Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How perceived value of feedback influences its impact on self-efficacy

We tested the effect of feedback on the self-efficacy of 317 people from other countries who were teaching English in China, to establish the influence of their perceived value of feedback on the relationship between feedback seeking and receiving and self-efficacy. We used hierarchical regression to analyze the data and found that participants' perceived value of feedback seeking had a significant positive moderating effect on their feedback seeking and self-efficacy. In addition, value perceptions played a critical role in determining behavior through feedback. A practical implication of these results is that managers and employees should cultivate a positive feedbackseeking and receiving attitude to enhance self-regulation.
Locus of Control and Vulnerability to Peer Pressure: a Study of Adolescent Behavior in Urban Ghanaian Context

their lives and they have no control over these forces [8]. These tendencies characterize a person’s perspective about self-independence and influence over others [9]. A study by [10] showed that their aggressive peer groups influence men with external locus of control in a way that promotes intimate partner aggression (IPA). There is proof in terms Abstract Peer pressure is one thing that every individual is vulnerable to and has faced before at some point in their lives. It is becoming a serious health problem, especially for adolescents as well as concerned parents because, though not all peer pressure leads to health-related concerns or is negative, most are that need curbing, or treatment. Thus, NGOs, youth organizations, social welfare as well as parents, are looking for different ways to tackle this health-related issue in society. This research investigated locus of control on vulnerability to peer pressure in the African context. A survey was conducted using 144 adolescents from 2 Senior High Schools in Ghana with ages ranging from 15 to 19 years old. The following data collection instruments were used: Informed consent, Demographic data which used to group the students into categories based on age, class form and gender; the Nowicki-Strickland test (1973) and the Steinberg and Monahan resistance to peer influence scale (2007) measuring Locus of Control and Resistance to Peer Influence respectively. Statistical methods such as the independent t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pearson r) were used to study the relationships between age, locus of control, and resistance to pressure in the urban context. The findings revealed that there was no significant effect of locus of control on vulnerability to peer pressure, which still indicates that our study may be more bent towards the general idea that individuals with an internal locus of control are more likely to resist the pressure to conform by their peers.
Digitalisation, unions and participation: the German case of ‘industry 4.0’

This article tackles the question of how labour representatives cope with the implementation of ‘Industrie 4.0’ in German manufacturing plants. Digitalisation of manufacturing is going along with challenges for employment, work organisation and working conditions. The article analyses one of the main strategies German unions have developed, the project ‘Work 2020’, which was to raise works councils' awareness of the workplace impact of digitalisation, improve their knowledge of the changes, raise their capacity to respond and, finally, lead to the negotiation of workplace agreements on this issue with employers. The results of the analysis show that a strong interplay between unions and works councils and the activation of works councils by the unions have become indispensable preconditions for coping with the new challenges both of digitalisation and of the ongoing erosion of the German system of labour relations.
Enrichment diets of pigs with oil blends and its effects on performance, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profile

ABSTRACT The addition of different oil blends in the feed of finishing pigs was evaluated. Twenty-four castrated male finishing pigs were used in a randomized block design containing four treatments and six replicates. The treatments consisted of: Reference ration (RR) - 100% soybean oil feed; and the combination of the different oils: Blend1 - 50.0% soybean oil (SO), 25.0% flaxseed oil (FO), 12.5% olive oil (OO) and 12.5% canola oil (CO); Blend2 - 25.0% SO, 50.0% FO, 12.5% OO and 12.5% CO; and Blend3 - 25.0% SO, 12.5% FO, 12.5% OO and 50.0% CO. The performance, quantitative and qualitative carcass parameters, fatty acids profile and economic feasibility of the diets were evaluated. The use of blends in the diets did not influence the performance or carcass quality, but increased marbling and carcass yield. The fatty acid profile of the loin presented greater amounts of stearic acid in Blend3 and higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in animals fed with Blend1. The fatty tissue presented greater amounts of myristic acid in Blend1 and oleic acid in Blend3. The reference ration was the most economic. The Blends did not affect performance or carcass characteristics and improved the fatty acid profile.
Expert video exchanges in bilingual biology lessons - student’s intrinsic motivation and subject-specific interest

