Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Illusions of Clustering: A Systematic Evaluation on the Effects of Clusters on Regional Economic Performance in Korea

Korea has pursued a cluster-based policy to increase industrial competitiveness and to alleviate development gaps between the regions. However, local governments have often oversupplied clusters without an objective examination of the demands and conditions in the regions. Based on these concerns, this study analyses effects and interdependencies of factors related to regional innovation and growth in Korea. Employing a PCA method and a GLS regression models on panel data, we generated three composite factors, social, capacity, and clustering, and estimated their effects on regional economic performance. The results show that it is important to have a favorable socio-economic setting to foster growth by clusters. In addition, cluster-based policies may have weaker effects than expected, because the effect of R&D capacity on regional growth was stronger and longer lasting. Finally, some specific elements that most affected economic growth in Korea’s regions are identified. The overall results indicate favorable environments should be established beforehand to foster regional growth with clusters, which confirms “jobs follow people. ”
Current Practices and Future Pathways towards Competencies in Education for Sustainable Development

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reflects the urgency to embed the principles of education for sustainable development (ESD) into all levels of education. ESD, understood as an integral part of quality education and where all educational institutions, from preschool to higher education and in non-formal and informal education, can and should foster the development of sustainability competencies. This Special Issue entitled “Competencies in Education for Sustainable Development II” responds to this urgency and the papers presented deliver recent developments in the field of sustainability and ESD competencies. They focus on various perspectives: systematic literature reviews and conceptual contributions; curriculum developments and pedagogical approaches to explore competencies’ development, such as action research, serious games, augmented reality, multi-course project-based learning and group model building processes; testing and validation of assessment tools and processes for linking sustainability competencies to employability and quality assurance processes. The contributions show how the field of sustainability and ESD competencies has become a major focus in recent years and present emerging research developments. Further research efforts need to be put into operationalizing sustainability competencies and developing tools that help measure and assess students’ and educators’ competencies development.
The impact of CEO’s attributes on R&D intensity and ESG practices

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of CEO attributes on R&D intensity and the mediating role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practice on the aforementioned relationship. We concentrate on international companies listed on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), from six geographical regions, which followed ESG practices, adapted from the international standards of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) from 2016 to 2017. Our results show a significant positive association between CEO education and R&D intensity; indicating that R&D intensity is higher when CEOs have a higher level of education. Our findings also report that CEO duality is negatively associated with R&D intensity. However, CEO age is not associated with R&D intensity. Further, we suggest that CEO education and CEO duality have partial mediation effects through mediation path analysis, and that the CSR committee positively influences the proposed model. The present study contributes to the prior literature by examining the mediating effect of ESG practice on the link between different CEOs’ attributes and R&D intensity.
Zarf Kavramının Öğretiminde Örnek Ayrıntılama Stratejisinin Kavram Öğrenmeye, Kalıcılığa ve Transfere Etkisi

Since the examples facilitate the concept to become more concrete and understandable, they positively affect the learning of concepts. In this study, the effect of example elaboration strategy on the concept learning success, retention and transfer in the teaching adverb concept in Turkish lesson was examined. This study, designed as the experimental research model with a pre-test/post-test control group, was carried out with 7th grade students who studied in middle school. The study group consists of 60 students (the experimental group: 30 students, the control group: 30 students). Data were obtained by using reading comprehension test (OAT), concept learning test (CLT) and transfer test. In data analysis, mean, standard deviation, independent groups t test and covariance (ANCOVA) analysis were used. As a result, when the pre-test scores of the students in the experimental and control groups were checked, a significant difference was found in favor of the experiment group between the corrected mean of the concept learning posttest scores. No significant difference was found between experiment and control groups in terms of retention test and transfer test corrected mean. According to the results obtained, it can be stated that the example elaboration strategy is partially effective in concept learning.
Consider the following: A pilot study of the effects of an educational television program on viewer perceptions of anthropogenic climate change and ocean acidification

