Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender issues in preservice teachers' training: ICT literacy and online learning

Gender differences in self reported ICT experience and ICT literacy among first year graduate trainee teachers were investigated. Using a dynamic model, three main components of aspiring teachers' ICT literacy were covered: (1) present general problem solving and technical ICT capabilities; (2) situational and longitudinal sustainability, and (3) transferability of ICT capabilities into a future professional domain. No significant differences were found between females and males for previous experience with ICT. However, males on average worked with computers significantly more hours per week than females. Significant differences between males and females were observed for technical ICT capabilities, and situational and longitudinal sustainability. Males' scores were higher. In the regression analysis, when the impacts of the background and ICT experience variables were controlled, gender failed to be a significant predictor for sustainability scores. However, it remained a significant predictor for some trainee teachers' scores, related to their technical ICT capabilities. Female and male participation in compulsory online learning activities was also compared. No significant differences were observed.
Relationship between bid-ask spreads and fluctuations in market prices

We investigate the impact of bid-ask spreads on the financial market fluctua- tions by defining an analytical model for time evolution of stock share prices. The defined model is similar to the GARCH class of models, but can additionally exhibit bimodal behaviour. Moreover, it diers from existing Ising-type models. It turns out that the con- structed model is a solution of a thermodynamic limit of a Gibbs probability measure when the number of traders and the number of stock shares approaches the infinity. The energy functional of the Gibbs probability measure is derived from the Nash equilibrium of the underlying game.
Using stimUlUs EqUivalEncE to DEmonstratE PrE-Existing lingUistic rElations : a systEmatic rEPlication anD ExtEnsion

the stimulus equivalence paradigm was used to discover whether or not preexperimental histories with respect to affective stimuli could be brought to bear in an experimental setting. in two experiments, undergraduate students were trained in a-B, a-c, and d-c conditional relations using a match-to-sample procedure. the a and B stimuli were arbitrary visual forms, and the c stimuli were chinese ideograms. the d stimuli for one group consisted of english words like “holiday”, “funeral”, and “torture” and for the other group the d stimuli consisted of human faces expressing happiness, sadness, and anger. equivalence relations were tested between the d stimuli and the B, a, and c stimuli with the condition that d stimuli used during testing were not the same as the d stimuli used during training. thus, subjects trained with faces were tested with words and subjects trained with words were tested with faces. substitutional equivalence emerged for most subjects who showed non-substitutional equivalence (B-c, c-B). substitutional equivalence emerged more readily for subjects trained with words and tested with faces than they did for 1. address editorial correspondence to: Michael clayton, Ph.d. Psychology department – ysu. one university Plaza. youngstown, oh 44555. email: mcclayton@ysu.edu 226 Michael c. clayton y linda J. hayes subjects trained with faces and tested with words. Results are discussed in terms of stimulus function and pre-experimental histories.
ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE TECHNOLOGY AS A MEANS OF JOINING GENERATION IV CLADDING MATERIALS

The Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU) has conducted investigations into the possibility of using Electromagnetic Pulse Technology (EMPT) in joining PM 2000 ODS and T91 ferritic-martensitic steels, using samples fabricated to simulate tube and end caps. The investigations are primarily directed towards the joining of cladding tubes to enable fuel pins to be produced in its laboratories. A suitable field former was fabricated and the tests coordinated and financed by ITU were carried out initially by a specialist EMPT company. To date, joints with a helium leak rate of leak in the range 10−8 mBar.litres. s−1 have been achieved. Further refinement of the parameters is now being done in order to improve the weld quality and achieve the target leak-rate of 1.0 × 10−9 mBar.litres. s−1 . Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Eddy covariance fluxes of peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs) and NOy to a coniferous forest

up to approximately � 14 ng N m � 2 s � 1 . The average daytime flux peaked at � 6.0 ng N m � 2 s � 1 and accounted for � 20% of the daytime NOy flux. Calculations suggest minimum daytime surface resistances for PAN in the range of 70–130 s m � 1 . I t was estimated that approximately half of daytime uptake was through plant stomates. Average PAN deposition velocities, Vd(PAN), showed a daytime maximum of � 10.0 mm s � 1 ; however, deposition did not cease during nighttime periods. Vd(PAN) was highly variable at night and increased when canopy elements were wet from either precipitation or dew formation. Diel patterns of deposition velocity of MPAN and PPN were similar to that of PAN. These results suggest that deposition of PAN, at least to coniferous forest canopies, is much faster than predicted with current deposition algorithms. Although deposition of PAN is unlikely to compete with thermal dissociation during warm summer periods, it will likely play an important role in removing PAN from the atmosphere in colder regions or during winter. The fate of PAN at the surface and within the plants remains unknown, but may present a previously ignored source of nitrogen to ecosystems.
Marketing the Mountain State: A large N study of user engagement on Twitter

