Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Xenoglossophobia among Chinese Postgraduates

The learners of English language frequently convey the feeling of anxiety, nervousness and edginess. The realization of EFL (English as a Foreign language), ESL (English as a Second language) or TL (target language) anxiety among university postgraduates is essential. Once understood, the factors causing anxiety, nervousness and jumpiness can be mitigated and desired aims and goals of communicating in EFL and ESL can be attained. This study sets out to examine the English language anxiety or Xenoglossophobia among Chinese postgraduates. The participants were selected from department of foreign languages of two well-reputed Chinese universities in Wuhan. Besides, students’ three demographic variables have been used to investigate the English language anxiety i.e. age, gender and time span or years spent in learning English language. Apart from that, three pivotal features of FL or SL, namely communication apprehension (CA), fear of negative evaluation (FNA) and general feeling of anxiety (GFA) derived from Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety scale (FLCAS) devised by Horwitz were also a part of this investigation which was modified to English Language Anxiety Scale (ELAS) as the focal point of this investigation is on L2 or EL. The quantitative research technique was employed for collecting data from 116 Chinese postgraduates majoring in English, both male and female whose ages vary from 20 to 26. The results obtained were analyzed utilizing diverse statistical analysis i.e. Pearson correlation, descriptive statistics, and Multiple Regression. The findings revealed that Chinese learners of English majors experience moderate level of anxiety and no significant correlation was found between English language anxiety and demographic factors. Eventually, Chinese postgraduates were found experiencing mainly “GFA” through Multiple Regression analysis in English as a foreign language.
EFFECT OF FEEDING POMEGRANATE (PUNICA GRANATUM L.) PEELS AND IT´S EXTRACT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF GROWING V-LINE MALE RABBITS

A total number of 45 V-line rabbit males at 5 weeks of age and averaged about 846.25 to 861.25g body weight were used in this study. Animals were distributed randomly into five experimental groups of 9 rabbits per each with three replicates (3 rabbits each). The 1st rabbits group was served as a control group without any supplementation in diet or drinking water. The second and third groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 and 1.5% pomegranate peel powder in the diet, respectively. Whereas, the fourth and fifth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 and 1.5% pomegranate peel extract in the drinking water, respectively. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The results obtained could be summarized as follows: rabbit males drinking pomegranate peel extract at different levels or fed pomegranate peel powder at different levels had significantly (P≤0.05) best values for live body weight and live body weight gain compared with the control rabbits. Rabbits fed 1% pomegranate peel powder consumed significantly (P≤0.05) feed more than other treatment groups or control group. Rabbit drinking 1.5% pomegranate peel extract significantly (P≤0.05) improved feed conversion ratio followed by fed 1% pomegranate peel powder compared to other treatment groups or control group during whole experimental period. A significant (P≤0.05) increase in the digestion coefficient of organic matter with the addition of pomegranate peel extract or powder. Feeding basal diet plus pomegranate peel extract at high level causing lower (P≤0.05) significant the digestion coefficient of ether extract compared to other test diets. Either adding pomegranate peel in the form of powder or control diet led to an increase digest NFE coefficient compared to the addition of pomegranate peel extract. The results also showed the superiority of pomegranate peel extract compared to the addition of pomegranate peel powder to improve the utilization of energy in the form of TDN. Adding pomegranate peel extract was improved DCP significantly (P≤0.05) compared to the addition of PP powder and control diet. Adding pomegranate peel in powder form or in extract form of rabbits significantly (P≤0.05) increased concentration of total protein, globulin and total lipids comparing with control one. The best value of Economic Efficiency (EE) was recorded by group drinking 1.5% pomegranate peel extract. From the present study, it could be concluded that pomegranate peel in powder form by diet or in extract form by drinking water of rabbits improved the growth performance, digestibility coefficients, nutritive values, carcass characteristic and some blood constituents of V-line growing rabbit males.
Degree of Acidity, Salivary Flow Rate and Caries Index in Electronic Cigarette Users in Sleman Regency, Indonesia

