Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Exchange Rate Volatility on Bilateral Trade between Turkey and European Union Countries: Asymmetric Analysis with Markov Regime Switching Models

This study aims to reveal the asymmetric effect of real exchange rate volatility on bilateral trade between Turkey and 8 European Union member countries under different economic cycles. Accordingly, monthly data from January 2005 to December 2021 were analyzed with Markov regime switching models. The findings show that an increase in real exchange rate volatility reduces bilateral trade between Turkey, Belgium, and Germany during periods of economic expansion, while bilateral trade between Turkey and Poland decreases during periods of economic contraction. In addition, while it was detected that an increase in real exchange rate volatility decreased the bilateral trade between Turkey and Italy, and Romania in both expansion and contraction periods of the economy, no significant finding was obtained regarding the effect on bilateral trade between Turkey and France, the Netherlands and Spain. The findings prove that the Marshall-Lerner condition and J-curve effect are not valid in trade with the relevant EU countries.
RGO/MXENE INKS FOR EMBEDDED SENSING IN FRP COMPOSITES

This study presents the development and characterization of nonintrusive reduced graphene oxide/MXene (GM) sensors embedded within Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) laminates. The GM sensors, fabricated using non-polymer GM ink with optimized formulation, demonstrate exceptional sensing capabilities and performance. The ink's sensitivity is carefully tuned to ensure its successful integration into FRP laminates without compromising their interlaminar shear stress (ILSS) properties. The integrated GM sensors exhibit an extraordinarily high gauge factor, along with remarkable reversibility and repeatability in responding to dynamic strains. The hybrid functionality achieved by combining GM sensors with GFRP composites offers a unique combination of superior mechanical properties and strain-sensing capabilities. This breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities for a wide range of applications, as FRPs can now provide enhanced structural integrity while simultaneously monitoring and measuring strains with precision.
HUMAN CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE: A PANACEA FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN WEST AFRICA

The study focused on Human Capital Development (HCD) and Economic Growth in West Africa . This research seeks to examine the impact of Human Capital Development (HCD) on economic growth in the West African sub region. In carrying out the empirical research, data were collected on human capital development and growth indices from countries in the sub region and panel data analysis was conducted to ascertain the acceptance or otherwise of the hypotheses developed in the study. The endogeneity problem often associated with panel data analysis was accounted for through the use of the Generalized Method of Moments. From the Arellano-bond dynamic panel estimation, government expenditure on health care provision (EXH) is statistically insignificant to growth in West Africa. It also shown that those who enrolled for a minimum of four years at the tertiary school level (TSE4), government expenditure on education (EXE) and gross capital formation (GCF) were statistically significant in determining economic growth among the Francophone countries in West Africa. The Arellano-Bond dynamic panel results show the acceptance of the null hypotheses, which indicate that there is no significant relationship between economic growth and the time lag of primary school, secondary school and tertiary school enrolment as well as government expenditure on education in West African sub region as a whole. The study however shows a significant relationship between economic growth and Population Growth Rate (PGR,) Gross Capital Formation (GCF) information and communication technology (ICT) in the sub-region. From the result, emphasis should be devoted to information and communication technology as well as increase in government expenditure on health in West Africa, if the sub region is to witness expected economic growth as noticed in the South East Asian (SEA) economies.
Biochar fertilization regulates 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, grain yield and quality in fragrant rice cropping system in southern China

