Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An investigation of the perceptions of South African students with regards to accelerated learning courses

The cost of repeating a module has both financial and social implications. The social implications include increased workloads when repeating a module and students often not being able to graduate within the prescribed minimum course period. A possible solution for this is the use of accelerated learning courses, in the form of summer or winter schools. These schools provide students with another opportunity to pass a module, during the summer or winter recess, using an accelerated learning mode, and consequently complete modules with prerequisites of failed modules in the following year. Using an accelerated learning approach, a summer or winter school covers a large portion of the content in semester or year modules in a shortened timeframe outside the normal academic period. Using a questionnaire approach, the various perceptions of first year students at the end of the academic year regarding the use of these schools were obtained and analysed. The timing of the end of the academic year allows students to familiarise themselves with the various accelerated learning courses offered to them throughout the academic year. The findings suggest that students have a positive perception of these schools despite most of them not having had previous experience of completing an accelerated learning course. Although previous literature has indicated that students are hesitant to complete finance-related modules in an accelerated learning format versus traditional semester and year modules, the perceptions indicate that students are willing to engage in financial modules, with the students identifying that the benefits of these accelerated learning courses exceed the cost. The findings suggest that students who are presented with various non-academic obstacles throughout the traditional module are able to use summer or winter schools as a way to reduce exposure to these obstacles and complete an accelerated learning course. The use of these schools therefore presents an area for module developers to consider when implementing these schools as a way to improve throughput rates, thereby contributing in a positive way to students’ financial and social health.
Standardization of media and nutrient concentration for coleus (Plectranthus barbatus Andr.) under substrate culture

ABSTRACT Coleus (Plectranthus barbatus Andr.) is a medicinal herb whose roots contain forskolin. Incidences of soil-borne diseases, wilt complex and nematodes are the major limiting factors for growing this crop under soil media. Hence, an investigation was initiated for the standardization of soilless growth media and nutrient solution concentration in coleus. Coco peat, vermiculite, sand and their combinations were used as potting media with different concentrations of nutrients based on the recommended dose of fertilizers for soil media (1,080 mg plant−1 nitrogen, 960 mg plant−1 phosphorous and 1200 mg plant−1 potassium). Among the different media and nutrients, plants grown under coco peat media with 80% of the recommended dose of fertilizer for soil (864 mg plant−1 nitrogen, 768 mg plant−1 phosphorous and 960 mg plant−1 potassium) recorded significantly higher root yield (17.10 tha−1) and quality parameters (0.98% forskolin). Benefit–cost ratio was also recorded maximum (4.25) in the same treatment.
Mechanical and thermal stress analysis of hybrid ceramic and lithium disilicate based ceramic CAD-CAM inlays using 3-D finite element analysis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze mechanical and thermal stresses of hybrid ceramic and lithium disilicate based ceramic of CAD/CAM inlays using 3D Finite element analysis. Material and Methods: A three dimensions finite element model of permanent maxillary premolar designed according to standard anatomy with class II cavity preparation for inlay restored with two different ceramic materials:- 1- Hybrid ceramic (Vita Enamic), 2- Lithium disilicate based ceramic (IPS e.max CAD). Totally six runs were performed on the model as: One loading case for each restorative material was tested in stress analysis; seven points of loading with 140N vertically applied at palatal cusp tip and cusp slop, marginal ridges and central fossa while the models base was fixed as a boundary condition in the two cases. Two thermal analysis cases were performed for each restoration material by applying 5ºC and 55ºC on the crown surface including the restoration surface. Results: The results of all structures were separated from the rest of the model to analyze the magnitude of stress in each component. For each group, maximum stresses on restorative materials, cement, enamel, and dentin were evaluated separately. Both ceramic materials generated similar stress distribution patterns for all groups when a total occlusal load of 140 N was applied. Conclusion: Thermal fluctuations of temperature have a great influence on the stresses induced on both restoration and tooth structure. IPS e.max CAD produced more favorable stresses on the tooth structure than Vita Enamic. KEYWORDS Ceramics; Finite element analysis; IPS e.max CAD; Lithium disilicate; Vita Enamic.
Insights into Key Determinants of Personal Initiative among Palestinian Professionals

The aim of this study is to get an understanding of whether contemporary research on key determinants of employees’ personal initiative is applicable in the context of a developing Middle Eastern country in the midst of a tumultuous period in its history – a country in which, in spite of it all, life continues for its residents and the organisations that serve them. We collected survey data from 144 office workers of several organisations operating in Palestine to examine the relationship between personal initiative and a list of its theoretical determinants, namely: self-efficacy, need for achievement, perceived supervisor support and cultural orientation towards individualism. Our findings support the conclusions of contemporary research about the effects of self-efficacy and the need for achievement on personal initiative - thus indicating that Palestinian office workers are, in many respects, quite similar to their counterparts in other parts of the world. But our expectations regarding the link between perceived supervisor support, the cultural value of individualism and personal initiative are not supported by our findings.
Barriers to electronic procurement adoption in the construction industry: a systematic review and interrelationships

