Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING NON-MAJORED ENGLISH STUDENTS’ LOW PARTICIPATION IN EFL SPEAKING CLASSROOM: A CASE IN VIETNAM

EFL learners’ low level of participation is reported as a problem commonly found in English speaking classrooms. This study aims to investigate students’ perceptions of factors hindering their participation in English speaking classrooms. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted as data collection instruments of the study. 153 first-year non-majored English students from two Advanced programs and seven High-quality programs in a major university in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam responded to the questionnaire and then 6 of them participated in the semi-structured interview sessions. The results strongly endorsed that students’ lack of vocabulary, fear of being judged by peers and lecturers and feeling overwhelmed by interactive activities in Speaking classes were significant factors causing students’ low level of participation. Recommendations are suggested to educators or lecturers in formulating future teaching strategies that promote students’ participation in the context of higher learning. Article visualizations:
When to measure plumage reflectance: a lesson from Collared Flycatchers Ficedula albicollis

Sexually selected colour traits of bird plumage are widely studied. Although the plumage is replaced only at one or two yearly moults, plumage colour has long been shown to change between moults. Nevertheless, most studies measure colour weeks to months after the courtship period, typically at nestling rearing, and it is unclear whether these measurements yield relevant data concerning the primary process of sexual selection. Here we analyse repeated spectrometric data taken from male Collared Flycatchers during social courtship and nestling rearing. We show that some spectral traits are not correlated between the two measurements and that within‐individual correlation declines significantly with the likely exposure of the plumage area to damage and soiling. There is an overall decline in spectral trait exaggeration during breeding, but trait decline is not closely related to measurement latency, especially not in the damage‐exposed areas. Finally, sexual selection estimates differ depending on whether they are derived from spectra measured during courtship or during nestling rearing. These results suggest that, contrary to current practice, measurements of plumage reflectance should be made during the primary period of sexual signalling. Spectral trait decline during breeding could also be studied as a possible signal for mates and neighbours.
Gross anatomical syringeal structures of goose (Anser anser domesticus)

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to give detailed information on the position and normal anatomical syringeal structure in goose which had received a little attention in the field of veterinary anatomy. Materials and methods: Six (3 females and 3 males) adult geese weighing 2-4 Kg were used. The goose was slaughtered and its body cavity was opened to detect in situ position of the syrinx. Then the syrinx were dissected and fixed in 10% formaldehyde for 48 h and then kept in 70% ethanol for 2 h. Results: Anatomical examination showed that the syringes of these birds were located in the thoracic cavity at the bifurcation of the trachea. The syrinx was tracheobronchial type formed by tracheosyringeal cartilages, bronchosyringeal cartilages, pessulus, medial and lateral tympaniform membranes, interbronchial ligament and foramen as well as extrinsic syringeal muscles. Conclusion: There were some similarities and some differences of the anatomical structures of the syrinx of goose and that of other bird species. No differences between male and female syrinx were observed.
Plot‐level technical efficiency accounting for farm‐level effects: Evidence from Chilean wine grape producers

This paper applies alternative panel data models to a cross‐sectional dataset that contains observations at the plot level for a sample of wine‐grape farms in Central Chile. The input–output data as well as key attributes of the production system are at the plot level, at which individualized management exists. However, plots belonging to a particular farm are also subject to overall centralized (farm‐level) management. Thus, this data configuration offers the possibility of analyzing technical efficiency (TE) both across plots and across farms. A Generalized True Random Effects model, which permits the separate identification of farm‐level and plot‐level inefficiency while controlling for unobserved farm‐level heterogeneity, shows that TE varies across farms but not among plots within the same farm. Geographical location also affects grape production and agro‐climatic conditions influence production levels, with grape farms located on cooler zones producing significantly less than their counterparts in warmer zones, as expected. The analysis underscores the value of using recent methodologies typically applied to panel data when cross‐sectional information is available for individual plots within a farm unit or in similar settings.
Assessing and improving cloud-height based parameterisations of global lightning flash rate, and their impact on lightning-produced NOx and tropospheric composition

