Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Political Parties and Diaspora: A Case Study of Romanian Parties’ Involvement Abroad

How do parties organise for success in engaging with their diaspora? This study investigates the impact Romanian diaspora has had on national political parties. It develops an argument based on diaspora recognition, engagement and policy as implemented by old and new parties. The analysis shows that recognition of diaspora in party statutes is not a guarantee for engagement. The latter increases with the use of new online communication strategies, provided there is a demand for such communication platforms. New parties with a strong anti-corruption stance mobilise diaspora online. The policy strategy emphasises diaspora support rather than diaspora return as incumbent parties take a gradual approach based on rights and identity promotion, which increases the economic utility of the engagement. The results are based on the analysis of party statutes, governmental documents, party online communication strategies and interviews with party members.
On the Buoyancy Subrange in Stratified Turbulence

This study is motivated by the importance of the stratified turbulence in geophysical flows. We present a theoretical analysis of the buoyancy subrange based on the theory of strongly stratified turbulence. Some important turbulent scales and their relations are explored. Scaling constants of the buoyancy subrange scaling laws for both kinetic and potential energy spectra are derived and analyzed. It is found that these constants are functions of the horizontal Froude number F r h . For the potential energy spectrum, the scaling constant also depends on the turbulent flux coefficient of Γ .
An Investigation of Afghan Undergraduate English Major Students’ Academic Writing Difficulties

Academic Writing is a core subject that undergraduate students take during their four years of study. However, many students find the subject challenging. Several studies have been conducted to explore the difficulties students face, yet in Afghanistan, little to no research is available. Hence, this project is a small attempt to address this gap. This research aims to look into the difficulties of undergraduate English major students face in Academic Writing. The writing difficulties were investigated in terms of content, structure, and language. A quantitative descriptive method was employed for this study, and a questionnaire was given to 121 undergraduate degree students from the English Department at Kabul University. The research data were analyzed using SPSS. The research findings revealed that the students faced several challenges in Academic Writing in terms of language, structure, and content. Finally, some recommendations to overcome the difficulties and suggestions for future research are provided.
Using films to teach Turkish as a foreign language: A study of classroom practice

In recent years, developing communication skills is the main goal of foreign language learning, so the most effective way of developing this skill is to expose the learners to real life situations. Movies provide exposures to real language, used in authentic settings and in the cultural context. Movies are the most effective audiovisual materials both in teaching basic language skills and reflecting the language and culture used in real life. Movies are frequently used in the teaching of foreign languages ​​ (English, German, French, etc.) that are widely taught. However, studies on the use of films in teaching Turkish as a foreign language are limited. In this study, authentic B1 level activities are developed by using Happiness Mutluluk movie to teach four basic language skills, and to develop intercultural competencies. Fifteen activities are developed according to the achievements regarding to the intercultural competency and communication skills developed by the Maarif Foundation. These activities can develop Turkish language learners’ four language skills, vocabulary knowledge, pronunciation, critical understanding and encouraging them to use language in a creative way. Also, these activities can increase language learners’ intercultural understanding, as well as helping them to become aware of the similarities and differences between cultures. Key words: Cultural transmission, movies, teaching Turkish as a foreign language.
Serum Renin Levels Increase With Age in Boys Resulting in Higher Renin Levels in Young Men Compared to Young Women, and Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Correlates With Renin and Body Mass Index

Background: Age, sex, and body constitution may affect the shedding of membrane bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (mACE2) and lead to a relative mACE2 deficiency. However, it is unclear if differences, reflected by serum renin levels, exist in the basal renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) between children and adults, boys, and girls as well as young women and young men. Furthermore, it remains to be investigated if renin and soluble ACE2 (sACE2) levels are correlated with body mass index (BMI) in children and young adults. The aim of this observational study was to assess age-and sex differences in serum renin, and the relationship between renin, soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and body mass index in a prospectively followed population-based cohort of children which were followed into young adulthood. Study Design: We analyzed renin and sACE2 in serum in a prospectively followed population-based cohort at 9.9 (0.6) [mean (SD)] (n = 173), 11.7 (0.6) (n = 156), 14.8 (0.8) (n = 149), 18.8 (0.3) (n = 93), and 23.5 (0.7) (n = 152) years of age. Height (cm) and weight (kg) was measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m)2. Sex-related differences in renin levels were calculated using analysis of covariance, adjusted for age. Correlations were assessed by calculating the correlation coefficient (R2) using a multivariable linear mixed model. Results: Both sexes had low renin levels up to 12 years of age. Thereafter renin levels increased more in boys than in girls. Males from the age of 15 had significantly higher levels than females (p < 0.001). There was a positive linear relationship between renin and sACE2 levels in male and female subjects (p < 0.001), and between sACE2 levels and BMI in males (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Renin levels increase with age, are higher in men than in women since around puberty, and are correlated with sACE2 levels. Furthermore, sACE2 levels are correlated with body mass index in males. These findings indicate that high renin levels in males and females and a high BMI in males may activate pathways which increase the shedding of mACE2, with possible implications for the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019.
Neural population dynamics in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during paired-associate learning

