Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of treating professionals : a pilot study conducted with employees of the Edith Nourse

In this study I examined potential predictive factors of deviant arousal. Variables were chosen based on the relationship shown in previous literature between variables and sex offending and recidivism. The sample for this analysis consisted of 100 incarcerated sex offenders who completed the Life History Survey (Burton, 2003). This is a subset of the sample surveyed by Burton (2003). The hypotheses of this study were that antisociality, childhood sexual trauma, and cognitive distortions would each be predictive of deviant arousal and the interaction between the variables would be the strongest predictor of deviant arousal. No predictive relationships were found and variables were found to be unrelated to each other or deviant arousal. The one exception was a significant relationship (p<.05) between cognitive distortions and deviant arousal; however this was not a predictive relationship. The literature is explored and alternative explanations of results, as well as implications for research and practice are discussed. Antisociality, Childhood Sexual Trauma, and Cognitive Distortions Surprisingly Not Predictive of Deviant Sexual Arousal in Male Sex Offenders Who Have Abused Children A project based upon an independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work.
Genetically Evolved Motion Controllers

Motion synthesis is an alternative approach to traditional key frame animation. It allows for natural motion gaits to be created or captured, reducing the need for handmade key frames and allows for dynamic content to be produced. Exploring previous work we look at the suitablility for genetically programmed motion control to be used as a tool within the animation field. Using evolutionary techniques inspired by nature, control systems are developed that often find solutions that are both efficient and surprisingly natural. We found that although the results of this work can be interesting and have visual appeal, the process lacks the efficiency needed to work within a real world context.
Decolourization of Azo-Dyes by Bacterial Consortium

Azo-dye polluted soil samples were used for the isolation of bacterial species. Among the isolates Enterobacter aerogens, Proteus rettgeri, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Staphylococcus aureus were the dominant bacterial species present and they are designated as indicator bacterial isolates. These indicator bacterial isolates are able to utilize the dye as nitrogen source and hence they are able to decolorize the azo-red and blue dyes. Decolourization was assayed colorimetrically at 540 nm for red and 580 nm for blue and percentage of decolourization was calculated. The optimum concentration for both the dyes was 100 ppm. The maximum decolourization of azo-red and azo-blue dye at the end of 96 hours of decolourization experiments were 90% and 80% respectively for consortium of indicator bacterial isolates. The individual bacterial isolates were less effective for decolourization. These bacterial consortium can be exploited as bioremediation agents to reduce dye pollutants.
ASSESSMENT OF TOURISTS PERCEPTION AND SATISFACTION OF TANZANIA DESTINATION

Tourism industry is very much affected with the perception that tourists carry with them about destination. Perceptions are always considered in relation to expectations and the dynamic nature of tourists’ perceptions calls for regular assessment. This is because they are the basis that tourists use to evaluate the quality of services that was delivered. This study thus aimed at assessing the international tourists’ perception on various attributes in Tanzania and examining their general satisfaction with Tanzania. It is quantitative in nature and utilized a survey research design. A total of 286 self-administered questionnaires were used in the analyses. These circuits are the Northern circuit (N), the Southern circuit (S), the Western Circuit (W), the Coastal circuit (C), and Zanzibar. Descriptive statistics (Frequencies, Percentages, Means, and Standard Deviations) and inferential statistics (one sample t-test) were performed to assess tourists’ perception and satisfaction with Tanzania on culture, wildlife, landscape, accommodation, restaurants, security and safety, infrastructure, and tour guidance. Findings shows that Tanzania is doing relatively well on the basic factor endowments such as culture, wildlife, landscape, and accommodation facilities, but fairly poor on tour guidance, tourism infrastructure, and restaurants. From a marketing managerial perspective, the findings should assist the tourism policy makers and practitioners to guide or develop tourists’ products by addressing areas where Tanzania as a destination has proven to be weak while improving further areas of strength which are basically the basic factor of endowments.
Censored rainfall modelling for estimation of fine-scale extremes

Abstract. Reliable estimation of rainfall extremes is essential for drainage system design, flood mitigation, and risk quantification. However, traditional techniques lack physical realism and extrapolation can be highly uncertain. In this study, we improve the physical basis for short-duration extreme rainfall estimation by simulating the heavy portion of the rainfall record mechanistically using the Bartlett–Lewis rectangular pulse (BLRP) model. Mechanistic rainfall models have had a tendency to underestimate rainfall extremes at fine temporal scales. Despite this, the simple process representation of rectangular pulse models is appealing in the context of extreme rainfall estimation because it emulates the known phenomenology of rainfall generation. A censored approach to Bartlett–Lewis model calibration is proposed and performed for single-site rainfall from two gauges in the UK and Germany. Extreme rainfall estimation is performed for each gauge at the 5, 15, and 60 min resolutions, and considerations for censor selection discussed.
Control of a virtual leg via EMG signals from four thigh muscles