Abstract. Although lightning-generated oxides of nitrogen (LNOx) account for only approximately 10 % of the global NOx source, it has a disproportionately large impact on tropospheric photochemistry due to the conducive conditions in the tropical upper troposphere where lightning is mostly discharged. In most global composition models, lightning flash rates used to calculate LNOx are expressed in terms of convective cloud-top height via the Price and Rind (1992) (PR92) parameterisations for land and ocean. We conduct a critical assessment of flash-rate parameterisations that are based on cloud-top height and validate them within the ACCESS-UKCA global chemistry-climate model using the LIS/OTD satellite data. While the PR92 parameterisation for land yields satisfactory predictions, the oceanic parameterisation underestimates the observed flash-rate density severely, yielding a global average of 0.33 flashes/s compared to the observed 9.16 flashes/s over the ocean and leading to LNOx being underestimated proportionally. We formulate new/alternative flash-rate parameterisations following Boccippio’s (2002) scaling relationships between thunderstorm electrical generator power and storm geometry coupled with available data. While the new parameterisation for land performs very similar to the corresponding PR92 one as would be expected, the new oceanic parameterisation simulates the flash-rate observations more accurately, giving a global average of 8.84 flashes/s. The use of the improved flash-rate parameterisations in ACCESS-UKCA changes the modelled tropospheric composition—global LNOx increases from 4.8 to 6.6 Tg N/yr; the ozone (O3) burden increases by 8.5 %; there is an increase in the mid- to upper-tropospheric NOx by as much as 40 ppt; a 13 % increase in the global hydroxyl (OH); a decrease in the methane lifetime by 6.7 %; and a decrease in the lower tropospheric carbon monoxide (CO) by 3–7 %. Overall, the modelled tropospheric NOx and ozone are improved compared to observations, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere and over the ocean.
The Athericidae, a new family in the lower Brachycera (Diptera)

Structural features of the male and female genitalia, abdominal base, thorax, wing venation and antennae, as well as larval morphology, indicate that the following genera formerly included in the RhagioniÂ­dae, viz. Atherix Meigen, Atrichops Verrall, Suragina Walker, Pachybates Bezzi, Trichacantha Stuckenberg, Dasyomma Macquart and Xeritha Stuckenberg, form a monophyletic group whose sister-group is not the genus Rhagio Fabr. and its relatives but the Tabanidae. The new family Athericidae, type-genus Atherix, is erected for these genera. The relationship between tabanids and athericids is apparent in oviposition and haematophagous habits common to both families. A new subfamily, Dasyomminae, is erected for Dasyomma because the genus has many morphological distinctions. The sister-group of the Rhagionidae is considered to be the Coenomyiidae, and both Rhagionidae and Pelecorhynchidae are rejected as members of the Tabanoidea sensu Hennig.
Genetic variability, heritability and association in advanced breeding lines of finger millet [Eluesine coracana (L.) gaertn.]

The present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability, heritability and correlation of grain yield and yield related traits. Analysis of Variance of 25 finger millet advanced breeding lines revealed significant variation for all the traits studied. The mean grain yield was 31.50 q/ha, with a minimum of 29.22 and maximum of 39.74 q/ha. Grain yield recorded genotypic coefficient of variation of 12.86, while phenotypic coefficient of variation was 18.06 q/ha. Heritability ranged from 0.35 (number of finger per ear) to 0.88 (days to 50% flowering), while heritability for yield was 0.51. Number of tillers per plant and number of fingers per ear were observed to be highly associated with yield. The present findings implies the presence of larger variability for yield and other related traits which can be exploited in finger millet improvement.
Respondent commitment: applying techniques from face-to-face interviewing to online collection of employment data

ABSTRACT Answering questions completely, accurately and honestly is not always the top priority for survey respondents. How might researchers motivate respondents to be more conscientious? One possibility is to elicit agreement from respondents to work hard and provide complete and accurate information. In their pioneering work in the 1970s and 80s, Charles Cannell and his colleagues applied well-established research in sociology and social psychology to survey response behavior in Face-to-Face interviews and demonstrated the promise of directly asking respondents to commit to conscientious performance. The study reported here extends this approach to online surveys, specifically a German employment survey. The impact of respondent commitment on the quality of responses is assessed both indirectly and directly (by validating responses against administrative records). This study produced a number of promising effects for asking respondents to commit to providing complete, accurate, and honest answers, particularly for those who committed versus those who were invited to commit but did not.
Trends in Sentencing of Federal Drug Offenders: Findings From U.S. District Courts 2002–2017

