Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES USED BY IRAQI PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Since the amount of information to be processed by language learners is high in language classroom, learners use different language learning strategies in performing the tasks and processing the new input they face. This paper presented the learning strategies used by Fifth and Sixth primary graders in government schools in Babylon in Iraq. The Strategy Inventory for Language Learning questionnaire has been conducted with a sample of 120 pupils to identify the strategies used during language learning. Children were included in this part of the study in an attempt to understand how children engage with and acquire the English language which is a foreign language to them and not easily heard around them. The focus here is to document the strategies that children use in their learning and working with an unfamiliar language. Interesting result of the investigation in this study is that, despite their age and very brief exposure to English, these young learners reported using many learning strategies to assist their second language learning. There is also evidence from this study that children of this age can describe their strategies effectively. Findings also provided strong evidence that all learners, irrespective of their stage or their proficiency, have an extensive resort to learning strategies which they are used in the process of acquiring a particular area of the FL as a reflection of the learning patterns adopted during the language learning process. The results of the study indicated that differences in strategies used by young learners were found in the group preference of strategy categories in both grades. Keywords: SILL,Oxford’s classification, metacognitive strategies, Iraqi primary schools, Critical Period Hypothesis, Language Learning strategies.
Vitamin and mineral content of pike perch (Sander lucioperca), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and European catfish (Silurus glanis).

The vitamin and mineral contents of pike perch (Sander lucioperca), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and European catfish (Silurus glanis) were determined in this study. The lowest water content (76.79 g/100 g) and the highest ash (1.17 g/100 g) and fat (3.5 g/100 g) contents were determined in common carp. The highest water (81.81 g/100 g) and lowest protein contents (17.17 g/100 g) were found in European catfish sample. On the other hand, the fat content of pike perch (0.74 g/100 g) was significantly lower than common carp (3.5 g/100 g) and European catfish (1.12g/100 g). The mean vitamin contents across 3 species were in the range of 1.14-2.15 mg/100 g for vitamin C, 0.04-0.08 mg/100 g for thiamin, 0.03-0.10 mg/100 g for riboflavin, 12.13-33.23 µg/100 g for folic acid, 6.30-23.52 µg/100 g for vitamin A and 0.46-0.94 mg/100 g for vitamin E. The mean contents of Na, K, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn were found as 61.25-130.10, 305.90-358.10, 27.11-37.43, 0.85-1.36, 0.08-0.13, and 1.25-1.32 mg/100 g, respectively.
Modelling Excess Zeros in Count Data with Application to Antenatal Care Utilisation

Poisson and negative binomial regression models have been used as a standard for modelling count outcomes; but these methods do not take into account the problems associated with excess zeros. However, zero-inflated and hurdle models have been proposed to model count data with excess zeros. The study therefore compared the performance of Zero-inflated (Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) and Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB)), and hurdle (Hurdle Poisson (HP) and Hurdle negative binomial (HNB)) models in determining the factors associated with the number of Antenatal Care (ANC) visits in Nigeria. Using the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey dataset, a sample of 19 652 women of reproductive age who gave birth five years prior to the survey and provided information about ANC visits was utilised. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ZIP, ZINB, HP and HNB models, and information criteria (AIC/BIC) was used to assess model fit. Participants’ mean age was 29.5 ± 7.3 years and median number of ANC visits was 4 (range: 0 - 30). About half (54.9%) of the participants had at least 4 ANC visits while 33.9% had none. The ZINB (AIC = 83 039.4; BIC = 83 470.3) fitted the data better than the ZIP or HP; however, HNB (AIC = 83 041.4; BIC = 83 472.3) competed favorably well with it. The Zero-inflated negative binomial model provided the better fit for the data. We suggest the Zero-inflated negative binomial model for count data with excess zeros of unknown sources such as the number of ANC visits in Nigeria.
Sorption kinetics of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution by Nipah palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) shoot biomass

The sorption kinetics of Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ ions in aqueous solution by unmodified and mercaptoacetic acid modified biomass of Nypa fruticans shoot has been investigated. The equilibrium sorption capacity of Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ was determined from the Langmuir equation and found to be 15.59 mg/g and 21.85 mg/g for unmodified biomass and 52.86 mg/g and 66.71 mg/g for modified biomass at 30oC. The time dependent studies showed relatively rapid sorption of 5 - 10 min to reach equilibrium for both metal ions. A batch sorption model, based on the assumption of the pseudo-second-order mechanism, was applied to predict the rate constants (g mg -1 min -1 ), which were found to be 3.59 x 10 -4 (Pb 2+ ) and 1.85 x 10 -4 (Cu 2+ ) and 2.82 x 10 -2 (Pb 2+ ) and 3.67 x 10 -2 (Cu 2+ ) on unmodified and mercaptoacetic acid modified biomass respectively. The activation energy of the sorption of Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ on Nypah palm reveals an endothermic process.
Future Changes in the Brewer–Dobson Circulation under Different Greenhouse Gas Concentrations in WACCM4

