Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
List of Tables List of Appendices Abstract Chapter I : Introduction Problem Statement Purpose of Study Questions of the Study Assumptions and Limitations Significance of the Study Definition of Terms Chapter Summary Chapter II

This study investigated whether or not there is a correlation between the self-efficacy of high school students and their reading comprehension scores at Smith High School. There were 24 students that participated in this study. Eight of those students were in special education and have an identified reading disability, eight were students in general education, and eight were in honors level reading. There were two instruments used in the study. One instrument used in the study was the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Assessment (Northwest Evaluation Association, 2017), which was used to measure reading comprehension. The Reader SelfPerception Scale (Henk & Melnick, 1995) was used to assess overall self-efficacy in addition to four sub categories of self-efficacy including (a) progress, (b) observational comparison, (c) social feedback, and (d) psychological states. A moderate correlation was found between reading comprehension and general perception. A moderate correlation was also found between reading comprehension and the social feedback sub-scale. Only one sub-scale, observational comparison (OC) was found to be highly correlated with reading MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) scores. Key Terms: Reading Comprehension, Self-Efficacy, Correlation
Gender Difference in the Impact of Examination Stress on Psychological and Physiological Profiles of Dental Students

The stress impactduring preparatory,examination and post-examination periodson psychophysiological parameters in 40 normal male and female dental students was studied and the gender difference was explored. The stress level was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS);psychological changes were assessed by determining short term and long term memory (STM, (LTM)) using RAVLT Word List A and B Subsections and physiological changes were determined by recordingsystolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and heart rate variation ( 30:15 ratio). The results revealed that perceived stressdecreased significantly in post-exam period inboth the genders (p< 0.0001)than in preparatory period. STM and LTM did not show any significant change in both the genders. SBP was not altered significantly in exam and post-exams periods compared to that of preparatory period in males and it increased significantly in exam period(p< 0.015) in females.DBP decreased more significantly in males and less significantly in females after exams (p < 0.008, 0.028)). HR decreased significantly after exams in both the genders compared to that of preparatory period(p < 0.0007, 0.0001). 30:15 ratiodecreasedmore significantly in males and less significantly in females during exams (p < 0.0001, 0.008). Thus, theexamination stress affects the psycho-physiological variables in both genders and the effect was equal in both the genders with elevated sympathetic activity. Counseling, yoga and meditation may be useful in combating these stress effects and prevent the future complications
Effect of Nano Silicon Dioxide Addition on Some Properties of Heat Vulcanized Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer

Silicone elastomer is widely used as the material of choice for fabricating maxillofacial prosthesis. However, silicone properties are far from ideal; low tear strength, low tensile strength and insufficient elasticity are the most undesirable properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of nano SiO2filler on tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and color of Cosmesil M-511 HTV maxillofacial silicone elastomer. Nano SiO2was added to the silicone base in concentrations of 4%, 5% and 6% by weight. Silicone with 0% nano filler served as a control. Tear test was done according to ISO 34-1. Tensile and elongation test was done according to ISO 37. Shore A hardness test was done according to ISO 7619. Visual color measurement test was done according to ASTM D1535. Scanning electron microscope was used to assess the efficiency of dispersing method. FTIR test was conducted to evaluate the interaction of nano SiO2with the silicone. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA and Fisher’s LSD test. SEM showed well dispersion of nano filler within the silicone matrix. FTIR indicated that nano SiO2interacted with the PDMS through its surface hydroxyl group. All nano SiO2concentration groups showed a highly significant increase in tear strength, tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the control group. The 5% group showed the highest mean values among other groups. Shore A hardness showed a highly significant increase with all nano SiO2concentrations with the increase being directly proportional to filler concentration increase. Spectrophotometer results showed a highly significant decrease in translucency of the material with all nano filler concentrations but this decrease in translucency was visually demonstrated as slight increase in color intensity. Reinforcement of M-511 silicone with 5% nano SiO2significantly improves all mechanical properties tested with a slight change of color seen visually.
Density perturbations for running vacuum: a successful approach to structure formation and to the σ8-tension

Recent studies suggest that dynamical dark energy (DDE) provides a better fit to the rising affluence of modern cosmological observations than the concordance model ($\Lambda$CDM) with a rigid cosmological constant, $\Lambda$. Such is the case with the running vacuum models (RVMs) and to some extent also with a simple XCDM parametrization. Apart from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies, the most crucial datasets potentially carrying the DDE signature are: i) baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAO), and ii) direct large scale structure (LSS) formation data (i.e. the observations on $f(z)\sigma_8(z)$ at different redshifts). As it turns out, analyses mainly focusing on CMB and with insuffcient BAO+LSS input, or those just making use of gravitational weak-lensing data for the description of structure formation, generally fail to capture the DDE signature, whereas the few existing studies using a rich set of CMB+BAO+LSS data (see in particular Sol\`a, G\'omez-Valent & de Cruz P\'erez 2015,2017; and Zhao et al. 2017) do converge to the remarkable conclusion that DDE might well be encoded in the current cosmological observations. Being the issue so pressing, here we explain both analytically and numerically the origin of the possible hints of DDE in the context of RVMs, which arise at a significance level of $3-4\sigma$. By performing a detailed study on the matter and vacuum perturbations within the RVM, and comparing with the XCDM, we show in detail why the running vacuum fully relaxes the existing $\sigma_8$-tension and accounts for the LSS formation data much better than the concordance model.
The diet of worms : A study of polychaete feeding guilds

