Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Using Web-Site Games on Saudi Pupils' Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Acquisition, and Motivation

This study aimed at investigating the effect of using web-site games on the route and the rate of Saudi pupils' reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and motivation quantitatively and qualitatively. The sample of the study consisted of forty male pupils from Madinah Directorate of Education. Anwar AL-Faihaa' School was randomly chosen from the total number of basic schools in that directorate in the first semester of the academic year 2011-2012. In that school, there were two sixth grade classes: Section (A) consisted of 20 students and it was assigned as an experimental group, while the other was decided to be a controlling group. It was also consisted of 20 students. Data were collected with twelve weeks via a pre-posttest design for equivalent group. The results of the study indicated that students who were taught using web-site games had better results than those who were taught using the traditional method. The researcher concluded that web-site games could facilitate pupils' reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition since they motivate students and make them involved in the teaching process. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education represented by the Directorate of Curricula should accompany the main English textbooks with links to web-site games that do not harm or contradict with our traditions and our culture. Additionally, there is a need for more computerized games to teach other language components and skills. Moreover, the educational philosophies, methodologies, and curricula should be rearranged to design other web-sites of educational games as integral strategies to meet the needs of the new age since they contribute to the development of students' language skills and mental growth. Keywords: Web-Site Games, Motivation, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Acquisition, Saudi Pupils.
The use of discourse markers by Afrikaans-speaking preschoolers with and without specific language impairment *

Discourse markers (DMs) are words or phrases speakers employ to coordinate what they want to say when, to whom and how during conversation. The purpose of this study was to establish (i) what types of DMs occur in the language of young Afrikaans-speaking children; (ii) what development, if any, takes place in DM use from the age of 4 years to 6 years; and (iii) how, if at all, the use of DMs by children with specific language impairment (SLI) differs from that of typically develping (TD) children. The participants were three Afrikaans-speaking groups: 15 TD 6-year-olds, 15 6-year-olds with SLI, and 15 TD 4-year-olds matched on mean length of utterance with the SLI group. A 30-minute spontaneous language sample was obtained from each participant. The number of occurrences of DMs (tokens) and the number of different DMs (types) used during these 30 minutes were tallied for each participant individually and for each of the three groups. It was found that maar 'but', en 'and', ja 'yes', and dan 'then' were some of the most frequently occurring DMs in the three groups. The SLI group used DMs that also occurred in the language of the TD groups, but the SLI group also used DMs which were not used by the TD groups at all. In terms of number of different DMs used, the SLI group functioned at a level between the two TD groups: They used more and a wider range of markers than the 4-year-olds but fewer and a smaller range of markers than their 6-year-old peers. It appears then that the use of DMs shows development between the ages of 4 and 6 years and that the use of DMs is delayed in children with SLI. Appropriate use of DMs can improve listeners' understanding of what is said; as such, it is recommended that speech-language therapists make DMs a focus point during therapy delivery to children with language impairment.
Comparing the Change of Teaching Motivations among Preservice Teachers in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland: Do In-school Learning Opportunities Matter?

In this study, we examine the hypothesis that preservice teachers’ teaching motivations change during the first two years of their teacher preparation. A sample of 1,779 student teachers with two time points from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland is used. Findings show that student teachers’ intrinsic motivation increases, whereas their extrinsic motivation being more distal to initial teacher education does not change. Against our expectations, their altruistic-type motivation (e.g., the motivation to work with children/adolescents) tends to deteriorate. The change of teaching motivations is influenced by in-school opportunities to learn (teaching practice activities, support by school mentors) and it is more practically relevant in a teacher education context where practical training is given high priority (Austria, Switzerland) compared with a context that heavily focuses on theoretical study (Germany). We discuss implications for teacher education from a comparative perspective and give an outlook for possible future research.
Probing the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction via the Propagation of Spin Waves in Ferromagnetic Thin Films

The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) has attracted considerable recent attention owing to the intriguing physics behind and the fundamental role it played in stabilizing magnetic solitons, such as magnetic skyrmions and chiral domain walls. A number of experimental efforts have been devoted to probe the DMI, among which the most popular method is the Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy (BLS) to measure the frequency difference of spin waves with opposite wave vectors $\pm\mathbf{k}$ perpendicular to the in-plane magnetization $\mathbf{m}$. Such a technique, however, is not applicable for the cases of $\mathbf{k}\parallel\mathbf{m}$, since the spin-wave reciprocity is recovered then. For a narrow magnetic strip, it is also difficult to measure the DMI strength using BLS because of the spatial resolution limit of lights. To fill these gaps, we propose to probe the DMI via imaging the propagation characteristics of spin waves in ferromagnetic films. We show that the DMI can cause the non-collinearity of the group velocities of spin waves with $\pm\mathbf{k}\parallel\mathbf{m}$. In heterogeneous magnetic thin films with different DMIs, negative refractions of spin waves emerge at the interface under proper conditions. These findings enable us to quantify the DMI strength by measuring the angle between the two spin-wave beams with $\pm\mathbf{k}\parallel\mathbf{m}$ in homogeneous film and by measuring the incident and negative refraction angles in heterogeneous films. For a narrow magnetic strip, we propose a nonlocal scheme to determine the DMI strength via nonlinear three-magnon processes. We implement theoretical calculations and micromagnetic simulations to verify our ideas. The results presented here are helpful for future measurement of the DMI and for designing novel spin-wave spintronics devices.
Semen traits, testicular morphometry and histopathology of cadmium-exposed rabbit bucks administered methanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera fruit