Abstract Many studies have explored numerous barriers to e-procurement adoption in the construction industry. However, a comprehensive review of literature to reveal the interconnectivity among the barriers is still lacking. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and to reveal the relationships among e-procurement barriers in literature. Through a systematic review technique, 61 relevant papers were extracted. Thirty-four barriers were identified and categorized into organizational, technological legal and cultural barriers. Further, network analysis was employed to depict the complex interrelationships among the barriers. Although the barriers related to change resistance and lack of trust were prominent and highly connected, there exist other significant connections among the barriers to e-procurement adoption. The study contributes to e-procurement body of knowledge by exploring the complex interrelationships among e-procurement barriers. Further, this study offers practitioners a guiding frame in the development of effective strategies that mitigate e-procurement barriers and relationships in the construction industry.
The Role of Trust and Risk in Citizens’ E-Government Services Adoption: A Perspective of the Extended UTAUT Model

This research particularly aims to investigate how trust and perceived risk influence citizens’ e-government adoption. The findings of the study reveal that citizens’ trust of the government (TOG) and trust of the internet (TOI) positively affect citizens’ e-government adoption (EGA); perceived risk (PR) is negatively associated with citizens’ EGA. Interestingly, this study also demonstrates the negative moderating effect of PR on the relationship between TOG and EGA, TOI and EGA. The results also indicate that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitation conditions (FC) influence citizens’ EGA positively. Lastly, implications for practice and research are discussed.
Clinicopathological Evaluation of Metastatic Carcinomas of Bone Marrow Presenting as Cytopenia

Background – Metastatic carcinomas can involve bone marrow and may lead to subsequent marrow fibrosis and failure. The Bone marrow examination is important in patients diagnosed or patients on chemotherapy for cancer, who presented with peripheral cytopenia. The metastasis of bone marrow by these tumors is a sign of advanced stage of disease with poor prognosis. Methods – Our study is a retrospective study, in which we reviewed a total of 702 bone marrow procedures, out of which 118 bone marrow procedures done in patients with a diagnosis of cancer or patients on chemotherapy presented as cytopenia in Great Eastern Medical College and Hospital during a period of 10 years. Result – In our study of 118 patients 74 males and 44 females. Peripheral smear examination of these cases - 24 out of 32 (75%) presented with anemia, which was the commonest clinical presentation. Others were, thrombocytopenia in 18 (50%), bleeding manifestations in 10 (31.2%), Pancytopenia in 9 (28.1%), bi-cytopenia in 4 (12.5%). During this study period, among 118 malignancies reported in histopathology, 32 cases show bone marrow metastasis. 17.1% were carcinoma breast, 25% were carcinoma stomach 33.3% were carcinoma prostate and carcinoma urinary bladder, 23.5% were SCC carcinoma lung, 0% carcinoma Cervix, all cases of Ewing’s sarcoma, neuroblastoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma show bone marrow metastasis. Conclusion - Bone marrow examination is valuable tool in the diagnosis and staging of hematologic and nonhematological disease, as well as in the assessment of overall bone marrow cellularity, pattern of marrow involvement in metastatic carcinomas.
Arene-Osmium(II) Complexes in Homogeneous Catalysis

Although the application of arene-osmium(II) complexes in homogeneous catalysis has been much less studied than that of their ruthenium analogues, different works have shown that, in some instances, a comparable or even superior effectiveness can be achieved with this particular class of compounds. This review article focuses on the catalytic applications of arene-osmium(II) complexes. Among others, transfer hydrogenation, hydrogenation, oxidation, and nitrile hydration reactions, as well as different C-C bond forming processes, are comprehensively discussed.
Stable Coexistence in a Field-Calibrated Individual-Based Model of Mangrove Forest Dynamics Caused by Inter-Specific Crown Plasticity