Current information on the eating habits of polychaetes are reviewed. The polychaete families are arranged in alphabetical order and the feeding habits of each are summarized. Feeding guilds are defined based on a joint consideration of food, eating habits, and locomotory patterns. An understanding of the sympatric occurrance in the deep sea of several congeners with extremely limited morphological differentiation was of particular interest. This review contains 355 references, 23 figures, and 33 tables.
Infection prevalence of intestinal helminths and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in selected kebeles of Enderta district, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Lack of sanitary facilities and associated poor personal and environmental hygiene predispose people to the risk of intestinal parasite infections Thus, the objective of this survey was to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among primary school children in selected kebeles of Enderta district, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. A cross sectional parasitological study consisting of 480 school children was conducted between February and March, 2011. Interview and microscopic examination of stool specimens of the children were made. Data was entered and analyzed by statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 soft ware. The overall prevalence for at least one intestinal helminthic infection was 41.46% (199/480). The most dominant helminths were Schistosoma mansoni (23.13%), Hymenolepis nana (11.46%), Ascaris lumbricoides (5.83%) and Enterobius vermicularis (5.42%). Male children were at high risk for intestinal helminth infection than females (P < 0.014). Hand washing habit before meal (P = 0.0001), cleanness of fingernails (P = 0.0001) and swimming habit of the children (P = 0.0001) were significantly associated with intestinal helminth infections. Provision of health education, improving personal hygiene, potable drinking water supply as well as school based deworming should be the major focus area of the regional as well as Federal Health institutions. Key words: Intestinal helminths, prevalence, risk factors, school children, Tigray.
Platinum-group elements-bearing pyrite from the Aguablanca Ni-Cu sulphide deposit (SW Spain): a LA-ICP-MS study

Despite the fact that pyrite is a relatively common phase in Ni-Cu-Platinum-Group Elements (PGE) magmatic sulphide deposits, the trace element content of the pyrite has been neglected in the studies of these deposits with most attention being paid to the PGE concentrations of pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Pyrite in these deposits exhibits a range of textures, from euhedral to xenomorphic. The origin of the different pyrites is not always clear; they could have formed by exsolution from monosulphide solid solution (mss), by replacement of the existing minerals during cooling or metamorphism or directly from hydrothermal fluids. In order to provide data on trace element contents of pyrite in a magmatic sulphide deposit and to investigate the origin of the pyrite, we have measured the content of PGE and other chalcophile elements (Au, Ag, Co, Ni, Cu, Se, Sb, As, Bi and Te) by laser ablation ICP-MS in pyrite exhibiting different textures from the Aguablanca Ni-Cu deposit (Spain). The results show that 1) large idiomorphic pyrite is compositionally-zoned with Os-Ir-Ru-Rh-As-rich layers and Se-Co-rich layers; 2) some idiomorphic pyrite grains contain unusually high PGE contents (up to 32 ppm Rh and 9 ppm Pt); 3) ribbon-like and small-grained pyrite hosts IPGE (i.e., Iridium-group PGE, Os, Ir, Ru and Rh) in similar contents (100–200 ppb each) than the host pyrrhotite; and 4) pyrite replacing plagioclase is depleted in most metals (i.e., PGE, Co, Ni and Ag). Overall, the different textural types of pyrite have similar abundances of Pd, Au, Se, Bi, Te, Sb and As. Mineralogical and compositional data suggest that the formation of pyrite is the result of the activity of late magmatic/hydrothermal fluids that triggered the partial replacement of pyrrhotite and plagioclase by pyrite, probably due to an increase in the sulphur fugacity on cooling. During this episode, pyrite inherited the IPGE content of the replaced mineral, whereas other elements such as Pd, Au and semi-metals were likely partially introduced into pyrite via altering fluids. These results highlight that pyrite can host appreciable amounts of PGE and therefore it should not be overlooked as a potential carrier of these metals in Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulphide deposits.
Complications and Risk Factors of Neonatal Macrosomia: A Case-Control Study

