Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of learning styles on engaging children in school projects

The importance of children’s engagement in school projects has been widely acknowledged. Despite various initiatives and efforts promote it, the effectiveness of children’s engagement has remained limited. Available evidence suggests that most prevailing participation methods, employed in school design projects, continue to exclude groups of children due to the disparity between built environment professionals’ methods of engagement and children’s preferred way of interacting with information. The research sought to determine whether engagement methods could be more effective targeted by determining and incorporating children’s learning styles preferences. There are a number of different learning styles models, but the visual, auditory and kinaesthetic (VAK) is the most widely used. However, VAK is generic and is not fully suitable for children. As a result a child friendly-customised VAK learning style preferences questionnaire was developed to classify children’s learning preferences into three sensory modalities in a range of activities across the primary curriculum. 151 Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils from four primary schools in the UK participated in the study. The results revealed that preferences for engagement methods differed significantly between the three learning style modalities. The findings confirmed that understanding children’s learning style preferences is an important consideration when deciding engagement methods for school projects.
Metacognitive Monitoring of Rule-Based Category Learning Tasks

The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of metacognitive monitoring during learning category structures defined by logical rules of different levels of complexity: conjunctive, conjunctive-disjunctive or complex rule. Feelingof-warmth judgments were used repeatedly during learning to assess participants' subjective feelings about how close they are to the acquisition of the appropriate rule. After each judgment, participants were asked to describe logical rules underlying category structures. As expected, the results showed that feeling-of-warmth judgments generally follow classification accuracy through the course of learning. Rule description accuracy shows a similar pattern and is also congruent with classification accuracy through the course of learning. Contrary to expectations, there were no differences between different levels of category structure complexity on any of the tested measures.
Economic Crises and Adjustments in Trade Structure * KENAN BAGCI

This paper investigates the potential effects of economic crises on the structure of trade. Contrary to the previous works that analyze the relationship between trade and financial crises mostly from the contagion perspective (where financial crises spread to other countries when they have strong trade relations), and rather than concentrating on the pure trade effects of economic disturbances, this paper looks into the structural changes in the composition of trade due to economic crises. Under different definitions of crisis and alternative measures of trade structure, initial findings reveal that crises have delayed but positive impact on diversification but there is no impact on technological upgrade in exporting industries. Significant diversification happens two, three and five years following the economic crisis and one year after financial crisis. Concentration of export in a narrow range of goods is not observed during and after crisis. Additionally a technological shift, either upward or downward, is not estimated following both economic and financial crisis. * Preliminary draft: August 2009, first draft: May 2009 (Economic Crises, Trade, and Recovery). † Graduate student at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland (kenanbagci@hotmail.com). Preliminary and Incomplete Comments are welcome
FMRI studies in neuro-fuzzy and behavioural finance: a case based approach

Financial decision making mechanisms have not been identified. Using event-related fMRI without MR compatible switch which can be performed by all MRI system which has only Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) feature, we examined financial decision-making task with three risk levels in two participants. We saw activation regions differences between risk-seeking and risk-aversion selection in addition to larger activated regions in selection funding in comparison with no selection. Thus, consideration of anticipatory neural mechanisms may add predictive power for economic decision- making.
Behavior of a shallow water table under periodic flow conditions

A new laboratory data set on the behavior of a shallow water table in a sand column aquifer subject to simple harmonic periodic forcing at its base is presented and discussed. The data are analyzed using the dynamic effective porosity, which is defined as the ratio of the rate of change in total moisture to the rate of change in water table elevation; thus, a reduction in this parameter means that the extent of moisture exchange has been reduced relative to a given water table fluctuation. The data show a clear decrease in the dynamic effective porosity with increasing proximity of the water table to the sand surface, which is consistent with previous research under a steadily rising or falling shallow water table. The observed reduction in moisture exchange due to shallowness of the water table has implications for periodic flow scenarios such as the propagation of water table waves in coastal and beach groundwater systems. That is, as moisture exchange is reduced, less work is being done by the flow, and thus, energy dissipation rates for shallow water tables will be reduced relative to the case of a deeper water table. At present no account of the influence of water table shallowness has been included in theories describing water table wave dispersion. The present experiments, in conjunction with the dynamic effective porosity concept, provide a framework in which this gap in knowledge can be further investigated. Additional experiments were designed such that the free surface transgressed the sand surface for part of the oscillation period to investigate the influence of meniscus formation and deformation at the sand surface on periodic flow dynamics. The observed behavior is consistent with previous observations of steady infiltration above shallow water tables, namely, a rapid drop (rise) in pore pressure with the onset of meniscus formation (deformation). A simple “wetting and drying” model is derived, accounting for the variation in effective porosity caused by the free surface transgressing the sand surface, which is shown to accurately capture the observed behavior. A finite element solution of the Richards equation in which the transient upper boundary condition is easily mimicked by means of a surface element with special storage features also shows excellent agreement with the observed data.
Oxaziridine (c-ch3no), c-ch2no radicals and cl, nh2 and methyl derivatives of oxaziridine; structures and quantum chemical parameters