Abstract Large-scale neuronal recording techniques have enabled discoveries of population-level mechanisms for neural computation. However it is not clear how these mechanisms form by trial and error learning. In this paper we present an initial effort to characterize the change of population activity in monkey prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC) during the learning phase of a paired-associate task. To analyze the population data, we introduce the normalized distance, a dimensionless metric that describes the encoding of cognitive variables from the geometrical relationship among neural trajectories in state space. It is found that PFC exhibits a more sustained encoding of task-relevant variables whereas HPC only transiently encodes the identity of the stimuli. Moreover, PFC and HPC also exhibit learning-dependent changes for the encoding of some task variables. This study shows the feasibility of using normalized distance as a metric to characterize and compare population level encoding of task variables, and suggests further directions to explore the learning-dependent changes in the population activity.
SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Clock and Zoonosis

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), associated with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) coined by World Health Organization, belongs to single stranded RNA viruses (ssRNA Viruses) under Betacoronaviruses. The virus’ molecular dynamics are necessary in the wake of human-human transmissions globally with mortality cases on the rise, thusly the race for a vaccine. As the viral genome expresses more human-biased mutations, the coronavirus disease 2019 continues to infect people in their millions, with the available detection kits limiting the numbers detected out of the population. Understanding the molecular basis of the virus through bioinformatics would speed up the viral diagnostics, management and vaccine generation. Currently, the scientific community seeks to give varied perspectives of what is known of the virus at a cellular level. The knowledge is scattered and requires a consolidated flow on thematic understanding in order to ensue further build up towards curbing the disease. The structure and function of the virus, genome and revealed mutations are critical in directing the SARS-CoV-2 virus and disease understanding. Here, we analyze and review published knowledge on the virus in relation to the molecular specs and evolutionary relationships of the virus. Key words: SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19, RNA viruses.
Treatment and survival outcomes from epithelial ovarian cancer in women aged 65 years or older

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University,230001, Hefei 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei 3Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei 4Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230001, Hefei (China)
Quarantine Exercises in the Time of Covid-19- A Review

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) originating in Wuhan, China in December 2019 spread worldwide rapidly It was declared as a global public health emergency, and subsequently as a pandemic by the WHO, owing to its worldwide spread Currently, Covid-19 is of the gravest concern because of its high transmissibility, high mortality, rapid global spread, lack of knowledge about the disease and lack of management resources Lockdown and self-quarantine measures have been implemented globally by various nations to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 In several nations, fitness centres and other public places, where people are normally active, had been temporarily closed to prevent further spread of infection Being quarantined at home for extended periods makes it challenging to stay physically active Recent studies demonstrated that regular physical activities and exercises lower the incidence of several communicable diseases, including the novel Covid-19 by enhancing the immune system Regular exercises improve the components of physical fitness, which include muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, coordination, balance and agility, which in turn, enhance the physiological functions of the body Regular exercises and relaxation techniques are some significant approaches aimed at improving one's overall health during the quarantine Since organizations and governments worldwide had advised physical activity in quarantine, and also because regular physical activity is beneficial for both the physical and mental health, its role in the quarantine is significant This review highlights the significance of physical activity and exercise in enhancing the well-being of individuals during the quarantine phase of Covid-19 pandemic
Burning the Rechtsstaat: legal institutions and protection of the rule of law

