Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Focus prosody by Korean learners of English

Abstract This study examined whether Korean learners of English attained native-like performance in English focus prosody by conducting production and perception experiments using digit strings. Language learners were classified into advanced-, intermediate-, and low-level groups according to their proficiency and compared with native speakers. Native speakers’ focus prosody was clearly prominent in the focus positions, and their post-focus positions were considerably compressed. Their focused digits were easy to detect, resulting in a 97% identification rate. Although advanced-level speakers produced acoustic cues quite similar to those of native speakers, their post-focus production did not resemble that of native speakers. Their identification rate was 81%, 16% lower than that of native speakers. Neither intermediate- nor low-level speakers’ focus-cueing changes were distinguished whatsoever in the focus and post-focus positions. Their identification rates were just over 10%, similar to the level of chance in a 10-digit string, implying that their focus productions were not sufficiently salient to be recognized in the experiment. The results suggest that second language acquisition is hindered by a negative transfer between English and Korean. The acquisition of second language focus prosody proceeds slowly; second language learners approach native-like proficiency once they become advanced.
Plant Diversity in Sardinian Mountain Rangelands: Analysis of Its Relationships with Grazing, Land Management, and Pastoral Value

In this study, we analyzed the effects of grazing on native and endemic plant diversity, as well as its relationship with pastoral value along a gradient of abiotic and biotic factors and types of land management in a mountainous area of central-eastern Sardinia, Italy. Plant diversity was estimated by conducting a floristic survey within plots. In total, 231 plant species were recorded in 63 plots distributed within the study area, and this total number included 20 endemic species. Species richness was mainly affected by the type of management, soil attributes, altitude, and bioclimate. Pastoral value was strongly affected by nutrient availability and bioclimate. Our results suggest that the cover of endemic species increases with altitude. Finally, in Sardinian rangelands, a negative effect of grazing pressure on endemic species was observed.
Changes in Genetic Diversity and Demographic History of Jankowski’s Bunting (Emberiza Jankowskii), as Revealed by Mitochondrial DNA and Microsatellite Markers

The genetic variation and distribution of a population depend largely on the demographic history. For instance, populations that have recently experienced shrinkage usually have a lower genetic diversity. However, some endangered species with a narrow distribution have a high genetic diversity resulting from large historical population sizes and long generation times. In addition, very recent population bottlenecks may not be reflected in the population’s genetic information. In this study, we used a mitochondrial DNA marker and 15 microsatellite markers to reveal the genetic diversity, recent changes, inbreeding, and demographic history of a Jankowski’s bunting (Emberiza jankowskii) population in eastern Inner Mongolia. The results show that the genetic diversity of the population remained at a relatively stable and high level until recently. Severe population shrinkage did not result in a considerable lack of genetic variation because of the large historical population size and relatively short periods of human disturbance. In addition, introgression and gene flow among populations compensate for the loss of genetic variation to some extent. Considering the current small effective population size and the existence of inbreeding, we recommend that habitat protection be continued to maximize the genetic diversity of the Jankowski’s bunting population.
Genetic Analysis for Grain Yield and its Components of some New Rice Restorer Lines in Early Generations

The present investigation was carried out at the experimental farm of Rice Research Department, Sakha Agriculture Research Station, FCRI, ARC, Egypt, during three seasons of 2016, 2017 and 2018. To assess the genetic parameters and phenotypic correlation coefficients for the studied traits of promising restorer lines had earliness and high yielding during F3 and F4 generations in hybrid rice program. Twenty populations used for each two crosses IR69625A x Giza 178R and G46A x Giza 178R evaluated in F3 and F4 generations. Seventy five plants divided to five groups for each population. F3 and F4 generations showed highly significant and positive variation among populations for the studied traits during two seasons. The means values for the studied traits in F4 population were higher than of F3 populations except days to heading, indicating the effectiveness of selection for these traits. The two crosses combinations recorded high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean indicating to the presence of nonadditive gene action in both populations. There were positive and significant associations between grain yield and the studied traits of all populations in both generations, indicated that, selections for seed set % and grain yield were effective in later generations. It could be concluded the presence of genetic diversity for two generations for the studied traits, high heritability in broad sense which indicated that genotypic variance effect play an important role in inheritance of these traits for developing new plant types using as a restorer lines in hybrid rice program.
A case study of a Turkish vocational high school, and the challenges for teachers