Oxaziridine [c-CH3NO (X1A)], c-CH2NO (X2A) radicals and Cl, NH2 and methyl derivatives of oxaziridine structures have been optimized via DFTB3LYP level of theory using 6-311++G (d, p) basis set. Population analysis had been carried out. Vertical ionization energy (VIE) and adiabatic ionization energy (AIE), Fukui indices and some quantum chemical parameters were calculated. N-O bond was determined as weakest bond in oxaziridine triangle. The effect of electron withdrawing and electron donating groups on stability of weakest bond were assessed.
Anatomical Properties of Three Lesser Utilised Ghanaian Hardwood Species

Wood is composed of mostly hollow, elongated, spindle-shaped cells that are arranged parallel to each other along the trunk of a tree. The characteristics of these fibrous cells and their arrangement affect strength properties, appearance, resistance to penetration by water and chemical solutions, resistance to decay and many other properties. The characterisation of wood helps in identifying them. In this work, we studied the anatomical properties of three lesser utilised Ghanaian hardwood species namely Albizia ferruginea (Guill. & Perr.) Benth, Blighia sapida K. D. Koenig and Sterculia rhinopetala K. Schum using the light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Anatomical features studied were fiber length, double fiber wall thickness, fiber proportion, vessel diameter and proportion, rays and axial parenchyma proportions. We observed that the use of SEM in studying the anatomical or ultra-structural aspects of wood gave a clearer understanding of the features and structures found in wood. Anatomical features such as presence of crystals and absence of axial parenchyma in Blighia sapida and the thick wall fibers of Sterculia rhinopetala were better understood.
How do we use energy in our home - to suit buildings or behaviour?

This paper examines the importance of household energy use and research into it. It reviews studies from around the world that have measured and investigated the characteristics of such consumption. It then concentrates on relevant research of this kind in Australia. It goes on to distill the main determinants of energy use by households and discusses the important phenomenon of inter-correlation between these influences.
Practical Application of a Comprehensive Weight Management Program in Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome

This paper examines weight loss outcomes and their impact on risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome following participation in OPTIFAST®, a comprehensive weight-management program. A multicenter, retrospective chart review of 153 patients enrolled in the OPTIFAST program was conducted. Change in weight, body mass index, percent weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors were compared between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome at baseline lost 21.6 ± 10.0 kg compared to 20.4 ± 9.2 kg for patients without metabolic syndrome (p > 0.05). Mean reduction in body mass index was 7.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2 and 7.1 ± 3.0 kg/ m2, and mean percent weight loss was 16.7 ± 6.9% and 17.6 ± 6.9%, respectively (p > 0.05). Metabolic syndrome patients had significantly greater reductions in triglycerides (p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). The proportion of metabolic syndrome patients at program completion (41/87 (47%)) was significantly less than the proportion of metabolic syndrome patients at baseline (51/87 (59%); p < 0.0001). Patients with and without metabolic syndrome achieved significant weight loss and similar declines in body weight, body mass index and percent weight change. Significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, including meaningful reductions in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome within the study population were observed.
Effects of air reservoir volume and connecting pipes' length and diameter on the air spring behavior in rail-vehicles

The secondary suspension of most new EMU and DMU rail vehicles is equipped with air springs, to offer a good ride comfort to passengers. Air springs are a very important isolating component, which guarantees good ride comfort during the trip. In most rail-vehicle models developed by researchers, the thermo-dynamical effects of air springs in the rail-vehicle dynamics are not considered and secondary suspension is modeled by simple springs and dampers. As the performance of suspension components, especially for air springs, have significant effects on rail-vehicle dynamics and the ride comfort of passengers, a complete nonlinear thermo-dynamical air spring model, which is a combination of two different models, is introduced. Results from field tests show remarkable agreement between the proposed model and experimental data. Effects of air reservoir volume and the connecting pipes' length and diameter on the system performances are investigated here.
Comparison of cutaneous incisions to approach the infraorbital rim and orbital floor

Aim: The aim of this article was to retrospectively analyze and compare the esthetic outcomes achieved after the use of 20 subciliary incisions, 22 subtarsal incisions and 16 infraorbital incisions to approach the infraorbital rim and orbital floor in orbital fractures. Methods: The sample consisted of 58 patients (37 males and 21 females) with orbital trauma (floor and infraorbital rim) treated with open reduction and internal rigid fixation in the Depart
Compost Applications Increase Water-Stable Aggregates in Conventional and No-Tillage Systems

