Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why Are Public Attitudes towards Immigration in Canada Becoming Increasingly Positive? Exploring the Factors behind the Changes in Attitudes towards Immigration (1998–2021)

Focusing on why and how public attitudes towards immigration in Canada have grown more positive between 1998 and 2021, this paper examines whether the changes in. attitudes stem from changes in population characteristics or changes in the effect of these characteristics. Our analysis sheds light on the implications of the 2008–2010 financial crisis on the support for immigration. Our logit regression analysis shows that positive attitudes towards immigration are positively related to higher levels of education attainment regardless of the survey years but negatively associated with the support for conservative political parties, especially during and after the financial crisis. By employing decomposition analysis, we investigate the shift in public opinions across individual characteristics before, during, and after the 2008 financial crisis. We find that, for all periods, most of the attitude shift results from the change in the effect of population characteristics rather than the change in the characteristics themselves.
Fluid Injection and Seismic Activity in the Northern Montney Play, British Columbia, Canada, with Special Reference to the 17 August 2015 Mw 4.6 Induced Earthquake

In this article, we analyzed the recent seismic activity in the northern Montney Play of British Columbia in 2015 and its connection with fluid injection (hydraulic fracturing and long‐term injection of gas and wastewater disposal) in the region. The earthquake sequence used in this study includes 676 events from 3 October 2014 to 31 December 2015 from the Progress Energy earthquake catalog with moment magnitude as small as 1. Spatial and temporal correlation of seismic activity with the fluid injection in the region revealed that these events are better correlated with hydraulic fracturing (correlation coefficient of ∼0.17 at confidence level close to 99.7%, with a lag time between 0 and 2 days) than other types of injection. Using the double‐difference relocation technique, we obtained depth constraints for some of the events for which supplementary, industry‐provided waveforms were available. The depths of these events range from 0.5 to 2.5 km and are mostly constrained above the target zone where hydraulic fracturing was taking place. The best‐fit moment tensor solution for the event on 17 August 2015 gives a moment magnitude of 4.6 and a predominantly thrust mechanism in the northwest–southeast direction with a shallow focal depth of 4 km. This is consistent with that obtained through double‐difference relocation for this event (1.3 km), given the depth uncertainty of the moment tensor inversion. [Electronic Supplement:][1] Tables of injection volumes and seismicity parameters, and figure of monthly distribution of seismic events and location of fluid injection sites in the vicinity of the 17 August 2015 M w 4.6 event. [1]: http://www.bssaonline. org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1785/0120160175/-/DC1
The impact of inflation on SMEs: Evidence from a survey on Greek SMEs

Based on Kalecki’s theory of the dichotomy of market structure we focus on the different impacts of inflation on firms with asymmetric market power. Using a questionnaire survey, we measure the impact of the recent inflationary crisis on Greek SMEs’ performance and the strategies they adopted to survive. Our results indicate a dualism regarding the impact of inflation, between small and large firms and between exporting and non-exporting firms. Our findings suggest that high inflation reinforces market concentration trends, leading to an increase in regional disparities.
Re-examining the testing effect as a learning strategy: the advantage of retrieval practice over concept mapping as a methodological artifact

Several previous studies appear to have demonstrated that studying with retrieval practice produces more learning than studying with concept mapping, a finding based on which an extended use of retrieval practice in educational practice was recommended. However, a closer examination of the methods used in these previous studies reveals a crucial confounding variable: Whereas participants in the concept mapping conditions performed a concept mapping task without any subsequent memorizing of the learning material, participants in the retrieval practice conditions performed not only retrieval practice but also an additional memorization task, which doubled the total memorization time. The present preregistered study examined whether the advantage observed in the retrieval practice condition over the concept mapping condition in previous studies was actually driven by additional memorization rather than by retrieval practice. While we replicated the previous finding that retrieval practice in combination with additional memorizing produces more learning than concept mapping without additional memorizing, this advantage of retrieval practice over concept mapping vanished when participants in the concept mapping condition, too, memorized the learning material after having created a concept map. These findings demonstrate that the assumed advantage of retrieval practice over concept mapping in fact represents a methodological artifact. Besides serving as a reminder of the importance of a solid methodology, the present study also illustrates the importance of using of an adequate terminology. Depicting a learning strategy condition as “retrieval practice” when the condition actually encompasses not only retrieval practice but also additional memorizing obfuscates the possibility that observed memory advantages may not be fueled by retrieval practice, i.e., the learning strategy as such. We conclude by giving an outlook on the ramifications of our findings for cognitive and educational psychology.
Effects of Metformin on Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Metformin is widely used as an antidiabetic drug in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. In the last years several studies have tested the role of this substance in cancer treatment and prevention, relying on some interesting biological and functional properties of the molecule. Particular attention has been paid to colorectal carcinogenesis. In vitro studies, and intervention studies in animal models, have shown positive effects on biological and surrogate markers of colorectal cancer. In humans, results are still conflicting and inconsistent, however evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies suggests that metformin may reduce the risk of colorectal adenomas, thus exerting a possible chemopreventive effect on colorectal cancer development.
Conodont biostratigraphy of the Permian-Triassic boundary sequence at Lung Cam, Vietnam

