Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING PROJECT-BASED LEARNING FOR YOUNG LEARNERS IN ENGLISH EDUCATION

This research endeavors to bridge the existing gap in the literature by investigating the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in English education for young learners and its influence on their language acquisition and critical thinking abilities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines quantitative analysis of language proficiency tests with qualitative exploration of student perspectives and teacher insights to unveil the transformative potential of PBL in facilitating comprehensive language development and fostering essential cognitive competencies in young learners. The research findings offer compelling evidence that PBL serves as an effective instructional strategy, holding promise in augmenting language proficiency and nurturing vital cognitive aptitudes among young English learners. These valuable insights contribute to the advancement of educational practices and inspire innovative approaches to language teaching, ultimately empowering young learners to become confident communicators and astute critical thinkers in today's interconnected global landscape.
BULLETIN OF THE MINERAL RESEARCH AND EXPLORATION INSTITUTE OF TURKEY

— The results briefly outlined here represent the continuation of the author's research upon the geotectonic evolution of Turkey previously published under the title of «Orogenic Evolution of Turkey (I959)». This part of the work principally comprises the effects of the Prealpine-Alpine orogenic events and related changes in the paleogeography of the region. In particular, evidences on the Precambrian, Caledonian and Hercynian movements of the Premesozoic era together with the Early-Middle and Late-Alpine phases of the MesozoicCenozoic period are discussed. Paleogeographic evolution related to these movements is demonstrated as series of maps and a simplified tectonic map which shows present-day structural features of Anatolia is given.
Effects of nutrient and water additions on plant community structure and species diversity in desert grasslands

Aims Better understanding the response of community structure and species diversity to nutrient and water enrichment is critical for desert grassland in arid areas. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three elements necessary for plant production, and water promotes plant absorption of nutrients. Our objective was to analyze the effects of nutrient and water addition on community structure and species diversity in typical desert grassland in northwestern China. Methods Field experiments were conducted in Gubantunggut Desert grassland from 2009 to 2012. Nutrient and water additions were done on May 15, 2009–2011, and vegetation investigation was conducted on May 25, 2009–2012. The responses of community structure and species diversity of plants to nutrient, rainfall and snow additions were studied. Important findings After the nutrient and water additions, the number of species decreased by 35.3%, the number of species in Poaceae family increased and species in Cruciferae family decreased. In 2009 and 2010, none of the three treatments(nutrient addition, water addition and the coupling effect of nutrient and water) significantly influenced species richness, Simpson index, Shannon-Wiener index or Pielou evenness index. In 2012, nutrient addition had a significant effect on species richness(p 0.05), while treatments of water addition and the coupling effect of nutrient and water did not. The coupling effect of nutrient and water had significant influence on the Simpson and Shannon-Wiener indexes, while treatments of nutrient addition and water addition did not. The Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Pielou evenness indexes increased from 2009 to 2012.
The PKG Inhibitor CN238 Affords Functional Protection of Photoreceptors and Ganglion Cells against Retinal Degeneration

Hereditary retinal degeneration (RD) is often associated with excessive cGMP signalling in photoreceptors. Previous research has shown that inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) can reduce photoreceptor loss in two different RD animal models. In this study, we identified a PKG inhibitor, the cGMP analogue CN238, which preserved photoreceptor viability and functionality in rd1 and rd10 mutant mice. Surprisingly, in explanted retinae, CN238 also protected retinal ganglion cells from axotomy-induced retrograde degeneration and preserved their functionality. Furthermore, kinase activity-dependent protein phosphorylation of the PKG target Kv1.6 was reduced in CN238-treated rd10 retinal explants. Ca2+-imaging on rd10 acute retinal explants revealed delayed retinal ganglion cell repolarization with CN238 treatment, suggesting a PKG-dependent modulation of Kv1-channels. Together, these results highlight the strong neuroprotective capacity of PKG inhibitors for both photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, illustrating their broad potential for the treatment of retinal diseases and possibly neurodegenerative diseases in general.
Preservation Effects of Sourdough Bread Using Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus Plantrum

