Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teacher Professional Development as a Catalyst for Faculty Development: The Case of a University in China

Teacher professional development (TPD) is integral for faculty development through quality teacher performances and student outcomes. Prior research on TPD indicates that school leaders at the helm of educational affairs are responsible for implementing and sustaining TPD activities for better school improvement. In the higher education (HE) context, fewer research studies have been conducted on TPD. Most HE institutions still struggle to implement, sustain, and improve TPD in China and significant parts of the world. The qualitative research utilized a case study approach to solicit information from two deans of a selected university faculty in China reputable for its TPD programs. The three key leadership practices explored in this study were; how leadership support TPD, the role of TPD in faculty development, and the challenges of TPD in the HE context. Findings from the study indicate that China's hierarchical structure has positively affected TPD programs in this university due to the Chinese culture and tradition. Clear and concrete policies emerged as an essential step towards TPD implementation. Motivational strategies such as incentives and academic conferences have been identified as integral factors for TPD sustainability. Also, mentorship and collaboration among teachers and other stakeholders were integral to enhancing teachers' research capacity. Educators should ensure the evaluation and supervision of TPD for it to achieve its intended goals.
Generating Ensemble Streamflow Forecasts: A Review of Methods and Approaches Over the Past 40 Years

Ensemble forecasting applied to the field of hydrology is currently an established area of research embracing a broad spectrum of operational situations. This work catalogs the various pathways of ensemble streamflow forecasting based on an exhaustive review of more than 700 studies over the last 40 years. We focus on the advanced state of the art in the model‐based (dynamical) ensemble forecasting approaches. Ensemble streamflow prediction systems are categorized into three leading classes: statistics‐based streamflow prediction systems, climatology‐based ensemble streamflow prediction systems and numerical weather prediction‐based hydrological ensemble prediction systems. For each ensemble approach, technical information, as well as details about its strengths and weaknesses, are provided based on a critical review of the studies listed. Through this literature review, the performance and uncertainty associated with the ensemble forecasting systems are underlined from both operational and scientific viewpoints. Finally, the remaining key challenges and prospective future research directions are presented, notably through hybrid dynamical ‐ statistical learning approaches, which obviously present new challenges to be overcome in order to allow the successful employment of ensemble streamflow forecasting systems in the next decades. Targeting students, researchers and practitioners, this review provides a detailed perspective on the major features of an increasingly important area of hydrological forecasting.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of E-cigarette Users in Thai College Student

Background: Electronic cigarette (E-cigarette) has gained popularity internationally. It was claimed to be a novel way of smoking cessation. Previous reports regarding E-cigarette in Thai college student were limited. We investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of e-cigarette smoking in Thai college students. Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of E-cigarette user in college students in Bangkok in January 2018. We used simple random sampling method and self-interviewed anonymous online questionnaire. The primary outcome was the prevalence of E-cigarette user. Secondary outcome were the characteristics and risk factors of E-cigarette users. Result: There were 1302 college students which 535 students (41.1%) were male, and 767 students (58.9%) were female. 289 students (22.2%) were E-cigarette users. 223 students had history of both cigarette and E-cigarette used. History of cigarette used in 30 days, history of cigarette used not in 30 days, water pipe user, marijuana user and male were risk factors of using E-cigarette by adjusted odds ratio 24.59 (95% CI 13.31- 45.43), 15.12 (95% CI 9.06 – 25.23), 10.08 (95% CI 6.38 – 15.92), 11.59 (95% CI 4.61 – 29.14), 1.90 (95% CI 1.25 – 2.90) respectively. Studying in non-health faculties was the risk factor for E-cigarette used with adjusted odds ratio of 2.07 (95% CI 1.05 – 4.10). Conclusion: Prevalence of E-cigarette users in Thai college student was high. Risk factors included male, history of cigarette smoking, marijuana use, water pipe and studying in non-health associated faculty. Effective control and education are needed.
Increased Clinical Pregnancy Outcomes; of Vitrified Blastocyst on Different Days of Embryo Development: Day 5 Compared to Day 6 Transfer

This review article demonstrates and shows the embryo transfer process in ART treatment; It also compares different embryo transfer timing and days to evaluate the pregnancy and implantation rates with day three versus day five embryo and day five versus day six embryo transfer. The review was carried out to prove that day five embryo transfer has better clinical pregnancy outcomes than day 3; thus, the embryo would spend more time developing blastocytes. Furthermore, day five embryo transfer is also preferred over day six embryo transfer since it fits the implementation window and endometrium receptivity.
Empathy and Perceived Stress among College Students