The work presented in this paper is our first step toward the develop- ment of an exoskeleton for human gait support. The device we foresee should be suitable for assisting walking in paralyzed subjects and should be based on myo- electrical muscular signals (EMGs) as a communication channel between the hu- man and the machine. This paper concentrates on the design of a biomechanical model of the human lower extremity. The system predicts subjects intentions from the analysis of his/her electromyographical activity. Our model takes into account three main factors. Firstly, the main muscles spanning the knee articulation. Sec- ondly, the gravity affecting the leg during its movement. Finally, it considers the limits within which the leg swings. Furthermore, it is capable of estimating several knee parameters such as joint moment, angular acceleration, angular velocity, and angular position. In order to have a visual feedback of the predicted movements we have implemented a three-dimensional graphical simulation of a human leg which moves in response to the commands computed by the model.
Determination of Reading Levels of Primary School Students.

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the reading performances of 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. The study was designed in a scanning model. The research was conducted with 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students studying in Bayburt, Turkey. The appropriate reading rates, reading speeds and reading errors of the students were examined by asking them to read a narrative text appropriate to their class. The texts were selected from the books distributed to the schools by the Ministry of National Education. Error Analysis Inventory was used to diagnose reading difficulties of students and to collect data about their reading performances. It was used to determine the reading levels of the readers individually. The present study is important since it identify students with reading difficulties and determines the necessary programs to overcome these difficulties.
Modelling of solid bodies in dissipative particle dynamics

This paper is concerned with the use of oscillating particles instead of the usual frozen particles to model a suspended particle (solid body) in a Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) particle-based simulation method. A suspended particle is represented by a set of basic DPD particles connected to reference sites by linear springs. The reference sites are moved as a whole with the imposed displacement that is calculated using data from the previous time step, while the velocities of their associated DPD particles are found by solving the DPD equations at the current time step. In this way, a specified Boltzmann temperature can also be maintained in the region occupied by the suspended particles and this parameter can be utilised to control the size of suspended particles. Several numerical results in two dimensions are presented to demonstrate attractiveness of the proposed model.
THE EQUIVALENCE OF MANN AND ISHIKAWA ITERATION METHODS WITH ERRORS FOR UNIFORMLY CONTINUOUS AND $\phi$-STRONGLY ACCRETIVE OPERATORS

The equivalence between the convergences of Mann and Ishikawa iteration methods with errors for uniformly continuous and φ-strongly accretive or φ-strongly pseudocontractive operators in Banach spaces are proved. Two examples which dwell upon the importance of our results are also included. AMS Subject Classification: 47H10, 47H15
The effect of real earnings management on audit fees in listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange

Article history: Received March20, 2014 Accepted 10September2014 Available online September202014 This paper presents an empirical investigation to study the effect of real earnings management on audit fees in selected firms from Tehran Stock Exchange. The study gathers the necessary information from selected stocks listed in Tehran Stock Exchange. The proposed study uses the information of 63 firms over a four-year period from 2009 to 2012, which leaves us to have 252 data. Using some regression study, The study has confirmed real earnings management influences positively on audit fees in general. In addition, while real earnings management through an increase in sales does not influence on audit fees, the survey has concluded that real earnings management through increase in production costs as well as decrease in discretionary expenditures influences positively on audit fees. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Real earnings management Accrual-based earnings management Audit fees
Development of procedures for casework specimen collection and processing for organic gunshot residue analysis

XL INTRODUCTION . 2 CHAPTER 1: 1.1 PROJECT RATIONALE . 2 1.1 GUNSHOT RESIDUE BACKGROUND . 2 1.2 SCREENING TESTS FOR GSR . 7 1.3 GSR COLLECTION . 8 1.4 GSR ANALYSIS . 10 1.4. 1 IGSR Analysis . 10 1.4. 2 OGSR Analysis . 10 1.5 GSR INTERPRETATION . 12 1.5. 1 Discharge of a Firearm. 14 1.5. 2 Time since Discharge . 14 1.5. 3 Linkage of Firearms and/or Ammunitions . 16 1.5. 4 Occupational and Environmental Sources . 19 1.6 CONTAMINATION . 20 1.7 PERSISTENCE . 21
Somatic characteristics in relation to meeting recommended physical activity in overweight and obese women aged 30-60 years