Introduction: The Yogyakarta Special Region ranks sixth for highest number of smokers of the 33 provinces in Indonesia. Smokers account for 31.6% of the total population. Sleman Regency ranks fourth in daily consumption of cigarettes of the five regencies or cities in Yogyakarta. The body part most exposed to direct cigarette smoke is the oral cavity. Saliva is a liquid secreted inside the oral cavity to act as a buffer. Nicotine content in conventional cigarettes is known to diminish the salivary flow rate and the acidity (pH) of the saliva. A continual decrease in saliva pH over time may cause dental caries. The use of electronic cigarettes is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) method to help people quit smoking; they emit a lower nicotine level than conventional cigarettes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the saliva pH, salivary flow rates, and caries index of electronic cigarette smokers. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional method to compare the saliva pH, salivary flow rate, and caries index of 30 smokers of electronic cigarettes and 30 non-smokers as a control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 software and considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results: The Mann-Whitney analysis showed a significant difference in the saliva pH between electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers. Independent T-Test analysis showed no significant difference in the salivary flow rates of the two groups. The Mann-Whitney analysis also showed no significant difference in the caries index of the groups. Conclusion: Results indicated that there is a significant difference in the saliva pH of electronic cigarette smokers, while the salivary flow rates and caries indices of electronic cigarette smokers and non-smokers were similar.
Effects of Kaempferia galanga (Ekangi) and Spirulina spp. on the Growth Performance and Feed utilization of Singhi, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794)

A 60 days indoor feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth performance and feed utilization in Heteropneustes fossilis fingerlings fed with three experimental diets viz. control diet, a diet with 1% Kaempferia galanga (Ekangi) and a diet with 1% Spirulina spp. in three treatments i.e. T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Proximate composition of the diets did not differ significantly in three treatments. Analysis of proximate composition of fishes revealed that moisture content was lowest in T2 whereas highest protein and fat content were found in T2 which was significantly different than T1 but not with T3. Ash content was also significantly higher in T2 than T1 and T3. Average Daily Gain (ADG) in T2 was significantly higher than T1 but did not differ with T3 whereas values of Specific Growth Rate (SGR), and Condition factor (K) were higher in T2 than both T1 and T3. Survival rate (%) in T2 was significantly higher than T1 but did not differ with T3. Better Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was observed in T2 which was significantly lower than T1 but did not differ significantly with T3. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was significantly higher in T2 than T1 and T3. It may be suggested that addition of Kaempferia galanga (Ekangi) in the feed of H. fossilis might increase palatability and have positive effects on growth performance and feed utilization.
Study of Injuries among Road Traffic Accident Victim at LLR Hospital, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur U.P

In a bid to analyse the injured cases coming to tertiary care centre a casualty based descriptive study was taken up at G.S. V,M. Medical College ,Kanpur, U.P. ,India. Of the total 6096 medicolegal cases road traffic accident were 1471 and accounted for 24.1% cases. Male victims were 1244, 84.5 % of road traffic accident and female victims were 227 a 15.4 % of Road Traffic Accident. Maximum no. of road traffic accident cases were in 21-30 age group (31.4%), and minimum in 0-10 age group, accounting for 1.42% cases. Head injuries were the commonest form of internal injuries seen in the victims (46.09%)Bone fracture was maximally seen in lower limbs. Traffic accidents occurred maximal during 6 p.m. to 12.00 a.m. Lacerations were the most prevalent type of mechanical injury accounting for 42.21% followed by abrasions 28.16% and the avulsions being the least. Alcohol related accidents were 12.37%.
The impact of crises on investments and financing of Brazilian companies: an approach in the context of financial constraints