In the present study, the researchers have attempted to assess the relationship between empathy and perceived stress among college students of Karnataka and West Bengal in India. The data was collected using the Basic Empathy Scale for Adults (BES-A) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) from a sample of 214 college students, in which 107 were boys and 107 were girls. The study found that there was no significant relationship between their cognitive empathy and perceived stress but a significant relationship between their affective empathy and perceived stress was found and the correlation was found to be positive. The study also found that there was a significant gender difference in empathy among college students and girls had a higher empathy than boys whereas in case of perceived stress, no significant gender difference was found although the girls showed higher perceived stress levels than boys but the difference in their perceived stress levels was minimal. The implications of nurturing empathy and reducing perceived stress among the college students are discussed.
Expression Levels of B Cell Receptor (BCR) Signaling Pathway Factors are Associated with Conversion from Clinically Isolated Syndrome to Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: We have previously shown altered blood B cells in the first attack blood samples of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients, who converted to multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to investigate levels of B cell receptor (BCR)-associated genes expression in converting CIS (CIS-c) and non-converting CIS patients (CISnc) with a 5-year follow-up. Methods: Seven CIS-c patients, 12 CIS-nc patients and 10 agesex matched healthy donors were enrolled in this study. RNA was extracted from frozen peripheral blood cells of subjects that were obtained in the first attack using a RNA isolation kit. Expression levels of B-cell adaptor protein with ankyrin repeats 1 (BANK1), B lymphocyte kinase (BLK) and Fc receptor-like protein 2 (FCRL2) genes were evaluated samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: CIS-nc patients showed elevated BANK1, BLK and FCRL2 gene expression levels as compared to CIS-c patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: Expression levels of the genes that inhibit BCR signaling are increased in CIS-nc, suggesting that inhibiting exaggerated B cell response by optimization of B cell proliferation may prevent the progression of clinically isolated syndrome to MS.
Teacher’s Corrective Feedback in Paragraph Writing in Terms of Accuracy: Teacher’s Comments Vs. Error Marking

The aim of this paper is investigating whether teacher’s corrective feedback (Teacher’s comment vs. error marking) caused any differential effects on the paragraph writing in term of accuracy by Iranian EFL learners. The participants were divided into two groups. Experimental group1 and experimental group 2 forty learners in intermediate level formed two groups, 20 learners in each group. One experimental group did not receive teacher’s comment in terms of grammar during four alternative weeks; the other group received teacher’s comment. The statistical analysis indicated that the second group performed better than the group which did not receive teachers’ comment in terms of accuracy in paragraph writing. Therefore, these results suggested that teachers’ corrective feedback has pedagogical value, and teachers’ corrective feedback promoted learners' grammatical accuracy in L2 writing more effectively.
Effects of Payment on User Engagement in Online Courses

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have the potential to democratize education by improving access. Although retention and completion rates for nonpaying users have not been promising, these statistics are much brighter for users who pay to receive a certificate upon completing the course. We investigate whether paying for the certificate option can increase engagement with course content. In particular, we consider two effects: (1) the certificate effect, which is the boost in motivation to stay engaged to receive the certificate; and (2) the sunk-cost effect, which arises solely because the user paid for the course. We use data from over 70 courses offered on the Coursera platform and study the engagement of individual participants at different milestones within each course. The panel nature of the data enables us to include controls for intrinsic differences between nonpaying and paying users in terms of their desire to stay engaged. We find evidence that the certificate and sunk-cost effects increase user engagement by approximately 8%–9% and 17%–20%, respectively. Whereas the sunk-cost effect is transient and lasts for only a few weeks after payment, the certificate effect lasts until the participant reaches the grade required to be eligible to receive the certificate. We discuss the implications of our findings for how platforms and content creators may design course milestones and schedule payment of course fees. Given that greater engagement tends to improve learning outcomes, our study serves as an important first step in understanding the role of prices and payment in enabling MOOCs to realize their full potential.
“United in diversity”: The interplay of social network characteristics and personality in predicting outgroup attitudes

Diversity in social relations is important for reducing prejudice. Yet, the question of when this occurs remains open. Using a social network approach, we test whether the link between outgroup attitudes and number of intra- and intergroup contacts is moderated by type of relationship (strong vs. weak ties) and personality (openness to experience) while also considering network structure (connections between contacts). In a culturally diverse sample of 122 immigrants residing in Barcelona, positive outgroup attitudes were predicted by several network characteristics: low proportion of intragroup contacts and high proportion of intergroup contacts among strong ties, high ethnic diversity among strong ties, low connectedness among contacts in the country of origin, and high connectedness between coethnic local and host national contacts. Openness to experience moderated these effects. These results affirm the intergroup benefits of having compositionally and structurally diverse networks, and the gain in examining intergroup dynamics at the meso level of analysis.
In vitro characterisation of the rumen fermentation pattern of the cell wall fraction from several fibrous sources