Background: Physical activity (PA) can provide health benefits and thus reduce the risk of complications from obesity and improve mental well-being. We consider body composition as an acceptable indicator of the functional condition of the body. Aims: Our research objective was to analyse selected body composition fractions in relation to meeting recommended PA in overweight and obese women. Methods: 221 women participated in our study, divided in two age groups: 30 to 44.9 years (Maturus I, n = 118) and 45 to 60 years (Maturus II, n = 103). Each age group was further differentiated by sub-groups (adequate and inadequate PA) according to the achieved PA level (medium PA: 3 to 6 MET; ≥ 150 min/week). To determine the PA parameters within one week the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer was used. The InBody 720 body composition analyser was used to determine body composition parameters. Descriptive characteristics and data analysis were carried out using Statistica 10.0. Differences were compared by the Student's t-test. Statistical significance level was set at α < . 05. Results: Younger women who achieved adequate PA reached lower average values of body fat mass and visceral fat area than women with inadequate PA. Higher average values of the fat-free mass, body cell mass and skeletal muscle mass were found in older women with adequate PA in comparison with women with inadequate PA. Conclusions: The research study verified a positive relationship between meeting the recommended PA level and its impact on body composition health risk indicators. A positive approach to the PA may lead to a decrease in health problems associated with excess weight and obesity.
Is Lunch Still Gross? A Qualitative Evaluation of a New School Lunch Program

The childhood obesity epidemic has raised national awareness about the need to improve school meals. Our research study partnered University of Rochester researchers with the Healthi Kids Coalition, a local health planning organization, to evaluate a newly instituted food service program in a metropolitan school district of western New York. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Program Evaluation stepwise framework, we focused on stakeholder accountability and student satisfaction. The first author collected data through informal, conversational group interviews with students, key informant interviews (with school board members, food service employees, and the food services management company), and participant-observations at 2 schools. Then, we sorted data across the categories of “accountability” and “satisfaction. ” Analysis of stakeholder accountability data revealed 3 themes: (a) unsustainable program costs, (b) strained working relationships among stakeholders, and (c) student–staff.
Integration of gamification elements in the generation of visual representation of a mathematical function using digital technology: A case study

This study explores the experience of students while using an in-house developed, gamified activity that encourages the use of the graphical representation of mathematical functions. The main objective is to explore and describe student use experience in the activity and to comprehend if a relationship between the graphical representation and the real problem context —sustainable development— is achieved. A web-based activity was developed so that different devices could access and carry out the activity. Student behavior was observed to identify different categories which describe the experience and how this type of activities with digital materials is composed. The results allow identifying lessons learned about the benefits and limitations in the design and development of gamified activities for mathematics and sustainability education. Este estudio explora la experiencia de los estudiantes al utilizar una actividad gamificada que fomenta la representacion grafica de funciones matematicas. El objetivo principal es explorar y describir la experiencia de uso de los estudiantes y comprender si logran una relacion entre la representacion grafica y el contexto de la problematica real que es el desarrollo sostenible. Se desarrollo una actividad basada en la Web para que desde diferentes dispositivos pudieran acceder y asi llevarla a cabo. Se observo el comportamiento de los estudiantes para identificar las diferentes categorias que permitan describir su experiencia y como es que esta compuesta este tipo de actividades con recursos digitales. Los resultados permiten identificar las lecciones aprendidas sobre los beneficios y limitaciones en el diseno y el desarrollo de este tipo de actividades gamificadas para las matematicas y para la educacion de la sostenibilidad.
Down-side Risk Metrics as Portfolio Diversification Strategies across the GFC

This paper features an analysis of the effectiveness of a range of portfolio diversification strategies, with a focus on down-side risk metrics, as a portfolio diversification strategy in a European market context. We apply these measures to a set of daily arithmetically compounded returns on a set of ten market indices representing the major European markets for a nine year period from the beginning of 2005 to the end of 2013. The sample period, which incorporates the periods of both the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and subsequent European Debt Crisis (EDC), is challenging one for the application of portfolio investment strategies. The analysis is undertaken via the examination of multiple investment strategies and a variety of hold-out periods and back-tests. We commence by using four two year estimation periods and subsequent one year investment hold out period, to analyse a naive 1/N diversification strategy, and to contrast its effectiveness with Markowitz mean variance analysis with positive weights. Markowitz optimisation is then compared with various downside investment optimisation strategies. We begin by comparing Markowitz with CVaR, and then proceed to evaluate the relative effectiveness of Markowitz with various draw-down strategies, utilising a series of backtests. Our results suggest that none of the more sophisticated optimisation strategies appear to dominate naive diversification.
Corruption and financial sector performance: A cross-country analysis

