Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF GRAMMATICAL COHESION IN THE TEXT QUALITY AMONG JORDANIAN EFL STUDENTS IN EXPOSITORY ESSAYS

The present paper shares interest that many scholars and linguists have highlighted in investigating the relationship between writing quality and grammatical cohesion devices. The aim of this study is to find out the relationship between the use of grammatical cohesive devices on the overall quality of expository essays produced by EFL fourth-year undergraduate students majoring in the English language at the Department of English language and literature Hashemite University in Jordan. It seeks to determine the efficacy of academic writing by Jordanian EFL students. Thirty purposive samples of compositions were collected and analyzed by the researcher to measure the relationship between the score of the writing quality and the grammatical cohesion devices in students' writing based on (1) analytical scale Jacob et al., (1981), and (2) Halliday and Hasan (1976) taxonomy of grammatical cohesion. The results showed that grammatical cohesive devices did not constitute a statistically significant correlation with the score of writing quality. It also revealed that the EFL students' written compositions were not successful due to their incapability to utilize the different forms of grammatical cohesive devices and their lack of knowledge about effectively using these devices in their academic writing.
Degradation processes and adaptive strategies in communal forests of Argentine dry Chaco. Integrating stakeholder knowledge and perceptions

ABSTRACT Forest replacement and degradation driven by crop expansion and livestock intensification are some of the main global socio-ecological threats, severely affecting the dry Chaco region (main dry forest in America). By involving stakeholders, whose actions are decisive in dealing with the problem under analysis, we assessed the interactions among processes of multiple dimensions and spatial scales, currently controlling communal forest degradation in 11 peasant communities of Taboada, Ibarra and Salavina departments, in Santiago del Estero province, Argentina. Then, by reconstructing historical processes undergone by these communities over the last century, we analyzed how different system settings have conducted to the system collapse (forests and community loss) or strengthened its adaptive capacity facing natural disturbances (droughts) and anthropogenic stressors (economic shocks, land disputes). This work unveils system attributes related to native resource management and economic diversification on the farm, family and community structure, and social networking with peasant organizations and other institutions, crucial for building social–ecological resilience. Alternative trajectories are shown towards degradation (throughout a downward spiral, often followed by peasant exodus and deforestation) or restoration. Our results would explain why forest (protection) law and state subsidies aimed at sustainable management have been insufficient and suggest some clues to reorient them.
Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy with Altered Cisplatin Regimen inManagement of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract Purpose: Evaluation the tolerability, toxicity profile, and the outcome of treating locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with altered cisplatin dose regimen concomitantly with radiotherapy. Materials and methods: This study was based on a retrospective analysis of 48 patients treated with Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using fractionated cisplatin doses of 20 mg/m2 from days 1 to 5 in the first and fifth weeks of radiotherapy. The follow-up was performed during the treatment and four weeks after the end of radiation in cooperation with the Otorhinolaryngology department. Results: 45 patients (93.8%) out all 48 completed the whole treatment protocol. The incidence of grade II or acute toxicities were: mucositis 64.6%, dysphagia 50% and grade II or III haematological events 14.6%. The late toxicities included: Xerostomia 33.3% dysphagia 29.2% trismus 14.6% deafness 14.6% dysgeusia 16.7%. The median follow-up time was 3.7 years after the treatment. 15 patients (31.3%) experienced recurrences and the 2- year disease free survival (DFS) was 70.8%. The 2-year overall survival (OS) was 85.4% among all patients. Conclusion: The studied altered cisplatin protocol shows higher compliance and tolerability in comparison to the standard high cisplatin schedule and similar to the weekly one. Regarding the OS and DFS, the study shows comparable results with other cisplatin regimens. However, further phase III randomized multicentre studies are required to determine the most effective and least toxic cisplatin regimen in head and neck cancer patients treated with CCRT.
The Impact of Public Information on Commodity Market Performance: The Response of Corn Futures to USDA Corn Production Forecasts

This paper examines the impact of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) projections of annual corn output on the price of corn futures. We tested if output projections significantly drive responses to the futures market. We also tested if the accuracy of past projections influences market response to the current projections. For each month—from May (planting month) to October (harvesting month)—we estimated a system of equations representing the daily opening, closing, high-, and low-futures prices. These equations test the forecast’s impacts on both price levels and daily variances. We found USDA’s projection of annual corn production influenced future prices and daily variances. The projection moved the future price closer to the October harvest price, and its impact lingered for several days. We found errors in past output projections have only a small effect on the projection impacts on future prices.
Undergraduate medical education in Nigeria: current standard and the need for advancement