The climatology and future changes of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation (BDC) in three climate change scenarios are studied using the latest version of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM4), which is fully coupled to an ocean model. The results show an acceleration in both the shallow anddeepbranchesofcirculationin responsetoincreasinggreenhousegases(GHGs)togetherwith anupward displacement of the tropical upwelling in the deep branch near the stratopause. The downward control principlerevealsthatdifferentwavesareinvolvedin forcingtheaccelerationoftheupperandlowerbranches. Climatological-mean tropical upwelling in both the lower and upper stratosphere is dominated by explicitly resolved, planetary-scale waves. Trends in the tropical upwelling in the lower stratosphere are mainly attributedtoexplicitlyresolved,planetary-scalewaves.However,intheupperstratosphere,despitethefactthat resolved waves control the forcing of the climatological upwelling, their contribution to the long-term trend diminishes with increasing GHGs, while the role of gravity waves associated with fronts increases and becomes dominant in the model scenario with the largest GHG increases. The intensification and upward displacementofthesubtropicaltroposphericjetsduetoclimatechangeleadstofilteringofthewesterlypartof the frontal gravity wave spectrum, leaving the easterly components to reach the upper stratosphere and force the changes in the circulation there.
Phytostabilization of metals by indigenous riparian vegetation

Given the increasing pressure of man-made activities on riparian zones, the capacity of the riparian vegetation along the Upper Olifants River, South Africa, to phytoextract and phytostabilize aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) from the soil was investigated. The aim of the study was to gain better understanding of the capacity of indigenous vegetation in riparian zones to immobilize metals in the soil, thereby improving river water quality and ecosystem services. Seven commonly-occurring pollution-tolerant riparian plant species were evaluated to establish their potential as bioaccumulators for Fe, Al and Mn. Species included: Cyperus haspan , Schoenoplectus corymbosus , Typha capensis , Phragmites australis , Cynodon dactylon , Cyperus marginatus and Juncus effusus , which were sampled in five riparian areas in the Upper Olifants catchment. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) for Mn was > 1 for all species investigated with a maximum of 5 for Typha capensis, which also showed the highest accumulation of Al (10.26) and Fe (7.03). The remaining species presented with Al and Fe BCF between 0.11 and 2.00, with minimal transfer from root to shoot. When measured against an ideal hypothetical buffer zone, the buffer zones under investigation varied between intact and severely compromised. Intact riparian zones showed elevated metal concentrations in the soil, yet significantly lower concentrations in the river water compared to areas with insufficient vegetative cover. A polluted riparian area overgrown by P. australis effectively phytoextracted 204 960 g/m2 Al, 204 400 g/m2 Fe and 27 887 g/m2 Mn. The two indigenous Cyperus spp. were not ideal for metal immobilization with low bioaccumulation and transfer factors as well as low biomass. High biomass and Al, Fe and Mn phytostabilizing species: P. australis , T. capensis , S. corymbosus and J. effusus , should be considered in the rehabilitation of South African buffer areas. Keywords: riparian vegetation, heavy metals, acid mine drainage, phytostabilization, bioaccumulation
Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on seed germination of ker (Capparis decidua L.) and phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis)

Phalsa and Ker commonly propagated through seeds. Cuttings are difficult to root due to the presence of mu-cilage. The seedling plants of phalsa are fairly true to typem i.e., similar to mother plant, where ker germination and growth of the seedlings is one of the major problem. The investigation was carried by using different growth regulators and chemicals at different concentrations. The significant differences were found among the different treatments for Ker germination. The initiation and 50 per cent of germination was early in 300 ppm GA3 treated seeds (7.2 and 7.8 days, respectively) which is at par with GA3 200 ppm (7.4 and 8.0 days) and GA3 100 ppm (7.6 and 8.4 days) and delayed germination was observed in control (11.80 and 14.2 days). The maximum germination percentage was noticed in the seeds treated with GA3 300 ppm (97.33%) which was on par with GA3 200 (94.66%) and GA3 100 ppm (91.99%) and minimum was in control (64.0%). The survival per cent of seedlings varies from 22 to 30 per cent. Where as in Phalsa, initiation of germination was observed from 7th day to 11th day and 50% of germination was completed within 10th day to 15th day. The range of germination varies from 62 to 86% and Survival per cent of seedlings are 70 to 96 per cent.
Effect of sowing methods, nutrients and seed rate on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) growth, productivity and water-use efficiency