Much of the evolving research on the use of social media in destination marketing emphasizes how information diffusion influences the reputational image of place. The present study uses Twitter data to focus on the relative differences in user engagement across discrete account types. Specifically, this is done to examine how the official destination marketing organization of Montana—the Montana Office of Tourism (MTOT)—performs relative to other account types. Several regression analyses conducted on Twitter data associated with an ongoing MTOT place branding campaign reveal that tweets sent from ‘official’ accounts are more likely to be retweeted, and are estimated to receive more total retweets. The inclusion of a URL or mention, and the number of followers an account has, are also predicted to positively impact retweets. These results will be useful for economic development professionals working in state and local governments, tourism and marketing companies and nonprofits, university researchers, and community members who seek to understand how destination marketing is being conducted. Those interested in methodology and data collection techniques for Twitter-based research, and data manipulation in Python may also benefit from the study.
Are Oil Price Forecasters Finally Right? Regressive Expectations Toward More Fundamental Values of the Oil Price

We use oil price forecasts from the Consensus Economic Forecast poll to analyze how forecasters form their expectations. Our findings seem to indicate that the extrapolative as well as the regressive expectation formation hypothesis play a role. Standard measures of forecast accuracy reveal forecasters' underperformance relative to the random walk benchmark. However, this result appears to be biased due to peso problems.
Effect of Incorporating Two Different Woven Glass Fiber Reinforcent on the Flexural Strength of Acrylic Denture Base Materials

Polymethyl methacrylate is widely used for denture base fabrication due to its pleasing aesthetics, ease of manipulation and cost-effectiveness compared to the metallic denture base materials and fixed prostheses. However, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prostheses are prone to fracture due to their poor mechanical properties and degrade over time due to water sorption. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of adding woven E-glass fibers on the flexural strength of Meadway heat cure Supercure denture base material. This was done by mutually comparing the flexural strength of unreinforced and StickNet™ (StickTech, Finland) and industrial (Iqbal Sons, Pakistan) glass fiber (GF) reinforced PMMA specimens respectively. Specimen preparation and testing was performed under the guidelines of ISO 20795-1 for DBM. Mechanical testing was performed using a Universal Testing Machine. The results indicated that Glass fiber reinforcement resulted in significant enhancement in mechanical properties of PMMA. StickNETTM reinforced specimens showed highest flexural strength and fracture toughness, followed by the Industrial GF reinforced and unreinforced PMMA. This study clearly demonstrates positive improvement in strength and durability of PMMA after reinforcement with woven GFs. Future studies should focus on finding means to decrease the relatively higher solubility of glass fiber reinforced PMMA specimens in comparison to unreinforced PMMA.
Mermigkas, Athanasios and Timoshkin, Igor and MacGregor, Scott and Given, M and Wilson, Mark and Wang, Tao (2014) Impulsive corona discharges for fine particles precipitation in a coaxial topology. IEEE Transactions on Plasma

Air-borne micrometer and sub-micrometer particles produced by anthropogenic sources contaminate atmospheric air, especially in large cities where both population and industrial activities are higher leading to a reduced air quality. Recent research has pointed out particles less than 2.5 たm in diameter (PM2.5) as a potential health hazard. To address this issue stricter legislation has been put into force in order to reduce PM2.5 emissions. This paper is focused on the development of an impulsive micro-electrostatic precipitation technology for charging and removal of fine air-borne particles in an economically feasible way. In the present work a compact, coaxial precipitator has been developed for possible indoor air cleaning applications. HV impulses together with dc voltage has been used for energisation of the reactor as it has been shown to enhance the precipitation efficiency. This precipitation system has been used for removal of fumes and fine airborne particles from ambient air. In addition to the experimental part, analytical work has been conducted in order to optimize the electrostatic precipitation process and to reduce its power consumption. Index TermsAir pollution, electrostatic precipitation, impulsive corona, particle charging, plasma applications, PM2.5.
Bjørnseth Andreassen RELATING MEASURES OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE P 3 NoGo EVENT-RELATED POTENTIAL AND THE BEHAVIOR RATING INVENTORY OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING FOR ADULTS

