Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROCESS-GENRE APPROACH TO TEACHING WRITING BUSINESS LETTER

This paper reports on the results of a study on the implementation of the process-genre approach to teaching writing business letters. The study aimed to find out whether the implementation of the process-genre approach can improve students' ability in writing business letters and to investigate students' responses to the use of the process-genre approach. This study used Classroom Action Research (CAR) design and the participants were twelfth graders at one vocational school in Cianjur. The results demonstrate improvement in students' writing ability, evidenced in the increase in scores obtained at the end of the teaching program. Moreover, the results of the questionnaire also show the students' consciousness that the process-genre approach could help improve their writing ability, especially writing application letters.
The diversity and composition of moth assemblages of protected and degraded raised bogs in Ireland

Peatlands are globally important habitats, which act as net carbon stores. As a result of drainage, peat extraction and agricultural intensification, raised bogs in the midlands of Ireland are a diminishing and increasingly fragmented peatland habitat. A network of protected sites has been established, which is intended to represent the best abiotic and plant community systems. Lepidoteran communities are an important component of raised bog biodiversity and may be useful as biodiversity indicators, yet they are a neglected area of research. We address this by surveying night‐flying macro‐moths on six protected and six degraded raised bogs to establish whether there is a distinct moth fauna associated with the wettest areas of protected sites by comparing them to assemblages found on degraded sites where this wet habitat has been lost. In general, differences between moth assemblages on protected and degraded raised bogs are rather subtle, with assemblages on both site types generally similar. But, a number of species were found to be associated with protected sites, three of which are bog‐associated species of conservation concern and may be particularly vulnerable due to the continuing loss of the wettest areas of raised bogs. Degraded sites were found to harbour a significant number of bog‐associated species of conservation concern and may have a role to play in peatland invertebrate conservation, hitherto undervalued. To determine this, further research is required to describe the invertebrate fauna of these sites and of marginal areas of protected sites.
The interaction between residential investment and economic growth in Canada: Granger-Causality tests and cyclical patterns analysis

Back in the 1940s and 1950s, residential investment was labelled as a “consumer good”, and some economists even argued that residential investment is akin to a drug with respect to economic development as it may compromise the stability and the health of the domestic economy. However, the attitude towards residential investment has changed over the past few decades. The effect of residential investment on economic growth becomes crucial nowadays as some works show that the recessions and expansions of the economy are related to the booms and busts of the real estate industry. This paper examines the interaction among residential investment, non-residential investment, and economic growth in Canada by using two methods. The first method is based on Granger-causality tests, and the evidence seems to support the argument that non-residential investment predicts economic (GDP) growth when household residential investment is unadjusted for seasonal factor. On the other hand, if seasonal factors are considered, both residential and non-residential investments predict economic growth. The second method analyzes the data into cyclical patterns, and the evidence seems to support the argument that residential investment plays a more important role for economic growth. The role of debt-financed income is also considered, by adding consumer credit to residential investment in both approaches.
What’s love got to do with it? Employee engagement amongst higher education workers

Abstract Employee engagement is an important construct in management research as engaged employees not only perform better in their jobs but also feel happier and more fulfilled in the workplace. Employee engagement is a function of the job resources employees have in coping with their job demands. This paper makes a threefold contribution to the existing engagement literature by: (1) exploring this construct with a sample of third-level academics in the Irish public sector – a relatively unmapped sample in engagement research, (2) identifying organisational support as a key job resource that enables academics to cope with their job demands and (3) proposing that employee engagement reflects how strongly an employee puts his or her heart into work – suggesting a reconceptualization of engagement as love. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Ability Of Organisations To Adopt Foreign Trade Standards

Recent empirical studies argue that the implementation of quality standards among agricultural exporters has the character of a fixed cost. However, this can be misleading if fixed costs are only understood in terms of required investments. Instead, we argue that standard adoption is the result of exporting countries’ private and public organisations managing to solve the standard implementation problem. We demonstrate that a newly developed theoretical approach to the role of problem solving in the production process can be interpreted as a model of a country’s ability to implement foreign trade standards. Predictions of this model are tested within a gravity framework: we compare doing business indicators as proxies for the institutional characteristics of countries that successfully export fruits, dairy products, meat, fish, and vegetables to the EU (as a high standard market) against characteristics of countries that serve all markets. Results indicate that institutional characteristics like e.g. starting a business, enforcing contracts, and getting credits are more relevant for exports to markets with relatively high quality standards than for overall exports.
Annotation and Analyses of Temporal Aspects of Spoken Fluency