This study evaluated the effect of Cd on some male reproductive parameters; and explored the therapeutic potentials of methanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera (MEPD) fruit in averting such reproductive damages. 45 rabbit bucks aged 24-28 weeks and weighing 1.41-1.43 kg was used. The rabbits were assigned to 5 treatment groups (control, Cd-only, Cd + 300 mg MEPD, Cd + 600 mg MEPD and Cd + 900 mg MEPD) in a completely randomized design. The rabbits were dosed with 3 mg CdCl 2 kg -1 feed for 7 days followed by MEPD for 56 days after every 72 hours. Result of semen evaluation indicates that semen volume, motility, libido, concentration, total ejaculate, viability and morphology were significantly reduced by Cd compared to the normal control group. Testis density and epididymis length of the control rabbits were significantly different from the Cd-only exposed rabbits. Histopathological examination revealed severe testicular damage due to Cd. Indeed, treatment with MEPD significantly reversed the deleterious reproductive effects caused by Cd. In conclusion, cadmium drastically affected the testis of rabbits and treatment with MEPD alleviated some deleterious effects.
Rheological modeling of carbon nanotube aggregate suspensions

This paper is concerned with the rheological modeling of untreated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended within an epoxy resin. The untreated CNT suspensions exhibited significant steady shear thinning and contained optically resolvable aggregate structures. A simple orientation model, based on a Fokker–Planck advection-diffusion description, failed to capture the experimentally observed rheological responses for untreated CNT suspensions. A new model named the “aggregation∕orientation” (AO) model has been developed to describe the experimental findings. The model integrated elements of both a standard orientation model and aggregation modeling concepts within the Fokker–Planck formalism. A hierarchy of states between CNTs that are free from entanglement and a complete CNT network was incorporated into the AO model, thereby enabling different microstructure populations to exist for different shear conditions. Using a small number of adjustable parameters, it was found that the experimental data could be fitted with reasonable precision.This paper is concerned with the rheological modeling of untreated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended within an epoxy resin. The untreated CNT suspensions exhibited significant steady shear thinning and contained optically resolvable aggregate structures. A simple orientation model, based on a Fokker–Planck advection-diffusion description, failed to capture the experimentally observed rheological responses for untreated CNT suspensions. A new model named the “aggregation∕orientation” (AO) model has been developed to describe the experimental findings. The model integrated elements of both a standard orientation model and aggregation modeling concepts within the Fokker–Planck formalism. A hierarchy of states between CNTs that are free from entanglement and a complete CNT network was incorporated into the AO model, thereby enabling different microstructure populations to exist for different shear conditions. Using a small number of adjustable parameters, it was found that the experimental data could be fitte.
Developing students’ writing and awareness through autobiographical life stories using journals in the EFL classroom

This action research study was conducted with sixteen beginner students at a private university in Bogotá. The aim of this study was to inquire into the raising of awareness and the enhancement of written cohesion, with specific regards to the use of connectors, through writing autobiographical, journal-based life stories. Data was collected from the implementation of journals, a mid-study questionnaire, and a final semi-structured interview. The findings allowed the researcher to conclude that: Students’ writings exhibited an increase in the use of connectors, specifically of addition and time at the end of the study, compared to their frequency of use at the initial stage. Besides, students were able to tackle their writing strategically with a focus on form to deal with the construction of the text itself, and with a focus on content, choosing a topic within the genre of life stories, which made it easier and more meaningful for them to write; and, on the other hand, by picking and using strategies that allowed for a step-by-step writing process such as brainstorming and drafting, to better cope with their writing tasks.
The Vienna-KPNO search for Doppler-imaging candidate stars - I. A catalog of stellar-activity indicators for 1058 late-type Hipparcos stars