ABSTRACT This case study reports on challenges and professional perspectives of vocational high school teachers working in a socially disadvantaged in rural Turkey. The data were gathered from 14 participants, including teachers, administrators and counsellor through individual and focus group interviews and classroom observations. The analysis found that students in Turkish vocational high schools are negatively positioned, this was evidenced in poor student engagement and the struggles of classroom management experienced by teachers. The perceived problems and needs showed some differences across teachers who provide academic and vocational courses. The findings imply that there is a need for social justice advocacy for rural vocational high school students by fostering teachers and improving the system by policy development.
Effect of Physical and Chemical Treatments on Chitosan Viscosity

물리적, 화학적 처리가 키토산의 점도에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 키토산의 점도는 물리적(분쇄, 가열, 고온가압,초음파) 그리고 화학적(오존) 처리에 의해 크게 영향을 받았으며, 처리 시간과 온도가 증가함에 따라 감소하였다. 그러나 키토산 용액을 -40℃ 에서 9일간 저장하였을 때 점도 변화는 나타나지 않았다. 키토산 용액을 4℃와 23℃에서 61일간 저장하였을 때 점도는 각각 23%와 64% 감소하였다.
Utilization of complementary and traditional medicine practitioners among older adults in India: results of a national survey in 2016-2017

Background: Lack of information exists about the use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among older adults in India, which led to studying the estimates of past-12 month Ayurveda/Yoga/Naturopathy/Unani/Siddha/Homeopathy (AYUSH) and traditional health practitioner (THP) utilization in India. Methods: The study included 72,262 individuals (45 years and older) from the cross-sectional 2017-2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1.Results: The prevalence of past 12-month AYUSH practitioner utilization was 6.5%, THP 7.0%, and AYUSH or THP 13.0%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, functional disability (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.09-1.42), having pain (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31-1.65) and current tobacco use (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14-1.48) were positively and male sex (AOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88), higher education (AOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99), scheduled caste (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.36-0.63), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.77), urban residence (AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57-0.75) and having a health insurance cover (AOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.32-0.44) were negatively associated with AYUSH practitioner utilization in the past 12 months. In a second adjusted logistic regression analysis, sleep problems (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14-1.48), depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28) functional disability (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30), having pain (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.35-1.70), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13-1.43) and having underweight (AOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.31) were positively associated with past 12-month THP utilization. Furthermore, having health insurance cover (AOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.38-0.51), overweight or obesity (AOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.97), having two or more chronic conditions (AOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50-0.72), urban residence (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.20-0.28), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96), and higher education (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.34-0.52) were negatively associated with past 12-month THP utilization.Conclusion: A moderate prevalence of TCM use among older adults in India was found and several factors associated with its use were identified.
Effect of Acute Sodium Bicarbonate Intake on Sprint-Intermittent Performance and Blood Biochemical Responses in Well-Trained Sprinters

The present study was designed to determine the acute effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on the number of sprint repetitions during sprint high-intensity intermittent testing. In addition, blood biochemical (pH, HCO3-, and lactate) responses measured in three occasions were investigated. Thirteen male well-trained sprinters (24.65±3.44 yrs) performed two consecutive trials (7 days apart). Athletes were assigned randomly either to ingest a single dose of NaHCO3 (0.3 g/kg) 1 h prior to exercise or placebo using a double-blind crossover design. The intermittent sprint test consisted of 60 s treadmill sprints (90% of maximal work done) and 30-s recovery repeated intermittently until volitional exhaustion. Blood samples were collected from all athletes before exercise, after 1 h of dose intake, and after exercise in each trial. Paired sample t-testing showed that athletes complete significantly more sprint repetitions (p=0.036) during the intermittent sprint test with NaHCO3 (6.846±3.114) than with the placebo (5.538±3.872). Data also revealed no differences between trials in all blood responses at pre-exercise. After 1 h of dose consumption, however, blood pH and HCO3- were higher with NaHCO3 than with placebo (p<0.05), but no differences were noted in lactate between trials (p>0.05). After completion of the test, all blood responses were significantly higher with NaHCO3 than with placebo (p<0.05). In conclusion, intake of 0.3 g/kg of NaHCO3 1 h prior to treadmill sprint-intermittent performance increased sprint repetitions in well-trained sprinters, probably due to activated glycolysis caused by intracellular protons efflux into the blood.
Effects of postpartum acetylsalicylic acid on uterine diseases and reproductive performance in dairy cattle