The occurrences of a few specimens of Clarkina and many specimens of Hindeodus at the Permian-Triassic boundary section at Lung Cam, Vietnam allow accurate graphic correlation to the P-T boundary stratotype at Meishan, China. One species of Clarkina, ten species and two subspecies of Hindeodus, and the apparatuses of Hindeodus latidentatus and Merrillina ultima are described and illustrated.
Lexical frequency as a scalar variable in explaining variation

Abstract This study examines the relationship between lexical frequency and s-lenition in Barranquillero Spanish, looking at lexical frequency as a scalar variable. A quantitative analysis of /s/ in words of different lexical frequencies, in which productions from a reading task were submitted to auditory acoustical analysis, reveals that the single most important factor in s-lenition is lexical frequency. Speakers tend towards a full articulation of /s/ in low-frequency words, while weakening it in high-frequency words. This study addresses three questions: Do subtle differences in lexical frequency influence how sounds are produced synchronically? What are the advantages of considering lexical frequency in scalar terms as opposed to a categorical variable (high vs. low-frequency)? What is the relationship between lexical frequency and other linguistic factors?
The Acquisition of English Word-Final Consonants by Cantonese ESL Learners in Hong Kong

Abstract This study investigates the acquisition of English word-final consonants by Hong Kong Cantonese learners of English as a second language and assesses the validity of the Markedness Differential Hypothesis for second language phonology acquisition by these learners. Twelve participants and three native speakers performed four speech tasks: reading a word list, reading three passages, describing pictures, and participating in a conversational interview. The results show that: (i) word-finally, more non-target laterals were produced than voiceless obstruents; and (ii) non-target productions of voiced obstruents were the highest. We argue that the Markedness Differential Hypothesis does not explain the acquisition of English word-final singleton consonants by Cantonese ESL learners in Hong Kong. We conclude that markedness alone cannot be used as a predictor for the relative difficulty of acquiring the target segments of a second language.
Using Scratch to Teach Coding in Massive Online Open Courses

In this case study, we present our findings regarding a massive open online Scratch programming course. The course, which followed a project-based learning approach, was delivered from July 4 to 30, 2022 to 186 students in Brazil. The students were challenged to develop individual coding projects. Our research goal was to investigate teaching and learning course dynamics. We followed a convergent parallel mixed-method approach. We collected quantitative and qualitative data by means of questionnaires. We were able to identify five intertwined feedback loops that drove the educational process. Our main findings are as follows: 1) The development of coding skills was driven by the effort of watching video-lectures, remixing of peers’ codes, and by sharing knowledge between the students. 2) The project-based learning approach created opportunities for the students to collaborate and exchange ideas.
Santripreneur in Santrendelik: Evidence of Pesantren Concern for Entrepreneurship and Religiosity

This research examines the Santripreneur in Santrendelik in terms of tangible evidence of the pesantren’s concern for entrepreneurship and religiosity comprehensively. This qualitative research uses a phenomenological approach with triangulation as a source and analysis of the validity of the data. This study found that pesantren have an important role in developing the economic independence of Santri in the future. This research also proves that the concept of Islamic entrepreneurship also known as Santripreneur in Santrendelik is clear evidence of the pesantren’s concern for entrepreneurship and religiosity, this can be proven through two leading activities in Santrendelik, namely oxygen alms and goat bank. The oxygen alms program has become a concrete manifestation of Santrendelik’s concern for the environment and the future based on cooperation from various parties. Therefore, planting trees and protecting the environment so that it remains sustainable is a shared responsibility. Furthermore, the goat bank has become concrete evidence of Santripreneurs in Santrendelik, because the goat bank is a productivealms that can make alms funds optimally utilized for economic activities which in this case are goats so that the value of blessings and benefits is increasingly felt by the community.
Use of Drought Index and Crop Modelling for Drought Impacts Analysis on Maize (Zea mays L.) Yield Loss in Bandung District