The existing model of chemical fertilizer application faces challenges in improving grain yield and quality. Fragrant rice is known for its distinctive aroma and �avor, but it generally produces less grain compared to non-fragrant rice varieties. Limited research has been conducted on the potential of biochar fertilization as a solution for increasing grain yield in fragrant rice. In a two-year �eld trial conducted in 2022 and 2023, two fragrant rice cultivars, Meixiangzhan2 (MXZ2) and Xiangyaxiangzhan (XYXZ), were selected as experimental materials. These rice cultivars were exposed to four different rates of biochar fertilizer application: no application of fertilizer (T1); application of biochar fertilizer at a rate of 0.375 t ha − 1 (T2); application of biochar fertilizer at a rate of 0.75 t ha − 1 (T3); application of biochar fertilizer at a rate of 1.5 t ha − 1 (T4). The results showed that the grain yield of both cultivars increased to some extent in both 2022 and 2023 (8.57%−33.77% increase for MXZ2; 6.00%−21.59% increase for XYXZ). Furthermore, under the T2, T3, and T4 treatments, there was an increase in the number of effective panicle, seed setting rate, 1000-grain weight, biomass accumulation, net photosynthetic rate, and intercellular CO 2 concentration. However, the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance decreased. The content of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) increased with the increase in biochar fertilizer application, and the highest content was observed under the T4 treatment (153.54 − 178.32 µg kg − 1 in 2022; 163.93 − 180.28 µg kg − 1 in 2023). The activities of proline dehydrogenase (PDH) and 1-pyrrolin-5-carboxylic acid synthase (P5CS), as well as the contents of proline (PRO), 1-pyrrolin-5-carboxylic acid (P5C), ∆ 1-pyrroline, and methylglyoxal, also improved under the T2, T3, and T4 treatments compared to the T1 treatment. Moreover, the brown rice rate, milled rice rate, and head rice rate increased, while the chalkiness degree and chalk rice degree decreased under the T2, T3, and T4 treatments. Correlation analysis showed that grain yield was positively correlated with total biomass accumulation, the number of grains per panicle, and seed setting rate. Additionally, the content of 2-AP showed a positive correlation with PRO, P5C, ∆ 1-pyrroline, methylglyoxal, as well as the activities of PDH and P5CS. In conclusion, applying biochar at a rate of 1.5 t ha-1 can be more effective in increasing grain yield and 2-AP content in fragrant rice.
The rotational stability of a convecting Earth: the Earth′s figure and TPW over the last 100 Myr

SUMMARY Palaeomagnetic records spanning the last 100 Myr indicate that the reorientation of the Earth’s rotation axis relative to the surface geography (or true polar wander, TPW) has been confined to a range less than 6 ◦ from its present location. This limited TPW is unexpected given that a canonical theory for the rotational stability of the Earth generally predicts that mantle convection should drive larger displacements of the pole. We argue, following earlier work, thatthemutedTPWisaconsequenceofthestable,excessflatteningoftheEarth’sfiguredriven by plate subduction and deep mantle superplumes rising beneath Africa and the Pacific. In particular, we show that the TPW record is consistent with convection-induced perturbations to the Earth’s inertia tensor of order 20 per cent or less of the excess flattening over the last 100 Myr; this upper bound will be higher if the Earth’s lithosphere retains any significant elastic strength over such long timescales. This inferred stability of the Earth’s figure has important implications for our understanding of deep mantle structure and the long-term, global-scale evolution of the Earth.
Vocabulary Enhancement Through Multimedia Learning Among Grade 7 th EFL Students 1

Educational online games and educational videos are classroom methods that incorporate multimedia into language teaching. Previous studies have suggested that the use of online games and educational videos in language learning enhances student performance. However, no studies have been done using three different groups to examine whether online games or educational videos are more beneficial for language learning than conventional teaching, if at all. This study intended to fill the existing gap in research about vocabulary acquisition, using an experimental research design with a pre-test at the beginning of the program and a post-test at the end of the program. These tests were administered to 93 seventh grade EFL students. The participants were divided into three groups and taught using educational videos, online educational games, and conventional teaching respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference among these three groups. The use of educational online games resulted in higher achievement than the educational videos and conventional teaching. These results suggest that multimedia learning has a significant effect on vocabulary enhancement.
The interaction of reverse faults with flexible continuous pipelines