The objective of this study was to compare the loaf quality and shelf life of sourdough and yeast-leavened. Sourdough bread is widely consumed in regions such as northern Europe and U.S while sourdough bread relatively unknown in Japan. Sourdough bread was made using novel lactic acid bacteria (LAB): Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NFRI 7415, isolated from traditional Japanese fermented fish, and Laciplantibacillus plantarum, an LAB which, together with L. paracasei, was recently shown to inhibit growth of Escherichia coli. A bread to which LAB were not added was made as a control. Although there were no significant differences in the weight, specific volume and water content among the three samples, the total sugar content of sourdough breads was lower than that of the control: co-fermentation of LAB and yeast appeared to increase sugar consumption. As expected, sourdough bread contained a higher content of organic acid, especially lactic acid. The sample loaves were cut into 1-cm slices and placed in a polypropylene bag, sealed, and stored at 28°C for 6 days. The general bacteria count of the control reached 10 10 cfu/g in 6 days, while the sourdough bread was in the range of 10 5 –10 6 cfu/g. The mold exposure tests showed mixed results, with the sourdough breads showing relatively suppressed growth of incidentally introduced mold, but not inoculated mold. These results indicate that the lactic acid produced by L. paracasei and L. plantarum was effective at inhibiting expansion of toxic bacteria but had no effect on mold to shelf.
Comparison of Imaging Radar Configurations for Roadway Inspection and Characterization

This paper investigates the performance of a wide variety of radar imaging modes, such as nadir-looking B-scan, or side-looking synthetic aperture radar tomographic acquisitions, performed in both back- and forward-scattering geometries, for the inspection and characterization of roadways. Nadir-looking B-scan corresponds to a low-complexity mode exploiting the direct return from the response, whereas side-looking configurations allow the utilization of angular and polarimetric diversity in order to analyze advanced features. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the ability of each configuration, independently of aspects related to operational implementation, to discriminate and localize shallow underground defects in the wearing course of roadways, and to estimate key geophysical parameters, such as roughness and dielectric permittivity. Campaign measurements are conducted using short-range radar stepped-frequency continuous-waveform (SFCW) devices operated in the C and X bands, at the pavement fatigue carousel of Université Gustave Eiffel, over debonded areas with artificial defects. The results indicate the great potential of the newly proposed forward-scattering tomographic configuration for detecting slight defects and characterizing roadways. Case studies, performed in the presence of narrow horizontal heterogeneities which cannot be detected using classical B-scan, show that both the coherent integration along an aperture using the back-projection algorithm, and the exploitation of scattering mechanisms specific to the forward-looking bistatic geometry, allows anomalous echoes to be detected and further characterized, confirming the efficacy of radar imaging techniques in such applications.
Global Assessment of the New ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model

In 2009, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released a new global digital elevation model (GDEM) derived from reprocessed Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data from the Terra satellite. An initial, empirical assessment of the accuracy and characteristics of the GDEM was carried out using a globally-distributed sample dataset. Statistical and visual analyses of the GDEM, using known reference DEMs and ground control points (GCPs) for comparison, revealed a systematic bias in the ASTER GDEM elevations, higher average noise levels, and a lower effective ground resolution compared to the reference data, as well as numerous topo-graphic artifacts and anomalies. The GDEM appears to meet its accuracy specifications when compared to the reference DEMs, but compared to the GCPs, some of the areas are questionable. In areas that lack good quality terrain data, the GDEM may prove useful, but must be used with care.
Work-Life Balance of Working Mothers in the Healthcare Industry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract This article investigated the work-life balance of working mothers in the healthcare industry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It aimed at identifying the factors contributing to family-work conflict (FWC) (the impact of the family on the work) and work-family conflict (WFC) (the impact of the work on the family) among working mothers and deciding which measures dictate a negative impact on work or home, WFC or FWC. It utilized Netemeyer et al.’s (1996) WFC and FWC Scale to examine which areas cause the most conflict for working mothers. A descriptive survey research design was applied, and 80 respondents were chosen for analysis. The results revealed that many factors contribute to WFC among working mothers. For example, the time the job requires makes it difficult to fulfill family responsibilities. Moreover, many factors contribute to FWC among working mothers, such as home life interfering with the responsibilities at work, such as arriving at work on time, accomplishing daily tasks, working overtime, and having to postpone tasks at work because of family or spouse/partner demand. Finally, the impact of work on the family is higher than that of family on work. In the light of the results, the researcher recommended holding training courses in effective time management, stress management, and burnout prevention to help working mothers in the private sector. Shareholders, decision-makers, and bodies interested in work-life balance can benefit from the results to develop programs and plans that help working mothers in the healthcare industry. Therefore, further studies are required to dig deeper and find if other measures have not been addressed in the research that may cause WFC and FWC. The researcher recommended investigating the benefits of work-life balance, how it affects the broader context, and how to improve it, investigating the impact of work–family conflict, stress, and family work conflict and job involvement, investigating the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction, and investigating the link between family economic status and work-family conflict.
Assessing the Impact of Workplace Harassment on Turnover Intention: Evidence from the Banking Industry