Drought impacts on crop yield loss depend on drought magnitude and duration and on plant genotype at every plant growth stages when droughts occur. This research aims to assess the difference calculation results of 2 drought index methods and to study the maize yield loss variability impacted by drought magnitude and duration during maize growth stages in Bandung district, province of West Java, Indonesia. Droughts were quantified by the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at 1- to 3-month lags for the January1986-December 2015 period data. Maize yield responses to droughts were simulated by AquaCrop for the January 1986-May 2016 period of growing season. The analysis showed that the SPI and SPEI methods provided similar results in quantifying drought event. Droughts during maize reproductive stages caused the highest maize yield loss.
Evaluation of Neopterin as a Neuroinflammatory Marker for Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: Elevation of the marker neopterin is associated with the progression and consequences of diabetes. Although the clinical relationship between the high levels and peripheral neuropathies other than diabetic peripheral neuropathy is unknown, it has been linked to them. Objective: To evaluate the difference in serum neopterin levels between diabetic individuals who have peripheral neuropathy and those who do not. Methods: This seven-month cross-sectional study at the Diabetic Center began in December 2022 and included 126 patients with the second type of diabetes mellitus. Following verbal consent, the included patients were subjected to neurological and physical evaluations. Along with the blood pressure, the weight and height were noted. Glucose, TG, CH, HDL-c, fasting insulin, and neopterin were all analyzed using serum. Formulas were used to compute BMI, LDL-c, and VLDC. Results: When diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy were compared to those without, the serum levels of neopterin in the former group revealed a marginally higher level than in the latter, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Neopterin levels were not altered in diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy, indicating that it is not a reliable indicator of the condition.
Sunscreen Lotion Base on Ethanol Extract of Balakacida (Chromolaena odorata) Leaves to Prevent Skin Cancer

Cases of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays continue to increase from year to year. So far, the prevention of skin cancer uses inorganic sunscreen lotion, only a few use ingredients from plants. In this research, a sunscreen lotion formula was made using the basic ingredients of the balakacida plant extract (Chromolaena odorata). The research was carried out in 4 stages namely; (1) preparation of balakacida leaf samples, (2) preparation of extracts, (3) preparation of lotion, (4) testing of the quality of sunscreen lotion including; sun protection factor (SPF), homogeneity, spreadability and pH values. Testing the SPF value using the ultra violet spectroscopy method and testing the pH using a pH meter. The results showed that the ethanol extract of balakacida leaves was 21.5% and the sunscreen lotion was a light green semi-solid substance. The results of the lotion quality test showed that the value of SPF, homogeneity, spreadability and pH values were respectively 26.95 at a concentration of 10%, homogen, 5.6 cm and 6.7. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that a sunscreen lotion made from balakacida leaves is very good to be developed as a sunscreen lotion to prevent skin cancer.
Testing the Use of 210Pbex to Study Sediment Connectivity in a Mediterranean Mountain Basin with Badlands

Basin management demands a sound understanding of sediment dynamics, particularly in Mediterranean mountain catchments with badlands, which affect water bodies and freshwater ecosystems. Connectivity has emerged as a framework for understanding how sediments move between geomorphic zones. We analyse the feasibility of excess lead‐210 (210Pbex) to study sediment connectivity in a 4‐km2 Mediterranean mountain basin with badlands (Vallcebre research catchments, Eastern Pyrenees) by applying mass‐balance models for hypothesis generation and experimental testing. Badlands in the area are weathered by freezing during the winter and are eroded in summer by high‐intensity showers. The eroded sediments may remain deposited within the streams from months to years. Application of 210Pbex balance models in our basin suggests: (i) a saw‐tooth seasonal pattern of badland surface 210Pbex activities (increasing from October to May, and depleted in summer) and (ii) a downstream increase in sediment activity due to fallout lead‐210 accumulation in stream‐bed sediment deposits. Our experimental results (obtained during 2013 and 2014) showed low sediment 210Pbex concentrations, illustrating the fresh‐rock origin of sediments, but also hampering their study due to high measurement uncertainty (especially for sediments with d50 > 20 μm) and dependence on sampling methods. Suspended sediment 210Pbex activity reproduced the simulated seasonal activity patterns for the badland surfaces. However, sediment activity decreased downstream, suggesting that flushing of fine sediments by flooding prevents fallout lead‐210 accumulation on the stream bed. Overall, high sediment connectivity was revealed between the badlands, streams and outlet of the basin, as well as the fast transmission of 210Pbex by the finest sediment fraction. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Woodchips on Bioremediation of Crude Oil-polluted Soil