Abstract The economic literature is clear that transparent and impartial rule of law is crucial for successful economic outcomes. However, how does one guarantee rule of law? This paper uses the idea of ‘self-reinforcing’ institutions to show how political institutions may derail rule of law if associated judicial institutions are not self-reinforcing. We illustrate this using the contrasting examples of Estonia and Poland to frame the importance of institutional context in determining both rule of law and the path of legal institutions. Although starting tabula rasa for a legal system is difficult, it worked well for rule of law in Estonia in the post-communist transition. Alternately, Poland pursued a much more gradualist strategy of reform of formal legal institutions; this approach meant that justice institutions, slow to shed their legacy and connection with the past, were relatively weak and susceptible to attack from more powerful (political) ones. We conclude that legal institutions can protect the rule of law but only if they are in line with political institutions, using their self-reinforcing nature as a shield from political whims of the day.
Financial Literacy, Financial Education, and Smoking Behavior: Evidence From Japan

In this study, we examine the relationship between financial literacy, financial education, and smoking behavior among the Japanese population. We hypothesize that financially literate and financially educated people, who have the ability to make more rational decisions, are less likely to smoke. Using the Preference Parameters Study of Osaka University, conducted in 2010 (N = 3,706), the probit regression results show that both financial literacy (with an emphasis on knowledge of investments) and financial education (with an emphasis on savings behavior) have a significant negative impact on smoking behavior. In addition, gender, age, education, marital status, household income and assets, risky behaviors, a myopic view of the future, risk preference, and level of happiness also significantly predict the likelihood of a person being a current smoker. This study provides empirical evidence that enhancing the rational decision-making ability of individuals through financial literacy and financial education may curtail smoking behavior.
Relationship between Aphis spiraecola Patch, 1914 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and citrus foliar minerals

Spring and autumn flushes are generally the most infested periods by citrus aphids. Nevertheless, the role of citrus foliar minerals on aphids is not clear. Thus, this paper aims to study the correlation between certain minerals and the infestation degree of citrus varieties by Aphis spiraecola . Aphid counting was carried out on 12 leaves for each of the six species retained (clementine, lemon, grapefruit and three varieties of mandarin), during autumn (October 2014) and spring (April 2015) flushes. In addition, mineral contents of the leaves in P, K, Na, Ca and Li were measured for the same periods. The results showed that the infestation levels of the studied varieties were higher in the spring flush than in the autumn one. Moreover, analyzes of young leaves showed an important intraspecific (mandarin varieties) and interspecific differences in the mineral composition between the examined citrus trees. The study of the relationship between infestation levels by A. spiraecola and mineral content of the six examined species showed no significant correlation, suggesting a marginal role of the five analyzed minerals in the relation citrus – A. spiraecola .
Effect of digital highlighting on reading comprehension given text-to-speech technology for people with aphasia

ABSTRACT Background Many people with aphasia have a strong desire to participate in reading activities despite persistent reading challenges. Digital reading devices and text-to-speech (TTS) technology are increasing in popularity and have the potential to help people with aphasia. Systematic investigation of modifiable TTS features provides a means of exploring this potential. Aims This study’s aim was to evaluate the effect of digital highlighting synchronised with TTS auditory and written output on reading comprehension by people with aphasia and to determine their highlighting preferences. Methods & Procedures This work was registered with clinicaltrials.gov and assigned the clinical trial registry number 01446 r prior to initiation of data collection. Twenty-five adults with aphasia read and listened to passages presented in three synchronised highlighting conditions: sentence highlighting, single word highlighting, and no highlighting. Participants answered comprehension questions, selected most and least preferred conditions, and provided feedback explaining highlighting preferences. Outcome & Results Comprehension accuracy did not vary significantly across presentation conditions, but participants preferred either single word or sentence highlighting over no highlighting. Conclusions Neither word nor sentence highlighting benefitted or hindered comprehension by people with aphasia as a group, but individual differences may occur. Clinicians should attend to personal preferences when implementing digital highlighting as a reading support strategy.
Managing the social aspects of software development ecosystems: An industrial case study on personality

The social aspects of software development encompass concerns such as motivating practitioners, building effective teams, and developing personal relations. Not surprisingly, perhaps, many software projects fail due to personality conflicts within team members. This study investigates the personality traits of 132 software practitioners by employing a tailored interactive assessment that was specifically developed for software development organizations. To assess the personality characteristics of the software teams as a whole, the results of 20 project teams were visualized by using personality–team radar charts. The validity part of the study was performed through validation interviews with experts from the field, discussing their experiences using the interactive assessment. The findings of this investigation complement those of earlier studies that suggest that productive team members who were working on social isolation showed higher introversion. In particular, this study strengthens the idea that agreeableness was observed in agile teams. Ultimately, the present data also highlight the existence of conscientiousness personalities in agile software development.
Vertical uplift resistance of an innovative plate anchor embedded in sand

