Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How-to videos on YouTube: the role of the instructor

ABSTRACT How-to videos on YouTube have become a popular source for procedural learning. An important difference to traditional educational videos is that the instructor is often not a professional educator, but an amateur or peer. Building on work on social learning from models, this paper explores how instructor characteristics such as model-observer similarity, instructor credibility (expertise, trustworthiness, attractiveness), and conversational human voice influence choice and evaluation of a how-to video. A survey (n = 401) among active Internet users was conducted. Most respondents had used YouTube and had watched how-to videos on YouTube. Respondents preferred videos with instructors that they perceived as experts and trustworthy, and who talked in a conversational human voice. Instructors of the same gender as the viewer were also preferred, especially by males. The instructor variables explained variance in perceived usefulness and intention to use how-to videos above and beyond the technical and instructional quality of the video. However, only conversational human voice and same gender of the instructor turned out to be significant predictors of perceived usefulness and intention to use.
Structural modification challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education policy in public secondary schools in Tharaka-Nithi County

Educational policy guidelines mandate that all learning institutions, adopt, design and embrace programs that are conducive to learners with disabilities. In spite of inclusive education policy guidelines, disability remains a major course of discrimination in Kenyan schools. This study therefore, examined the structural modification challenges on the implementation of inclusive education policy in schools. The study adopted mixed-method research approach, which uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population comprised all the principals, teachers and students in Tharaka-Nithi County. The study employed purposive sampling to select 16 extra-county and county secondary schools. The sample size constituted 161 respondents. The data were collected using questionnaires for 100 class teachers, teaching learners with disabilities, an interview guide for 11 learners with physical disabilities to discuss their personal experiences on structural modification challenges and focus groups discussions for 50 non-disabled students learning in the same classrooms with learners with disabilities. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The research findings established lack of modified physical resources, poor attitude towards inclusive education policy, poverty among parents of children with disabilities, and lack of teachers’ skills on Special Needs Education (SNE) were major challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education in public secondary schools. There are other structural modification challenges not in the scope of this study that could be affecting implementation of inclusive education policy and can be tackled at school level. The study established a clear link between structural modification challenges and weak policy guidelines. Therefore, the study concluded that weak inclusive education policy guidelines on structural modification in schools led to lack of modified physical resources, poor attitudes of key stakeholders, poverty and lack of teachers’ skills on SNE, which contributed to poor implementation of inclusive education. Thus, a clear inclusive education policy guideline on structural modification is necessary to enable schools provide a learner-friendly environment, that nurtures learner diversity. Key words: Structural modification challenges, inclusive education policy, public schools, Kenya.
Role of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 Expression, Wnt Proteins (Beta- catenin) and Endogenous Irisin in a Rat Model of Renal fibrosis: Renoprotective Effect of Metformin

Metformin reduces glucose level and improves insulin sensitivity. Recently, metformin has gained attention for its pleiotropic effects. In this study, we examined the effect of metformin in a rat model of renal fibrosis. Rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 6/group): 1, control negative: received saline, 2, control positive UUO: rats underwent 14 days UUO and 3, (Metformin + UUO): rats received oral metformin (300 mg/kg/day daily ×21 days). 4, (Metformin +Captopril + UUO): rats were treated by metformin (300 mg/kg/day daily ×21 days) and Captopril (50 mg/Kg/day ×21 days). UUO induced a significant increase in serum creatinine and serum K⁺ levels. Also, KIM-1 and Wnt/β-catenin expressions are upregulated after UUO. Metformin led to a significant decrease in serum creatinine level and a significant increase in serum irisin level. Metformin administration attenuated UUO -induced increase in MDA and NOX-4 and increased GSH level. Moreover, metformin led to a significant decrease in KIM-1 expression and Wnt/β-catenin expression in renal tissue. Overall, our results suggest a potential protective role of metformin in UUO -induced renal fibrosis via attenuation of expression of NOX-4, KIM-1 and Wnt/β-catenin and increase serum irisin level.
The Index of Race-Related Stress-Brief: Further Validation, Cross-Validation, and Item Response Theory-Based Evidence