In this paper we explore the effects of corruption on financial sector performance for a sample of 38 developed and developing economies for the period 1995-2005. Using system-GMM technique our results demonstrate that corruption undermines the efficacy of a developed financial sector. Governments, therefore, should control corruption and to improve financial sector performance in order to increase the likelihood of economic growth and prosperity.
Primary Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Course Related Factors that Enhance Instructional Self-Efficacy

Pre-service teachers’ instructional self-efficacy, that is, their belief in their own ability to foster learning with instructional tactics, is one predictor of classroom effectiveness. This qualitative investigation used focus groups to gather data from fifty-one preservice teachers enrolled in one Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree in Australia. Pre-service teachers were asked their perceptions of course related factors that increased their instructional selfefficacy. Focus group transcripts were themed and triangulated with prioritised lists developed by each of the focus groups. Pre-service teachers identified vicarious and enactive modelling, accompanied by professional conversations and a supportive learning culture as contributors to instructional self-efficacy. They also identified the need for continued scaffolding in mastery components of the course, recommending a specific strategy to enhance mastery learning. Study Aims and Relevance The preparation of Australian pre-service teachers (PSTs) comprises several components of professional practice, one of these being instructional tactics, including narrating, explaining, demonstrating and questioning. These tactics form the basis of a PST’s ability to communicate effectively in the classroom and undergird more sophisticated strategies such as concept development, discussion and cooperative learning. Although generally assumed that knowledge and opportunity for application will equip PSTs for the classroom, there is a gap between theory and practice. While many PSTs make the transfer from theory to practice in a competent manner, others struggle to use instructional tactics effectively in a classroom setting. This investigation into PSTs’ instructional self-efficacy (ISE) was prompted by the gap between theoretical knowledge of skills and mastery of skills. While several studies measure the self-efficacy of pre-service teachers at varying points in their course (for example, Pendergast, Garvis & Keogh, 2011; Uzuntiryaki, 2008; Main & Hammond, 2008), this investigation responded to the need for more qualitative research in this field and investigations that focus on specific rather than general self-efficacy beliefs (Wyatt, 2015). This investigation aimed to gather rich data from PSTs regarding self-efficacy in a focused area of teaching; instructional tactics, thereby giving PSTs a voice in their own learning. The purpose of this investigation was twofold; to explore perceptions of PSTs regarding ISE, and to determine if the strategies they identified aligned with prior research. It was anticipated that the combination of findings from these two purposes would result in a model that could advance the understanding of mastery learning and Instructional Self-efficacy for PSTs enrolled in the BEd program. Australian Journal of Teacher Education Vol 42, 2, February 2017 15 Theoretical Perspectives
Acoustic characteristics of the advertisement call of Dendropsophus elegans (Anura: Hylidae)

The aim of the present study was to describe the advertisement call of Dendropsophus elegans (Wied-Neuwied 1824) specimens found in the Parque Estadual Dois Irmaos, which is located in Recife, Pernambuco (Brazil). The data obtained were compared with available information on advertisement calls of the D. leucophyllatus group. So far, within this group the advertisement call has only been described for D. anceps, D. bifurcus and D. ebraccatus.
Identifying Potential to Promote the NOS in Elementary Science Teaching Packages

This paper aims to identify whether teaching the Nature of science is promoted in the teaching package of Greek Elementary School. Literature has justified that the nature of science is an important aspect of science teaching, which helps learners acquire a better understanding of science and its branches. Additionally, literature has suggested that for the nature of science to be taught, it is important for learners to get involved in activities, which emphasize on the epistemological aspect of science, the explanatory aspect of science, and the data issues aspect. However, research claims that the nature of science has not been effectively implemented in actual science teaching in many countries. A significant reason for that is the lack of the appropriate teaching material, such as teaching package. Through a qualitative approach with the help of the directed content analysis, this paper examines whether the science teaching package of Greek Elementary Curriculum emphasizes on the three basic aspects. The findings show that there is little emphasis. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.17. 6.1