Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Contextual Predictors on Value-Added Teacher Effectiveness Estimates

It is widely believed that the teacher is one of the most important factors influencing a student’s success at school. In many countries, teachers’ salaries and promotion prospects are determined by their students’ performance. Value-added models (VAMs) are increasingly used to measure teacher effectiveness to reward or penalize teachers. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between teacher effectiveness and student academic performance, controlling for other contextual factors, such as student and school characteristics. The data are based on 7543 Grade 8 students matched with 230 teachers from one province in Turkey. To test how much progress in student academic achievement can be attributed to a teacher, a series of regression analyses were run including contextual predictors at the student, school and teacher/classroom level. The results show that approximately half of the differences in students’ math test scores can be explained by their prior attainment alone (47%). Other factors, such as teacher and school characteristics explain very little the variance in students’ test scores once the prior attainment is taken into account. This suggests that teachers add little to students’ later performance. The implication, therefore, is that any intervention to improve students’ achievement should be introduced much earlier in their school life. However, this does not mean that teachers are not important. Teachers are key to schools and student learning, even if they are not differentially effective from each other in the local (or any) school system. Therefore, systems that attempt to differentiate “effective” from “ineffective” teachers may not be fair to some teachers.
Antioxidant properties of commercial soft and hard winter wheats (Triticum aestivum L.) and their milling fractions

The total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, inhibition of coupled oxidation in a β-carotene–linoleate model system, iron(II) chelation activity and inhibition of copper-induced oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein (hLDL) cholesterol of 80% ethanolic extracts of soft and hard winter wheat samples and their milling fractions, namely flour, germ, bran and shorts, were investigated. Soft wheat extracts examined demonstrated higher TPC and TAA compared to those of hard wheat extracts. The germ fraction possessed the highest TPC, followed by bran, shorts, whole grain and flour for both wheat types examined. The TAA of both wheat types showed similar results except that shorts performed better than bran in this assay. Free radical scavenging properties of whole grain and milling fractions of both soft and hard wheat samples were examined against DPPH radical. The germ and flour fractions demonstrated the highest and lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity, respectively, among wheat fractions. Wheat extracts were also efficient in preventing bleaching of β-carotene, which is also known to be free radical mediated. In the iron(II) chelation assay the flour extracts demonstrated excellent activity, while the germ extracts showed a weak activity. The trends were similar in both soft and hard wheat for the iron(II) chelation assay. Wheat extracts also inhibited copper-induced oxidation of hLDL. In LDL oxidation assay, wheat extracts performed better than the reference antioxidant, ferulic acid. Thus wheat phenolics may serve as effective antioxidative components as measured by in vitro techniques. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
SpeakerNet for Cross-lingual Text-Independent Speaker Verification

Biometrics provide an alternative to passwords and pins for authentication. The emergence of machine learning algorithms provides an easy and economical solution to authentication problems. The phases of speaker verification protocol are training, enrollment of speakers and evaluation of unknown voice. In this paper, we addressed text independent speaker verification using Siamese convolutional network. Siamese networks are twin networks with shared weights. Feature space can be learnt easily by training these networks even if similar observations are placed in proximity. Extracted features from Siamese then can be classified using difference or correlation measures. We have implemented a customized scoring scheme that utilizes Siamese’ capability of applying distance measures with the convolutional learning. Experiments made on cross language audios of multi-lingual speakers confirm the capability of our architecture to handle gender, age and language independent speaker verification. Moreover, our designed Siamese network, SpeakerNet, provided better results than the existing speaker verification approaches by decreasing the equal error rate to 0.02.
High Fiber and Beta Carotene from Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin Improve Insulin Resistance by Inhibition of Sterol Regulatory Binding Protein 1c in Liver of Hypertriglyceridemic Rats