We present the results from a spectroscopic Ca II HK 23% with strong emission, 36% with moderate emission, and 41% with weak emission. These spectra are used to determine absolute H&K emission-line fluxes, radial velocities, and equivalent widths of the luminosity-sensitive Sr II line at 4077 ˚ A. Red-wavelength spectroscopic and Stromgren y photometric follow-up obser- vations of the 371 stars with H&K emission are used to ad- ditionally determine the absolute H-core flux, the lithium abundance from the Li I 6708 ˚ A equivalent width, the rotational velocity v sin i, the radial velocity, and the light variations and its periodicity. The latter is interpreted as the stellar rotation period due to an inhomogeneous surface brightness distribu- tion. 156 stars were found with photometric periods between 0.29 and 64 days, 11 additional systems showed quasi-periodic variations possibly in excess of 50 days. Further 54 stars had variations but no unique period was found, and four stars were essentially constant. Altogether, 170 new variable stars were discovered. Additionally, we found 17 new SB1 (plus 16 new candidates) and 19 new SB2 systems, as well as one definite and two possible new SB3 systems. Finally, we present a list of 21 stars that we think are most suitable candidates for a detailed study with the Doppler-imaging technique.
Variable susceptibility and response to estrogenic chemicals in Menidia menidia

Environmental endocrine disruptors can profoundly impact sex ratios of fish popula- tions, especially if the fish exhibits plasticity in sex determination. The Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia exhibits a genetically based latitudinal cline in numerous traits including temperature- dependent sex determination (TSD), which varies from high thermal influence on sex determination in southern fish, to pure genetic sex determination (GSD), with no thermal influence in northern fish. We used this gradient in TSD/GSD to test for differential population susceptibility to a common municipal wastewater constituent, 17 β-estradiol (E2), among 4 populations with varying levels of TSD. Larvae were exposed to E2 during sex differentiation and assessed for sex ratios. The sex ratio in southern populations was more responsive to E2 than in northern populations, indicating differen- tial population sensitivity. To assess the potential sensitivity of wild populations to estrogenic com- pounds, we measured the sex ratio in 12 M. menidia populations over a 3 yr period along a pro- nounced longitudinal gradient in sewage effluent and urbanization across Long Island. Water temperatures were measured to account for thermal influence on sex ratio. We found a significant trend toward female-biased sex ratios in more urbanized estuaries, with lower proportions of females in less impacted estuaries. Temperature was ruled out as the primary cause. Because sewage efflu- ent often carries high concentrations of estrogenic compounds, and our experiments confirmed a heightened sensitivity to E2 in fish with TSD, the most likely reason for the longitudinal trend in sex ratio is a gradient in the concentration of estrogenic compounds associated with urbanization.
HYPOGLYCEMIC EFFECT OF CECROPIA PELTATA L. ON N5-STZ TYPE 2 DIABETIC RATS

Summary Cecropia peltata is a plant highly appreciated in the Mayan communities of the south west part of Mexico for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this work the hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous (Ae-P) and the butanolic (Be-P) extracts of the plant were tested in n5-stz diabetic rats. F The Ae-P showed a hypoglycemic effect only at 200 mg/kg bw after 180 min of administration, whereas 20 mg/kg bw did not show any effect. The Be-P at 27 mg/kg bw showed effect only at 180 min., whereas at 60 mg/kg bw showed an hypoglycemic effect since 60 min up to 180 min. Since C. peltata extracts exerted a lower hypoglycemic effect than that previously observed with Cecropia obtusifolia, after we compared the phytochemical profile of both species we observe that C. peltata presents lower concentrations of Cholorogenic acid, with this results one can assume that a good hypoglycemic effect of both Cecropia species is related with the amount of Cholorogenic acid and Isoorientin present in the extracts.
IRON AND ZINC STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH SHORT STATURE

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in infancy and childhood where there is rapid growth and a concomitant high nutritional demand, particularly in developing countries. Other vulnerable periods are adolescence and pregnancy. Among micronutrients, iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world and is the major cause of anemia. Aim of work: The aim of this work was to study iron and zinc status among 12-16 years children with short stature for age. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted including forty12-16 years children (20 cases and 20 controls). Cases were children with short stature for age, attending the outpatient clinic of endocrinology department at Ain Shams University Hospitals (20 children). Controls were matched group selected from normal height-for-age children attending the outpatient clinic for another cause according to the inclusion criteria. All children were subjected to full laboratory assessment of serum iron and zinc in addition to complete blood picture and stool analysis. Socio-demographic, family and developmental histories were taken in addition to physical examination including height, weight, and secondary sexual characteristics. Results: The mean serum iron, serum ferritin and serum zinc level were significantly lower among cases than controls (61.5±3.65, 24.5±2.36 and 54.3±5.65 versus 66.8±4.32, 32.5±5.32 and 70.6±6.22 respectively). Regarding Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC); the mean values were 325.6±109.58 among cases compared to 198.6±56.8 among controls with statistically significant difference between them (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlations between serum iron level, serum ferritin and serum zinc level versus hemoglobin concentration and WBCs count. However, there was a significant negative correlation between iron binding capacity of stunted children and their hemoglobin concentration and WBCs count. There was no statistically significant correlations between them and weight or height of stunted children. Males had higher hemoglobin concentration, RBCs count and serum iron level compared to females (11.5±1.4, 3.8±0.9 and 65±3 compared to 10±1.2, 3.2±0.7, 60.5±4 respectively). Conclusion: Serum iron and serum zinc levels significantly decreased in children with short stature compared to normal children and their levels had positive linear correlation with hemoglobin concentration and WBCs count.
Phylogenetic composition and structure of tree communities shed light on historical processes influencing tropical rainforest diversity