The post-independence era in Nigeria ushered in an array of fundamental structuring and development in all sectors of the Nigerian economy including medical education and training. This era saw the establishment of medical schools across the country which mirrored the medical curriculum of British universities. This paper dives into the general structure of undergraduate medical education in Nigeria, its historical background and how it compares with neighboring and distant countries. Since the undergraduate medical education curriculum has not seen significant modifications since conception, this paper presents the challenges of the existent structure to include biased admission process, emphasis on irrelevant pre-medical courses, paucity of of technologically-advanced teaching and learning aids, increased workloads of lecturers amongst others. Importantly, solutions and recommendations are prescribed in this paper, which if considered, may improve undergraduate medical training in Nigeria, and ultimately improve the standard of healthcare service provision in the country.
Determinants of e-learning acceptance amongst Iranian postgraduate students

E-learning can address some of the unmet needs of learners and educational communities; however, not all learners and educators accept e-learning as a delivery modality. This research endeavored to study the factors which affect e-learning acceptance among Iranian post-graduate students using the Davis Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and to identify the changes which would facilitate their improved acceptance and subsequent wider use of e-learning. This descriptive-correlation study was conducted by surveying 320 Iranian postgraduate students using a self-reporting questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis through LISREL software. Results revealed sufficient validity and reliability of the TAM among Iranian postgraduate medical students. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness of e-learning, students’ attitudes toward e-learning, and the intention to use e-learning positively affected e-learning’s acceptance (p < 0.05) among Iranian postgraduate students. According to the results, attitudes toward e-learning have more predictive power than other TAM constructs. Therefore, emphasis on students’ favorable attitudes toward e-learning can be effective in accelerating its acceptance and will progress students’ learning outcomes.
With Parkinson ' s Disease Diffusion Tensor Imaging Reveals White Matter Changes Associated With Cognitive Status in Patients

Objective: Cognitive deficit and white matter alteration relationships in Parkinson’s disease (PD) were investigated. Methods: Comparison of 64 patients with PD (M:F, 34:30; 64.4 + 10.4 years) classified as cognitively normal (PD-CogNL, n 1⁄4 24), mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI, n1⁄4 30), and dementia (PD-D, n1⁄4 10) with 21 healthy participants (M:F, 10:11; 60.1 + 13.6 years) was conducted using white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), region-of-interest analysis, and diffusion tensor imaging. Results: The PD-D and PD-MCI exhibited higher Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores (P < .001; P < .01) and Hoehn-Yahr stages (P < .001; P < .05) and FA reductions in left frontal/right temporal white matter and bilateral anterior cingulated bundles. Largest FA reductions occurred in PD-D left anterior cingulated bundle and corpus callosum splenium. Disease durations of PD-D 1⁄4 6.8 + 6.86, PD-MCI 1⁄4 5.1 + 2.9, and PD-CogNL 1⁄4 4.7 + 3.4 years, suggesting progressive deterioration. Conclusions: Cerebral white matter deterioration may underlie progressive cognitive impairment in PD.
Randomized Clinical Trial Two-Year Exercise Program Improves Physical Function in Parkinson ' s Disease : The PRET-PD

Background. The progressive resistance exercise (PRE) in Parkinson’s disease trial (PRET-PD) showed that PRE improved the motor signs of PD compared to a modified Fitness Counts (mFC) program. It is unclear how long-term exercise affects physical function in these individuals. Objective. To examine the effects of long-term PRE and mFC on physical function outcome measures in individuals with PD. Methods. A preplanned secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 38 patients with idiopathic PD who completed the PRET-PD trial. Participants were randomized into PRE or mFC groups and exercised 2 days/week up to 24 months. Blinded assessors obtained functional outcomes on and off medication at baseline, 6 and 24 months with the Modified Physical Performance Test, 5 times sit to stand test, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, 6 minute walk test (6MWT), and 50-ft walking speed (walk speed). Results. The groups did not differ on any physical function measure at 6 or 24 months (Ps > .1). Across time, all physical function measures improved from baseline to 24 months when tested on medication (Ps < .0001), except for 6MWT (P = .068). Off medication results were similar except that the 6MWT was now significant. Conclusions. Twenty-four months of supervised and structured exercise (either PRE or mFC) is effective at improving functional performance outcomes in individuals with moderate PD. Clinicians should strive to include structured and supervised exercise in the long-term plan of care for individuals with PD.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Digital Storytelling Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Mata Pelajaran Dasar Desain Grafis

