Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Retention and Recall in a Technology-Based Instructional Environment: Focusing on Digital Games

Using digital games in language learning is beneficial, but their effectiveness in the Bangladeshi EFL context has been overlooked. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of playing digital games on Bangladeshi EFL learners’ ability to remember and retain the language. The Oxford Quick Placement Test was given to 78 Bangladeshi English as foreign language students. Based on the findings, 50 primary school pupils were selected based on the convenient sampling method as the study’s target group for further investigation. Afterward, they were separated into two groups: one for the experiment and another for the CG. After that, all subjects were subjected to pretesting, and then, the therapy was administered. The EG was educated by the researcher via the use of digital games. The participants in the EG were taught English vocabulary via the use of a computerized game, which they found entertaining. On the other hand, the students of the CG received a traditional vocabulary teaching. After teaching 90 vocabulary in nine sessions, an immediate vocabulary posttest was conducted on both groups to determine the treatment’s possible effects on their vocabulary recall. Three weeks later, a delayed posttest was given to the participants to examine the effect of digital games on their vocabulary retention. The results of paired samples and independent sample t -tests showed that there was a significant difference between the immediate and delayed posttests of the EG and CGs in favor of the EG. The EG outperformed the CG both on the immediate and delayed posttests. This study has some implications for teaching and learning vocabulary.
Prioritize special economic zones establishment through a multi-criteria decision-making approach: A case study on the federal states of Somalia

This paper aims to present the analysis results on the feasibility and assessment of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) implementation across the seven Federal States of Somalia. Specifically, the research leads to defining the most important criteria used to evaluate different locations to establish SEZs, understanding the priorities and perceptions of different groups of stakeholders. Moreover, it allows quantitatively assess States’ conditions to reduce the risk of wasted investment or unsuccessful development. Finally, it ranks alternatives based on the stakeholder perspectives and territorial realities. The analysis is based on a multi-criteria decision-making methodology, specifically on the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. On a national basis, the most relevant criteria, in the view of stakeholders, are the availability of a skilled workforce. The “economic prosperity” and “financial investments and external aid” are the most critical gaps commonly perceived in all the States. The most applicable State to locate a Special Economic Zone is Banadir Regional Administration, which is perceived to be relatively better off concerning Environmental Conditions, Workforce Skills, Finance and External Aid, and Government Policies and Security. Moreover, the discrepancy between Banadir Regional Administration, but also Somaliland, and the other States is alarming, showing that the more advanced States are the ones that have a higher level of security, population, and also more reliable infrastructure. This information is vital for government and policymakers to support less developed countries' economic and social growth.
Sand characteristics do not influence hatching success of nests at the world’s largest green turtle rookery

Abstract. Raine Island, located in the northern Great Barrier Reef, hosts the largest green turtle nesting aggregation in the world, but typically experiences low hatching success (20–60%, depending on the number of females visiting the island to nest). To determine whether the low hatching success of green turtle eggs at Raine Island might be explained by local sand characteristics, we investigated the physical properties of Raine Island sand and compared it to sand from other eastern coast Australian sea turtle nesting beaches that have high hatching success (>80%). We also measured the water, salt and organic material content of sand within nests at Raine Island to see whether any of these variables were correlated with the proportion of early embryo death or hatching success. The physical characteristics of Raine Island sand were similar to those of other eastern coast Australian nesting beaches, so it seems unlikely that inherent physical sand properties, water content, salt or organic matter explain the relatively low hatching success observed on Raine Island compared to other Australian green turtle nesting beaches. However, we found that nests that were inundated twice with seawater during spring high tides at the end of their first week of incubation experienced greater early development mortality and lower hatching success than did non-inundated nests, suggesting that embryos drowned during the inundation. Last, we found that hatching success declined towards the end of the nesting season, suggesting that the beach sand in the nesting areas of Raine Island changes in some way, and/or that egg quality decreases as the nesting season progresses.
Behavioral Economics and Auto Insurance: The Role of Biases and Heuristics