BACKGROUND: High sterol regulatory binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) gene expression increases triglyceride synthesis, which induces insulin resistance. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from fiber fermentation and beta carotene may inhibit SREBP-1c gene expression. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the high fiber and beta carotene diet on improving insulin resistance in hypertriglyceridemia rats. METHODS: A total of 25 Wistar male rats were divided into five groups: (1) Normal control (NC); (2) hypertriglyceridemia control (HC); (3) hypertriglyceridemia rats with treatment 1 (HT1); (4) hypertriglyceridemia rats with treatment 2 (HT2); and (5) hypertriglyceridemia rats with treatment 1 (HT3). The HT1, HT2, and HT3 received fiber 1.0 g; 2.0 g; and 3.1 g and beta carotene 725.7 μg; 1451.5 μg; and 2177.2 μg per day, respectively, for 6 weeks. The HC received high fat and fructose diet and the NC received a standard diet. The levels of triglyceride were analyzed using the colorimetric method before and after treatment. At the end of the study, the expression of SREBP-1c was identified by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: High fat and fructose diet increased the levels of triglyceride (36.53 ± 1.27 vs. 119.79 ± 7.73), but high fiber and beta carotene diet can reduce triglyceride levels in HT1 (94.58 ± 4.53 vs. 77.70 ± 7.97); HT2 (115.58 ± 4.76 vs. 66.90 ± 3.11); and HT3 (103.87 ± 7.47 vs. 62.06 ± 4.45). The decreased triglyceride levels were related to low SREBP-1c gene expression, especially in the liver. Low SREBP-1c gene expression was correlated with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index with r = 0.414; p 0.05 in white adipose tissues. CONCLUSION: High fiber and beta carotene diet can improve insulin resistance through inhibition of SREBP-1c gene expression.
Appropriating Technology to Facilitate Mobility: An Exploratory Study of the Use of the “Tune Map” Mobile Application by Visually Impaired Pedestrians in Bandung City, Indonesia

This exploratory study investigates the way people with disabilities use digital technology in context specific ways. The authors examine the ways in which modern societal structure and organization have systematically disadvantaged citizens with minority attributes. The scope of our study is confined to Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy. We examine how Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can provide assistance to marginalized individuals, with a particular focus on how people with disabilities use technologically to increase their access and participate socially in communities and environments. Tune Map is a currently evolving mobile pedestrian navigation application that aims to assist users with visual impairment navigate the city of Bandung, West Java. This article examines the effects of using the Tune Map application on the everyday walking experience of people with visual impairment. This ethnographically inspired study investigates the daily lives of three visually impaired pedestrians in Bandung city as means of exploring their subjective experiences. We argue that it is necessary to investigate the subjective experiences of people with disabilities in order to design useful interfaces for visually impaired and general users. Our results indicate that although Tune Map is useful, it requires further development in order to specially addresses the needs of people with visual impairment. Future versions should be designed in conjunction with people with visual impairment as well as people without visual impairment. We conclude that while disability is a social construct, based on the dominant norms by which society and media systems are organized, wider spaces for the mobility of marginalized groups can be shaped through meaningful understanding of the ways in which they use technologies to assimilate into society.
Comparison of Mindfulness With and Without Practice Among Women in Custody

This study aimed to explore the effects of standardized mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and MBCT training without practice on the negative mood of women in custody. Eighty participants were assigned to the standard MBCT group, theoretical learning group, or waitlist control group. We assessed participants’ mindfulness, stress, depression, and anxiety before and after the interventions. The results showed that, compared with controls, participants in the standard MBCT course showed significant improvement in depression and state anxiety; they also showed significant improvement in perceived stress. Although similar effects on depression were observed in the theoretical learning group, this group did not show decreased anxiety. These findings suggest that practice plays a crucial role in MBCT’s effects on female prisoners’ mental health. This study provides important insights into the application of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as promising treatments for improving responsivity factors of the risk–need–responsivity model for female incarcerated populations.
Fukui Function Analysis and Optical, Electronic, and Vibrational Properties of Tetrahydrofuran and Its Derivatives: A Complete Quantum Chemical Study

The spectroscopic, optical, and electronic properties of tetrahydrofuran and its derivatives were investigated by FTIR techniques. We have done a comparative study of tetrahydrofuran and its derivatives with B3LYP with 6-311 G (d, p) as the basis set. Here we have done a relative study of their structures, vibrational assignments, and thermal, electronic, and optical properties of ttetrahydrofuran and its derivatives. We have plotted frontier orbital HOMO-LUMO surfaces and molecular electrostatic potential surfaces to explain the reactive nature of tetrahydrofuran and its derivatives.
Tube atomizers in thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: characterization using X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy and chemometrics

This work describes some complementary strategies for characterization and performance evaluation of tube atomizers used in thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Metal tubes composed of Cr, Fe, Mo, Ni, Ti and W and ceramic tubes were characterized before and after being used for determinations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in aqueous solutions, food and environmental samples. The best performances were observed for Ni-99% and Ti-99% atomizers. Ti and Ni atomizer lifetimes were around 5 and at least 88 hours, respectively. Titanium oxide (TiO2) formation on the external surfaces of Ti tubes is a clear indication of its short lifetime. This observation was confirmed by X-ray fluorescence analyses and histograms of images obtained by scanning electron microscopy. Nickel tube atomizers presented small morphological distinctions when comparing new and used tubes, without affecting their analytical performances.
Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells under non‐vacuum condition