This article presents the methodology adopted for transcribing and quantifying temporal fluency phenomena in a spoken L2 corpus (L2 English, French, and Italian by learners of different proficiency levels). The CHILDES suite is being used for transcription and analysis, and we have adapted the CHAT format in order to code disfluencies as precisely as possible. We briefly present findings for two extreme subgroups in the corpus—our most hesitant and least hesitant learners—and compare the major differences in the temporal structure of the speech of these two learner groups with a native-speaker control group. Implications of these findings for the automatic assessment of spoken fluency will be discussed.
INVESTIGATING 3D RECONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR SMALL ARTIFACTS

Abstract. Small artifacts have always been a real challenge when it comes to 3D modelling. They usually present severe difficulties for their 3D reconstruction. Lately, the demand for the production of 3D models of small artifacts, especially in the cultural heritage domain, has dramatically increased. As with many cases, there are no specifications and standards for this task. This paper investigates the efficiency of several mainly low cost methods for 3D model production of such small artifacts. Moreover, the material, the color and the surface complexity of these objects id also investigated. Both image based and laser scanning methods have been considered as alternative data acquisition methods. The evaluation has been confined to the 3D meshes, as texture depends on the imaging properties, which are not investigated in this project. The resulting meshes have been compared to each other for their completeness, and accuracy. It is hoped that the outcomes of this investigation will be useful to researchers who are planning to embark into mass production of 3D models of small artifacts.
Asperger Syndrome and Blogging; Theory of Mind and the Extreme Male Brain Theory in Self-Identified Women with Asperger Syndrome

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by varying levels of impairment in social, cognitive, and communicative functioning. Two prominent theories accepted as possible causes of autistic functioning were explored in this paper. The first experiment tested the purported Theory of Mind (ToM) deficiency thought to be responsible for the lack of social and communication skills. The theory that autistic individuals are deficient in ToM came about through failure at ToM tasks. However, these types of tasks rely on skills that may be independent from ToM. ToM indicators were compared in blogs written by self-identified women with Asperger Syndrome and women who did not identify as such. Only font formatting was found to be marginally significant (p = .041), with typically developed (TD) women using it as a textual tool more often. The second portion of this study examined the Extreme Male Brain (EMB) theory. The EMB theory suggests that increased fetal testosterone causes a hypermasculinized, autistic brain. Using noted differences between men and women’s language patterns, language in blogs authored by self-identified women with Asperger Syndrome was compared to blogs authored by women who did not identify as such. Previous studies have found that women use significantly more function words, first person pronouns, cognitive words, and fewer articles than men. A decrease in the number of social words has also been found to occur with an increase in testosterone. In both the principal investigation and the replication study, no significant differences were found between the blogs by self-identified women with Asperger Syndrome and those authored by the TD women. In fact, the women with Asperger Syndrome showed a trend of a more female writing style compared to the TD women, further indicating that the EMB theory may not be accurate. ASPERGER SYNDROME AND BLOGGING
Reducing the Power Consumption in Flash ADC Using 65nm CMOS Technology

Today, given the extensive use of convertors in industry, reducing the power consumed by these convertors is of great importance. This study presents a new method to reduce consumption power in Flash ADC in 65nm CMOS technology. The simulation results indicate a considerable decrease in power consumption, using the proposed method. The simulations used a frequency of 1 GHZ, resulting in decreased power consumption by approximately 90% for different processing corners. In addition, in this paper the proposed method is designed using an interpolation technique for the purpose of promoting the performance as well as decreasing the class of Chip. The simulation results indicate that the power consumption for the interpolation technique is decreased by approximately 5% compared to the proposed method. On the other hand, we compare the results of the proposed convector with those of convertors frequently referred in other studies. Also, the results show that the power consumption is considerably decreased, using the proposed method.
Intrastream variability in solute transport: Hydrologic and geomorphic controls on solute retention