ABSTRACT This paper presents an instructional model to incorporate English-language communication between international practicing scientists and English learners into secondary science lessons. The aim was to identify a method that lets pupils practice English as the language of science and that elicits positive affective attitudes in the form of task-specific intrinsic motivation. As a central condition, the approach had to be feasible in realistic school settings. The pupils that participated in the two studies presented (total n = 218) were native German speakers and interacted with English-speaking experts in the curricular contexts of cytology and immunology via videos. We assessed pupils’ task-specific intrinsic motivation (as defined by their interest/enjoyment of the exchange and their relatedness to the expert) and compared it to their subject-specific interest in biology and English before and after the project. We further contrasted the motivational ratings of bilingually experienced and inexperienced groups of pupils. Both groups reported similar and remarkably high task-specific intrinsic motivation for the video exchange. Subject-specific interests remained constant before and after implementing the method and were correlated with interest/enjoyment in the standard, but not in the bilingually experienced classes. The applicability of the exchange model in different topics, subjects, and student groups is discussed.
The FACTS model of speech motor control: Fusing state estimation and task-based control

We present a new computational model of speech motor control: the Feedback-Aware Control of Tasks in Speech or FACTS model. This model is based on a state feedback control architecture, which is widely accepted in non-speech motor domains. The FACTS model employs a hierarchical observer-based architecture, with a distinct higher-level controller of speech tasks and a lower-level controller of speech articulators. The task controller is modeled as a dynamical system governing the creation of desired constrictions in the vocal tract, based on the Task Dynamics model. Critically, both the task and articulatory controllers rely on an internal estimate of the current state of the vocal tract to generate motor commands. This internal state estimate is derived from initial predictions based on efference copy of applied controls. The resulting state estimate is then used to generate predictions of expected auditory and somatosensory feedback, and a comparison between predicted feedback and actual feedback is used to update the internal state prediction. We show that the FACTS model is able to qualitatively replicate many characteristics of the human speech system: the model is robust to noise in both the sensory and motor pathways, is relatively unaffected by a loss of auditory feedback but is more significantly impacted by the loss of somatosensory feedback, and responds appropriately to externally-imposed alterations of auditory and somatosensory feedback. The model also replicates previously hypothesized trade-offs between reliance on auditory and somatosensory feedback in speech motor control and shows for the first time how this relationship may be mediated by acuity in each sensory domain. These results have important implications for our understanding of the speech motor control system in humans.
Investigation on the characteristics of ZnO and ZnO-Pb structure for gamma radiation detection

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films of multilayers structure were fabricated by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method on a glass substrate. After growing, the optical, structural and morphological characterizations of the samples were studied. Moreover, the crystallite size and energy band gap were calculated by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and UV-visible spectrometer, respectively. XRD showed that the crystalline size of the samples decreased with increasing the layers up to four layers, while the energy band gap increased with increasing the layers. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) used to study the morphological properties of the samples. Based on the effective atomic number, electron density and light yield properties of the samples make it suitable to be used as an ionizing radiation detector. Eventually, the samples will be used as a scintillator material to detect ionizing radiation.
The Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Predictor of Complicated Appendicitis in Animal Model Oryctolagus cuniculus

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal disease that requires surgery in children. The mortality rate in appendicitis is greatly affected by rupture or leakage of the appendix. In establishing the diagnosis of appendicitis, several modalities are needed, namely, with a pediatric appendicitis score and ultrasound. In addition to operative measures, non-operative therapeutic research is also developing, especially for cases of appendicitis without complications. Pathologically, the occurrence of complications in appendicitis is influenced by good vascularization for tissue healing through the process of angiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). AIM: We aimed to see the effect of VEGF and folic acid levels on the occurrence of complicated appendicitis. METHODS: This research method is laboratory experimental design. A total of 32 rabbits used were male rabbits weighing 2500–3000 g that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were examined for VEGF levels and then the appendix lumen was obstructed with Silk No.-O thread. Thirteen hours later, blood samples are taken back to check VEGF and folic acid (FA) levels and an appendectomy is performed for histopathological examination. RESULTS: There is a decrease of basal VEGF levels regarding histopathological results. In complicated appendicitis, the basal VEGF level was lower than acute appendicitis and normal; 8.61 (±4.87), 7.66 (±3.47), and 5.75 (±4.88), respectively. Similar trend was found in basal FA levels. In complicated appendicitis, it has a lower level than both acute appendicitis and normal; 2.00 (±2.08), 1.14 (±1.00), and 0.44 (±0.22) in order. However, there is no statistical significance in both trends (p = 0.775 and p = 0.058). CONCLUSION: There was a trend showing low value of VEGF and FA that were a predictor of appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. Unfortunately, no statistical significance was shown in this study.
The physiological quality of the seeds of passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) grown at different altitudes