Graphical Abstract Summary: The postpartum period is a challenging time for dairy cows, as they experience physiological challenges, such as systemic and metabolic inflammation, which increase the risk of diseases and poor subsequent production and fertility. The main objective was to assess the effects of oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid after calving on uterine diseases and reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows. Cows treated with acetylsalicylic acid had lower incidence of clinical metritis and endometritis and improved reproductive performance. Results from this study suggest that a treatment with acetylsalicylic acid after calving may improve health and fertility in dairy cattle.
Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of PM2.5-Bound PAHs during Heavy Air Pollution Episodes in Winter in Urban Area of Beijing, China

PM2.5 level has decreased significantly in Beijing in recent years due to the strict air quality control measures taken in Jingjinji Region and the surrounding areas. However, the variation characteristics of the concentrations of PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Beijing in recent years are still not so clear. In order to understand the pollution status of PM2.5-bound PAHs in Beijing, fifteen PAHs were measured in a typical urban area of Beijing from 1 March to 20 March 2018. The average mass concentration of the 15 PAHs was 21 ng/m3 and higher in the nighttime than that in the daytime. The proportion of 4-ring PAHs in 15 PAHs was highest (43%), while 6-ring PAHs was lowest (10%). The levels of PAHs were higher during heavy pollution episodes than those in non-heavy pollution episodes, and the proportions of 5- and 6-ring PAHs were increased during a heavy pollution episode. PAHs posed obvious carcinogenic risks to the exposed populations, and the risk was higher during heavy pollution episodes than the average value of the whole monitoring period. The main sources of PAHs were traffic emissions and coal/biomass burning. Air masses from the south-southeast had a great influence on the PM2.5 levels during a heavy pollution episode. It is recommended that not only the PM2.5 levels but also the PAHs levels bounded in PM2.5 should be controlled to protect human health in Beijing.
Risk factors and characteristics of laryngeal carcinoma in the developing region of Indonesia

In developing regions such as West Nusa Tenggara (WNT), Indonesia, industry, transportation, and lifestyle were also developed synergistically. This development will lead to several consequences such as air pollution, traffic, etc. On the other hand, Laryngeal cancer remains the dominant cancer in the head and neck. It is related to environmental factors such as air pollution as well as a smoking habit. Laryngeal cancer is commonly found in the advanced stage. The study aims to know the factors associated with laryngeal cancer occurrence and the characteristics of the diseases. A retrospective study was conducted through medical records exploration in WNT General Hospital from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2019. All patients in this period will be included as a subject. All risk factors and characteristics of patients were recorded, then analyzed descriptively. Nineteenth patients fulfilled the criteria in the study period. Most of them were male, low socio-economic status, and has a smoking habit. The symptom when the patients seeking medical advice were mainly hoarseness and hoarseness with dyspnea. Predominantly, the patients came in late-stage. Furthermore, the most treatment given was the combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The main histopathology result was undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
A Comprehensive Review on Natural Products and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Natural plants various metabolites are widely utilized in a different kind of infections and inflammation as traditional medication. The inflammatory response is a reaction always effects in daily life and physical issue and activity of herbal complex act through of blood vessels. Inflammation is a pathologic issue that incorporates a wide scope of sicknesses, for example rheumatic, diabetes, cardiovascular accident and chronic kidney disease. We present a few herbal spices which their metabolites that have been assessed in clinical and test. The review includes number of various herbal plants with their families, parts utilized, k concentrate utilized, bioassay models and their usages in medicinal activities.
Suitability of durum wheat for flat bread production

Durum wheat was evaluated for the production of flat bread. Flat breads of soft texture, pleasing flavour and yellowish creamy colour were prepared from durum flour. Bread and chapati from durum flour were not of high acceptability showing that durum was not that suitable for making good quality bread and chapati, but good quality flat bread could be prepared from durum wheat.
Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students towards COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: To determine the knowledge and attitude of medical undergraduates towards COVID-19. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at Quaid-e Azam medical college from June 2020 to August 2020. Methodology: The undergraduate students enrolled in 1st year to final year of MBBS were included in the study. A proforma was prepared by using the Google Docs and validated before starting the study. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.78. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version-20. All the qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentages while quantitative as mean and standard deviation. Knowledge score was compared with demographic variables by using independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test, as appropriate. p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: About 56% of the participants were female while remaining 44% were male, majority of them i.e. 51.6% were mediocre. Majority were from 3rd year and final year i.e. 25.2% and 24.4% respectively. Looking over the mean knowledge score the final year students having more knowledge about COVID-19 then the other students from different years, among them the female participants were having more knowledge score then their male counterparts with significant highly p-value. Comparing knowledge score with socioeconomic status reported that upper class was having higher score. Over-all 74% of final year students answered correctly to all of the questions regarding knowledge towards COVID-19. Considering specifically the attitude of medical students towards COVID-19, majority of the students including all years of MBBS, like to get more information about COVID-19. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Pakistani undergraduate students of MBBS are having good knowledge about COVID-19. They are also well-aware of the protective measures which should be taken. In comparison, final year students having the higher level of knowledge then the students of other years of MBBS. All the students having positive attitude for stopping COVID-19.
No (sociological) excuses for not going green: How do environmental activists make sense of social inequalities and relate to the working class?