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of financial crises on investments and financing of constrained and unconstrained Brazilian firms, specifically analyzing the impact of the 2008 subprime crisis and the 2015 Brazilian economic crisis. For this purpose, the companies were classified as constrained or non-constrained by the criterion of the existence or non-existence of ratings, using quarterly data between Q1 2007 and Q3 2016, and adopting the panel analysis as the method. The results indicate that only the Brazilian crisis of 2015 had a negative impact on corporate investments, with this impact being greater on constrained firms, with evidence that cash was more relevant to these firms. Regarding the impact of crises on leverage, the 2008 subprime crisis showed a greater negative impact on the leverage of constrained firms, accompanied by an increase in the proportion of short-term debt, mainly to these companies.
Special issue in honour of Prof. Reto J. Strasser - JIP-test as a tool to identify salinity tolerance in sweet sorghum genotypes

The effect of salinity on primary photochemical reactions (using JIP-test) in six sweet sorghum genotypes was tested. An increase in salt concentrations induced significantly the accumulation of proline and caused a decline in leaf osmotic potential. Except for 100 mM NaCl concentration, salinity significantly decreased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency of plants. Increasing salinity led to a higher accumulation of QB-nonreducing PSII reaction centers. K-step in OJIP fluorescence transient was observed for the most sensitive genotypes under the high NaCl concentration. The studied sorghum genotypes responded differently to salinity stress. Thus, the study helps understand the plant tolerance mechanisms of different sweet sorghum genotypes to increasing salinity stress. The study also confirmed that the use of JIP-test is suitable for the identification of sorghum genotypes according to their growth under salinity stress.
Comparative Study On Resting Heart Rate, Vital Capacity And Peak Expiatory Flow Rate Between Rural Students Of West Bengal And Western Uttar Pradesh

The aim of the study was to compare the resting heart rate (RHR), vital capacity (VC) and peak expiatory flow rate (PEFR) between rural students of West Bengal and Western Uttar Pradesh. 60 rural school students of West Bengal state (W.B) and 60 rural school students of Western Uttar Pradesh state (W.U.P) were randomly selected. The RHR was measured by using manual process, VC and PEFR were measured by Wet Spirometer and Wrights Mini Peak Flow Meter. T-test was used to find out the significant of the study and level of significant was set at p<0.05. The anthropometric characteristics height, weight and BMI of subjects were assessed, that indicates W.U. P. school student was taller than W.B. school boys, and BMI was not significantly difference between them. The result of the study indicates RHR was not significantly difference and VC and PEFR were significantly difference between school boys of W.B and W.U. P.
IMPACT OF OBESITY ON SUSTAINED VIROLOGIC RESPONSE TO SOFOSBUVIR BASED REGIMENS IN THE EGYPTIAN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS

Hepatitis C virus is one of the flaviviruses that can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Chronic HCV infection often follows a progressive course over years that could result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and possible liver transplantation. Identifying modifiable risk factors that add to progression of the disease in HCV patients aids in choosing treatment approaches and overall disease management. Hepatic fibrosis may occur as a result of obesity, host, virus-mediated factors and hepatic steatosis. Nonetheless, the role of overweight and obesity on hepatitis C progression remains debatable. Nowadays, Direct Acting Antiviral therapy is the cornerstone of treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection aiming to eradicate HCV RNA, which is predicted by reaching sustained virologic response (SVR). This prospective observational cross sectional study assessed the impact of obesity on the SVR to Sofosbuvir based therapy in patients with chronic HCV infection. The study included 188 chronic hepatitis C patients eligible for antiviral therapy according to the Egyptian guidelines issued by the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis. G1: 93 obese patientswith BMI ≥30 kg/m2 & G2: 95 non obese patients with BMI < 30kg/m2. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups; GA received Sofosbuvir & Daclatasvir, GB received Sofosbuvir & Simeprevir while GC received Sofosbuvir & Ledipasvir.The results showed that overall SVR was 96.7% in G1 and 95.7% in G2. There was no association found between stage of fibrosis and SVR, and no significant association reached between obesity and sustained virologic response (SVR) to Sofosbuvir based regimens.
Sea Ice Drift and Arch Formation in the Robeson Channel Using Daily Coverage of Sentinel-1 SAR Data During the 2016–2017 Freezing Season