Altitudes, ranging between 100 m and 900 m are the most suitable for growing passion fruit and the studies on the distinct geographical locations suggest the expression of different genotypes under the influence of adequate environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds of Passiflora spp. , cultivated at three different altitudes in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Before conducting the physiological tests for seed quality, pre-tests were performed on the physically scarified, gibberellic acid-treated, and intact seeds of the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Degener), the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims), and the sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata Curtis), collected from three different altitudes (high, medium, and low), in order to overcome dormancy. The higher values of germination and vigor were observed after the pre-germination treatments of the intact seeds of the yellow passion fruit, the scarified seeds of the purple passion fruit, and the gibberellic acid-treated seeds of the sweet passion fruit. The seeds with the highest values of germination and vigor were selected for the accelerated aging test with a saturated salt solution at 43 oC for 72 h and the controlled deterioration test with 25% of moisture at 45 oC for 24 h, respectively. Using these tests, it was possible to differentiate the species of passion fruit, collected from different altitudes. The seeds of the yellow passion fruit and the seeds, collected from higher altitudes presented higher physiological quality in this study.
The classification of tetraploid wheat by phylogenetic and cytogenetic analyses

Tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) is an important species within the genus Triticum and harbors many desirable agronomic traits. The classification, origin, and evolution of tetraploid wheat remain confused and controversial, resulting in useless germplasm resources. Two classification systems for tetraploid wheat are widely used: 1) tetraploid wheat comprises two species; 2) all forms of tetraploid wheat are classified as one species. The present study aimed to reassess the classification of tetraploid wheat using phylogenetic analysis of nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) sequence data, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) karyotyping, and observation of meiotic pairing behavior in F1 hybrids. Network analysis of ITS sequences indicates that tetraploid wheat was not closely related to other Triticeae species with the exception of Aegilops speltoides and Ae. sharonensis. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences and FISH show that Triticum turgidum and T. timopheevii clustered on distinct branches, and meiotic pairing in F1 hybrids of these species showed a high frequency of univalents. Meiotic behavior of F1 hybrids among forms of T. turgidum revealed a low number of univalents (means < 2) except for T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides. The significant variation on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 5A, 1B, 2B, 3B, and 6B in the FISH hybridization patterns were observed between T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides and other T. turgidum accessions. Furthermore, the results of ITS phylogenetic analyses correspond closely with observations of meiotic behavior and FISH karyotyping. The present results indicate that T. turgidum and T. timopheevii are two distantly related species of different origins. Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides should be maintained as a subspecies of T. turgidum whereas other forms of T. turgidum should be reclassified as varieties.
Nutritional characterization of Moringa oleifera leaves, seeds, husks and flowers from two regions of Mexico

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a native tree species found in the south of the Himalayas, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan that is used commercially to produce tea, animal fodder and herbal medicines. The aim of the present study was to determine the nutritional characteristics of different parts of the MO plant from two regions of Mexico (States of Guerrero and Sonora). The proximal composition analyses (protein, lipids, ashes and fiber) were carried out according to the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), and the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Protein (38.5%) and lipid contents (42.2%) were higher in MO seeds compared to other plant parts. These results were similar between the two regions of Mexico that were evaluated. MO flowers from Guerrero showed the highest content of phenols and tannins (1908.71 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE) 100 g-1, 220.27 mg Catechin Equivalents (CE) 100 g-1, respectively) while MO leaves from Sonora showed the highest flavonoid content (2859 mg GAE 100 g-1). The Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) analysis showed that MO husks obtained from Guerrero had the highest antioxidant capacity (224.45 μmol Trolox Equivalents (TE) g-1). The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test showed that MO flowers from Guerrero had the high- est antioxidant capacity (382 μmol (TE) g-1). The differences between MO from the two different regions reported in this attributed to factors such as soil type, climatic conditions and the growing region.
Staff-Related Disclosures as an Element of Social Policies on the Model of Bulgarian Black Sea Hotels