Aim of study: To isolate fibre effect from other factors when comparing fibrous sources, the rumen fermentation pattern of extracted cell walls was studied.Material and methods: Cell wall fractions from soybean hulls (SH), sugarbeet pulp (BP), palm kernel cake (PK), oat hulls (OH), dehydrated alfalfa meal (DA) and barley straw (BS) were incubated in four 48 h series.Main results: Cell wall extraction efficiency was ± 0.07 units over the neutral detergent fibre content, except for PK, which recovery was 0.20. Gas produced from BP and SH was higher (p<0.05) from 6 h. PK behaved similarly to SH from 6 to 24 h but maintained constant thereafter, whereas gas volume from OH was the lowest from 24 to 48 h (p<0.05). All substrates recorded a maximum rate of gas production at 12 h, except OH, for which fermentation was constant on time. The organic matter disappearance after 48 h incubation agreed with these results, being higher with BP and SH, whereas OH was the lowest (p<0.05). The proportion of methanein total gasproduced was higher in OH than BP at 36 and 48 h (p<0.05). The highest total VFA concentration was recorded with BP (p<0.05). Propionate proportion was enhanced from BP, BS and SH, and that of butyrate was higher with PK and OH, whereas no differences among substrates were recorded in acetate proportion.Research highlights: Fermentation of the cell wall fraction of fibrous feeds is not directly linked to its chemical composition, not even to its lignin proportion.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Benin (#CCG)

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Benin, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Elicitor-induced phenolic acids accumulation in Salvia virgata Jacq. hairy root cultures

Phenolic acids, as the predominant secondary metabolites of Salvia plants, are largely used in pharmaceutical industries. The main aim of the study was to establish hairy root cultures of Salvia virgata Jacq. Also, the effects of methyl jasmonate (22.4 and 11.2 ppm), Ag + ions (5 and 2.5 ppm) and yeast extract (100 and 50 ppm) were assessed on total phenol, total flavonoid, rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid A contents in the hairy roots after 1, 3 and 5 days of exposure. Results showed that Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains (A4, ATCC15834, R1000, GM1534 and C58C1) had different potential to induce hairy roots on leaf explants. The transformed roots were molecularly confirmed using rolC gene, and the highest transformation frequency (56%) was obtained by ATCC15834 strain. Among the established hairy root lines, the highest amount of rosmarinic acid (0.45 ± 0.01 mg/g DW) and dry root biomass (2.29 ± 0.04 g) was obtained in AT3, the line which was induced by ATCC15834 strain. The maximum accumulation of total phenol (123.6 ± 0.93 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (5.09 ± 0.07 mg QUE/g DW), rosmarinic acid (18.45 ± 0.8 mg/g DW) and salvianolic acid A (2.11 ± 0.04 mg/g DW) was observed in the hairy roots elicited with 22.4 ppm methyl jasmonate on day three after treatment. The results support that elicitation could be an effective procedure for the improvement of caffeic acid derivatives production in S. virgata hairy root cultures. The results of this study approved that the application of elicitors is an effective procedure for the stimulation of phenolic acids production in the hairy root cultures of Salvia virgata Jacq.
Extinction Rebellion: Green activism and the fantasy of leaderlessness in a decentralized movement

This article interrogates the idea of leadership in a decentralized organization, using Extinction Rebellion (XR) as a case study. Through close observation of this environmental movement, we problematize the notion of leaderless organizations and question whether the idea of a hierarchy- and power-free ‘decentralized organization’ is a fantasmatic endeavour. Psychoanalytic analysis of discussions between XR members following two disruptive actions during XR’s International Rebellion in October 2019 reveals that these actions temporarily provoked members to question the attainability and effectiveness of XR’s so-called ‘leaderless autonomous organization’. This article contributes to psychoanalytic studies of leadership and to the social movements literature and argues that the power relations present in any form of organized endeavour must be recognized in order to develop effective and democratic activism.
Conversations on Covid-19: a viewpoint on care, connections and culture during the pandemic from a teacher educator and an Irish Traveller