The objective assessment of executive functions (EFs) as they manifest themselves in everyday life has long been a challenge for neuropsychologists. So has understanding the relationship between different EF measures. A promising approach in the assessment of executive functioning is the method of event-related potentials (ERPs). In this study we investigate whether the P3NoGo ERP from a visual cued Go/NoGo paradigm relates to the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF-A), a self-report measure of peoples everyday executive functioning. The results show that the P3NoGo amplitude correlates strongly with the Global Executive Composite (GEC) score on the BRIEF-A. Posthoc analyses revealed that the relation to the Metacognition Index (MI), one of three BRIEFA indexes, could mainly explain the correlation. This index is thought to represent the ability to control attention and cognitively plan, solve problems and monitor performance. We conclude that there is a significant relationship between two relatively different EF-related measures, namely P3NoGo and self-reported everyday executive functioning measured with BRIEF-A. Furthermore we suggest that an important underlying factor in this relationship is metacogntive control processes.
Bald-faced lies as acts of verbal aggression

Several philosophy of language scholars have recently argued that the intention to deceive is not part of a well-defined concept of lying. So-called bald-faced lies, i.e., asserting what is false while speaker and hearer both understand that the speaker does not believe what s/he asserts are provided as evidence. In contrast to these proposals, it is pointed out in this article that lying is necessarily connected to an intention to deceive. Consequently, it is argued that so-called bald-faced lies are not proper lies but acts of verbal aggression. Since bald-faced lies attack the face of the addressee and the viability of the Cooperative Principle (Grice 1989a), they are analyzed as insults. Thus, the traditional idea that lying is connected to the intention to deceive is upheld.
The frequency of shiga-like toxin (stx1 and stx2) and EHEC-hlyA in food by multiplex PCR

Abstract Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of shiga-like toxin (stx1 and stx2) and drug resistance profiles food-borne Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Hatay province, Turkey. Methods: The presence of the virulence genes (stx1, stx2, hlyA) in a total of 150 E.coli isolates were studied with multiplex PCR. Results: A total of 327 salad samples were analyzed. E. coli O157:H7 was detected in 150 (45.8 %) out of 327 analyzed samples. Of these 150 isolates, the presence of hly-A gene was detected in 32 (21.3%) E.coli isolates. A total of five (15.6%) isolates in this 32 hlyA positive isolates had stx2 gene, two (6.3%) of them had stx1 gene and one (3.1%) of the isolates was found to be positive for both stx1 and stx2 genes. It was found that all E.coli O157:H7 isolates were resistant to erythromycin. While the highest rate of antibiotic resistance was observed for ampicillin (68.8%), no antibiotic resistance against cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin and cephaperasone was identified. Conclusions: The results obtained in our province showed that E.coli strains isolated from salad samples were found to have some important virulence genes such as stx1, stx2, and hlyA. The stx2 frequency was found to be higher than stx1 frequency. Also, it was observed that there was not any significant correlation between drug resistance profiles and presence of toxin genes in E.coli O157:H7 strains. As a result, increasing frequency of STEC O157 serotype among foodborne pathogens is a growing public health problem.
The Effectivity of Fermented Mulberry Leaves with Rumen Liquor as Broiler Feed on Final Body Weight, Dry Matter and Crude Fiber Digestibility, and Metabolic Energy

Abstract . Objective of this research was to know the effect of fermented mulberry leaves by rumen liquorin boiler’s diet measured from final body weight, dry matter digestibility, crude fiber digestibility, and metabolic energy. One hundred broiler strain CP 707, broiler concentrate, mulberry leaves and other feed stuffs were administered in Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments, namely T0 (control), T1 (10% mulberry leaves), T2 (10% fermented mulberry leaves), T3 (20% mulberry leaves) and T4 (20% fermented mulberry leaves) with 4 replications. Result revealed that the increasing use of mulberry leaves had significantly lowered final body weight, dry matter and fiber digestibility, metabolic energy. Fermentation treatment at 10% level could increase dry matter digestibility, crude fiber and metabolic energy than those of unfermented. This study concluded that the increasing mulberry leaves in broiler feed could reduce feed digestibility, and fermentation by rumen liquor could optimize the use of mulberry leaves as broilers feed. Key words : Mulberry leaves, rumen liquor, broiler, fermentation, digestibility Abstrak . Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh daun murbei yang difermentasi dengan cairan rumen sebagai pakan boiler terhadap bobot badan, kecernaan bahan kering, serat kasar dan energi metabolis. Sebanyak 100 ekor broiler dengan pakan berupa daun murbei, dan bahan pakan lainnya digunakan dalam penelitian dengan rancangan acak lengkap 5 perlakuan yaitu T0 (kontol), T1 (penggunaan 10% daun murbei), T2 (10% daun murbei fermentasi), T3 (20% daun murbei) dan T4 (20% daun murbei fermentasi) serta 4 ulangan. Hasil penelitian adalah peningkatan penggunaan daun murbei berpengaruh nyata menurunkan bobot badan, kecernaan bahan kering, kecernaan serat kasar dan energi metabolis pakan. Perlakuan fermentasi pada taraf 10% dapat meningkatkan kecernaan bahan kering, serat kasar dan energi metabolis. Dari penelitian ini disimpulkan bahwa peningkatan daun murbei dalam pakan broiler dapat menurunkan kecernaan pakan dan fermentasi menggunakan cairan rumen dapat mengoptimalkan penggunaan daun murbei sebagai pakan broiler. Kata kunci : Daun murbei, cairan rumen, broiler, fermentasi, kecernaan
A PRECONDITIONER FOR THE LSQR ALGORITHM

