show modest differences in the emphasis given to certain criteria by male and female lending officers. The processes used by male and female lending officers to negotiate loan applications revealed the greatest differences.
Avian Community Response to Grazing Intensity on Monoculture and Mixed Florida Pastures

Abstract Monoculture and mixed pastures in Florida provide habitat for a variety of resident and migratory bird species. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of grazing on vegetation structure and bird species richness and abundance in grazed monoculture and mixed pastures. Study pasture units were subject to four cattle grazing intensities: 0 = nongrazed (control), 15 = low, 20 = medium, or 35 = high animal units (AU) per pasture unit (no cattle, 1.3, 1.0, and 0.6 ha · AU−1, on monoculture pastures and no cattle, 2.1, 1.6, and 0.9 ha · AU−1, on mixed pastures). Monoculture pastures displayed a greater decrease in spatial heterogeneity of the vegetative community in the presence of grazing than mixed pastures. An increase in grazing intensity led to declines in total avian species richness and abundance and species richness within short-distance migrant, neotropical migrant, and permanent resident guilds on monoculture pastures. Declines in total species richness and abundance and neotropical migrant guild species richness and abundance were observed on mixed pastures subject to increasing grazing intensity. However, species richness within short-distance migrant and urban guilds and abundance within the grassland guild increased on this pasture type in the presence of grazing. Loss of spatial heterogeneity typically results in a lack of suitable habitat for birds that occupy the extremes of the vegetation structure gradient. This can lead to a loss of species richness and abundance. For the majority of avian guilds, a low grazing intensity of 1.3 ha · AU−1 and 2.1 ha · AU−1 on monoculture and mixed pasture, respectively, is recommended to maintain abundance. However, these grazing intensities may result in declines in species richness. Ultimately, if a range of avian species are to be supported on monoculture and mixed pastures, spatial heterogeneity of plant structure and composition must be maintained.