In March 2020 when life as we know it changed, we adhered to a new set of rules and a new normal that Covid-19 imposed on not only the population of Ireland but on the entire world. Throughout this experience, the co-authors of this paper engaged in a series of phone, email, Zoom and WhatsApp conversations, reflecting on how their lives changed and what that meant for them as a teacher educator/project coordinator and student on the Tobar programme in Marino Institute of Education. Tobar is a Higher Education Authority funded initiative aimed at increasing participation in initial teacher education for members of the Travelling community. Drawing on a narrative inquiry approach, the co-authors present vignettes of their respective situations on Tobar during the pandemic. Care, connections, and culture were strong themes that emanated from the conversations. Notwithstanding strict limitations, the relational dimension of Tobar was further cultivated and maintained in these unprecedented times.
Shiga-Like Toxin Produced by Local Isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Induces Apoptosis of the T47 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Purpose: It has been suggested that Shiga-like toxins produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7 could be used as novel therapeutic agents against malignant tumors. In addition, the antitumor potency of local isolates from Indonesia, which are known to be less toxic than the control isolate ATCC 43894, has not yet been tested. The study aimed to analyze local strains of E. coli O157:H7 as a proapoptosis agent on the T47 breast cancer cell line. Methods: As many as 30 culture cells of T47D breast cancer cell line were subjected to purified extracts of Shiga-like toxin originating from 5 local isolates of E. coli O157:H7: KL-48(2), SM-25(1), SM-7(1), DS-21(4), and 1 isolate ATCC 43894 which was used as a control. Toxin production of each isolate was detected using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the treatment of cell lines was observed for 24 hours, with 2 replications; 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide tests and acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining assays were used for detection and analyses of apoptosis. Results: The study showed 2 local strains of E. coli O157:H7 (codes KL-48(2) and SM-25(1)) had toxins positive at titer 5 and 10 μg/100 μL. These titers were lower than the control isolate ATCC 43894, but they had a necrosis effect higher (P < .05), ie, 80.3%, than control isolate, ie, 63.3%. Other local strain SM-25(1) also had a good necrosis effect. It has a nondifferent necrosis effect (P > .05) with the control isolate ATCC 43894, ie, 13.0% from 13.3%. Conclusion: This study concludes that the Shiga toxin produced by E. coli O157:H7 local isolate (Indonesia) has potential as a proapoptotic and/or necrotic agent for treating T47 breast cancer cell lines, as effectively as ATCC 43894 control isolates.
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth of Senecio biafrae (WOROWO) OLIVE & HIERN

Soils have shown a negative balance in nutrient budget which poses a great threat to sustainable soil management for increase in growth and crop yield. This study thus investigated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of Senecio biafrae (Oliv. &Hiern). Topsoil, organic (poultry manure) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK 15:15:15) were used. The fertilizers were weighed and applied to the soil at 5g, 10g, 15g each; control topsoil without application of fertilizers and were replicated five times. Growth parameters including height, number of leaves and stem diameter were taken weekly for the period of the experiment. Application ofpoultry manure and NPK fertilizer had significant effects on all the growth parameters considered. The application of poultry manure resulted into significant increase in the growth parameters towards the latter part of the study. This study has shown that organic manure has great potential for improving soil productivity and plant growth. Keywords: Senecio biafrae, investigate, organic, inorganic, plant yield
Ozonation: Its Effect on the Apparent Molecular Weight of Naturally Occurring Organics and Trihalomethane Production

Abstract Ozone pretreatment studies were conducted to evaluate the impact of preozonation on the apparent molecular weight distribution of naturally occurring organics and on the production of trihalomethanes following chlorination. The studies were carried out for eleven months to allow measurements of seasonal varations on the results of the preozonation process.
European emergency politics and the question of legitimacy

ABSTRACT Emergency politics raises theoretical questions about the legitimacy of executive authorities’ governing activities in times of crisis, and in particular whether ensuring effective outcomes (output) can make up for the temporary suspension of political responsiveness (input) and accountable procedures (throughput). Answers depend not only on the specifics of the emergency actions but also on executives’ rhetorical power to legitimize such actions via ideational/discursive coercion, structuring, or persuasion. After outlining the theoretical issues involved, this contribution considers the legitimacy and rhetorical power of political executives in multilateral emergency politics and technical executives in supranational emergency politics. It uses the cases of the Council and the ECB in the Eurozone and Covid-19 crises in illustration, considering their legitimacy over time, between a crisis’ fast-burning phase of emergency politics and its slow-burning phase of legitimizing normalization or delegitimation.