Perkembangan Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi saat ini telah berkembang sangat pesat, hal ini dibuktikan dengan bermunculan peralatan teknologi canggih yang telah mengubah gaya hidup manusia pada saat ini. Sebagai seorang guru tentunya kita harus dapat menyesuaikan cara mendidik mereka sesuai dengan cara hidup mereka diera digital. Guru dituntut untuk melakukan sebuah inovasi dalam proses pembelajaran di dalam kelas, untuk mendukung kebutuhan yang diperlukan dalam menerapkan pembelajaran aktif di kelas perlu adanya media yang dapat menunjang dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran tersebut secara maksimal untuk memacu kemampuan komunikasi efektif melalui pembelajaran aktif yang mengintegrasikan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi yaitu Digital Storytelling (bercerita digital) yang merupakan suatu strategi penggunaan program aplikasi komputer yang menggabungkan antara media audio dan visual. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian kuantitatif dengan jenis pre experimental designs dengan bentuk penelitian one group pretest posttest design. Pengambilan keputusan uji hipotesis menggunakan bantuan program SPSS versi 25. Teknik pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji paired sampel t-test dan uji regresi linier sederhana. Hasil yang diperoleh melalui uji paired sampel t-test di SPSS versi 25 yaitu diketahui nilai sig. (2- tailed) sebesar 0,001. Sesuai dengan dasar pengambilan keputusan dalam uji paired sampel T-test bahwa nilai sig. (2-tailed) < 0,05 atau 0,001 < 0,05, maka H0 ditolak dan Ha diterima. Artinya terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara hasil pretest dan posttest. Untuk mengetahui berapa persen pengaruh tersebut, maka perlu dicari koefisien determinasi (R Square) dengan uji regresi linier sederhana di SPSS versi 25 dan ditemukan bahwa pengaruh Digital Storytelling terhadap hasil belajar siswa sebesar 0,142 atau 14,2% yang dapat disimpulkan bahwa Digital Storytelling memberikan pengaruh yang sangat rendah terhadap hasil belajar siswa di SMKN 1 Kendit.
Experienced barriers of care within European treatment seeking transgender individuals: A multicenter ENIGI follow-up study

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the experienced barriers of care for treatment-seeking trans individuals (TSTG) in three large European clinics. Methods: An online follow-up questionnaire was filled out by 307 TSTG individuals as part of the research protocol of the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). Data was collected during follow-up in 2017/2018, around 5 years after participants had their initial clinical appointments in Ghent (Belgium), Amsterdam (the Netherlands), or Hamburg (Germany). Background characteristics, country, treatment characteristics and mental health were analyzed in relation to experienced barriers of care (EBOC, measured though agreement with statements). Results: The majority of participants reported various EBOC, oftentimes more than one. The most-frequently reported EBOCs pertained to the lack of family and friends’ support (28.7%, n = 88) and travel time and costs (27.7%, n = 85), whereas around one-fifth felt hindered by treatment protocols. Also, a significant share expressed the feeling that they had to convince their provider they needed care and/or express their wish in such way to increase their likelihood of receiving care. A higher number of EBOCs reported was associated with more mental health problems, lower income and female gender. Conclusions: A substantial number of TSTG individuals within three European health care systems experiences EBOCs. EBOCs relate to both personal and systemic characteristics. These findings can help health care providers and centers to improve care. More research must be done to better understand the diversity among TSTG individuals and the corresponding barriers experienced. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/26895269.2021. 1964409
Fundamental movement skills and sensory movement strategies to support online learning in early childhood

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge for parents when helping children to find solutions to problems faced primarily in the learning process and to aid children with being involved in online learning. In some children at an early age, the online learning process becomes tougher because children will experience obstacles, such as difficulty maintaining concentration and being easily distracted;thus, they will not be actively involved in the learning process. The purpose of this study was on actions during the online teaching–learning process in an early childhood class. In this research, the case involved a bounded context and consisted of a preschool group of younger children between 1 and 3 years of age and their preschool teachers. The focus during the observation was on the child–adult interactions during different activities and different times of the day during the online teaching–learning process. The aim was to identify if and to which extent preschool teachers had similar ways of engaging in activities during their interactions with children online using the Zoom platform, especially regarding movement learning. This research was designed as a case study using a qualitative approach. Children who are of early age in their daily life need the ability to move in a systematic and controlled way, such as running, jumping, playing with objects, and self-control. Learning movement with fundamental movements and sensory movements are alternatives for providing children with a sensory experience and a solution to movement learning. These activities are integrated into learning processes in early childhood. Thus, fundamental exercises of skill and sensory movement online in terms of learning participation and independent experiences in children’s early learning classes are crucial to optimize the children’s growth and development, especially in the physical aspect of their early childhood motor development. © 2021, Editura Universitatii din Pitesti. All rights reserved.
Relaxin Attenuates Organ Fibrosis via an Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Mechanism in Aged Hypertensive Female Rats