The Index of Race-Related Stress-Brief (IRRS-B) is one of the most widely used measures to assess race-related stress among Black Americans. Despite a long history of use in research and clinical settings, there has been limited scholarship examining the factor structure of the IRRS-B. In this study, we evaluated the item functioning and structural performance of the IRRS-B scores in a nationally recruited sample of Black Americans using item response and confirmatory factor analyses. Item-level analyses illustrated that items on the IRRS-B, in general, tended to be most informative at moderate levels of the latent construct. The proposed three-factor structure yielded a comparable fit to the data in a validation and a cross-validation subsample but did not meet recommended cutoff values for adequate model fit. Findings are discussed in terms of the implications for future use of the IRRS-B in research and clinical contexts.
A computational model of homeostatic cerebellar compensation of ageing in vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilises vision during head motion. Age-related structural changes predict a linear VOR decay, whereas epidemiological data show a non-linear temporal profile. Here, we model cerebellar-dependent VOR adaptation to link structural and functional changes throughout ageing. We posit that three neurosynaptic factors codetermine VOR ageing patterns: electrical coupling between inferior olive neurons, intrinsic plasticity at Purkinje cell synapses, and long-term spike timing dependent plasticity at parallel fibre - Purkinje cell synapses as well as mossy fibre - medial vestibular nuclei synapses. Our cross-sectional simulations show that long-term plasticity acts as a global homeostatic mechanism mediating the non-linear temporal profile of VOR. Our results also suggest that intrinsic plasticity at Purkinje cells acts as a local homeostatic mechanism sustaining VOR at old ages. Importantly, longitudinal simulations show that residual fibres coding for the peak and trough of the VOR cycle constitute a predictive hallmark of VOR ageing trajectories.
The digitalization of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs): An institutional theory perspective

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this research is to identify the driving factors for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting online food delivery service in the ride-sharing application as a part of the sharing economy through an institutional theory perspective. The study uses data from MSMEs that are using the application in East Java Province, Indonesia. The outcomes of this study indicate that the three dimensions of institutional theory proved significant in shaping the behavior intention of MSMEs in the food sector in utilizing the application. These three dimensions explain that changes in consumer consumption patterns (coercive), business competition (mimetic), and business environment (normative) can encourage MSMEs to adopt the application.
The Normative Route to a Sustainable Future: Examining Children’s Environmental Values, Identity and Personal Norms to Conserve Energy

Environmental problems could be reduced if individuals act pro-environmentally. Typically, studies have examined factors explaining pro-environmental behavior among adults, but not among children. As children are the future generations that must meet the targets set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement, it is important to understand which factors influence their engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, such as their energy saving behavior. In two correlational studies among primary and secondary school children (nstudy1 = 69, nstudy2 = 958), we tested if normative considerations proposed by the Value-Identity-Personal Norm (VIP) model can explain children’s self-reported energy-saving behaviors. Our results revealed that in line with research among adults, children’s biospheric values were related to their energy-saving self-identity, in turn associated with their personal norms to save energy. Furthermore, we found partial support for the proposed relationship between the variables of the VIP model and a range of self-reported energy-saving behaviors.
Geochemistry and zircon ages of the Yushigou diabase in the Longshoushan area, Alxa Block: implications for crust–mantle interaction and tectonic evolution

Abstract The North Qilian orogenic belt in North China has been defined as a subduction–collision zone between the Alxa Block and the Qilian Block. We present petrography, zircon U–Pb geochronology, major- and trace-element geochemistry, and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotope analysis for the Yushigou diabase from the Longshoushan area, which is located SW of the Alxa Block, aiming to understand its petrogenetic link to subduction processes. The Yushigou diabase belongs to the tholeiite series, and shows enrichment in light rare earth and large-ion lithophile elements, and a depletion in heavy rare earth and high-field-strength elements. Laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon dating yielded an emplacement age of 414 ± 9 Ma, with an ϵHf(t) value in the range of −10.3 to 1.8. The whole-rock initial 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of the diabase range over 16.811–17.157, 15.331–15.422 and 37.768–37.895, respectively. The (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios vary between 0.7086 and 0.7106, and ϵNd(t) values vary between −14.4 and −13.4, which are significantly higher than the ϵHf(t) value (Nd–Hf decoupling). An interpretation of the elemental and isotopic data suggests that the Yushigou diabase was derived from partial melting of an enriched mantle I (EM-I) -type lithospheric mantle in the spinel–garnet transitional zone. Based on the geochemical features and previous regional geological data, we propose that the Silurian magmatism was most likely triggered by slab break-off after the closure of the North Qilian Ocean, and ancient continental materials from the subduction slab metasomatized the overlying lithospheric mantle during exhumation.
Accountability through Environmental and Social Reporting by Wind Energy Sector Companies in Spain

At present, energy transition is a crucial phenomenon that is at the very heart of governmental policies. There are a huge number of stakeholders involved in the change, but among these, the main socioeconomic actors that affect environmental and social impacts are energy companies. In this research, we analyze their institutionalized role in the Spanish wind energy sector, in the framework of the ecological movement. We consult the special views, opinions and motivations given by managers responsible for Institutional Relations in the main wind energy companies in Spain, and their perceptions of environmental reporting. We therefore tackle aspects related to the drivers of the social and environmental disclosure of environmental and social information. Research has been carried out based on documentary secondary analysis, and the use of a qualitative method with semi-structured interviews has revealed tendencies and pressures in the sector. Results suggest that the social context and public opinion pressure organizations to reveal environmental and social information. We also put forward how information is conveyed to the society through accountability practices, and the different institutionalized ways in which this is achieved.
An Updated Synoptic Climatology of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Heavy Lake-Effect Snow Events