Permanent ground displacements due to earthquake faulting may induce large deformation and loading of a buried pipeline. In particular, a pipeline crossing a fault rupture emerging at the soil surface will be subject to a combination of bending and/or axial compression or tension depending on the form of the fault displacement, the dip angle and the direction of the pipe with respect to the fault. This complex combination of loadings may be sufficient to cause disruption to the pipeline supply or leakage of product and so has potential for large financial and/or environmental impact. In this paper, the response of buried flexible pipelines crossing reverse fault ruptures has been examined using centrifuge modelling. A reverse fault is actuated in the 20th-scale model at an initial fixed dip angle in the bedrock and the fault rupture is seen to propagate upwards through a layer of sand towards the soil surface. Pipelines were buried in the sand layer to typical embedment ratios and their response was monit.
The health benefits of dietary fiber consumption of adults in the The health benefits of dietary fiber consumption of adults in the United States United States

Abstract Dietary fiber intake has been positively linked to the prevention of four of the ten leading causes of death among adults in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed the leading causes of death in 2010 as 1) heart disease, 2) cancer, 3) chronic lower respiratory disease, 4) stroke, 5) accidents, 6) Alzheimer’s disease, 7) diabetes, 8) nephritis (kidney disease), 9) influenza/ pneumonia, and 10) suicides (Murphy, Xu, & Kochanek, 2013). Heart disease was responsible for a proportional mortality ratio (PMR) of 27% of deaths. Stroke was fourth on the list with 6% of deaths (CDC, 2012). Diabetes is also a very serious condition that was responsible for approximately 69,000 deaths in 2010 (Murphy et al., 2013). The serious consequences of the aforementioned conditions have led researchers to study a variety of prevention strategies, including dietary fiber intake.
Organic aerosol and global climate modelling: a review

The present paper reviews existing knowledge with regard to Organic Aerosol (OA) of importance for global climate modelling and defines critical gaps needed to reduce the involved uncertainties. All pieces required for the representation of OA in a global climate model are sketched out with special attention to Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA): The emission estimates of primary carbonaceous particles and SOA precursor gases are summarized. The up-to-date understanding of the chemical formation and transformation of condensable organic material is outlined. Knowledge on the hygroscopicity of OA and measurements of optical properties of the organic aerosol constituents are summarized. The mechanisms of interactions of OA with clouds and dry and wet removal processes parameterisations in global models are outlined. This information is synthesized to provide a continuous analysis of the flow from the emitted material to the atmosphere up to the point of the climate impact of the produced organic aerosol. The sources of uncertainties at each step of this process are highlighted as areas that require further studies.
Investigation of Structural, Photo-luminescence and Self-Cleaning Properties of Thin Layers of GO-ZnO and GO, GO-Ag and Composite Bilayer of GO-ZnO/GO-Ag Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Method

In this research, the synthesis of graphene oxide-zinc oxide nano-composite, graphene oxide-silver nano-composite, graphene oxide thin layers, and graphene oxide-zinc/graphene oxide-silver composite bilayer was done using spray pyrolysis. Characterization of the synthesized layers was done by XRD, TEM, AFM, PL, FTIR and BET analyses. Based on the TEM images, the given nano-composites are formed and graphene oxide can be a suitable platform for the growth of silver and zinc oxide nano-particles and prevents their accumulation. According to the AFM images, GO-ZnO/GO-Ag sample has the lowest roughness. PL spectrum showed a broad emission peak for GO-Ag thin layer at a wavelength of approximately 550 nm, which is consistent with the reported band gap of 3.6eV for this nano-composite. From BET results, the surface area was obtained 4 m 2 g -1 and 14 m 2 g -1 , for GO and GO-Ag respectively which were greater than the similar work. The pore diameter of GO-ZnO was obtained equal to 16.5 nm, indicating the superiority of the meso-holes in GO-ZnO. Also, the surface area of GO-ZnO/GO-Ag bilayer was around 3.6 times larger than the surface area of ZnO. The contact angles of droplet with the surface in GO, GO-Ag, GO-ZnO, GO-ZnO/GO-Ag samples are 55.02, 60.24, 31.28, 56.35, respectively.
ScholarWorks ScholarWorks