Abstract. Robeson Channel (RC) is a narrow sea water passage between Greenland and Ellesmere Island in the Arctic. It is a pathway of sea ice from the central Arctic and out to the Baffin Bay. This paper uses a set of daily Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images from Sentinel-1A/1B, acquired between September 2016 and April 2017, to study kinematics of individual ice floes as they approach then drift through the RC. Tracking of 39 selected floes was visually performed in the image sequence and their speed was calculated and linked to the reanalysis 10 m wind from ERA5. Results show that drift of ice floes is remarkably slow while in the compact ice regime upstream of the RC unless the floe is surrounded by water or thin ice. In this case the wind has more influence on the drift. On the other hand, ice floe drift is found to be about 4–5 times faster in the open drift regime within the RC and clearly influenced by wind. A linear trend is found between change in wind and change in ice drift speed components, both along the length of the channel. Case studies are presented to reveal the role of wind on ice floe drift in details. The study also addresses the development of the ice arch at the entry of the channel. It started development on 24 January and matured on 1 February 2017. Details of the formation process, using the sequential SAR images, are presented. The arch’s shape continued to adjust by rupturing ice pieces at locations of cracks under the influence of northerly wind (hence the contour keeps displacing northward). The study highlights the advantage of using the high-resolution daily SAR coverage in monitoring aspects of sea ice cover in narrow water passages where the ice cover is highly dynamic. The information will be particularly interesting for possible applications of SAR constellation systems.
Impact of Steroid Therapy on Early Growth in Infants with Biliary Atresia:The multi-center START trial

Objective: To investigate the impact of corticosteroid therapy on the growth of participants in the Steroids in Biliary Atresia Randomized Trial (START) conducted through the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network. The primary analysis in START indicated that steroids did not have a beneficial effect on drainage in a cohort of infants with biliary atresia (BA). We hypothesized that steroids would have a detrimental effect on growth in these infants. Study design: 140 infants were enrolled in START, with 70 randomized to each treatment arm: steroid and placebo. Length, weight, and head circumference were obtained at baseline and follow up visits to 24 months of age. Results: Steroid treated patients had significantly lower length and head circumference z-scores during the first 3 months post Hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE), and significantly lower weight until 12 months. Growth trajectories in the steroid and placebo arms differed significantly for length (p <0.0001), weight (p=0.009), and head circumference (p<0.0001) with the largest impact noted for those with successful HPE. Growth trajectory for head circumference was significantly lower in steroid treated patients irrespective of HPE status, but recovered during the second 6 months of life. Conclusions: Steroid therapy following HPE in BA is associated with impaired length, weight, and head circumference growth trajectories for at least 6 months post-HPE, especially impacting infants with successful bile drainage.
ANALYSIS OF POVERTY LEVEL AMONG SOME SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN GIREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Reducing poverty has remained foremost among Nigeria’s developmental challenges. This study analysed poverty level among some selected households in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, determine the pattern of income distribution among the respondents, determine the incidence, depth and severity of poverty among the respondents, and lastly, identify the respondents’ coping strategy to poverty in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 80 household heads using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) weighted poverty index, and Lorenz curve. The result revealed that majority of the respondents were male (90%), educated (70%), married (88.57%) and whose primary occupation is mostly farming (50%). Income distribution as shown by the Lorenz curve revealed that, 79% of the respondents cumulatively earn only 56% of the income, indicating an incidence of income inequality. Poverty incidence among the respondents is 60%, having a poverty gap of 27% and a poverty severity of 10%. In response to the challenge of poverty, majority of the respondents adopt agricultural intensification and livelihood diversification (especially in non-farm activities) as coping strategies. The study recommends timely and affordable provision of farm inputs, provision of social amenities and encouraging entrepreneurial skills through training in the area.
Quantum Confinement and the Emission of Visible Light