ABSTRACT Objective: this paper analyzes how framing, anchoring, and certainty effects may affect the behavior of the consumer of auto insurance. Methods: an experiment was carried out, with the face-to-face application of six versions of a questionnaire with 14 questions, for 163 respondents from an educational institution. Questions were prepared to analyze the existence of the framing effect, the anchoring effect, and the certainty effect, in addition to the deductible effect (present in several insurance products). The theoretical framework of the paper is the behavioral economics. Results: younger people, singles, and men are more prone to risk. Although the findings in general corroborate the evidence in the literature, the results of the certainty effect were contrary to expectations. The payment of the deductible increased the respondents’ risk aversion. Conclusions: the existence of biases and heuristics can cause the purchase of insurance to occur in a non-optimal way. Knowledge of the decision-making process is important for insurers and consumers. It is also relevant for regulators, in order to subsidize measures aimed at market efficiency and consumer protection, through the design of an appropriate choice architecture.
Class A Biosolids Production by a Low‐Cost Conventional Technology

Encouraged by a finding that the pathogen analyses of numerous samples of the final product of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Illinois (District), met the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (U. S. EPA) Class A criteria, the District optimized and codified the operation of its sludge processing trains (SPTs), submitted a petition to the U. S. EPA Pathogen Equivalency Committee for obtaining certification of its SPTs as equivalent to a process to further reduce pathogens, and conducted a 3 year full‐scale study. The objective of the study was to determine whether or not the District's SPTs consistently produced a Class A biosolids final product. The primary conclusion drawn from this optimized and codified operation study was that all batches of the final air‐dried product complied with the Class A criteria as specified by U. S. EPA in the Part 503 regulations.
Self-supervised Deep Learning for mmWave Beam Steering Exploiting Sub-6 GHz Channels

mmWave communication requires accurate and continuous beam steering to overcome the severe propagation loss and user mobility. In this paper, we leverage a self-supervised deep learning approach to exploit sub-6 GHz channels and propose a novel method to predict beamforming vectors in the mmWave band for a single access point – user link. This complex channel-beam mapping is learned via data issued from the DeepMIMO dataset. We then compare our proposed method with existing supervised deep learning and classic reinforcement learning methods. Our simulations show that choosing an appropriate beam steering method depends on the target application and is a tradeoff between data rate and computational complexity. We also investigate tuning the size of our neural network depending on the number of transmit and receive antennas at the access point. Finally, we extend our method to the case of multiple links and introduce a federated learning (FL) approach to efficiently predict their mmWave beams by sharing only the weights of the locally trained neural networks (and not the local data). We investigate both synchronous and asynchronous FL methods. Our numerical simulations show the high potential of our approach, especially when the local available data is scarce or imperfect.
Health information seeking and sharing behavior of young adults on social media in Pakistan

Social media such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Twitter have radically enhanced the public access to health information. Still, studies have unexplored the factors that contribute toward such behaviors especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study identifies the factors that contribute to the likelihood of young adults’ health information seeking and sharing on social media. Specifically, drawing upon health belief model (HBM), the study attempts to understand how health belief and e-Health literacy affects health information seeking and sharing on social media. The study collected data from 413 young adults through Google Forms on a random basis. The results generated applying structural equation modeling confirmed that HBM related factors such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity and perceived benefits positively while perceived barriers negatively influence young adults’ health information seeking and sharing intentions on social media. Furthermore, e-Health literacy was positively associated with health information seeking and sharing intentions on social media. This study is amongst a first few studies in the context of developing world to investigate the young adults’ intentions of seeking and sharing health information on social media based on HBM.
Assessing Students’ Learning Outcomes in the Saudi Education System from the Perspective of Various Stakeholders

Assessing students’ learning outcomes is a significant part of the education system. This study investigated the perspective of a new policy that focuses on assessing students’ learning outcomes. The method of implementation and the impact of the new policy were discussed. As this study was exploratory in nature, a qualitative research approach was applied, which allowed for the compilation of rich data through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. This study recruited 13 participants, including five supervisors, six head teachers, and two deputies. Results revealed the following: (1) a wide gap between the policy and actual practice; (2) limited involvement of the school community; (3) supervisors’ examinations suffered from poor quality; (4) positive and negative impacts related to teaching and learning outcomes; and (5) several obstacles that needed to be resolved. Finally, this paper provides numerous recommendations to develop the process of assessing students’ learning outcomes. Received: 14 March 2022 / Accepted: 11 April 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022
Effects of a Respiratory Resistance Mask on Forced Expiratory Volume at 1s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and the Ratio of FEV1/FVC Lung Function following High Intensity Training (HIT)