Background: Macrosomia is defined as the birth weight of greater than or equal to 4,000 grams, which is considered to be a public health issue threatening mothers and neonates. Studies indicate that the prevalence rate of macrosomia is on the rise in developing countries. The present study aimed to evaluate the influential factors in the occurrence of neonatal macrosomia. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Al-Zahra Hospital in Tabriz, located in the north-west of Iran, during March 2013-February 2014. Sample population included all the live-born neonates and their mothers. The case group consisted of the neonates with the birth weight of ≥4,000 grams (n=404), and the control group included 404 newborns weighing 2,500-3,999 grams. Data were collected using a maternal and neonatal information form (maternal age, neonatal gender, mode of delivery, maternal height, and maternal history of diabetes). Data were extracted from the medical files of the samples and recorded in the form. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test and 2χ) at the significance level of α=0.05. Results: In total, 8,012 neonates were born during the study, 404 of whom has macrosomia (5.04%). Mean maternal age in the case and control groups was 29.6±6.1 and 27.9±8.3 years, respectively (P<0.001). Significant differences were observed in the gender (male) (odds ration [OR]=2.2 [95% CI: 1.33-3.04]; P<0.001), mode of delivery (OR=0.51 [95% CI: 0.37-0.69]; P<0.001), maternal history of diabetes (OR=4.5 [95% CI: 2.3-8.73]; P<0.001), and number of deliveries (birth rank) (OR=1.6 [95% CI: 1.19-2.39]; P<0.001) between the case and control groups. Conclusion: According to the results, there were significant associations between macrosomia at birth and maternal age, maternal history of diabetes, and birth rank. Therefore, proper planning and educational interventions are recommended for the control of the influential factors in the occurrence of macrosomia.
Evidence of Specific Healthy Behaviors Positively Associated with General Life Satisfaction among Rural Adults

Background: Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that infrequent adopting healthy behaviors correlated with many chronic diseases. Healthy behaviors can lead to a marked reduction of morbidity and mortality. Life satisfaction is an important parameter of well-being. Few studies have focused on the association between healthy behaviors and life satisfaction among adults in rural areas. Aim: To establish the determinant and modifiable lifestyle factors associated with life satisfaction among rural adults. Methods: We analyzed our previous health promotion program in a rural area in 2013 obtained from 27 villages (n = 8024) in Yunlin County, Taiwan. The assessment comprised one question assessing self-reported life satisfaction on a 5-point scale (dichotomous: low satisfaction/high satisfaction) and four domain-specific items of health-related behaviors (smoking, oral hygiene, exercise, healthy diet). Logistic regression was used to examine the association between health-related behaviors and life satisfaction adjusted for age, sex, and education. Findings: The mean age was 47.6 years (SD = 16.2), and 56.7% (n = 4551) of the participants were female. Participants with lower life satisfaction reported frequently perceived dissatisfaction with sleep quality (p < 0.001) and health status (p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the associated risk factors for lower life satisfaction were smoking (OR = 1.20, p = 0.006), less frequently adopted healthy behaviors including dental check (OR = 1.23, p < 0.001), infrequent teeth brushing (OR = 1.12, p = 0.022), infrequent use of dental floss (OR = 1.12, p = 0.028), infrequent consumption of a balanced diet (OR = 1.64, p < 0.001), insufficient vegetable intake (OR = 1.19, p = 0.001), insufficient water intake (OR = 1.14, p = 0.009), and infrequent regular exercise (OR = 1.26, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings showed that many adults did not adopt healthy habits in their life. This study identified significant unhealthy behaviors associated with lower life satisfaction, including cigarette smoking, unhealthy diet, poor oral hygiene, and physical inactivity. The enhancement of health promotion programs to improve life satisfaction through decreasing unhealthy habits is necessary for rural adults.
The potential of heat storage as variation management in the electricity and district heating sectors

In the current transition to a carbon neutral society, variable renewable energy sources (VRESs) are becoming ever more important, and so are the strategies and technologies that manage the mismatch in time between the intermittent VRES and the energy demand. This thesis examines the effects of thermal energy storage (TES) as a variation management technology using a greenfield cost-optimising model integrating the district heating (DH) and electricity systems in one model. Wind, solar and hydropower availability is selected according to the Swedish StockholmGothenburg electricity price area, but a low-flex scenario with less hydro, waste and biomass is also investigated. Using projected costs for year 2050 in combination with a zero-limit on CO2 emissions, TES is found to greatly affect the cost-optimal DH system composition and operation while promoting wind power in the electricity system, especially so in the low-flex scenario. This impact is mainly through reducing curtailment but also through increasing the demand for electricity. The CHP and power-to-heat units become increasingly active in the electricity system, using the TES for flexibility and detachment from the heat demand curve. Furthermore, TES is found to be important also when combined with other variation management strategies (demand side management and hydrogen storage), and some synergies are found both in promoting wind power and reducing the total system cost.
Root Growth, Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Subtropical and Temperate Vegetable Crops Grown in the Tropics Under Different Root-Zone Temperature