Some environmental activists occasionally use the argument that poverty is ‘no excuse’ for not going green and denounce discourses putting forward social conditions as unduly exculpatory. Employing participant observation among middle-class activists mobilising to diffuse environmental lifestyles in socially diverse suburbs near Paris (France), the article explores their relation to the working class and examines the consequences of their endeavours on local class relations. It describes the tension between their goal of mainstreaming environmental reflexivity and the stubborn existence of material inequalities and constraints. While their efforts are configured by a moral economy of environmental responsibility which assigns an undifferentiated moral obligation to consume sustainably to all individuals, they make sense of social differences by drawing on culturalist representations of poverty and folk social theories. These sense-making practices enhance rather than alleviate attributions of blame against working-class people and contribute to reinforcing the activists’ dominant symbolic position.
Effects of Phylogenetic Relatedness on Fluctuation-Dependent and Fluctuation-Independent Coexistence Mechanisms in Multispecies Communities

Evolutionary relatedness may hinder stable coexistence due to similar niches and nonlinear responses to competition. The mechanisms driving stability may respond differently to phylogenetic distance. Related species may be synchronic (have similar demographic responses over time), affecting fluctuation-dependent mechanisms: the storage effect should destabilize coexistence, and relative nonlinearity should be stronger due to increased fluctuations in competition. We tested these hypotheses using invasion analysis based on a model parameterized for 19 plant species from a semiarid grassland. Although weakly, coexistence stability increased with phylogenetic distance. Stabilization through fluctuation-independent niche differentiation was stronger between distant relatives as a result of weaker competition. Synchronicity was higher between close relatives, having the expected negative effects on the storage effect’s contribution to coexistence. Relative nonlinearity was strong at both ends of the phylogenetic relatedness gradient but not in the middle. This may be the result of different nonlinear responses between distant relatives and of stronger fluctuations in competition due to synchronicity between closer relatives. The effect of phylogenetic distance on coexistence was almost negligible when pairwise species were analyzed, in accordance with previous research. Phylogenetic distance became more important as more species interacted, however, suggesting that evolutionary relatedness may be influential in species-rich communities.
Symbol sense characteristics for designing mathematics tasks

Symbol sense, an analogy of number sense in the symbolic world of mathematics, is an ability to give meaning to symbols, expressions, and formulas that involves many characteristics, including friendliness with symbols, an ability to examine symbol meanings, and skills to manipulate symbolic expressions. The characteristics of symbol sense are usually used, for instance, for designing symbolic algebra tasks, but are a bit rare for designing mathematics tasks in general. Therefore, this study aims to use symbol sense characteristics for designing mathematics tasks for secondary school students. To do this, using a design research method, we conducted a literature study to collect characteristics of symbol sense and to see possibilities of designing mathematics tasks in general. Next, we designed mathematics tasks according to the symbol sense characteristics. Finally, we provided possible responses of students for the designed tasks. The results of this study included six types of tasks according to the characteristics of symbol sense, including tasks on symbolic problems and word problems—which require translation into symbolic problems. In addition, we provided predicted responses to examples for each type of the tasks and suggestions for use in the learning and teaching process. For further investigation, we recommend to use the set of designed tasks for assessing student symbol sense ability.
The effect of layer orientation angle and its increasing on mechanical properties of laminated material: A numerical study

The mechanical properties of a laminated material due to different layer orientation angle and pattern of layers are simulated using the finite element method. The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of the different layer orientation angles and patterns on the mechanical properties of laminated material. Stainless steel laminated with epoxy carbon is used in this study. The model is a rectangle plate with 150 mm in length, 80 mm in width, and 4 mm in thickness. Linear static finite element analyses with 0,63 MPa normal force is applied to the three various models with different layer orientation angles and patterns. The results show that different layer orientation angles and numbers affect the mechanical properties of the material.