Lake-effect snow (LES) storms pose numerous hazards, including extreme snowfall and blizzard conditions, and insight into the large-scale precursor conditions associated with LES can aid local forecasters and potentially allow risks to be mitigated. In this study, a synoptic climatology of severe LES events over Lakes Erie and Ontario was created using an updated methodology based on previous studies with similar research objectives. Principal component analysis (PCA) coupled with cluster analysis (CA) was performed on a case set of LES events from a study domain encompassing both lakes, grouping LES events with similar spatial characteristics into the primary composite structures for LES. Synoptic scale composites were constructed for each cluster using the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). Additionally, one case from each cluster was simulated using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model to analyze mesoscale conditions associated with each of the clusters. Three synoptic setups were identified that consisted of discrepancies, mostly in the surface fields, from a common pattern previously identified as being conducive to LES, which features a dipole and upper-level low pressure anomaly located near the Hudson Bay. Mesoscale conditions associated with each composite support differing LES impacts constrained to individual lakes or a combination of both.
What Can China Learn From Evidence-Based Educational Reform? A Comparative Review of Educational Technology Programs’ Effects on Mathematics Achievement

Purpose: This review contrasts the U.S. and Chinese mainland in terms of educational technology programs’ effects on mathematics achievement. The existing evaluation studies are assessed and compared, especially from the perspective of research quality. Moreover, this review finds out what intervention programs work in these two countries and classifies evidence levels of effective programs. Design/Approach/Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis method is used. Findings: The application of educational technology programs produced a better effect in Chinese mainland than in the U.S., however, the quantity and quality of evaluation studies is concerning in Chinese mainland. Since 2010, four programs in the U.S. and one program in Chinese mainland have qualified for strong evidence of effectiveness, which are worthy of receiving scale-up grants. Originality/Value: This is the first systematic review to contrast the U.S. and China in terms of educational technology programs’ effects on mathematics achievement. Determining what works through high-quality experiments is probably the most important requirement for evidence-based reform in education. This review compares the developments of the U.S., a leader of the movement, with those of China, an undecided observer. The review may provide enlightenment for the undecided countries and regions.
Spray Characteristics of Impinging Jet Injectors at High Back-Pressure

Abstract : Atomization characteristics of an impinging jet injector were studied over a range of injection velocities and back-pressures typical of liquid rocket injectors. Sheet breakup length was measured by strobe light imaging and was found to decrease with increasing injection velocity and chamber pressure. The experimentally measured breakup length was compared to linear stability theory and agreement was found to improve with increasing chamber gas density. At low chamber pressures, disturbances due to impact waves were believed to be the primary breakup mechanism. Measurements of droplet size distribution were made with a combination of laser diffraction and droplet imaging instruments. Droplet size was found to be a highly non-linear function of chamber pressure and axial distance from the impingement point. Sauter mean diameter was found to decrease with increasing chamber pressure and axial distance. Secondary atomization was believed to be the breakup mechanism responsible for this dependence. The width of the droplet size distribution was also found to be a function of chamber pressure.
Forearc magmatic evolution during subduction initiation: Insights from an Early Cretaceous Tibetan ophiolite and comparison with the Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc

Subduction initiation is a key process in the operation of plate tectonics. Our understanding of melting processes and magmatic evolution during subduction initiation has largely been developed from studies of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc. Many suprasubduction zone ophiolites are analogous to the Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc sequence. However, whether there are differences between Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction initiation sequences and suprasubduction zone ophiolites remains unclear. Here, we report field geological, geochemical, and geochronological data from mafic and felsic rocks in the Xigaze ophiolite (southern Tibet) mantle and crustal section; the same types of published data from both this ophiolite and the Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc are compiled for comparison. The ophiolite section is intruded by various late-stage dikes, including gabbroic pegmatite, diabase, basalt, and plagiogranite. The compositions of clinopyroxene and amphibole suggest that gabbroic pegmatite formed from hydrous high-SiO2 depleted melts, while whole-rock compositions of basaltic and diabase dikes show negative Nb and Ta anomalies, suggesting flux melting of depleted mantle. Along with the mafic rocks, plagiogranite has a roughly constant content of La and Yb with increasing SiO2 contents, implying hydrous melting of mafic amphibolite. Early-stage pillow basalts exhibit geochemical affinities with Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc basalts, but they are slightly enriched. Synthesized with the regional geological setting and compared with Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc magmatism, we propose that the transition from mid-ocean ridge basalt–like lavas to subduction-related mafic and felsic dikes records an Early Cretaceous subduction initiation event on the southern flank of the Lhasa terrane. However, the mantle sources and the magmatic evolution in the Xigaze ophiolite are more variable than those for the Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc.
Spectroscopie RMN du 1H pondérée en diffusion, du 13C et du 17O : développements méthodologiques pour l’étude de la structure et de la fonction cellulaire in vivo