Workplace harassment is considered one of the main issues in the banking sector, which is subject to major human and labor rights violations. In the current global situation, harassed employees are prone to high turnover and become less productive due to undue stress and unstable mental health. Thus, this study aims to measure the influence of workplace harassment on the turnover intentions of employees in Pakistan's banking industry. This study assessed how workplace harassment affects employees' silence, mental stress, turnover intention, and the moderating role of psychological contract breaches. The study advises significant measures to prevent assault by retaining and empowering workers to work effectively. The data were collected through an adopted questionnaire from 416 respondents from the banking sector in Lahore, Pakistan. Variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used. The results reveal that workplace harassment significantly and positively impacts turnover intention. Additionally, employee silence and mental stress have significantly mediated the relationship between workplace harassment and turnover intention. However, psychological contract breaches have significantly moderated the relationship between employee silence and workplace harassment. This study aims to promote equal employment opportunities where they can raise their voices about misconduct and lower the employee turnover ratio. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-05-016 Full Text: PDF
Electromagnetic attenuation of eight earthquakes registered in Mexico using FFT-based spectrum and t-test statistical analysis for ULF Q-R ratios signals

A method to improve the detection of seismo-magnetic signals is presented herein. Eight events registered for periods of 24 hours with seismic activity were analyzed and compared with non-seismic periods of the same duration. The distance between the earthquakes (EQs) and the ultra-low frequency detector is of ρ = (1.8) 100.45M, where M is the magnitude of the EQ reported by the Seismological National Service of Mexico, in a period of three years. An improved fast Fourier transform analysis in the form of the ratio of the vertical magnetic field component to the horizontal one (Q = Bz/Bx) has been developed. There are important differences between the frequencies obtained during the days of seismic activity compared with those with no seismic activity.
The upward branch of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation quantified by tropical stratospheric water vapor and carbon monoxide measurements from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder

The vertical distributions of water vapor (H2O) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the tropical lower stratosphere are controlled largely by their mixing ratios near the tropopause and by ascending motions as part of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation (BDC). The upward propagation of seasonal variations imprinted on H2O and CO vertical profiles, often referred to as the tropical “tape recorder,” can be used to derive the mean vertical velocity, w*¯ , in this region of the lower stratosphere where quasi‐horizontal mixing is not strong enough to erase the seasonal tape recorder signals. We used Aura Microwave Limb Sounder observations of the tropical tape recorders from 2004 to 2014 to derive values of w*¯ at pressures between 90 and 16 hPa (about 18 to 28 km altitude). Mean vertical profiles of w*¯ are consistent with calculated velocities derived from net radiative heating rates based on observed temperature, humidity, cloud, and trace gas amounts. Temporal variations in w*¯ are dominated by a quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) and seasonal cycles, with maximum upwelling coinciding with easterly phases of the QBO in zonal wind shear and during the November–December period of the seasonal cycle. Both the QBO and annual modes emphasize the importance of wave phenomena in modulating the strength of tropical upwelling in the BDC. Interannual anomalies in w*¯ are correlated with variations in the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with enhanced stratospheric upwelling during El Niño phases and reduced upwelling during La Niña. A small decreasing linear trend (~6%/decade) in w*¯ is observed from 2005 to 2014, although confidence is low in identifying such a trend as part of a long‐term change due to the influence of ENSO over this period.
An Exploratory Analysis of the Association between Hospital Quality Measures and Financial Performance

Hospitals are perpetually challenged by concurrently improving the quality of healthcare and maintaining financial solvency. Both issues are among the top concerns for hospital executives across the United States, yet some have questioned if the efforts to enhance quality are financially sustainable. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine if efforts to improve quality in the hospital setting have a corresponding association with hospital profitability. Recent and directly relevant research on this topic is very limited, leaving practitioners uncertain about the wisdom of their investments in interventions which enhance quality and patient safety. We assessed if eight different quality measures were associated with our targeted measure of hospital profitability: the net patient revenue per adjusted discharge. Using multivariate regression, we found that improving quality was significantly associated with our targeted measure of hospital profitability: the net patient revenue per adjusted discharge. Significant findings were reported for seven of eight quality measures tested, including the HCAHPS Summary Star Rating (p < 0.001), Hospital Compare Overall Rating (p < 0.001), All-Cause Hospital-Wide Readmission Rate (p < 0.01), Total Performance Score (p < 0.001), Safety Domain Score (p < 0.01), Person and Community Engagement Domain Score (p < 0.001), and the Efficiency and Cost Reduction Score (p < 0.001). Failing to address quality and patient safety issues is costly for US hospitals. We believe our findings support the premise that increased attention to the quality of care delivered as well as patients’ perceptions of care may allow hospitals to accentuate profitability and advance a hospital’s financial position.
The Assessment of Good and Bad Bacteria in Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Leaves