Visual Abstract Key Points Relaxin attenuates tissue fibrosis in an organ- and age-specific manner. The antifibrotic actions of relaxin are mediated via an angiotensin type 2 receptor mechanism. Relaxin replacement therapy is a potential antifibrotic for cardiovascular and kidney disease in postmenopausal women. Background The antifibrotic effects of recombinant human relaxin (RLX) in the kidney are dependent on an interaction between its cognate receptor (RXFP1) and the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) in male models of disease. Whether RLX has therapeutic effects, which are also mediated via AT2R, in hypertensive adult and aged/reproductively senescent females is unknown. Thus, we determined whether treatment with RLX provides cardiorenal protection via an AT2R-dependent mechanism in adult and aged female stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). Methods In 6-month-old (6MO) and 15-month-old ([15MO]; reproductively senescent) female SHRSP, systolic BP (SBP), GFR, and proteinuria were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment with vehicle (Veh), RLX (0.5 mg/kg per day s.c.), or RLX+PD123319 (AT2R antagonist; 3 mg/kg per day s.c.). Aortic endothelium–dependent relaxation and fibrosis of the kidney, heart, and aorta were assessed. Results In 6MO SHRSP, RLX significantly enhanced GFR by approximately 25% (P=0.001) and reduced cardiac fibrosis (P=0.01) as compared with vehicle-treated counterparts. These effects were abolished or blunted by PD123319 coadministration. In 15MO females, RLX reduced interstitial renal (P=0.02) and aortic (P=0.003) fibrosis and lowered SBP (13±3 mm Hg; P=0.04) relative to controls. These effects were also blocked by PD123319 cotreatment (all P=0.05 versus RLX treatment alone). RLX also markedly improved vascular function by approximately 40% (P<0.001) in 15MO SHRSP, but this was not modulated by PD123319 cotreatment. Conclusions The antifibrotic and organ-protective effects of RLX, when administered to a severe model of hypertension, conferred cardiorenal protection in adult and reproductively senescent female rats to a great extent via an AT2R-mediated mechanism.
How media influence is perceived by professional soccer players: a qualitative case study in Portugal

Abstract Over the years, the relationship between soccer and the media has been changing and intensifying, given the professionalism of its organizations, the growth of the media and the impact they have in society. This study aims to analyze how media influence is perceived by professional soccer players, particularly on their sports performance. For this purpose, open and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 soccer players (aged between 18 and 36 years) belonging to nine professional soccer clubs of the first and second Portuguese division with subsequent content analysis using a process of a priori and a posteriori categorization. Our results show that the relationship between the media and soccer players was considered close and occurs spontaneously; the interviewees considered that the media influences their mood, can affect their performance and public opinion in general but not exactly the match results. It can be concluded that the influence of the media is perceived as relevant by professional soccer players, with a possible impact on their performance, which suggests the importance of developing psychological skills as a strategy to cope with that stress.
Mindfulness, recovery-stress balance, and well-being among university dance students

ABSTRACT Dance students face many physical and psychological stressors in their training and daily lives, therefore methods for coping with stress are essential for performance enhancement and general wellbeing. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between mindfulness, stress, recovery, and wellbeing among university level vocational dance students. Seventy-two dance students at two Australian universities completed online self-report measures of mindfulness, recovery-stress states, and affect. Correlation coefficients indicated a significant positive relationship between mindfulness and positive affect, and significant negative relationships between mindfulness and stress, and mindfulness and negative affect. MANOVA revealed differences between high mindfulness and low mindfulness groups on general stress, negative affect, and dance-specific recovery. The findings suggested that low mindfulness may be a risk factor for stress in general, and improvements in mindfulness may provide a protective buffer for students coping with a vast array of general and dance-specific demands.
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) from Synthesis to Functionalized (CNTs) Using Conventional and New Chemical Approaches

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged worldwide because of their remarkable properties enlarging their field of applications. Functionalization of CNTs is a convenient strategy to tackle low dispersion and solubilization of CNTs in many solvents or polymers. It can be done by covalent or noncovalent surface functionalization that is briefly discussed regarding the current literature. Endohedral and exohedral are conventional methods based on covalent and van der Waals bonding forces that are created through CNT functionalization by various materials. In this paper, a review of new approaches and mechanisms of functionalization of CNTs is proposed, including amidation, fluorination, bromination, chlorination, hydrogenation, and electrophilic addition. Our analysis is supported by several characterization methods highlighting recent improvements hence extending the range of applicability of CNTs.