Training masks (TMs), marketed as simulated altitude training devices, suggest increased workout capacity, intensity tolerance and recovery. The claim is that the training mask improves respiratory power and breathing mechanics by strengthening the respiratory muscles through breathing resistance provided by the TM. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a commercially manufactured TM in conjunction with bicycle ergometry, high intensity training (HIT) on selected lung function parameters. Volunteers (N=16) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group wore the TM with progressive increased respiratory resistance and the control group wore the TM with no respiratory resistance. To determine lung function, pre- and post-test assessments consisted of forced expiratory volume at 1s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), the ratio of FEV1/FVC. Additionally, to determine the TMs effectiveness of maximal oxygen consumption pre- and post-time to failure during a maximum treadmill test was performed. Training was completed on a cycle ergometer on 3d/wk for 4 wks. Participants exercised at 85% of HRmax with a pedal rate of 100-120 rpm at individually set resistance levels. Training sessions consisted of 10 bouts of 30s exercise followed by 30s of active recovery for a total time of 10 minutes. The respiratory resistance for the experimental group progressively increased over the training period. Repeated measures ANOVAs yielded significant between group difference in FVC (p = 0.02) but not for FEV1 or maximum treadmill time. In conclusion, TMs in combination with HIT failed to improve lung function but created sufficient resistance to strengthen the muscles in respiratory ventilation.
Potential and Therapeutic Roles of Diosmin in Human Diseases

Because of their medicinal characteristics, effectiveness, and importance, plant-derived flavonoids have been a possible subject of research for many years, particularly in the last decade. Plants contain a huge number of flavonoids, and Diosmin, a flavone glycoside, is one of them. Numerous in-vitro and in-vivo studies have validated Diosmin’s extensive range of biological capabilities which present antioxidative, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiulcer properties. We have presented this review work because of the greater biological properties and influences of Diosmin. We have provided a brief overview of Diosmin, its pharmacology, major biological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anticardiovascular, liver protection, and neuroprotection, therapeutic approach, potential Diosmin targets, and pathways that are known to be associated with it.
Pomological and phenological characterization, genetic variability and genetic diversity of walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes in the Kodaikanal hills of Western ghats

The walnut ( Juglans regia L.) is one of the most important temperate nut crops grown in India. The present investigation was conducted to study the variations available in the walnut population found in the Kodaikanal hills of Tamil Nadu. Twelve selected walnut genotypes of seedling origin were evaluated for their phenological and pomological characters. The results revealed that among the genotypes, two of them (JR-7 and JR-11) were early in the first leafing (2 nd - 3 rd April). Genotypes JR-1, JR-3, JR-7, JR-8 and JR-12 were earlier in harvesting (15 th – 20 th October) than the other genotypes. High variation for nut and kernel characteristics was also observed among the genotypes evaluated. Genotypes, JR-5, JR-7, and JR-8 were identified as promising as they recorded higher kernel weight (6.00 g), nut weight (12.00 g) and kernel per cent (48%) than other genotypes. Diversity analysis (Mahalanobis D 2 statistics method) resulted in a total of five clusters from the 12 walnut genotypes using 10 biometrical traits. More number of walnut genotypes were accommodated in cluster IV and cluster V with three genotypes each whereas cluster I, cluster II and cluster III comprised of two walnut genotypes each. Intra and inter cluster distance of five clusters was assessed and it varied from 1.29 to 10.82 and 7.66 to 21.36. Maximum intra cluster distance was recorded by cluster V (10.82) followed by cluster IV (3.14). Inter cluster distance was high between cluster III and cluster IV (21.36) followed by cluster IV and cluster V (20.55). Principal component analysis of 12 walnut genotypes with 10 quantitative traits resulted in the formation of three principal components viz . PC I, PC II and PC III with eigenvalues of 4.06, 1.84 and 1.44, respectively. These superior genotypes could be used for cultivation or as parents in future breeding programmes.
Mergers and acquisitions: A review of phases, motives, and success factors

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have become an increasingly broad-based phenomenon, and their numbers are growing dramatically in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere throughout the globe. Still, research shows us that less than 50% of M&As succeed. At the same time scholarly research on M&As abounds, presenting the opportunity to step back and review what we have learned and what we still do not know. Although the field of M&A research is far too broad and complex to be covered in one review essay, we attempt to begin at the beginning, covering some historical and background issues before surveying three topics fundamental to successful M&As. First, in order to lay the foundations for better understanding of M&A processes in general, we overview various approaches from those that include just two phases – premerger and postmerger – to those with seven phases – including aspects of due diligence and integration phases. The second topic refers to M&A motives such as entering a new market, gaining new scarce resources, achieving synergies, and so forth. The third issue is M&A success factors. Here we synthesize a large body of research that has pointed to many different managerial and organizational factors that are generally associated with M&A success, for example, relative size of M&A partners, managerial involvement, culture, and organizational structural issues. While no review of these topics can claim to be comprehensive, we do attempt to present a good variety of literature approaches representing not only elite scholarly journals but also some important practitioner-oriented books and articles.
Vaulting the turnstiles: dialoguing and translating childhood and agencies from Chile, Latin America