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of woodchips in bioremediation of crude oil contaminated soil, phytotoxicity assay as an index of soil biological activities (germination in woodchips option slight in control woodchips biostimulant microorganisms media such as soil, information on the concentration of the additional limiting factors is scientifically crucial. 50% woodchips supported high crude oil remediation in the polluted soil. Woodchips therefore, is a potential source of nutrients for microbial activity and it habours microorganisms capable of utilizing hydrocarbons as source of carbon and energy thus, potentially useful in soil hydrocarbon spill response action.
A comparison of the quality of plain yogurt and its analog made from coconut flesh extract.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of plain yogurt made from cow's milk (n = 10) and its plant-based analog made from coconut flesh extract (n = 14). Coconut yogurt alternatives were divided into 2 experimental groups based on differences in their color, which were noted after the packages had been opened. The first group included products with a typical white color (n = 8), and the second group comprised products with a grayish pink color (n = 6) that developed as a result of oxidative processes. In comparison with its plant-based analog, plain yogurt was characterized by higher values of lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*), higher titratable acidity, a higher content of retinol and α-tocopherol, higher nutritional value of fat, and lower values of water-holding capacity (WHC) and redness (a*). Plain yogurt had lower volatile acidity than its plant-based analog with a grayish pink color. A comparison of yogurt analogs with different colors revealed that the product with a grayish pink color was characterized by a lower value of L*, and higher values of a*, b*, C*, and pH. An analysis of its fatty acid profile demonstrated that it also had a higher proportion of C14:0 and C18:1 c9, higher total MUFA content, a lower proportion of C10:0, C12:0 and C18:2, a lower total content of PUFAs and EFAs, and a lower PUFA/SFA ratio. The yogurt analog with a grayish pink color had a lower total content of tocopherol isoforms than the remaining products. The yogurt analog with a white color had the highest WHC and γ-tocopherol content. Consumers should be aware of the fact that coconut yogurt alternatives may have non-standard quality attributes. The differences between such products and yogurt made from cow's milk should be explicitly communicated to consumers so that they could make informed purchasing decisions.
Analysis of postoperative pulmonary complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: development and validation of a nomogram

Background Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are common in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy. The aim of our study was to investigate the perioperative risk factors and to develop a nomogram to identify patients who are at significant risk of PPCs. Methods The clinical data of gastric cancer patients who underwent elective gastrectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively collected. All patients were randomly divided into a training and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to identify the independent risk factors that might predict PPCs, and a nomogram was constructed. Both discrimination and calibration abilities were estimated by the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curves. The clinical effectiveness of the nomogram was further quantified with the decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Of 2,124 included patients, one hundred and fifty patients (7.1%) developed PPCs. Binary logistic analysis showed that age > 65 years, higher total cholesterol level, longer duration of surgery, total gastrectomy, and the dose of oxycodone > 5.5 mg were independent risk factors for the occurrence of PPCs, which were contained in the nomogram. The predictive nomogram showed good discrimination and calibration [an AUC of 0.735 (95% CI: 0.687–0.783) in a training cohort and 0.781 (95% CI: 0.715–0.847) in a validation cohort]. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis showed a good agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations. Conclusion We developed a nomogram model based on age, total cholesterol, extent of resection, duration of surgery, and the dose of oxycodone to predict the risk of PPCs in gastric cancer patients after elective gastrectomy.
Factors Associated with Adolescent Premarital Sexual Behavior

This study aims to analyze factors related to adolescent premarital sex behavior, namely intention, access to information, peer conformity, parental roles, acting situations and self-efficacy. The research was conducted at SMAK St. Familia Wae Nakeng, Lembor sub-district, West Manggarai Regency. The research conducted was an analytical survey using a cross-sectional study. The research subjects were SMAK St. students. Familia Wae Nakeng, numbering 88 teenagers. The sample selection used a proportioned stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis used bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that intention, peer conformity, parental roles, acting situations and self-efficacy had a relationship with adolescent premarital sex behavior. while access to information has no relationship with premarital sex behavior among adolescents. It is hoped that the SMAK St. Familia Wae Nakeng can organizecommunication, information and education (IEC) programs regarding reproductive health in adolescents conducted by teachers or in collaboration with the BKKBN and local health centers.
Geothermal Energy Resources, Present Utilization and Future Developments in Mongolia

The report presents an overview of the studies for the assessment of geothermal energy resources and current utilizations of geothermal energy in Mongolia. The objective of the report is to evaluate present situations, investigate reasonable and profitable applications of geothermal energy in Mongolian circumstances and point out the suitable ways to develop the geothermal energy exploration and utilization. Mongolia is rich in low temperature geothermal resources, but there are almost no reliable commercial uses of geothermal energy. Ample and comprehensive studies on geothermal resources and their potential uses have not been carried out in Mongolia. The most of the natural hot springs are used for traditional balneology purposes, some greenhouses and small-scale heating systems are being used to limited extent. Using geothermal energy in centralized or small-scale heating, health treatment, eco-tourism and industrial uses are the main incentives for developing a geothermal infrastructure in Mongolia.