A experiment comprising of 18 treatments i.e. two sowing methods (flat bed - 30 cm spacing, and raisedbed with two mungbean (Vigna radiata) rows bedâ€“1 on 67.5 cm including 30 cm furrow), three seed rates (10, 15 and 20 kg haâ€“1 ) and three nutrient treatments (6.25 + 20.0, 9.38 + 30.0 and 12.5 + 40.0 kg N+P2O5 haâ€“1 ) was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India during kharif 2007 to 2009. The mungbean grain yield recorded in 2008 was similar in 2009 but higher than 2007. The increase of 3.94% in grain yield was recorded in raised-bed than in flat bed. The grain yield recorded with seed rate of 20 kg haâ€“1 was higher than with 10 kg haâ€“1 but similar with 15 kg ha-1 in 2006 and 2008. The grain yield recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 haâ€“1 was higher (p<0.05) than other treatments. Raised-bed planting with 33.3% lesser irrigation water used recorded 3.91% lesser water use than flat bed planting and 9.77% higher water use efficiency (WUE) (p<0.05) as compared to flat bed planting. Seed rate of 20 kg haâ€“1 recorded 35.9 and 8.9% higher (p<0.05) WUE than with 10 and 15 kg ha-1 . The highest WUE was recorded with 12.5 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 haâ€“1 which was higher (p<0.05) than 6.25 kg N + 20 kg P2O5 haâ€“1 but at par with 9.38 kg N + 24 kg P2O5 haâ€“1 .
Dual-Axis Test Rig for Mems Tilt Sensors

The paper addresses the problem of experimental studies of miniature tilt sensors based on low-range accelerometers belonging to Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). A custom computer controlled test rig is proposed, whose kinematics allows an arbitrary tilt angle to be applied (i.e. its two components: pitch and roll over the full angular range). The related geometrical relationships are presented along with the respective uncertainties resulting from their application. Metrological features of the test rig are carefully evaluated and briefly discussed. Accuracy of the test rig is expressed in terms of the respective uncertainties, as recommended by ISO; its scope of application as well as the related limitations are indicated. Even though the test rig is mostly composed of standard devices, like rotation stages and incremental angle encoder, its performance can be compared with specialized certified machines that are very expensive. Exemplary results of experimental studies of MEMS accelerometers realized by means of the test rig are presented and briefly discussed. Few ways of improving performance of the test rig are proposed.
Grau de satisfação de usuários de um hospital privado

Objectives: To know the degree of satisfaction of users of a private hospital and the factors involved in this satisfaction, based on the model of Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry. Methods: A descriptive, exploratory, quantitative study conducted in a private hospital with a sample consisting of 288 users. Data collection occurred between April to July 2009, by means of a questionnaire and analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: We identifi ed levels of user satisfaction, and the dimensions with the highest scores: security and reliability, and with lower scores, responsiveness and empathy. The nursing and medical teams had the highest scores. Conclusions: There is a need for intervention in the areas of nutrition and initial care. Thus, this study provided a multisectoral diagnosis, assisting managers in reviewing the institution’s clinical and managerial processes.
Self consistent modelling of the projection factor for interferometric distance determination

The distance of galactic Cepheids can be derived through the interferometric Baade-Wesselink method. The interfer- ometric measurements lead to angular diameter estimations over the whole pulsation period, while the stellar radius variations can be deduced from the integration of the pulsation velocity. The latter is linked to the observational velocity deduced from line profiles by the so-called projection factor p. The knowledge of p is currently an important limiting factor for this method of distance determination. A self-consistent and time-dependent model of the star δ Cep is computed in order to study the dynamical structure of its atmosphere together with the induced line profile. Different kinds of radial and pulsation velocities are then derived. In particular, we compile a suitable average value for the projection factor related to different observational techniques, such as spectrometry, and spectral-line or wide-band interferometry. We show that the impact on the average pro- jection factor and consequently on the final distance deduced from this method is of the order of 6%. We also study the impact of a constant or variable p-factor on the Cepheid distance determination. We conclude on this last point that if the average value of the projection factor is correct, then the influence of the time dependence is not significant as the error in the final distance is of the order of 0.2%.
The Stigma of Mental Illness, Ambivalent Attitudes, and Motivation to Learn