by Anthony James Ruth This thesis is for a Doctorate of Philosophy in the field of Condensed Matter. This thesis weaves a common thread which connects together everything I have worked on from 2013-2019. The structure of materials at the atomic level dictates their appearance. Conversely, precise optical experiments performed on these materials can be used to determine details of their structure and chemistry. Multiscale modeling was used to build up from the atomic scale and to test hypotheses of lattice dynamics. This document is (hopefully) a useful reference for those who want to understand how to model complex, dynamic systems over multiple orders of magnitude of length and time. This thesis is dedicated to my family. To my older brother, Sam, who was so enamoured by the beauty of mathematics that after a long day of learning, he would come home and teach it to me. To my sister, Maria, who appreciated each thing for what it was whether unique or appealing without regard to utility for which the rest of us were obsessed. To my mother, Julie, who taught me to look up when going under a bridge and to acknowledge a clever solution and not feel too bad about copying it. And to my father, Doug, who gave me my sense of humor. I do hope he will appreciate my attempts to condense this thesis in a visual summary.
Study on an Existing PV/Wind Hybrid System Using Biomass Gasifier for Energy Generation

Untapped pine needles with high potential for energy generation in the hilly area are not only a waste of resource but also increase the chance of environmental hazards as forest fires and GHG emission. This study is conducted to propose a new hybrid system (PV/Wind/Biomass) using abundant pine needle resource as a replacement of existing roof-mounted PV/wind hybrid system and analyse the feasibility using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER). Biomass gasifier is integrated to meet the increased load demand of 29.5 kW from 4.3 kW at the Centre for Energy and Environment Engineering building in NIT-Hamirpur. Both cases (with and without storage) has been considered in this research study. New optimized configuration is found to be a 1kWp PV array, one wind turbine of capacity 5kW, gasifier with a 17 kW capacity, 10 numbers of 12v batteries connected in series and 10 kW converter. The comparative analysis of off-grid hybrid systems shows that the system with the storage unit was more economical with 0.222 $/kWh as the cost of energy generation compared to the system without storage unit. The proposed hybrid system is found more reliable, economical and environment friendly and save about 27815 kg of CO2 per year when only diesel is used to meet the same energy demand. Therefore, biomass gasifier in decentralized small-scale power plants can be a better replacement for diesel generators.
The Health consequences of smoking—50 years of progress : a report of the Surgeon General

The scientific evidence is incontrovertible: inhaling tobacco smoke, particularly from cigarettes, is deadly. Since the first Surgeon General’s Report in 1964, evidence has linked smoking to diseases of nearly all organs of the body. • In the United States, smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths, 32 percent of coronary heart disease deaths, and 79 percent of all cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Contribution of SAQ Exercises and Pliometric Exercises Against Smash in Princess Volleyball Games

This research aims to determine the contribution of push-up training and Box Jump training to the accuracy of the results of the Putri Club Volleyball smash Dispapora Binjai. The sampling technique used is Purposive Sumpling. The number of female athletes as many as 8 people. This research was conducted for 6 weeks with a frequency of exercise 3 times each week. The results of the research analysis concluded that; (1) there is a significant contribution between push-up training on the results of the Putri Club Volleyball Baplap Smash ball Smash results, this is evidenced from the calculation results of Fcount 10.92> ft. 5.21. (2) there was a significant contribution from Box jump training to the results of the Women's Club Volleyball Smash Ball Dispapora Binjai . This is evidenced from the results of the analysis of the hypothesis obtained fcount 10.41> ft. 5.21. (3) there was a significant contribution between push-up and box jump training on the results of the Ladies Club Dispapora Binjai Club Volleyball smash, this was proven by a 6.64> ft. 5.21 score. The conclusion resulting from the results of this study is that overall there is a significant contribution jointly between push-up training and box jumping to the results of the women's volleyball smash club Dispapora Binjai.