Agricultural practices that alter the soil organic matter (SOM) content are expected to cause changes in soil stability and aggregation. The objective of this study was to evaluate short-term ( 4 mm was greater in compost-amended than unamended soils within 1 yr, and the mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates increased with increasing compost application rates. By the second year of the study, no-till soils under continuous corn and the soybean phase of the corn-soybean rotation had more WSA >4 mm and a greater MWD than any crop rotation in conventionally tilled soils. Increasing the C input to soil increased the MWD of aggregates. The MWD of aggregates was related to the C content of soils under no-till, but not conventional tillage, suggesting more physical stabilization of organic matter (OM) in no-till than conventional tillage agroecosystems. Our findings indicate rapid improvements in aggregation of a silt-loam in the first 2 yr after compost application and the adoption of no-tillage practices.
Foods of primary consumers on cold desert shrub-steppe of southcentral Idaho

Trophic relationships of rabbits, black-tailed jack rabbits, pronghorn, sheep, and cattle were examined on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Site in southcentral Idaho. Grasses were the most important foods of lagomorphs and livestock. Pronghorn depended mostly on basin big sagebrush, common winterfat, and saltbushes. If jack rabbits increase in the future, severe competition for forage with livestock may result. Large portions of the shrub-steppe of Idaho are winter grazed by sheep (Ovis ah-es), cattle (Bos tuurus), and native wild herbivores. Unregulated grazing can lead to poor range condition, poor condition of wild herbivores, and poor livestock performance. Range managers must assess quantitatively the combined impacts of different herbivores on range resources before planning grazing operations. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) Site in southcentral Idaho is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management lets grazing leases for about 60% of the area (Johnson 1978). Sheep and cattle use these areas and each grazes in common with wild herbivores but the domestic animals do not use the same areas. The most important wild herbivores on the site are pronghorn (Antelocapra americana) and rabbits (Sylvilagus spp). Blacktailed jack rabbit (Lepus calijornicus) populations may become periodically important. During the present study jack rabbit population densities were extremely low on the study area. The purpose of this paper is to report potential levels of diet competition between herbivores which use the INEL Site. Since the study area is typical of the shrub-steppe of southern Idaho, the results of this study have potential for guiding range management over wide areas of the northern Great Basin area.
How reliable are thermal constants for insect development when estimated from laboratory experiments?

The concept of thermal time, where a linear relationship between developmental rate (d) and environmental temperature (T) is assumed for plants and poikilothermic animals (∂ = a + b · T ; a is the intercept, b the slope, and ∂ the model estimate of d) (e.g., Bonhomme, 2000), has been widely used as an approximation of physiological time (Trudgill et al., 2005). This approach has been especially common in studies of insect development (e.g., Hon e k & Kocourek, 1990; Hone k, 1996), as temperature plays a major role in the course of their life. Although a linear approximation of the generally non-linear relationship between developmental rate and temperature (e.g., Briere & Pracros, 1998) is valid only within a limited range of temperatures, the simplicity of the thermal time approach makes it very valuable in practice. Thermal constants [lower developmental threshold (LDT) and sum of effective temperatures (SET)] can be estimated from the assumed linear relationship, usually determined from laboratory observations of insect development at different constant temperatures. The LDT, which is defined as the temperature at which the development of insect ceases (d = 0) (e.g., Jaro8 ik et al., 2004; Trudgill et al., 2005), can be estimated as LDT = − a/b. The SET, which is defined as the temperature difference above LTD when total development (d = 1) is reached in a single day (e.g., Jaro8 ik et al., 2004; Trudgill et al., 2005), can be estimated as SET = 1/b (Figure 1). Because the values d = 0 and d = 1, which determine LDT and SET, are extremes in developmental rates and therefore outside the range of values used for the development of the linear model, the estimation of thermal constants is a typical example of extrapolation. This stimulated us to investigate how uncertain the estimates of thermal constants actually are; we base our investigation on laboratory experiments, due to the extrapolation inherent to the computational procedure.
The Effect of Fermentation on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Dry-Salted Vegetables

The local food movement has prompted interest in fermented vegetables, especially novel combinations of vegetables. The physicochemical characteristics of dry-salted (2% Sodium Chloride [NaCl]) fermented carrots, daikon radish, red cabbage, carrot + daikon radish (mix I), and red cabbage + daikon radish (mix II) were examined during a 14-day fermentation at room temperature. The fermentation process was monitored through the measurement of pH, titratable acidity, and Brixvalue. Further, effects of fermentation on shredded vegetables were determined by measuring color, water activity, and texture (hardness). During the fermentation process, pH of fermented carrot, daikon radish, red cabbage, and mix I and mix II decreased significantly (p < 0.05) to 3.99±0.04, 4.17±0.05, 3.76±0.11, 3.74±0.18, and 3.70±0.05, respectively, at the end of fermentation (10 days for carrot and 14 days for other vegetables). Titratable acidity (% as lactic acid) in fermented carrot, daikon radish, red cabbage, and mix I and mix II increased throughout fermentation, and final fermentation day acidity values were 1.39±0.12, 0.78±0.02, 1.54±0.09, 1.2±0.06, and 1.50±0.07%, respectively. In general, fermentation did not impact significantly color, water activity, hardness values of fermented vegetables. The use of the dry-salting method has applications in other vegetables besides cabbage. The study results support the use of this method for other vegetables and also might be useful to provide knowledge helpful in the local food movement.
PROTOTYPING IN MECHATRONIC PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: HOW PROTOTYPE FIDELITY LEVELS AFFECT USER DESIGN INPUT