(1,2) In this theoretical study, we apply MesoFON, a field-calibrated individual-based model of mangrove forest dynamics, and its Lotka–Volterra interpretations to address two questions: (a) Do the dynamics of two identical red mangrove species that compete for light resources and avoid inter-specific competition by lateral crown displacement follow the predictions of classical competition theory or resource competition theory? (b) Which mechanisms drive the dynamics in the presence of inter-specific crown plasticity when local competition is combined with global or with localized seed dispersal? (3) In qualitative support of classical competition theory, the two species can stably coexist within MesoFON. However, the total standing stock at equilibrium matched the carrying capacity of the single species. Therefore, a “non-overyielding” Lotka–Volterra model rather than the classic one approximated best the observed behavior. Mechanistically, inter-specific crown plasticity moved heterospecific trees apart and pushed conspecifics together. Despite local competition, the community exhibited mean-field dynamics with global dispersal. In comparison, localized dispersal slowed down the dynamics by diminishing the strength of intra-/inter-specific competition and their difference due to a restriction in the competitive race to the mean-field that prevails between conspecific clusters. (4) As the outcome in field-calibrated IBMs is mediated by the competition for resources, we conclude that classical competition mechanisms can override those of resource competition, and more species are likely to successfully coexist within communities.
Prolonged Rock Exhumation at the Rims of Kilometer‐Scale Lunar Craters

Fresh impact ejecta deposits on the lunar surface can be characterized as heterogeneous mixtures of boulders, cobbles, and fine‐grained regolith that are deposited on the lunar surface during the impact crater formation process. Over time, the surface boulders associated with ejecta deposits break down into fine‐grained regolith due to a combination of later impacts and thermal fatigue. Nonetheless, observations of old (>2.0 Ga) kilometer‐scale (0.8–2.0 km) lunar impact craters in high‐resolution images reveal >1 m boulders along their rims and in their near‐proximal ejecta deposits on the lunar maria. Here, we use a combination of radar and thermal‐infrared data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft to show that the rims of kilometer‐sized impact craters exhibit elevated rock abundances for the lifetime of the lunar maria. We interpret these results as indicating that boulders are continually being uncovered at crater rims due to downslope movement of the overlying regolith. Moreover, rocks found at crater rims that have been exhumed from depth in geologically recent times are locally derived and unlikely to have come from other areas of the Moon. Future collection of lunar samples at crater rims will serve to mitigate the potential for sample contamination from distal sources, helping to ensure accurate geologic interpretations from the collected samples.
Space and social capital: social contacts in a segregated city

ABSTRACT In this study, we examine whether the spatial structure produces differences in access to social capital and the status homogeneity of networks in Santiago, the capital of Chile—a highly segregated city. We hypothesize that residents of different areas, especially those living in spatial contexts of poverty and wealth, differ considerably in terms of the social resources to which they have access. We combine survey data with georeferenced data from 700 residents in 181 census tracts. The spatial structure is measured as a combination of spatial conditions, such as land values, density, and urban violence. Our results show that the spatial structure determines network resources, even after considering social class. Specifically, living in privileged areas is associated with highly resourceful networks, whereas living in marginalized areas goes together with network poverty and low-status contacts. Taken together, our results suggest that spatial segregation reinforces differential social resources among classes.
The Effect of Informal Gatherings on Sustainable Participation in Leisure Sport Activities: The Case of South Korea

Do informal gatherings with members in group leisure sports increase satisfaction and sustainable participation? The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating role of informal gatherings with regard to self-determined motivation (SDM), leisure satisfaction (LS), and intention to participate sustainably (INPS) in the context of group leisure sports. An empirical analysis of a sample of 423 adults participating in group leisure sports was conducted. Structural equation modeling revealed that SDM exerted a statistically significant impact on LS, and, in turn, LS was conducive to INPS. The multigroup analysis indicated that informal gatherings played a significant moderating role in the relationship between non-self-determined extrinsic motivation and LS. Certain sociodemographic characteristics and sports participation behavior were ascertained as control variables. This study theoretically contributes to the expansion of self-determination theory, affirming the effect of informal gatherings as a unique variable and suggesting practical implications for sustainable leisure participation.
Influence of Spray Nozzle Operating Parameters on the Fogging Process Implemented to Prevent the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Virus

This article reports the results of a study into the effect of operating parameters on the occurrence and course of gas–liquid two-phase phenomena during the fogging process carried out with the use of a conical pressure-swirl nozzle. Four alternatives of the stub regulation angles and four values of pressure of air supply to the nozzle were tested as part of the current research. The range of the investigated variables was common for the operation of fumigators used to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The liquid flow rate (weighting method), the field of velocity, and turbulent flow intensity factor, as well as velocity profiles over the section of 1 m from the nozzle were determined using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique. The obtained results were correlated with the measurements of the diameters of spray droplets using the laser light scattering (LLS) technique. On the basis of this research, a dependence between the nozzle parameters and the spray cone pattern was identified in terms of dynamics and droplet diameter distribution. As a result of the research, a wide range of parameters were identified in which the fogging process was carried out in a stable and repeatable manner. There were exceptions to this rule only in the cases when there was a deficiency of the liquid necessary to generate a two-phase mixture.
Reading identities as a developmental process: changes in Chinese-English learners from prekindergarten to kindergarten