Holy basil (Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum ) is considered to be a pious plant. It is used not only in many of the rituals of Hindus but is also known for its innumerable medicinal qualities. Holy basil leaves (HBLs) are often consumed raw thus it is pertinent to detect the bacteria on Tulsi leaves. This study was conducted to understand the diversity of the aerobically growing microbiome of edible holy basil leaves. A total of 112 samples of leaves were collected from households of six localities in and around Bareilly, India for detecting culturable bacteria growing aerobically. A sum of 579 bacterial isolates belonging to 106 different species was identified. Pantoea agglomerans isolates were detected in 43 samples followed by isolates
Achieving Sustainable Development: Balancing Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction and Poverty Alleviation in Less Developed Countries

Carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂) reduction and poverty have always been conflicting subjects regarding national policy implementation, particularly in less developed countries (LDCs). Based on energy consumption as a driving mechanism, this study investigates whether reducing CO₂ aggravates poverty in LDCs. To achieve this aim we analyze a 30-year panel data of 15 LDCs and deploy fixed-effects regression models. We used two-stage least square (2SLS) regressions to address endogeneity concerns. Our results suggest that (CO₂) emission has a negative relationship with poverty, which means reducing CO₂ emissions increases poverty in LDCs. Our results provide important implications for policymakers, showing that a green structural transformation implementation that highlights the balance between environmental protection and economic development would be recommended for LDCs.
Assessment of Dietary Habits of Undergraduate Students with Acne

Acne vulgaris is one of the most widespread and distressing chronic skin diseases worldwide. It affects about 9.4% of the world’s population during a specific period of their life. Several underlying risk factors like poor dietary habits, family history and poor hygiene are known for acne development. Objective: To assess the dietary habits of undergraduate students with acne. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study including 173 undergraduate students from 3 colleges of Akhtar Saeed Group located at Canal Campus, Lahore. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits of acne participants after getting their written consent. The collected was analyzed by SPSS. Results: The results of this study showed that 54% of selected respondents had acne, with the majority having oily skin and females. The consumption of high glycemic index fruits, junk foods, oily foods, sugary foods, especially dark chocolates, sweetened beverages and milk was found to very high among the acne respondents. They consumed vegetables and whole grains very occasionally. Conclusions: This study concluded that diet has a very high impact in causing acne. Further studies are needed to be done in order to find a more comprehensive link between acne and diet.
Volatility and Liquidity Comparison of Indonesian and Singapore Stock Market in COVID-19 Mobility Restrictions Era

The COVID-19 case found at the end of December 2019 became a pandemic in March 2020. The research aimed to see and understand the differences in the performance of the Indonesian and Singapore stock indices represented by the Indeks Harga Saham Indonesia (IHSG) and Straits Times Index (STI) before and after the implementation of community mobility restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar (PSBB) in Indonesia and Circuit Breaker in Singapore). The stock index data were stock index prices at closing and stock trading volume. The stock index performance was measured by its volatility and liquidity. Meanwhile, data volatility with heteroscedasticity symptoms was measured using the GARCH (1,1) model. Meanwhile, the standard deviation was used to measure homoscedastic data. The results show differences in return volatility and stock index liquidity before and after restrictions on community mobility. The return volatility of the IHSG and STI is higher before the community mobility restrictions compared to the period after. IHSG experiences liquidity after PSBB I and before PSBB II. The conclusion that can be drawn from these results is that liquidity in Indonesia does not improve when PSBB I is implemented, but liquidity improves in PSBB II. Meanwhile, STI’s liquidity is higher in the period after the implementation of Circuit Breaker. These results indicate that implementing the Circuit Breaker helps to improve the stock index’s performance in Singapore because volatility decreases when the policy is implemented. The policy also reduced the liquidity of the Singapore stock index.