This paper provides a study of prototyping; with the aim of understanding how the fidelity of prototypes affects inputs by users. During development of a mechatronic padlock, 4 physical prototypes at varying fidelity were fabricated. 66 interviews with users were conducted. Users were presented with 1 of the 4 prototypes. The study finds; fidelity of prototypes affects users’ feedback. Though not linearly and without unambiguity. This underlining the complexity of prototyping. A better understanding of how prototypes are perceived can help designers in establishing prototyping strategies.
Effects of Supportive Educational Program on Anxiety of Mothers of Children Undergoing the Lumbar Puncture (LP)

Background: Lumbar Puncture test is one of the most stressful diagnostic procedures in pediatric ward that its prescription put mothers under extreme pressure. There are limited interventions in this regard. Aim: determining the impact of supportive educational program on the anxiety of mothers whose children are undergoing lumbar puncture (LP). Method: the present study is a randomized controlled clinical trial carried out in 2015. Sixty mothers of children undergoing lumbar puncture and hospitalized 3educational hospitals of Mashhad, Iran, were randomly divided to control group (n=30) and intervention group (n=30). The intervention group received supportive program during a session of 60 min. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was selected as the research tool. Finally, data were analyzed by Chi-square test, independent t-test using SPSS v.16 software. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 27. 3Â±5.3 and 26. 0Â±3.1, respectively. The mean pre-interventions maternal manifest anxiety was 51. 9Â±6.2 and 53. 4Â±4.3 out of 80, respectively, in the intervention and control groups. The mean post-interventions maternal manifest anxiety was 44. 9Â±5.1 and 52. 7Â±4.2, respectively, in the intervention and control groups. According to the results of independent t-test, significant difference was observed statistically for the mean maternal manifest anxiety between the two groups (p> 0.001). Implications for Practice: Regarding the reduction of maternal anxiety in the intervention group, which is possible because of the attention to the emotional needs of mothers, in addition to proper training; this program can be considered as an effective method to reduce maternal anxiety before the LP test.
Diurnal patterns in phytoplankton photosynthesis, Fremantle Harbour

Phytoplankton are likely to be one of the main sources of autochthonous production in the Swan Canning estuary yet only limited published data are available on their photosynthetic dynamics. Here we describe the phytoplankton community composition at the mouth of the estuary and diurnal pattern of phytoplankton photosynthesis by applying chlorophyll fluorescence techniques. Diatoms were the dominant taxa (46–88% of the phytoplankton community) recorded throughout the sampling period although their dominance appeared to increase with the flood tide. A diurnal pattern in photosynthetic performance was apparent via chl-a fluorescence measurements. Nighttime deactivation of Calvin-Benson cycle enzymes was evidenced by low rETRmax and light saturation point (Ek; minimum value of 207.5±2.3(se) µmol photon m-2 s-1) values. Observed daytime increases in Ek (maximum value of 835.8±3.8(se) µmol photon m-2 s-1 at 4pm) with simultaneous reduction of alpha (α) suggests dynamic down-regulation of PSII electron transport during the day. Maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) decreased from a value of 0.81 to minima of 0.51 during high-light periods of the day. Accounting for these dynamics is important in the design of future studies of phytoplantkton productivity in the system. High recorded values of Fv/Fm and an unimpeded ability to photoregulate suggest the diatom-dominated marine phytoplankton community found in Perth’s coastal waters at the time of this study was nutrient replete.
Effects of Consolidation on Banks Performance in Nigeria

The study evaluated the effect of consolidation on bank performance in Nigeria. Data were collected from secondary sources. Two hypotheses were tested using ordinary least squares regression method. The implication of the findings showed that the consolidation of banks through mergers and acquisition has significantly influenced banks’ earnings; and that consolidation has not led to increase in capital adequacy ratio of banks. The study recommends that bank regulatory authorities should increase its oversight role so as to ensure that none of the banks has weak corporate governance and that there should be strong enforcement and effective regulatory oversight. Keywords: Consolidation, NDIC, CBN, ROA, ROE