ABSTRACT Reading identities are the ways that a person constructs the self as a reader across contexts and time. This study explores reading identities as a developmental process in multilingual children in prekindergarten and kindergarten. Participants were six children ages three to four participating in a Chinese-English family literacy program over a two year period. Children’s reading identities were examined across years and across children to describe areas of development in how children expressed reading identities. Findings describe areas of growth and stability in the reading development of young children that includes their first years of formal schooling.
Smoothing of digital elevation models and the alteration of overland flow path length distributions

DEM smoothing is a common pre‐processing technique used to remove undesirable roughness from a DEM. However, it is hypothesized that smoothing straightens and reduces the length of overland flow paths, which is an important factor controlling modelled time‐to‐peak flow. Currently, there is a lack of research comparing how different smoothing techniques alter the distribution of overland flow path length. Four low‐pass filtering techniques were applied to three fine‐resolution LiDAR DEMs of varying relief: the mean filter, the median filter, the Gaussian filter, and the feature‐preserving DEM smoothing (FPDEMS) filter, each with different degrees of smoothing. Downslope‐distance‐to‐stream distributions were then derived using D8 and D∞ flow directions and statistically compared to distributions derived from the unsmoothed DEM for each study site. The results indicate that the alteration of flow path length distributions as a result of smoothing is complex. Mean flow path lengths may decrease or increase in response to smoothing, depending on landscape relief and the derivation of flow directions, and generalized flow paths may become longer. The largest increase in mean flow path lengths was 19.2 m using the 21 × 21 median filter and D8 flow directions in the high‐relief study site, relative to an unsmoothed mean length of 138.6 m in this site. The largest decrease in mean flow path length was 48.9 m using the 21 × 21 mean filter and D∞ flow directions in the low‐relief study site, relative to an unsmoothed mean length of 290.9 m in this site. Furthermore, minimal flow path length alterations were achieved with the Gaussian filter when gentle smoothing is required, and with the FPDEMS filter when moderate to aggressive smoothing is required. These results suggest that an appropriate smoothing method should be chosen based on the relief of the landscape and the degree of smoothing required.
Denitrification within the sediments and epiphyton of tropical macrophyte stands

ABSTRACT Excess nitrogen (N) is one of the most widespread and serious pollutants in the environment, but wetlands can reduce N loads, ameliorating its damaging effects downstream. Tropical wetlands are highly productive and experience high temperatures year-round, resulting in potentially high denitrification rates. However, few measurements of denitrification have been reported for tropical wetlands. In this study, we measured denitrification within stands of macrophytes at the edge of a tropical lake (900 m length, 4 m deep) in Australia. We compared denitrification rates among sediments under emergent grass (giant bulrush, Actinoscirpus grossus), sediments under floating waterlilies (Nymphae spp.), and sediments from the deeper sections of the lagoon with no macrophytes. We also measured the denitrification and primary productivity of the epiphyton on macrophytes and compared the rates with those from the sediment. Denitrification in the sediment was higher (Dt = 3.3–52 mg m−2 h−1) than denitrification of the epiphyton (Dt = 1.9–3.6 mg m−2 h−1) and was mostly coupled with nitrification (Dn). Denitrification was highest in sediments rich in organic carbon (32.3%) and N (1.4%), and during times of the year when nitrates (NOx −-N = NO2 −-N + NO3 −-N) concentrations were relatively high (>0.10 mg L−1). Denitrification was lowest in sediments with no macrophytes, which comprised most of the lake area. Denitrification rates of sediments under these macrophyte stands were among the highest values measured for natural wetlands and highlight the potential role of this process in ameliorating N pollution in tropical catchments.
Discovery of proteinaceous moieties in Late Cretaceous dinosaur eggshell

The documentation of proteinaceous soft tissues in fossils from deep time remains controversial. Often this has been attributed to the laboratory or other modes of modern contamination. Here we provide incontrovertible evidence for the preservation of proteinaceous moieties in Maastrichtian dinosaur eggshell using pyrolysis‐GC×GC‐TOFMS. The presence of nitrogen‐bearing organic molecules along with diketodipyrrole suggests that the proteinaceous moieties can survive diagenesis. The preservation of these proteinaceous moieties has been attributed to deposition in a palustrine flat environment under subaerial conditions and entrapment of organic material by the eggshell calcitic units. The present study demonstrates that the preservation of nitrogen‐bearing macromolecules in Mesozoic fossil remains is not impossible provided that the depositional environments and diagenetic processes are propitious. The survival of nitrogen‐bearing macromolecules in deep time under subaerial depositional settings will open a new avenue of research on soft tissue preservation.