Prior research has demonstrated that much of the stigma of mental illness falls under the category of ambivalence. In other words, individuals hold both positive and negative impressions of mentally ill individuals and their attitudes tend to not be restricted to one side. On the positive end, they may feel sympathetic toward these individuals, as they understand they are not responsible for their illnesses. On the negative side, they may also believe these individuals are more unpredictable and dangerous than their mentally healthy counterparts. These ambivalent attitudes subsequently result in a feeling of uneasiness, as people feel more comfortable when their opinions and beliefs are set and unwavering. This discomfort may act as a motivating factor to reduce these conflicting attitudes. This study employed a questionnaire to examine mental illness stigma among three disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia), the extent to which participants exhibited ambivalent attitudes, as well as how motivated participants were to learn more about these disorders. Participants, undergraduate students, first completed a 12-item ambivalence measure in which they indicated the extent to which they felt positively and negatively towards the mentally ill. Next, felt ambivalence was measured through participants reporting how conflicted and confused they felt after thinking about a particular mental illness. Finally, respondents completed a final measure indicating how motivated they were to research the illnesses further. Results revealed differences in stigma among the three disorders as well as the existence of ambivalent attitudes and conflicting emotions regarding these illnesses. Gender differences were also evident as well as differences in stigmatizing beliefs among those who do and do not have personal experience with psychological disorders. Results indicated the connection between ambivalent beliefs and subsequent discomfort; however, ambivalence and discomfort was not found to be a significant predictor of one’s motivation to learn more about the illnesses.
The impact of introducing a business marketing approach to education: A study on private HE in Bangladesh

The research for this paper, the first of its nature in Bangladesh, has been carried out through desk study, document review, interview, questionnaire and observation. Earlier findings had revealed that the community perceived education to be a social and public product. Significant changes to the perception of students and providers have been made recently. More recently, students and education providers have come to understand education as a commodity. However, although most academics fight against this change of attitude, they have failed to retain the traditional philosophy of education due to the privatization of education. Moreover, there are insufficient policies in place to regulate the marketing activities of private education institutions.
Evaluation Framework for Commercial Vehicle Safety Systems and Services (EFrame). Final Report

The main project aim was to develop a structured framework for traffic safety evaluation in an industrial (commercial vehicle manufacturer) context. The resulting framework facilitates more efficient development of crash/injury countermeasures by (1) identifying and focusing on the most important safety problems, (2) estimating the potential and actual safety benefits of safety systems and services and (3) identifying the data sources needed to perform these analyses. The project started with identification of the general types of safety evaluation analyses needed from an industrial development perspective (the Evaluation Use Cases, EUCs). The EUCs helped to keep the project focused, in spite of its broad general scope, and constituted the basis for all remaining work in the project (WP1). Next, an initial sketch of the framework, in terms of the data sources and analysis needed to address the EUCs were developed (WP1). This was followed by a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of existing data sources and road safety analysis methodologies that could potentially be used as components in the framework (WP2). Based on this, existing methods were adapted, or novel methods developed, to address the Evaluation Use Cases (WP3). Finally, the methods adapted/developed in WP3 were applied to a set of concrete evaluation test cases in order to demonstrate the framework and identify needs for further improvement (WP4). Based on this, the final framework was defined (WP4). Thus, the project objectives have generally been met, although further development and testing is needed on other concrete test cases beyond than those addressed in WP4. The framework has the potential to reduce the number of killed and injured in traffic by focusing industrial development and academic research on the most effective safety systems and services and increases AB Volvo’s international competitiveness by further strengthening its safety system/services offering. The project has also, thanks to its broad scope, fostered increased collaboration between different sub-fields of traffic safety analysis (e.g., passive safety, active safety and road user behavior analysis) and thus contributed to the development of a critical mass of competence at SAFER/Chalmers/Volvo in this area.
The effects of Capital structure on the financial performance of large industrial listed firms in Nigeria

This research was aimed at exploiting the dynamic relationship between leverage and the value of the firm using the panel data of Nigerian firms couple with the use of partial adjustment model to establish the determinants of capital structure in Nigeria in relation with the main theories, it was observed that short term leverage constitute substantial proportion of the capital structure , while the concepts of trade-off theory and the pecking order theory could not adequately explain the capital structure decision in Nigeria, however there was a strong relationship between the leverage level and the value of the firm. It was also observed that the speed of adjustment to the target capital structure of Nigerian firm is relatively high when compared to the findings of western developed economies. Keywords : Capital structure, Leverage, Target capital structure, Value of the firm and Adjustment speed
External factors determining breeding season in the red mangrove crab Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Grapsidae) on the São Paulo State northern coast, Brazil

This study evaluated the influence of the water and air temperatures, pluviosity and photoperiod on the breeding season of Goniopsis cruentata (Latreille, 1803), in Ubatuba littoral, southeastern Brazilian coast. Monthly collections were conducted out from January/95 to December/96 in an estuarine area from 23o29'10"-23o29'45"S to 45o09'10"-45o10'00"W. Water and air temperature variation showed the highest correlation coefficient with the frequency of ovigerous females, r2 = 0.73 and 0.68, respectively. However, an analysis of the set of environmental variables, revealed the photoperiod as the factor of highest association with the ovigerous frequency (r2 = 0.68). This degree of association allow us to suggest that the breeding season duration of G. cruentata might have some variations over different latitudes, and such results could be quite diverse in populations from different latitudes.