Abstract Climate change portends significant harms to humans and biodiversity but public knowledge of relevant scientific information remains limited. As societal changes and investment are essential to addressing anthropogenic climate change, efforts to better promote both civic science literacy and public awareness of climate change impacts are urgently required. Popular scientific television programming provides one avenue for broad climate change communication efforts. Our pilot study seeks to evaluate the effects viewing a popular scientific television program, “Bill Nye Saves the World: The Earth is a hot mess” on both fact recall and personal perceptions. We surveyed undergraduate students enrolled in non-majors courses at two institutions of higher education, one large selective private university, and one community college with open enrollment before and after viewing this program. The survey contained both open-response questions and Likert-like ordinal responses intended to evaluate both fact recall and beliefs related to climate change. After viewing the program, student awareness of climate change impacts was improved, especially for topics emphasized by the program such as sea level rise. Student awareness of ocean acidification was extremely low prior to viewing the program, and improved dramatically, with most respondents aware that ocean acidification is already impacting marine life after viewing. Our pilot study suggests that scientific television programs may successfully promote awareness of climate change impacts and increase perceived personal relevance of climate change, but additional data from a larger and demographically broad population is required to test whether this result is more broadly applicable. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10899995.2021. 1949693
The influence of socio-economic status on risk prioritisation

Abstract This study examined the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on risk prioritisation. Participants ranked 28 hazards according to how risky they considered them to be for the South African society. The results showed SES had an influence on hazard prioritisation, e.g., alcohol was considered the most significant societal hazard by low SES individuals, but was ranked 10th by high SES individuals. High SES individuals on the other hand, were significantly more concerned than low SES individuals about personal security risks. A second aim of the study was to delineate the interaction between SES and gender, and whether this also influenced risk perception. The data revealed statistically significant interactions between gender and SES for a number of hazards including personal security hazards, government corruption, climate change, and alcohol. SES influenced risk perceptions even at the level of gender so that individuals of similar gender but different SES perceived risks from the same hazard disparately. This suggests that people’s socioeconomic status influenced how they perceived risks, irrespective of gender. Together, these findings suggest that SES is an important determinant of people’s risk perceptions, and that it can modify even the effects of gender. These findings also have practical implications because they imply that risk perceptions are not similar between socio-economic groupings. As such, assessments derived in high SES or developed contexts may not adequately describe low SES or developing contexts. Context-relevant data are, therefore, key to successful risk management and communication.
PRION PROTEIN GENE SEQUENCES ANALYSIS IN TWELVE SHEEP BREEDS OF PAKISTAN

Prions are considered the only agents of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and are harmful pathogens of mammals. These infectious agents of host are made up through aggregation of conformational isomers (PrPSc) and encode glycoprotein (PrPC) of 33-35 kDa. TSEs are the fatal group of diseases which are neurodegenerative and include chronic wasting disease in deer and elk, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) in humans and scrapie in goats and sheep. The accumulation of abnormal form of the normal protein (PrP) is common in all diseases related TSE. This abnormal form of PrP called PrPSc is resistant to proteolysis as well as infectious. Present study was conducted in order to do sequence analysis of prion protein gene in twelve breeds of the sheep. We studied this gene to elucidate 12 of Pakistani sheep breeds and to compare gene order with other mammalian species. PCR amplification of 771 bp fragment was done on selected samples from all twelve breeds followed by sequencing. Sequence analysis was done and some sites were found to be heterozygous. These findings on prion protein gene in sheep will provide assistance for further studies on pathogenesis, cross-species transmission, breeding programs, resistance and susceptibility to scrapie.
[Significance of glypican-3 immunohistochemistry in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To explore the diagnostic significance of glypican-3 (GPC3) immunohistochemistry in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Fourteen tissue microarray paraffin blocks were constructed, which comprised 731 samples from hepatic tumors and paratumor tissues, including 357 cases of HCC, 26 cholangiocarcinoma, 171 HCC adjacent hepatic tissue including cirrhosis, 93 hemangioma adjacent hepatic tissues, and 84 carcinomas metastatic to liver. GPC3 (Clone 1G12) protein was detected immunohistochemically in all of cases with positive controls. RESULTS GPC3 protein was positive in 72.0% HCC (257/357), but negative in the rest 374 of non-HCC cases, including cholangiocarcinoma, HCC adjacent hepatic tissue including cirrhosis, hemangioma adjacent hepatic tissues and metastatic carcinomas. GPC3 positive percentage was significantly correlated with histological grading of HCC (P < 0.01), highest in grade 3 (77.1%, 64/83) followed by grade 2 (73.3%, 187/255), grade 1 (6/12) and grade 4 (0). CONCLUSIONS GPC3 is a valuable diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma with sensitivity of 72.0%, and a differential diagnostic marker from tumor adjacent hepatic tissue and carcinomas metastatic to liver with specificity of 100%.
The Effect of Waiters’ Occupational Identity on Employee Turnover Within The Context of Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Although restaurants employ a high number of employees across the United Kingdom, accounting for 4.5% of total U.K. employment, this figure masks the relatively high degree of employee turnover. There is limited information about work engagement and turnover among waitering staff (servers). This study analyzed which antecedents (e.g., employer brand, extraversion, and stereotype) impact servers’ occupational identity, and how this relationship affects work engagement and employee turnover within a theoretically informed conceptual framework. A sample of servers in London based Michelin-starred restaurants was used (N = 398). Although extraversion and stereotype reactance were not found to be relevant to occupational identity, employer brand was. The notion that the construction of occupational identity has consequences for work engagement and employee turnover was supported, as positive relationships were found. This research has practical implications for restaurant management strategy, and informs further investigations within the field.
Social Acceptability of the Bioremediation Technology for the Rehabilitation of an Abandoned Mined-Out Area in Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines

Rehabilitation of mined-out areas poses great challenge because nutrients are depleted and conditions are not conducive for the conditions necessary for the growth and survival of plants. Proper combination of mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, compost, and lime to support the growth of trees in the poor soil has been discovered by the University of the Philippines Los Baños National Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Having established a protocol using this formulation, a plant survival rate of 95% was achieved in a bioremediation project implemented by the Institute in a mined-out area in Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque, Philippines. The social acceptance and adoption of this rehabilitation strategy was determined through a survey interview in the study area with the use of questionnaire. Six factors and nine variables were considered in the assessment. The bioremediation technology was acceptable to the community as indicated by the high percentage of respondents who gave an overall positive response (90%) and who were willing to adopt and recommend it for implementation in other mined-out areas (90%). Binary logistic regression showed that income and distance of residence from the rehabilitation site significantly influenced the respondents’ decision to accept the technology. Future bioremediation initiatives should also consider the participation and acceptance of stakeholders to ensure sustainability. Indigenous and endemic planting materials should be used in rehabiliation.
Microstructure evolution, mechanical behavior, and fracture analysis of ultrasonic-assisted stir-squeeze cast high strength AA7068/ZrO2p/Grp composite under thermal aging

Abstract Herein, high strength Al-Zn(-Mg) alloy designated as AA7068 based composites containing twin unlike dispersoids of ZrO2p and Grp were synthesized through an enhanced stir-squeeze caster. The density of the casted materials accompanying porosity was investigated through the liquid displacement technique following the Archimedes principle. Mechanical behavior, such as hardness, impact toughness, tensile strength, and ductility was examined under the as-casted, artificially aged (T6), and retrogressed and reaged (RRA) conditions. Microstructural analysis and determination of intermetallic compounds were carried out using FESEM-EDX and XRD techniques. The fractured surface under tensile loading was also examined through FESEM to recognize the governing mode of failure. Hardness, 0.2% proof stress, and UTS of the composite containing 4 wt. % of ZrO2p were improved over monolithic alloy up to 29.8, 68.2, and 37.5% at the as-casted condition and 43.5, 86.3, and 85% at artificially aged condition, respectively. However, the addition of Grp decreased the properties mentioned above. On the contrary, the addition of both the particulates of ZrO2 and Gr (added separately or concurrently) decreased the ductility and impact strength irrespective of the material condition. FESE micrographs reveal the uniform distribution of dispersoids in the matrix phase. Furthermore, fractography depicts that the monolithic AA7068 matrix fractured in a ductile manner, while interfacial decohesion and particle cracking were the prime causes of failure in the composites.
Teacher Interventions to Induce Students’ Awareness in Controlling their Intuition

Abstract This study aimed to describe teacher interventions in students’ problem-solving. The subjects were three upper-class students at an elementary school in Indonesia who used system 2 when solving problems. This study used a qualitative case study approach. Data were obtained from students’ written answers and audio-visual recordings of teacher interventions to students. The results showed that the subjects needed teacher interventions to induce their awareness when involving system 2. Each subject needed intervention different stages. Subject 1 required intervention stage 3, subject 2 required intervention stage 2, and subject 3 only required intervention at stage 1. From the research results, it was known that the active moment of system 2 in all three subjects was the same, that is after the core problem was known. The core of the problem was ascertained after a doubtful feeling arose on the truth of the resulting answers. This feeling arose because the teacher intervened in the form of questions conducted dialogically.
Effect of the Flow Rate on Plant Growth and Flow Visualization of Nutrient Solution in Hydroponics