Hydrologic fluctuations and geomorphic heterogeneity are expected to produce substantial variability in solute transport within rivers. However, this variability has not been sufficiently explored due to the limited availability of solute injection data in most rivers. Here, we analyzed 81 tracer injection breakthrough curves (BTCs) along Stringer Creek, a 5.5 km2 watershed in Montana. BTC measurements were obtained for three baseflow conditions at 27 reaches along a 2600 m stream channel. BTCs in upstream reaches (first 1400 m) had receding tails with shallow slopes, indicating high solute retention. Conversely, BTCs in downstream reaches (1400 to 2600 m) had receding tails with steeper slopes, indicating low solute retention relative to upstream reaches. Difference in BTC tails along the stream channel coincided with changes in channel morphology and bedrock geology. Specifically, channel slope increases from 5–6% (upstream) to 9% (downstream), channel sinuosity decreases from a maximum of 1.32 (upstream) to 1.02 (downstream), and the underlying bedrock changes from sandstone (upstream) to granite‐gneiss (downstream). Importantly, intrastream differences in BTC tails were distinctly observable only during the two lowest baseflow conditions. Spatial variability of BTC tail‐slopes was most sensitive to changes in local discharge at low flow, and to changes in channel sinuosity at high flow. BTC tail‐slopes varied temporally with local discharge and velocity at upstream reaches, but not at downstream reaches. These results suggest that local interactions between channel morphology and solute retention vary with hydrologic conditions, and that solute retention becomes more homogeneous at higher stream discharge.
Association of serum total bilirubin with traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in apparently healthy subjects

Background. Bilirubin is considered as one of the strongest endogenous antioxidants. Recent studies suggest that high total bilirubin levels are associated with lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate a the relationship between serum total bilirubin and traditional as well as new risk factors for CVD in apparently healthy subjects. Materials and methods. Study included 60 non-smoking, non-obese individuals (30 females, 30 males) with normal fasting glucose, aged 25–40 years. In all subjects basic anthropometric indicators (weight, WHR, BMI), blood pressure and laboratory tests: serum total bilirubin (Bil-T), lipid profile, CRP, plasma glucose, apolipoproteins AI and B and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were performed. Subjects were divided into two groups of relative CVD risk, specified by total bilirubin levels: low-risk (≥ 13.7 µmol/L) and high-risk ( 1.55 mmol/L was 2-fold and 3-fold higher, respectively, and higher incidence of low apoB:apoAI values (<0.6) was observed. Conclusions. Serum total bilirubin may play an important role in reducing the risk of CVD, therefore its assay seems to be valuable for more accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk in young, non-obese, non-diabetic individuals.
A Universal Density Profile for Dark and Luminous Matter?

We explore similarities in the luminosity distribution of early-type galaxies and the mass profiles of ΛCDM halos. The spatial structure of these systems may be accurately described by a simple law in which the logarithmic slope of the density varies as a power of the radius: the Sérsic law. We show that this law provides a significantly better fit to a set of high-resolution ΛCDM halos than a three-parameter generalization of the Navarro-Frenk-White profile. We discuss possible reasons why the same law should describe dark and luminous systems that span a range of over 7 decades in mass.
PROBLEM-BASED MATHEMATICS TEACHING KITS INTEGRATED WITH ICT TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN MEDAN

Abstract: This study was aimed to develop a set of integrated problem-based mathematics teaching kits implemented with ICT to improve the critical thinking ability of junior high school students. The study used 4-D learning device development model (define, design, develop, disseminate). The data were collected through the observation of the learning process and students' activity, students' questionnaire responses, and a critical thinking ability test. The findings showed that mathematics teaching materials consisting of teaching kits as a teachers’ handbook based on ICT integrated problem-based materials completed with lesson plans, worksheets, and the use of media learning were appropriate to use.Based on the test results conducted in the field, the teaching kits can enhance the students' critical thinking ability. The findings showed that the average gain in two schools was in the range of g> 0.7, which means that the students' critical thinking ability belonged to the high category, while that of the third school was in the range of 0.3  g  0.7 at 0.62 which means the students’ critical thinking ability belonged to the fair category. Keywords: learning device, information communication technology (ICT), critical thinking PERANGKAT PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA BERBASIS MASALAH TERINTEGRASI ICT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA SMP KOTA MEDAN Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran matematika berbasis masalah terintegrasi dengan ICT untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa SMP. Penelitian menggunakan model pengembangan perangkat pembelajaran model 4-D (define, design, develop, disseminate). Data penelitian diperoleh melalui pengamatan proses pembelajaran dan aktivitas siswa, angket respon siswa, dan tes kemampuan berpikir kritis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perangkat pembelajaran yang terdiri atas bahan ajar matematika sebagai buku pegangan guru berbasis masalah yang terintegrasi dengan ICT disertai RPP, LKS, dan media pembelajaran layak digunakan. Berdasarkan hasil uji coba di lapangan, perangkat pembelajaran tersebut dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata gain pada dua sekolah dimana sekolah pertama dan kedua didapat rentang g > 0,7 yang artinya kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa pada kategori tinggi, sedangkan pada sekolah yang ketiga rentang 0,3  g  0,7 yaitu 0,62 yang artinya kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa mengalami peningkatan pada kategori sedang. Kata Kunci: perangkat pembelajaran, ICT, berpikir kritis
Concept and relevance of vocational interests in career development: a theoretical study