This study explored online personal ads of 294 heterosexual and homosexual men and women in the United States through a qualitative analysis and comparison of participant-generated “personal” and “preferred partner” narratives. Nine characteristics were identified and combined into three overarching categories: physical, lifestyle, and personality characteristics. These three personal and preferred partner characteristics were examined for difference by gender, sexual orientation, age and desired relationship type of the advertisers. Main effects emerged for all four predictors, most notably for age and desired relationship type. Additionally, this study explored the possibility that personal and preferred partner narratives contained similar constellations of characteristics, finding significant correlations on all three variables, lending support for the matching hypothesis in dating partner characteristics.
Management and Outcomes of Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Referral Center.

Objectives: Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is a rare infection of the ear that causes osteomyelitis. We aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes and the role of imaging in diagnosing and monitoring disease resolution in a single-center study of patients with NOE. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with NOE who were diagnosed and treated in a tertiary otology center in Utrecht, The Netherlands, between January 1, 2013 and August 1, 2022, were included. Data were retrieved from the medical records on demographics, symptoms, physical and diagnostic findings, type and duration of treatment, and course of disease. Results: A total of 24 cases were included. Patients were often elderly (mean age = 75 years) and diabetic (88%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most commonly found microorganism (63%). Twenty-two cases (92%) received intravenous antibiotic treatment, and 7 cases (29%) received additional systemic antifungal treatment. The mean duration of systemic treatment was 29 weeks. In 20 out of 22 cases (91%), imaging was used to determine the end point of treatment. None of the cases with a total resolution of disease activity (n = 5) on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging at the time of cessation of therapy showed clinical relapse, compared with 1 out of 4 cases on gallium single-photon emission computerized tomography. Conclusion: Based on the experience from our center, we demonstrated that patients with NOE can successfully be treated with prolonged systemic treatment. Molecular imaging is reasonably successful for disease evaluation and decision-making on the eradication of disease.
Cyclical prey shortages for a marine polar predator driven by the interaction of climate change and natural climate variability

Between 1992 and 2018, the breeding population of Adélie penguins around Anvers Island, Antarctica declined by 98%. In this region, natural climate variability drives five‐year cycling in marine phytoplankton productivity, leading to phase‐offset five‐year cycling in the size of the krill population. We demonstrate that the rate of change of the Adélie breeding population also shows five‐year cycling. We link this population response to cyclical krill scarcity, a phenomenon which appears to have arisen from the interaction between climate variability and climate change trends. Modeling suggests that, since at least 1980, natural climate variability has driven cycling in this marine system. However, anthropogenic climate change has shifted conditions so that fewer years in each cycle now prompt strong krill recruitment, triggering intervals of krill scarcity that result in drastic declines in Adélie penguins. Our results imply that climate change can amplify the impacts of natural climate oscillations across trophic levels, driving cycling across species and disrupting food webs. The findings indicate that climate variability plays an integral role in driving ecosystem dynamics under climate change.
Effects of Experience on Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Secondary Schools