ABSTRACT When aiming to create spaces for dialogue between social studies of childhood in the Global North and South, there are many aspects to consider. One of them is the complexities of bringing together different histories and languages as they shape differentiated understandings of the field. In this article, we focus on agency, one of the main concepts that has shaped the New Social Studies of Childhood (NSSC). We discuss how childhood studies in the Global South have contributed to the development of agency in NSSC within English-speaking dialogues. We introduce the notion of agencia, the Spanish equivalent of agency, exploring its connotations in childhood studies and advocacy groups in Latin America. Finally, we bring together the different aspects of agency and agencia as they have been discussed throughout the paper, exploring how from these perspectives we can approach one specific event: secondary school students vaulting over the turnstiles at the metro stations in Santiago, Chile. This event initiated what has been known as the Chilean outbreak of October 2019, and the origin of the current constitutional process from which children have been ambiguously included/excluded.
Bioinformatic Analysis Identifying PSMB 1/2/3/4/6/8/9/10 as Prognostic Indicators in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cancer incidence has been increasing across the world, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the major subtype of renal cancer. The proteasome is involved in onset, metabolism and survival of tumor and has been recognized as a therapeutic target for various malignancies, while the role of β subunits of proteasome, PSMB gene family, in ccRCC has not been fully unveiled. Herein we investigated the expression and the prognostic role of PSMBs in ccRCC by analyzing a series of databases, including ONCOMINE, UALCAN, cBioPortal, STRING, GEPIA, GO and KEGG. Over-expressions of PSMB1/2/4/7/8/9/10 mRNA were found in ccRCC tissues compared to normal tissues, transcriptional levels of PSMB2/3/4/6/8/9/10 were significantly positively associated with patients' individual cancer stages and grades. Similar or higher levels of proteins encoded by PSMB1/2/3/7/8/9/10 were observed in tumor tissues compared to normal renal tissues. Further, high mRNA levels of PSMB1/2/3/4/6/10 were correlated with shorter overall survival in univariate analysis. Taken together, the results of our analysis implied that overexpression of PSMB1/2/3/4/6/8/9/10 were indicative of worse prognosis of ccRCC. However, further researches were required to validate our findings.
Characterization of target-site resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in Ammannia multiflora populations

Abstract Ammannia multiflora Roxb. is a dominant broadleaf weed that is a serious problem in southern China rice fields, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides have been used for its control for more than 20 years. Excessive reliance on ALS-inhibiting herbicides has led to herbicide resistance in A. multiflora. In this study, 10 A. multiflora populations from the Jiangsu Province of China were collected, and the resistance levels and target site–resistance mechanisms to ALS-inhibiting herbicides bensulfuron-methyl and penoxsulam were investigated. The dose–response assays showed that eight populations evolved resistance to bensulfuron-methyl (9.1- to 90.9-fold) and penoxsulam (5.0- to 103.1-fold). Amplification of ALS genes indicated that there were three ALS genes (AmALS1, AmALS2, and AmALS3) in A. multiflora. Sequence analysis revealed amino acid mutations at Pro-197 in either AmALS1 (Pro-197-Ala, Pro-197-Ser, and Pro-197-His) or AmALS2 (Pro-197-Ser and Pro-197-Arg) in resistant populations, and no mutations were found in AmALS3. Moreover, two independent mutations (Pro-197-Ala in AmALS1 and Pro-197-Ser in AmALS2 or Pro-197-Ala in AmALS1 and Pro-197-Arg in AmALS2) coexisted in two resistant populations, respectively. In addition, the auxin mimic herbicides MCPA and florpyrauxifen-benzyl, the photosystem II inhibitor bentazon, and the protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor carfentrazone-ethyl can effectively control the resistant A. multiflora populations. Our study demonstrates the wide prevalence of ALS inhibitor–resistant A. multiflora populations in Jiangsu Province and the diversity of Pro-197 mutations in ALS genes and provides alternative herbicide options for controlling resistant A. multiflora populations.