Root growth and morphology are important for maximizing water uptake and mineral absorption. Similar to the plants grown in the soil, in a soilless culture such as an aeroponic system, the amount of water and nutrient available to a plant is determined by the root surface area and volume of nutrient solution with which its roots are in contact. Furthermore, plant roots can alter their nutrient acquisition capacity by adjusting their morphological and/or physiological characteristics to meet changes in shoot nutrient demand in response to environmental stress. Subtropical and temperate vegetables have successfully been grown aeroponically in the tropics by simply cooling the root zone (RZ) while their aerial portions are subjected to fluctuating atmospheric temperatures. This paper focused on RZ temperature (RZT) on root and shoot growth, and root morphology of subtropical and temperate vegetable crops grown in the tropics. The impacts of RZT on water relations as well as nitrate (NO3−) uptake and assimilation of these vegetable crops were also discussed.
Towards a Theory of Ecosystems

Research Summary: The recent surge of interest in “ecosystems” in strategy research and practice has mainly focused on what ecosystems are and how they operate. We complement this literature by considering when and why ecosystems emerge, and what makes them distinct from other governance forms. We argue that modularity enables ecosystem emergence as it allows a set of distinct yet interdependent organizations to coordinate without full hierarchical fiat. We show how ecosystems address multilateral dependences based on various types of complementarities—supermodular or unique, unidirectional or bidirectional—which determine the ecosystem's value‐add. We argue that at the core of ecosystems lie nongeneric complementarities, and the creation of sets of roles that face similar rules. We conclude with implications for mainstream strategy and suggestions for future research. Managerial Summary: We consider what makes ecosystems different from other business constellations, including markets, alliances, or hierarchically managed supply chains. Ecosystems, we posit, are interacting organizations, enabled by modularity, not hierarchically managed, bound together by the nonredeployability of their collective investment elsewhere. Ecosystems add value as they allow managers to coordinate their multilateral dependence through sets of roles that face similar rules, thus obviating the need to enter into customized contractual agreements with each partner. We explain how different types of complementarities (unique or supermodular, generic or specific, uni‐ or bi‐directional) shape ecosystems and offer a “theory of ecosystems” that can explain what they are, when they emerge, and why alignment occurs. Finally, we outline the critical factors affecting ecosystem emergence, evolution, and success—or failure.
Hirschman's View of Development, or the Art of Trespassing and Self-Subversion

This article analyses the work of Albert Hirschman from the standpoint of two basic concepts: trespassing and self-subversion. Hirschman turned these exercises into an art, pleading his case in a manner which combines curiosity and intellectual humility. In a world accustomed to think and think of itself through totalizing models, in a continent where so many ideological models which sought to open up (or rather, force open) the realities of countries were put together and taken apart, Hirschman’s works and intellectual attitude represent a healthy and beneficial invitation to take a different view. This is not his only merit, however. From Chile to Brazil, from Mexico to Argentina, he passed on his passion for the possible to more than a few admirers. In the last few years, a great many ministers, academics and leading members of international organizations have repeatedly praised his contributions. Likewise, many of the concepts developed by Hirschman –his “exit, voice and loyalty” triptych, the notion of the “tunnel effect”– and above all his propensity to think in terms of the possible and his efforts to trespass over and subvert theories (including his own), paradigms and models, and all the cubist and minimalist mental exercises that are constantly created and recreated, are healthy sources of inspiration and interpretation for rethinking the never-ending quest for development. Lastly, notions like community participation or social capital, which are now major subjects of discussion, can also be better appreciated, subverted and self-subverted in the light of Hirschman’s work.
Model sensitivity for the prediction of extreme sea level events at a wide and fast-flowing estuary: the case of the Río de la Plata

Abstract. A parameter sensitivity analysis for a pre-operational 2-D barotropic application of the ROMS_AGRIF ocean model for the forecast of sea surface height (SSH) and currents at the South-Western South Atlantic Continental Shelf with emphasis in the Rio de la Plata Estuary is presented. Particularly, the interest is on the simulation of extreme storm surges generated by persistent and strong southeasterly winds ( Sudestadas ) which produce strong floods. Atmospheric models show deficiencies in the forecast of winds during those events. Therefore, linear and quadratic bottom friction, wind speed and direction, and runoff were considered in the sensitivity analysis. The analysis yields to a hierarchy of the impacts of them on the simulated SSH. The most important, with non-linearity in the model response, is wind speed. It is followed by the quadratic bottom friction and the runoff, which responses are more linear, and present a regional dependence. Runoff has a larger impact than friction in the upper estuary, which decreases downstream. Non-linearity of wind speed is mainly due to the parametrization of the stress tensor, whereas the interaction with the runoff is not relevant in spite of the huge discharge of this particular estuary. This information allows an optimal calibration of the model with a minimum number of simulations.