The present study investigated the effects of teaching experience on teachers’ self-efficacy in Kenyan secondary schools. The study used a sequential explanatory design and the Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale. This scale consisted of a total of 24 items with eight items measuring each of the three domains of teacher self-efficacy: student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management. The face and content validities of the modified Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale were ascertained by two experts in Educational Psychology from a Kenyan university. The sample size of the study comprised 327 teachers obtained using stratified random sampling technique. The quantitative data was analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) but qualitative data from interviews was analyzed thematically. The MANOVA results demonstrate that the effects of experience on teachers’ self-efficacy was significant, Wilk’s λ (7, 319 = 0.945, p = 0.019). The article concludes that Kenyan Teachers’ Service Commission should utilize experienced teachers as resource persons who are attached to several schools. Key words: Experience, Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Secondary Schools La présente étude a examiné les effets de l'expérience d'enseignement sur l'auto-efficacité des enseignants dans les écoles secondaires du Kenya. L'étude a utilisé un plan explicatif séquentiel et l'échelle d'auto-efficacité des enseignants. Cette échelle comprend un total de 24 éléments, dont huit mesurent chacun des trois domaines d'auto-efficacité des enseignants : l'engagement des élèves, les stratégies d'enseignement et la gestion de la classe. Les validités de face et de contenu de l'échelle modifiée d'auto-efficacité de l'enseignant ont été vérifiées par deux experts en psychologie de l'éducation d'une université kenyane. L'échantillon de 327 enseignants a été obtenu par la technique d'échantillonnage aléatoire stratifié. Les données quantitatives ont été analysées à l'aide de l'analyse multivariée de la variance (MANOVA), mais les données qualitatives issues des entretiens ont été analysées de manière thématique. Les résultats du MANOVA démontrent que les effets de l'expérience sur l'auto-efficacité des enseignants étaient significatifs, Wilk's λ (7, 319 = 0.945, p = 0.019). L'article conclut que la Kenyan Teachers' Service Commission devrait utiliser des enseignants expérimentés comme personnes ressources qui sont attachés à plusieurs écoles. Mots clés: expérience, auto-efficacité des enseignants, écoles secondaires.
MOND: An Approximation of a Particular Solution of Linearized General Relativity

It has been demonstrated that dark matter (DM) can theoretically be completely explained by a natural effect of General Relativity (GR) without exotic matter, the Lense-Thirring effect that exists exclusively in GR and that would be due to the clusters of galaxies. In this study, we show that this explanation of DM leads to a modelization that can be interpreted as MOND-based theories. More concretely, we retrieve from GR the value of MOND parameter 8 2 0 10 cm s a − − ∼ ⋅ and deep MOND and AQUAL parameters 1.37 G G ′ ∼ . It means that MOND-based theories could be interpreted as an approximation of the linearized GR (i.e. GR in a weak gravitational field or small acceleration) in a particular physical case of a uniform gravitic field (2 nd component of GR in its linearized form, similar to magnetic field of Electromagnetism). A publication has recently observed deviations from Newtonian acceleration with a 10σ significance for wide binary stars at weak gravitational acceleration. The author demonstrates that these deviations can be explained by MOND theory with the previous parameters’ values. This situation leads to a difficulty. On one hand, the traditional DM hypothesis can’t explain these deviations and on the other hand, empirical MOND theories are difficult to justify compared to the success of GR. With our result, no more difficulty, these deviations do not need to be explained by MOND theory but by linearized GR with the uniform gravitic field explaining the DM component (Lense-Thirring effect of the clusters of galaxies).
Alignment of Big Data Perceptions Across Levels in Healthcare: The case of New Zealand

Big data and related technologies have the potential to transform healthcare sectors by facilitating improvements to healthcare planning and delivery. Big data research highlights the importance of aligning big data implementations with business needs to achieve success. In one of the first studies to examine the influence of big data on business-IT alignment in the healthcare sector, this paper addresses the question: how do stakeholders’ perceptions of big data influence alignment between big data technologies and healthcare sector needs across macro, meso, and micro levels in the New Zealand (NZ) healthcare sector? A qualitative inquiry was conducted using semi-structured interviews to understand perceptions of big data across the NZ healthcare sector. An application of a novel theory, Theory of Sociotechnical Representations (TSR), is used to examine people’s perceptions of big data technologies and their applicability in their day-to-day work. These representations are analysed at each level and then across levels to evaluate the degree of alignment. A social dimension lens to alignment was used to explore mutual understanding of big data across the sector. The findings show alignment across the sector through the shared understanding of the importance of data quality, the increasing challenges of privacy and security, and the importance of utilising modern and new data in measuring health outcomes. Areas of misalignment include the differing definitions of big data, as well as perceptions around data ownership, data sharing, use of patient-generated data and interoperability. Both practical and theoretical contributions of the study are discussed.