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells have been fabricated with the all semiconductor layers prepared under non-vacuum conditions. For the solar cell structure of Al/ZnO:Al/CdS/CZTS/Mo/Soda Lime Glass (SLG) substrate, ZnO:Al window, CdS buffer and CZTS absorber layers were deposited by sol-gel, chemical bath deposition (CBD) and sol-gel sulfurizing methods, respectively. Since the CdS buffer layer plays an important role in the final photovoltaic properties of thin film solar cells, an optimum condition of the CdS deposition was first determined. As a result of the investigations, the best solar cell showed an open circuit voltage of 554 mV, a short current density of 6.70 mA/cm2, a fill factor of 43.4% and a conversion efficiency of 1.61%. This is the highest conversion efficiency to date of the CZTS solar cell prepared under non-vacuum conditions. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamic Volatility Spillovers and Investor Sentiment Components Across Shipping Freight Rates

This paper investigates whether dynamic volatility spillovers across shipping freight markets can be explained by a comprehensive set of indicators capturing shipping investors’ sentiment. The results of this study reveal that an increase of the ratio of second-hand vessel price over newbuilding vessel price triggers an increase of the transmission of economic information within the dry-bulk and tanker segments; while an increase in the ratio of price to earnings and the ratio of the number of vessels sold over the number of vessels of the global fleet also trigger an increase of the economic information transmission within the dry-bulk and tanker vessels, respectively. These results have important implications for shipping market players as they reveal novel mechanisms of the transmission of economic information within the segments and across the sub-segments of shipping freight markets.
A New Potentiometric Photocurable Membrane Selectiveto Anionic Surfactants

The preparation of photocurable polymer membranes selective to anionic surfactants and their application to all-solid state ion-selective electrodes are reported. A preliminary trial employing CHEMFET devices is also shown. Membranes are based on a urethane-acrylate polymer, and use 2-cyanophenyl octyl ether (CPOE), a plasticizer compatible with the photocuring process. These membranes are highly selective to the anionic surfactants assayed while common inorganic anions did not interfere. An optimization methodology is proposed for their formulation, suited to the final application. Several membrane compositions were obtained, using between 44 and 48 % (w/w) CPOE. A membrane with a general-purpose formulation is fully characterized, and we show calibration results for anionic surfactants such as dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS−), tetrapropylenebenzenesulfonate and dodecylsulfate, or cationic surfactants such as Hyamine 1622 and cetyltrimethylammonium ion. With the primary ion DBS− we verified a 58.1 mV/dec sensitivity, a linear response between 1×10−3 M and 3×10−6 M, a detection limit corresponding to 0.26 ppm DBS− (7.9×10−7 M) and a slope precision of 2.8 % RSD between days.
UV/ozone-assisted low temperature preparation of mesoporous TiO2 with tunable phase composition and enhanced solar light photocatalytic activity

In this paper, we report a UV/ozone-assisted method for low temperature preparation of mesoporous TiO2 with controlled crystalline phase. The results showed that the crystallization of mesoporous TiO2 can occur at temperatures as low as 100 °C under UV/ozone irradiation. Highly crystalline mesoporous anatase TiO2 was obtained after UV/ozone treatment at 200 °C. The phase transformation from anatase to rutile occurred during the UV/ozone treatment at 300 °C and mesoporous bicrystalline TiO2 with a controlled mixture of anatase and rutile phases was prepared by adjusting the exposure time. The photocatalytic performance of the mesoporous TiO2 strongly depends on the crystal structures and the bicrystalline mesoporous TiO2 exhibits remarkably enhanced solar light photocatalytic activity. This technique can be useful for low temperature preparation of crystalline mesoporous titania on various substrates and may be generalized to the synthesis of other materials.
Real-Time Fluorescence Measurement of Airborne Bacterial Particles Using an Aerosol Fluorescence Sensor with Dual Ultraviolet- and Visible-Fluorescence Channels