The Neotropics, Afrotropics and Madagascar have different histories which have influenced their respective patterns of diversity. Based on current knowledge of these histories, we developed the following predictions about the phylogenetic structure and composition of rainforest tree communities: (Hypothesis 1) isolation of Gondwanan biotas generated differences in phylogenetic composition among biogeographical regions; (H2) major Cenozoic extinction events led to lack of phylogenetic structure in Afrotropical and Malagasy communities; (H3) greater angiosperm diversification in the Neotropics led to greater phylogenetic clustering there than elsewhere; (H4) phylogenetic overdispersion is expected near the Andes due to the co-occurrence of magnoliids tracking conserved habitat preferences and recently diversified eudicot lineages. Using abundance data of tropical rainforest tree species from 94 communities in the Neotropics, Afrotropics and Madagascar, we computed net relatedness index (NRI) to assess local phylogenetic structure, i.e. phylogenetic clustering vs. overdispersion relative to regional species pools, and principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure (PCPS) to assess variation in phylogenetic composition across communities. We observed significant differences in phylogenetic composition among biogeographical regions (agreement with H1). Overall phylogenetic structure did not differ among biogeographical regions, but results indicated variation from Andes to Amazon. We found widespread phylogenetic randomness in most Afrotropical and all Malagasy communities (agreement with H2). Most of central Amazonian communities were phylogenetically random, although some communities presented phylogenetic clustering (partial agreement with H3). We observed phylogenetic overdispersion near the Andes (agreement with H4). We were able to identify how differences in lineage composition are related to local phylogenetic co-occurrences across biogeographical regions that have been undergoing different climatic and orographic histories during the past 100 Myr. We observed imprints of the history following Gondwana breakup on phylobetadiversity and local phylogenetic structure of rainforest tree communities in the Neotropics, Afrotropics and Madagascar.
A Topographic Map Of Function Along The Axis Of Stripes In The Hindbrain Of Behaving Zebrafish

The work described here represents an investigation into the functional organization of interneurons in the hindbrain of larval zebrafish. Four-day-old zebrafish are already freely swimming and can perform many of the adult motor behaviors, indicating that the networks are wired and functional. The hindbrain is, however, strikingly simple at this time. It is organized into a series of stripes, each with a particular neuronal type (based upon morphology and transmitter phenotype), with the neurons within a stripe arranged according to age and input resistance. Using calcium imaging and whole cell patch clamp, I tested the hypothesis that different populations of neurons along the axis of a stripe are recruited as a function of swimming speed. I found that younger, dorsal neurons in a stripe are recruited at lower swimming frequencies with older, more ventral neurons continuously recruited as swimming frequency increases. This illustrates a fundamental principle of organization in the hindbrain of larval zebrafish: that time of neuronal differentiation is a predictor of functional role. This functional organization has parallels with the pattern previously described for spinal cord, suggesting that it is a basic organizational principle that exists broadly in the nervous system. This simple organization, which is present at a time when the fish is already freely swimming, is likely masked later in life as neurons migrate and intersperse to form nuclei. The overall networks, however, are apparently established via a simple topographic, age-related patterning early in life, with neurons driving fast movements arising the earliest and increasingly slower ones layered on over time.
Breaking the Metal Ceiling: Female Entrepreneurs Who Succeed in Male-Dominated Sectors

A range of reasons is cited to explain gender differences in business performance in Africa. Within those, the sector of operations is consistently identified as a major issue. This paper uses a mixed methods approach to assess how women entrepreneurs in Uganda start (and strive) operating firms in male-dominated sectors, and what hinders other women from doing so. The study finds that women who cross over into male-dominated sectors make as much as men, and three times more than women who stay in female-dominated sectors. The paper examines a set of factors to explain the differences in sector choices, and finds that there is a problem of information about opportunities in male-dominated industries. The analysis also concludes that psychosocial factors, particularly the influence of male role models and exposure to the sector from family and friends, are critical in helping women circumvent or overcome the norms that undergird occupational segregation.