La spectroscopie par resonance magnetique nucleaire (RMN) est un outil puissant permettant d’acquerir des profils biochimiques du cerveau et de quantifier de nombreux parametres cellulaires in vivo. Au cours de ce travail de these, nous nous sommes interesses a trois techniques : (i) la spectroscopie RMN du 1H ponderee en diffusion, (ii) la spectroscopie RMN du carbone-13 (13C) et (iii) de l’oxygene-17 (17O) pour etudier la microstructure et la fonction cellulaire in vivo.Les metabolites cerebraux sont des traceurs endogenes specifiques d’un type cellulaire (neurones et astrocytes) dont la diffusion depend des nombreuses proprietes cellulaires (par exemple la viscosite du cytosol et la restriction intracellulaire). L’etude de la dependance du coefficient de diffusion (ADC) aux temps de diffusion (td) permet de quantifier chacun de ces parametres. En particulier, la mesure de l’ADC aux td longs permet d’evaluer la compartimentation des metabolites. Dans une premiere etude, nous avons mesure l’ADC de plusieurs metabolites neuronaux et astrocytaires sur une large gamme de td (de ~80 ms a ~1 s) dans un large voxel dans le cerveau du macaque. Aucune dependance de l’ADC de l’ensemble des metabolites au td n’a ete observee suggerant que les metabolites diffusent majoritairement dans les prolongements neuronaux (axones, dendrites) et astrocytaires et ne sont pas confines dans le corps cellulaire ou les organelles (mitochondries, noyau). La grande taille du voxel, liee a la sensibilite de detection limitee, ne nous a pas permis d’etudier la compartimentation des metabolites dans la substance blanche (SB) et la substance grise (SG). C’est pourquoi, une nouvelle etude a ete realisee dans le cerveau de l’Homme. Les resultats montrent que les metabolites diffusent dans des structures fibrillaires dans la SG et la SB. Enfin, une derniere etude, avec une gamme de td jusqu’a 2 s chez le macaque, nous a permis d’estimer, a l’aide de modeles analytiques simples mimant la structure cellulaire, la longueur des fibres neuronales (~110 μm) et astrocytaires (~70 μm). L’oxydation du glucose au sein des mitochondries permet de produire l’ATP (adenosine triphosphate), la principale source d’energie de l’organisme. La spectroscopie du 13C permet de mesurer la vitesse de degradation du glucose dans le cycle de Krebs (VTCA). Cette methode est largement reconnue pour l’etude du metabolisme. Neanmoins, de nombreuses limitations, en termes de modelisation des donnees en detection indirecte ou de puissance emise dans le contexte du decouplage heteronucleaire en detection directe, ont ete rencontrees sur notre scanner IRM. C’est pourquoi, la spectroscopie du 17O a ensuite ete developpee afin de quantifier la vitesse de consommation de l’oxygene pendant la phosphorylation oxydative (CMRO2). Des developpements methodologiques et technologiques ont ete necessaires et sont encore en cours pour mettre en place et valider cette technique qui n’a encore jamais ete utilisee chez le macaque.
The Climatological Context of Trends in the Onset of Northern Hemisphere Seasonal Snow Cover, 1972–2017

Several studies based on the longest remotely sensed record of Northern Hemisphere seasonal snow cover have indicated that its extent has increased over large areas of Eurasia and North America during the transition from summer to winter. Given current understanding of widespread warming trends, this finding is somewhat surprising. It has been suggested that these increases are artifacts of technological improvements in the data set's production. Alternatively, if such trends do reflect actual changes in the timing and location of snow onset, it follows that associations should exist with altered spatiotemporal patterns of atmospheric activity likely to influence the probability of snowfall. This study places significant onset trends during September to December between 1972 and 2017 within the context of means and trends of a range of relevant metrics of middle‐to‐lower tropospheric activity between 1972 and 2014, summarized from monthly reanalysis data. The results suggest that clear explanatory links exist between earlier (and later) onset, and patterns of trends in 500 hPa geopotential heights and sea level pressure, airflows at 500 and 850 hPa, atmospheric humidity, and near‐surface temperature. These findings suggest that most incidences of progressively earlier Eurasian snow cover result from northward advection of moisture by stronger southerly winds, driven by altered zonal gradients in geopotential height north of the Himalayan ranges. Over North America, moisture has been supplied primarily from maritime sources along zonal airflows induced by meridional gradients.