Abstract In the search for methods by which an ambient environment can be continuously monitored for potentially harmful biological aerosols, particle fluorescence methods have received considerable attention over the past decade. The aerosol fluorescence sensor (AFS) is a monitoring device for continuous, real-time detection of airborne biological particles. The AFS method is based on the principle of ultraviolet (UV) light-induced fluorescence targeting the intrinsic fluorescence of common amino acids found in living matter. The sensor uses a UV optical excitation source to illuminate an airstream flowing continuously through the sensor detection volume. Fluorescence from all particles present within the sensing volume is measured using two photomultiplier detectors optically filtered to detect radiation in the UV and visible (Vis) bands, enabling generic discrimination between different aerosol populations. In this study, we investigated the real-time fluorescence characteristics of airborne bacterial .
An overview of major research areas in Wire cut EDM on different materials

WEDM (Wire electrical discharge machining) is a precision machining method for cutting electrically conductive materials. It is an unconventional machining process that produces precision parts that match the dimensional tolerances of our designs within the range of ±0.0001mm. As the residual stress results in premature failure of parts, the WEDM is preferred for hard to machine materials such as Inconel, Nickel, and other Super alloys. In the present paper, earlier and recent work was reviewed, segregated and evaluated on the effect of wire material, diameter, dielectric fluid, wire wear, pulse on and off times and machining characteristics such as kerf size, machining efficiency, material surface characteristics, etc. This paper also focused on hybrid and ultrasonic-assisted WEDM used for machining of different materials. This paper discussed the major research studies in WEDM.
Two-color coherent control with SEP preparation: electronic branching in Na2 photodissociation

Extensive control over relative product yields is shown to result from weak laser photodissociation in a two-color coherent control scenario. Photodissociation takes place from a superposition state prepared by stimulated emission pumping. The method allows for control in the presence of laser phase jumps by using four-wave mixing to prepare the required laser frequencies. The near UV photodissociation of Na2, resulting in the Na(3s) + Na(4s) and the Na(3s) + Na(3d) products, is used to illustrate the method.
Development of the gastrointestinal tract microflora in young carrier pigeons

The high demands placed on the performance of carrier pigeons are often reflected in their health and reduced immunity. Therefore, it is important to take sufficient care of their health from the hatching throughout the rearing of future competitors. The aim of the study was to monitor the development of the bacterial microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) during the first month of their life. Two examinations of young pigeons involved taking of swabs from crop and cloaca at 5th day after hatching and 30th day of weaning, when exposure of young pigeons to stress was expected. The results of the study suggested that crop microbiota of young pigeons until weaning is dominated by lactobacilli, such as L. fermentum, L. mucosae or L. agilis, and host-specific bacteria, namely enterococci and streptococci. From the cloacal swabs, E. coli, Ent. faecalis and Str. faecalis were most frequently detected during the two samplings. Commensal bacteria, particularly Str. gallolyticus and Str. sanguinis, which are part of the gastrointestinal microbiota, can act as opportunistic pathogens, mainly under stress conditions resulting in susceptibility to various diseases.
A Bad Job of Doing Good: Does Corporate Transparency on a Country and Company Level Moderate Corporate Social Responsibility Effectiveness?

Numerous studies argue that corporate social responsibility (CSR) helps companies build strong and positive relationships with consumers. However, it is not well understood why certain companies are more effective in their CSR activities than others. Some studies have attributed this difference to the country setting, but results are inconclusive. Building on signaling theory, this study explores corporate transparency as a boundary condition of the effects of CSR activities on the consumer–brand relationship. Three experiments and one large survey across three countries examine how a lack of corporate transparency undermines firms’ CSR efforts. Importantly, the authors theorize that country environments differ in terms of transparency, which is then reflected in different levels of corporate transparency. Different country levels of transparency help explain the discrepancies of CSR effectiveness for increasing brand attachment and building consumer behavior. Finally, the authors tie the diminishing effect of CSR in the case of low corporate transparency to an increase in consumer skepticism.
Modelling the interpretative impact of subordinate constructions in spontaneous conversation

Cette etude qualitative propose une modelisation multimodale des constructions subordonnees en conversation spontanee, a partir de leur action sur les cadres interpretatifs. Les subordonnees ont longtemps ete decrites en linguistique comme des elements dependants qui completent des elements primaires. Cependant, la Grammaire Cognitive a remis en question ce point de vue en montrant que l'emboitement syntaxique ne reflete souvent que le point de depart choisi par les locuteurs pour vehiculer leur message. Les subordonnees sont des pratiques interactionnelles qui offrent une reconstruction interpretative du discours. Les differents types syntaxiques de subordonnees font reference a differents cadres interpretatifs dans l'experience du locuteur. La selection de ces differents cadres est exprimee par le nombre different d'indices de frontiere prosodiques et gestuels produits en co-occurrence avec chaque type syntaxique de subordonnee.