Vocational interests have been researched since the early twentieth century. During that time several theories about career development addressed the importance of their evaluation. The aim of this paper is to present conceptual defi nitions and developmental processes of interests according to four theories widely publicized, including in the Brazilian context. Thus, from the review of the Theory of Vocational Personalities, the Developmental Theory, the Socio-Cognitive Theory of Career Development and Constructivist Theory of Savickas was found that there is no conceptual oppositions between the defi nitions. But the current literature supports the concept of trait or disposition relatively stable to respond to environmental stimuli. Regarding the assumptions underlying the formulation of interests there are emphasis differences in some variables, for example, learning experiences and sociocultural conditions. It emphasizes the need for further research, especially in the national context, that has a longitudinal design, seeks to contextualize the variables involved in the development process, and build assessment tools that can be used in educational and organizational contexts.
Growth of Topological Insulator Bi2Se3 Thin Films on SrTiO3 with Large Tunability in Chemical Potential

The growth of high quality, gate‐tunable topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films on SrTiO3 substrates by molecular beam epitaxy is reported in this paper. The optimized substrate preparation procedures are critical for obtaining undoped Bi2Se3 thin films with sufficiently low carrier densities while maintaining the strong dielectric strength of the substrates. The large tunability in chemical potential is manifested in the greatly enhanced longitudinal resistivity and the reversal of the sign of the Hall resistivity at negative back‐gate voltages. These thin films provide a convenient basis for fabrication of hybrid devices consisting of gate‐tunable topological insulators and other materials such as a superconductor and a ferromagnet.
Impact of harvesting with burning and management of straw on the industrial quality and productivity of sugarcane

Change from the traditional harvesting system with burns to mechanized harvesting of sugarcane, as well as the amount of straw needed to remain in the field for sustainability of the production system and how much could be removed for sectors such as energy cogeneration and bioethanol production, are not clarified issues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of harvest management with burning (traditional) and cultivatation with different amounts of straw on the industrial quality and productivity of sugarcane. The effect of six treatments were evaluated: cane burning, 0, 25, 50, 75 and100% (20 Mg ha-1) of straw on the industrial quality (soluble solids (°Brix), Pol, apparent purity, total sugars (TS), reducing sugars (RS) and fiber) and productivity (Mg Pol ha-1) of sugarcane. At the end of the cycle, the straw decomposition rate for each treatment was also verified. The higher the percentage of straw, the higher the degradation rate. The change of burned cane harvesting system for sugarcane under straw results in improved productivity of sugarcane and favors the production of sugar. The straw and harvest system change do not affect the industrial quality of sugarcane. The harvest with burning, the total withdrawal or of 75% of the straw of the field result in lower productivity. The maintenance of 50% of the straw on the soil surface is sufficient to improve the productivity of sugarcane in dry period, and the remaining 50% can be used for second generation of ethanol production or electricity without damaging the crop productivity. Key words: Saccharum spp, soil cover technological quality, biomass, sucrose.
Mechanical ankle instability: relationship with active joint position sense

Current research defines chronic ankle instability (CAI) as the combination of mechanical ankle instability (MAI) and functional ankle instability (FAI). Previous research has found individuals with CAI and FAI to have deficits in proprioception, more specifically joint position sense (JPS). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between MAI and active JPS. Twelve participants (5 male, 7 female) were selected for this study based upon their subjective ankle instability as assessed by a score on the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and objective ankle instability as assessed by measurements taken using a portable ankle arthrometer. Eligible participant’s absolute error in JPS was assessed as a non-weight bearing, active-to-active joint replication, and measured with a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. The absolute error of each joint angle replication was averaged after a reliability analysis. Statistical analysis had planned on using a 2x2 and a 2x3 factorial ANOVA. The research question could not be assessed in the frontal and the sagittal plane. The pilot study showed that there was a population of individuals with unilateral MAI exclusive of functional ankle instability (FAI).
Starting point: Motivation for choosing a degree in education

The motivation for choosing a particular degree is known to have an influence on the professional development of preservice teachers. As part of the quality improvement of the university training of physical eduaction (PE) students, this study compares the motivation of PE students for choosing a degree in education (subject-specific) with the motivation of student teachers in general (non-subject-specific). Overall, this study only detected minor differences regarding individual motivational facets. Thus, the starting points identified for the facilitation of professional development can be regarded as valid across disciplines. 16.12. 2015 | Britta Fischer & Miriam Bisterfeld (Koln)