The main aim of the study is to analyse published information on staff-related social policies on the websites and in the annual financial statements of enterprises that manage hotels and provide hotel services in the territory of Varna and Burgas Black Sea regions in Bulgaria. In addition, analysed are some factors that impact disclosures in the financial statements of enterprises. The adopted research methods are the logical, deductive and comparative methods, as well as the methods of analysis and synthesis. To verify the author's hypotheses the IBM – SPSS Statistics software, ver. 19 has been used. The main results of the study show that the analysed hotel enterprises disclose scarce or no information on staff related data and social policies on their websites or in their financial statements. Disclosures mainly focus on compliance with legal requirements and they are most significantly influenced by available audit control and selected accounting basis. This could lead to asymmetry in the data, lowering the prestige of the organisation, problems with recruitment of qualified staff and unjustified economic decisions by data users
Hematological and biochemical indicators of maturity in foals and their relation to the placental features

ABSTRACT: Newborn’s health is directly related to gestational conditions and placental efficiency. The aims of this study were: (1) To evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters of foals born from mares with placentitis at birth and at 24h of age, (2) to verify if placental pathology had any influence on neonatal maturity degree through hematological and biochemical response of those foals. According to placental findings (control and placentitis) and neonatal maturity degree (mature and immature), foals were divided into three groups: (1) Control group (n=22), foals born from mares with placentitis and classified as (2) Mature (n=26), and (3) Immature (n=10). The hematocrit and plasma concentration of fibrinogen, total plasma protein, white blood cells count, lactate, glucose, creatinine, urea, albumin, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured. Placental features were significantly different between neonatal maturity degree (P=0.001). Mares that had acute placentitis foaled more immature neonates (n=8/10; 80%). Concentrations of fibrinogen (P=0.003), creatinine (P=0.021), total cholesterol (P=0.014), AST (P=0.001), GGT (P=0.002), total (P=0.001) and unconjugated bilirubin (P=0.010) were higher at birth in the Immature group, whereas albumin levels were lower (P=0.002). Foals born from mares with placentitis presented hyperlactatemia at 24h of age (P=0.002). Acute placentitis had an influence on the neonatal maturity, allowing an accelerated but incomplete fetal maturation. The monitoring of lactate, fibrinogen, creatinine, bilirubin, cholesterol, albumin, AST, and GGT levels, associated with clinical, physical, and behavior evaluation may contribute as indicators of neonatal maturity.
Experimental Strategies of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Propagation: Adverse Events and Potential Risk of Functional Changes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive candidates for cell-based tissue repair approaches. Hundreds of clinical trials using MSCs have been completed and many others are still being investigated. For most therapeutic applications, MSC propagation in vitro is often required. However, ex vivo culture condition is not fully physiological and may affect biological properties of MSCs including their regenerative potential. Moreover, both cell cryopreservation and labelling procedure prior to infusion may have the negative impact on their expected effect in vivo. The incidence of MSC transformation during in vitro culture should be also taken into consideration before using cells in stem cell therapy. In our review, we focused on different aspects of MSC propagation that might influence their regenerative properties of MSC. We also discussed the influence of different factors that might abolish MSC proliferation and differentiation as well as potential impact of stem cell senescence and aging. Despite of many positive therapeutic effects of MSC therapy, one has to be conscious about potential cell changes that could appear during manufacturing of MSCs.
Animal performance and nutritional characteristics of Piatã-grass in integrated systems

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate animal performance and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã in two integrated systems, during the summer and winter, five years after the initial establishment of the area. The randomized block experimental design was adopted with treatments consisting of a control (five native trees per hectare) and an integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) system with 227 eucalyptus trees per hectare. Animal performance, canopy height, soil cover, forage mass (leaf, stem and senescent material), and forage nutritive value were evaluated. Differences between systems were observed in forage mass (total, leaf, stem and senescent material), soil cover and forage nutritive value in both seasons. Shading conditions provided by eucalyptus in the ICLF system lead to a reduction in forage mass and neutral detergent fiber content, and to an increase in crude protein and in vitro organic matter digestibility. However, no effect on animal performance was obtained. The presence of trees improves the forage nutritive value without impacting animal performance in integrated systems.