Abstract An innovative plate anchor, increasing its bearing section area during uplift is introduced in this paper. In this experimental study, the influence of the embedment ratio (depth of embedment/anchor width) of the plate anchor and anchor width (120, 150, 180, 250 mm) on the anchor pullout capacity and anchor displacement during an uplift test is investigated. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used to study soil deformation around the anchor at the maximum pullout load’s instant. The pullout loads predicted by prevalent theoretical methods have been compared with obtained experimental values. According to PIV analysis, two failure surfaces are observed and two equations are presented to estimate the ultimate pullout load of the shallow and deep opening plate anchor. It was observed that the pullout capacity ( was significantly influenced by anchor embedment ratio, but the anchor displacement corresponding to the maximum pullout load ( increased slightly as the embedment ratio increased. As the anchor width (B) increased, and increased, but the breakout factor (dimensionless pullout load) decreased. For shallow anchors, the sand deformation zone lines formed a curve that extended to the soil surface. For deep anchors, the sand deformation zone formed a truncated cone in the soil.
“Urban interventionism” in welfare and planning: National typologies and “local cultures” in Europe

ABSTRACT Comparative research on welfare and planning has traditionally been based on broadly defined typologies of national welfare state and planning systems, thereby neglecting the role of local “cultures” that help sustain and redevelop underlying institutions and practices. Drawing on a European-wide survey of city mayors, we explore how well the established typologies are reproduced in local welfare and planning cultures, as reflected in mayoral attitudes, and whether there are systematic variations of welfare and planning cultures even within the same country. The findings suggest that nationally based categories of welfare regimes and planning systems do not necessarily correspond with mayors’ preferences for “urban intervention” in service delivery, housing provision, or planning. Local specificities, including permeability to the influence of European institutions and policies, may in fact have a significant impact on mayors’ attitudes in these fields, possibly creating new local understandings as well as pressures for reforming national welfare and planning systems. These conclusions strengthen the argument that “local cultures” are presenting a challenge to national typologies of planning and welfare, and are important elements to take into account when exploring the evolution of urban policies at the local level.
Dietary strategies to reduce methane emissions from ruminants

Ruminant products form an important part of the human diet. The demand for ruminant products is expected to increase due to the increase in the size of the human population and its increasing wealth. The production of ruminant meat and milk is associated with a relatively large environmental impact when compared to other animal products. This is, for a large part, caused by the fact that ruminants produce enteric methane, a greenhouse gas, during the digestion of their feed. Many dietary strategies have been proposed to lower methane production in ruminants, although most of these have only been tested in vitro. In this thesis, a number of dietary strategies, that had been proven effective in vitro, were evaluated for their in vivo efficacy in methane reduction. A mixture of lauric acid, myristic acid, linseed oil and calcium fumarate lowered methane production by 10% in lactating dairy cows. However, fat and protein corrected milk production was negatively affected by feeding this mixture. Despite the methane reduction, energy balance was unaltered in this study. Diallyldisulfide, yucca powder, calcium fumarate, an extruded linseed product and a mixture of capric and caprylic acid did not affect methane production in lactating dairy cows, although their efficacy had been demonstrated in vitro. The addition of nitrate and sulfate to sheep diets lowered in vivo methane emissions (-32% and -16%, respectively), presumably by acting as a hydrogen sink in the rumen. No negative side-effects of feeding nitrate or sulfate were observed in this study. The use of nitrate in methane mitigation was further evaluated in a long-term study with dairy cows. Dietary nitrate persistently lowered methane production by 16% in dairy cows over the 89-d experimental period. Despite this reduction in methane production, milk production or energy retention were not improved. Methemoglobin levels in blood were slightly elevated, when nitrate was fed to dairy cows. Further analysis of the efficacy of nitrate in methane mitigation demonstrated that the efficacy of nitrate in methane mitigation decreased with increasing dose of nitrate (expressed in g nitrate/kg 0.75 per day). The conversion of metabolizable energy gained from a lowering of methane production may be less efficient than is commonly assumed. This could originate from a shift from methane to hydrogen emissions, when methane is specifically inhibited, or from erroneous assumptions made in the calculation of heat production during indirect respiration calorimetry. Dietary fat addition may be an effective strategy to lower methane production from ruminants, although the fatty acid profile of the added fat does not appear to have additional effects on methane production from ruminants. When assessing the environmental impact of ruminant products, it is generally overlooked that ruminants are capable of transforming feed not accessible to humans into human food.