This study uses 16 years (2002–2017) of federal criminal drug sentences from the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) to examine trends in two criminal sentencing outcomes: whether a defendant received a prison sentence and the length of a prison sentence. Logistic and ordinary least squares regression analyses were used to assess criminal sentencing outcomes. Moderation analyses are conducted to assess variation in sentencing for specific drug offenses over time. Results demonstrate that sentencing for federal drug crimes has become less severe over time. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in sentencing across different drug types, with pharmaceutical opioid cases receiving the least leniency over time regarding the incarceration decision and methamphetamine cases experiencing the lowest reduction in the length of prison sentences from 2002 to 2017. Finally, our analysis stratified by race/ethnicity suggested that there is heterogeneity in sentencing outcomes for federal drug offenders, conditional on racial and ethnic background.
Effectiveness of Tutorials in Improving the Academic Performance of English Language Learners

This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of an academic intervention, tutorial classes in particular, as perceived by the students specifically in improving their performance in their English subjects. This study made use of the Tutorial Survey questionnaire adapted from Xixi Lu, et.al. (2003). The questionnaire was distributed to the students who attended English language tutorial classes in a private university. In order to substantiate the information gathered through the questionnaire, interviews were also conducted to selected participants. Results revealed that majority of students who availed the English language tutorials were males. On the other hand, there were more working students who attended the tutorials than the non-working students. The students noted that the tutorial classes for their English subjects were very effective. They perceived the tutorial classes and the faculty tutors positively. Moreover, they were also very satisfied with the tutorial venue and time. The students do not have further recommendations to improve the university’s tutorial classes. The students also added that these tutorials have improved their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. For the other academic interventions, the students suggested to have peer tutoring, additional activities or enrichment materials through e-learning sites, and video tutorials for those English subjects with lab components.
Pay regulation – is more better?

From October 2013, UK law and regulations (the Reform) require periodic binding shareholders’ approval of executive directors’ remuneration policy, as well as enhanced disclosure in remuneration reports. These requirements supplement an ongoing requirement for an annual non-binding vote on compensation outcomes that are detailed in the remuneration report. Using a large sample of listed companies from 2010–2017 we investigate whether the Reform has affected pay levels, pay-performance sensitivity, the pay gap between the CEO and other employees, the amount of cash returned to shareholders, and dissent voting on the remuneration report. We find little evidence that the Reform has affected these variables in our sample firms. Using market-based tests we find that market participants anticipated an improvement in corporate governance for some key dates before the Reform came into force. Taken together, the paper’s evidence suggests the Reform has not met its stated objectives.
An extension of the known geographic distribution of Sapajus cay (Illiger, 1815) (Primates, Cebidae) in southwestern Brazilian Amazonia

We update the geographic distribution of Sapajus cay in the south-central, southeast, and western portions of Mato Grosso state, Brazil, and extend the distribution of this species north to the Cabixi River at the border with the state of Rondônia. Data were obtained from field surveys. We observed individuals of S. cay in highly fragmented forests which have been impacted by the deforestation over the past 50 years. This is an alarming situation for the conservation of the region’s fauna.
Demographic Factors as Determinants of E-Government Adoption

E-government services are important aspects of today's wellbeing of citizens. The adoption of technology is explored utilizing many theories and predictors. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) proposes that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and subjective norms are significant predictors of behavioral intentions. This study extended the theory with trust, and hypothesized that demographic factors (gender, age, education, and experience) are significant moderators of the relationships assumed in the research model. Responses from 699 Jordanians fully supported the suggested research model, where BI to use e-government services was significantly predicted by all proposed variables. All four demographic factors failed to be significant predictors of BI, and only two relationships were moderated by age and education. In addition, an ANOVA test concluded that means differences existed within categories of sample based on specific variables of the model. The complete results and findings and conclusions are deliberated at the end of this chapter.
The geographical diversification of Furnariides: the role of forest versus open habitats in driving species richness gradients