Iterative methods are often suitable for solving least squares problems minkAx bk2, where A 2 m◊n is large and sparse. The well known LSQR algorithm is among the iterative methods for solving these problems. A good preconditioner is often needed to speedup the LSQR con- vergence. In this paper we present the numerical experiments of applying a well known preconditioner for the LSQR algorithm. The preconditioner is based on the A T A-orthogonalization process which furnishes an incom- plete upper-lower factorization of the inverse of the normal matrix A T A. The main advantage of this preconditioner is that we apply only one of the factors as a right preconditioner for the LSQR algorithm applied to the least squares problem minkAx bk2. The preconditioner needs only the sparse matrix-vector product operations and significantly reduces the solution time compared to the unpreconditioned iteration. Finally, some numerical experiments on test matrices from Harwell-Boeing collection are presented to show the robustness and eciency of this preconditioner.
Improved modelling for urban sustainability assessment and strategic planning: local government planner and modeller perspectives on the key challenges

Many technical and modelling tools are available to support the strategic assessment of land-use and infrastructure policy proposals in local government. However, there remains a lack of guidance and general confusion as to how modelling may be integrated into the policy- and decision-making process or how to practically set up participatory model-building with practitioners. Although major advances have been made in modelling over recent decades, several unresolved implementation issues remain in practice. This paper provides the results of a panel survey, which explored what planners and modellers believe to be key modelling implementation issues, their perceived importance and a set of modelling requirements. The results suggest that planners generally feel that they do not understand models and the modelling process, and modellers, in turn, feel that they do not always understand policy development and decision-making. Problems regarding data preparation were viewed as the most important challenge. Ensuring leadership and management support and initiatives aimed at improving the communication and confidence of participants were perceived as key requirements. Limited resources, leadership support and a lack of education are some of the challenges that are perceived as important before planners and other government officers can take advantage of modelling.
Persistence in milk, fat and protein production of primiparous Holstein cows by random regression models

Total numbers of 56,508, 35,091 and 8,326 records of milk, fat, and protein test-day yields, respectively, were used to estimate genetic parameters for six persistency measures on milk, fat and protein productions of Holstein cows reared in Minas Gerais state. Covariance components for additive genetic effects and permanent environmental effects were estimated by REML in random regression models using Legendre polynomials from the third to the sixth order. Overall, models with the highest orders of Legendre polynomials showed the best quality of adjustments of these productive records. Heritability estimates obtained by the models for persistence in milk, fat, and protein yields ranged from 0.04 to 0.32, from 0.00 to 0.23, and from 0.00 to 0.27, respectively. Values of genetic correlation estimates between persistence and total 305-day milk, fat, and protein yields ranged from -0.38 to 0.54, from -0.39 to 0.97, and from -0.78 to 0.67, respectively. Persistence measurement proposed by Jakobsen (PS 2 ) is preferential for using in further genetic evaluations for persistence in milk, fat and protein yields of Holstein cows in Minas Gerais state.
Thoughts about Person-Centered Care for the Adult Population with Multimorbidity

Patients with multimorbidity are becoming the norm rather than the exception. The management of patients with several chronic diseases is now the most important challenge facing health care systems in developed countries. Based on the actual medical records of ambulatory care visits, this study investigated the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in 55 and older population. Among a cohort comprised of 300,000 beneficiaries selected randomly from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan in 2001, 42,441 were eligible. These were followed longitudinally 10 years. The prevalence of chronic disease rose from 62.3% to 79.8% and multimorbidity rose from 57.4% to 75.7%. Multimorbidity patterns were found fell in-to four clusters: metabolic diseases, cardiac diseases, mental joints and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as hyperplasia of the prostate in men, were the most common chronic diseases. The prevalence of chronic disease increased with age, especially high at age 75 - 79. Thought about the health care system for an ageing society is necessary. Applying the concept of customer experience and strengthening people-centered management in an integrated model of health care, enhancing knowledge and skills in the long-term management of chronic disease, revising clinical guidelines and training professionals in caring for the elderly, reinforcing preventive health services, especially in men’s health, modifying the materials for health education, and planning for health manpower resources will provide a better model to ensure the health care for people with multimorbidity.