In hydroponics, the flow pattern of nutrient solution in a cultivation container affects the growth of plants. Even if the flow rate of nutrient solution is the same between containers, the flow pattern may differ based on the size and shape of the containers. Therefore, the flow pattern cannot be comprehensively described by flow rate alone. In order to identify the relationship between plant growth, root morphology, nutrient uptake, and flow pattern, a hydroponic cultivation of Swiss chard was carried out. In addition, in order to describe the flow pattern in a specific cultivation container, hydroponic flow patterns were observed via flow field visualization using particle image velocimetry. As a result, with the increase in flow rate, it was found that a specific flow rate can form an ideal flow pattern for plant growth. Under this flow pattern, nutrient absorption is promoted and roots are elongated, thereby absorbing more nutrients and further promoting plant growth. However, when the flow rate exceeds the ideal value, plant growth is hindered. In summary, identifying the ideal nutrient solution flow pattern in hydroponics can facilitate better crop production.
The Rapid Chloride Migration Test in Assessing the Chloride Penetration Resistance of Normal and Lightweight Concrete

Chloride-induced corrosion has been one of the main causes of reinforced concrete deterioration. One of the most used methods in assessing the chloride penetration resistance of concrete is the rapid chloride migration test (RCMT). This is an expeditious and simple method but may not be representative of the chloride transport behaviour of concrete in real environment. Other methods, like immersion (IT) and wetting–drying tests (WDT), allow for a more accurate approach to reality, but are laborious and very time-consuming. This paper aims to analyse the capacity of RCMT in assessing the chloride penetration resistance of common concrete produced with different types of aggregate (normal and lightweight) and paste composition (variable type of binder and water/binder ratio). To this end, the RCMT results were compared with those obtained from the same concretes under long-term IT and WDT. A reasonable correlation between the RCMT and diffusion tests was found, when slow-reactive supplementary materials or porous lightweight aggregates surrounded by weak pastes were not considered. A poorer correlation was found when concrete was exposed under wetting–drying conditions. Nevertheless, the RCMT was able to sort concretes in different classes of chloride penetration resistance under distinct exposure conditions, regardless of the type of aggregate and water/binder ratio.
INITIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVICE ENGINEERING DESIGNERS' CONSIDERATION OF CONTEXTUAL FACTORS

Abstract Engineering designers are encouraged to consider relevant contextual factors throughout their design processes. However, specific practices for incorporating context into design processes are lacking in the existing literature, and curricula related to the use of context during design processes is limited. As a preliminary step toward characterizing novice engineering designers' use of contextual factors, we qualitatively coded 10 mechanical engineering capstone design reports for contextual factors; half of the projects had domestic sponsors with varying themes, and the other half of the projects had international sponsors with a global health theme. Our findings showed that teams considered technological and institutional factors most frequently; other factors were considered less frequently. Global health themed design teams considered more contextual factors than non-global health themed teams. There was considerable variability among the contextual factors considered, as well as the stages during which they were considered. These outcomes have the potential to inform the development of pedagogical tools to support the acquisition of skills related to formally addressing context during engineering design processes.
Needs analysis in ESP context: A case study of People’s Police University Students

This paper investigates the learning needs of students enrolled in an ESP course at the People’s Police University. A qualitative case study research design was employed through in-depth interviews with 20 undergraduate students. The findings show that the students perceived reading and writing as critical English skills needed for their future profession. The need to thoroughly understand the specialized subject matter in both English and Vietnamese was also reported. Also, the students wished to gain access to extra resources to assist their studying of ESP courses. The students experienced difficulties in mastering technical terms and specialization and comprehending online resources in English. Implications are made based on the findings. The study results would serve as a reference for language program managers, course designers, and English language instructors to enhance ESP courses’ quality in Vietnamese universities.
The Social Acceptance of Collecting and Utilizing Personal Information in Smart Cities

In recent years, active efforts to implement smart cities have increased worldwide. In smart cities, a large amount of personal information is captured, and urban development is based on these data. In Japan, implementations of smart cities continue to gain momentum, but the issue of social acceptance has become apparent, as smart cities are not fully accepted by citizens because of concerns about data leaks and misuse of personal information. This study examines the social acceptance of collecting and utilizing personal information in smart cities in relation to a variety of factors such as trust and perceptions of risk, justice, benefit, and necessity. An online survey was conducted wherein participants (N = 568) were presented with a vignette depicting an overview of a typical smart city. The results of structural equation modeling showed that perceived justice was positively related to trust and trust was negatively related to perceived risk and positively related to perceived benefit and necessity. Trust, perceived benefit, and perceived necessity were significantly related to social acceptance, with trust having the greatest relationship. The model obtained in this study contributes to practical efforts for the implementation of smart cities, and future directions are discussed.