Explaining species richness gradients in space and time requires understanding the evolutionary processes that ultimately alter the number of species. Here we examine species richness differences between primary habitats (forest versus open) for Furnariides birds, a Neotropical endemic bird clade, to test three major historical hypotheses – diversification rate, out of the tropics and tropical niche conservatism – and assess the role of evolutionary processes in driving the Furnariides species richness gradient.
Assessing sectoral heterogeneity and leadership in urban water management networks

Many urban systems worldwide face increasing complexity and uncertainty in water governance. As a result, integrated urban water management (IUWM) has become increasingly common. The IUWM paradigm conceptualizes water supply, conveyance, and treatment as an integrated system to improve water management efficiency and sustainability. This approach often presents new responsibilities that require coordinated efforts and leadership, but factors such as professional protocols, limited time, legal mandates, and budgetary constraints may limit joint implementation. To understand how policy stakeholders translate goals into action, we ask: How do sectoral affiliation of governance stakeholder organizations and leadership influence patterns of joint implementation of programs and policies over time? Using inferential social network analysis, this paper examines how coordination and leadership play a role in the implementation of IUWM. We find that the presence of leaders has a significant effect on joint implementation of integrated programs and policies over time. Counter to our expectations, however, organizations from the same sector (e.g., local government, non-profit, private, etc.) tend to implement IUWM policies and programs together.
Learning Collectively in a South African High School Choir Community of Musical Practice through Dalcroze-Inspired Activities

Abstract The purpose of this case study was to explore the extent to which Dalcroze-inspired activities can facilitate collective learning in a choir as a community of musical practice (CoMP). The research intervention was conducted in a newly formed multi-ethnic high school choir in Germiston, Gauteng, South Africa. Data sources included in-depth semi-structured interviews, researcher field notes of rehearsals and concerts, video recordings of weekly rehearsals, as well as lesson plans developed for each rehearsal. The data was analysed within the conceptual framework of the social theory of collective learning as developed by Wenger (1998) and expanded by Murillo's (2011) conceptualisation of: (1) engagement in practice (learning as doing); (2) a community of musical practice (learning as belonging); (3) construction of personal identity (learning as becoming); and (4) negotiation of meaning (learning as experiencing). The findings expanded the theoretical framework of collective learning. It was found that Dalcroze-inspired activities nurture collective learning and form an essential part of choristers’ feelings of belonging in a choir as a CoMP.
STATUS OF POMEGRANATE PESTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN INDIA

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the important fruit crops in India and is being cultivated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Thorough scanning of literature revealed a total of 91 insects, 6 mites and 1 snail pest feeding on pomegranate crop in India. The most obnoxious enemy is pomegranate butterfly, Deudorix (=Virachola) isocrates Fab. which may destroy more than 50% of fruits. Next in the order are the three species of fruit sucking moths (Eudocima (=Othreis) fullonia (Clerk); Eudocima (=Othreis) materna (Linn.); Eudocima (=Othreis) homaena Hub. ) and two species of bark eating caterpillars (Indarbela tetraonis (Moore); Indarbela quadrinotata (Walker)). In the recent past two species of pomegranate shot hole borers (Xyleborus fornicatus E.; X. perforans Wollastan) have become major pests infesting in the collar region of the plant by making innumerable pin or shot holes causing discontinuity in the conducting vessels affecting conduction of water to the upper portion of the plant. Consequently, the drying of the twigs became imminent. The drying progressed from the tip towards the base and in severe cases the entire plant dried up. Overuse and improper use of insecticides has led to many serious problems like whiteflies (Pomegranate whitefly, Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday); Spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell) mealy bug (Pseudococcus lilacinus (Cockerell)) Thrips (Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus Hood; Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood; Anaphothrips oligochaetus Karny), aphid (Aphis punicae (Passerini)) and mites, Aceria granati Can. & Massal; Oligonychus punicae (Hirst.)). These sucking pests occur during the flowering and fruiting stage of the crop and thereby reduce the vigour of the plant in addition to excretion of honeydew on the leaves and develop-ment of sooty mould on leaves and fruits. Besides, termites, Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) and root grubs (Anomala dimidiata (Hope); Holotrichia spp. ) attack roots, defoliators feed on foliage and few bugs, borers, moths and fruit flies damage the fruits. The nature of damage and management options of a few key pests are discussed in this paper.