Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technology-Using Teachers: How Powerful Visions and Student-Centered Beliefs Fuel Exemplary Practice

This research examined the pedagogical beliefs and classroom practices of 17 exemplary technology-using K-12 teachers. Specifically, the following questions gyided data collection and analysis: (1) What are the pedagogical beliefs of exemplary technology-using teachers? (2) How do these beliefs facilitate and support meaningful uses of technology? and (3) What are teachers' perceptions regarding the incentives that foster meaningful use? Open-ended questionnaire, interview, and observation data were collected and analyzed to identify the beliefs and practices that were common, as well as distinct, across teachers. Findings suggest that teachers' exemplary technology practices were guided by strong pedagogical visions which were rooted in their beliefs about student-centered classrooms. Teachers' primary reasons for using technology related not to extrinsic rewards, but to the many ways in which students benefited. (MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) ll? This document has been reproduced as re? ~1ve? from the person or organization ongmatmg il. D Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. • Points of view or opinions stated in this do? ~ment do not necessar! ly represent offiCial OERI position or policy. ' / '
Silica Functionalized Magnesium Ferrite Nanocomposites for Potential Biomedical Applications: Preparation, Characterization and Enhanced Colloidal Stability Studies

Magnetic nanocomposite material composed of silica coated MgFe2O4 for potential biomedical applications were synthesized by a two-step chemical method including solution combustion synthesis, followed by silica coatings of the ferrite nanoparticles. The effects of silica coatings on the structural, morphological and magnetic properties were comprehensively investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive absorption x-ray (EDAX), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The colloidal behaviour of coated MNPs in physiological saline medium like water or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was also studied by zeta potential measurements. The XRD patterns indicate that the crystalline structure is single cubic spinel phase and the spinel structure is retained after silica coating. Also, after silica coating, the crystallite size (from Scherrer formula) decreases from 53 to 47 nm. The magnetic results show that MgFe2O4 MNPs (bare and silica coated) is ferrimagnetic at room temperature. Zeta potential studies revealed that there is enhanced colloidal stability of MgFe2O4 MNPs after silica coating in aqueous media which is an applicable potential in biomedical applications.
Improved Seamless Cloning based Image In painting

Image in-painting is a restoration of image parts which are missing either accidentally or intentionally, and also image recovery is a research hot spot in the computer graphics and computer vision in the current. Two major inpainting techniques are introduced, those are PDE-based and Texture based algorithms. In PDE-based technique a conventional image matching techniques may be classified as either area based or feature based methods. In this paper, taking an input image and apply Pre-processing, After we get gray image and contour extraction algorithm is used to extract the contour features of damaged area, which determine the contour feature location. After that Matching algorithms play a key role in deciding correspondences between two image scenes. Area-based matching algorithm is used to search alternative matching area . Contour-based Similarity Distance function (CSD) is used to determine the most similar matching area. According to the damaged area and the matching area, the source cloning domains and target cloning domains of Seamless Cloning algorithm is improved. Using mean value coordinates to achieve regional pixel cloning from the source cloning domain to the target cloning domain. Finally, the improved SC algorithm is used to repair the image. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, and that the method can not only repair small-scale scratches, but also repair a large area damaged areas.
A multi-wavelength study of the unidentified TeV gamma-ray source HESS J1626-490

Aims. To explore the nature of the unidentified very-high-energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) gamma-ray source HESS J1626−490, we investigated the region in X-ray, sub-millimeter, and infrared energy bands. Methods. So far only detected with the HESS array of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes, HESS J1626−490 could not be unambiguously identified with any source seen at lower energies. Therefore, we analyzed data from an archival XMM-Newton observation, pointed towards HESS J1626−490, to classify detected X-ray point sources according to their spectral properties and their near-infrared counterparts from the 2MASS catalog. Furthermore, we characterized in detail the diffuse X-ray emission from a region compatible with the extended VHE signal. To characterize the interstellar medium surrounding HESS J1626−490 we analyzed 12 CO(J = 1−0) molecular line data from the Nanten Galactic plane survey, H i data from the Southern Galactic Plane Survey (SGPS) and Spitzer data from the GLIMPSE and MIPSGAL surveys. Results. None of the detected X-ray point sources fulfills the energy requirements to be considered as the synchrotron radiation counterpart to the VHE source assuming an inverse-Compton (IC) emission scenario. We did not detect any diffuse X-ray excess emission originating in the region around HESS J1626−490 above the Galactic background and the derived upper limit for the total X-ray flux disfavors a purely leptonic emission scenario for HESS J1626−490. We found a good morphological match between molecular and atomic gas in the −27 km s −1 to −18 km s −1 line-of-sight velocity range and HESS J1626−490. The cloud has a mass
Ethnoveterinary management of cattle helminthiasis among the Fulani and the Mossi (Central Burkina Faso): plants used and modes of use

Because of the weakness of the modern veterinarian services in Burkina Faso, ethnoveterinary medicines are frequently used to control cattle diseases like helminthe parasites. Ethnobotanic survey was performed in the central region of Burkina Faso with 22 livestock breeders on their helminthiasis management, and traditional treatments. Differences in knowledge of the disease, in treatments and in plant species used were evaluated. The relationship between informants and herbs was graphed as an interaction network. According to the survey results helminthic diseases (recognized by piloerection, lack of appetite and weight loss) are caused by water and pasture qualities. Ten single-herb preparations and 8 herbal recipes were reported. Among the 13 plant species cited, 4 are very frequently used to control helminthiasis: Mitragyna inermis (Wild.) O. Ktze, Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. , Acacia macrostachya Rchb. ex DC. , Combretum glutinosum Perr. ex DC. Ethnoveterinary practices are an economic necessity for small-scale livestock owners in rural regions of Burkina Faso. Probably, the most used species can provide, after phytochemical analysis, molecules of pharmaceutical interest. There also appears a definite need for more specific diseases diagnostics that will help to improve helminthiasis control by farmers. Keywords : Ethnoveterinary practices, Anthelminthics, breeders, Fulani, Pastoralism.
Four-Week Comparative Effects of Abdominal Drawing-In and Diaphragmatic Breathing Maneuvers on Abdominal Muscle Thickness, Trunk Control, and Balance in Patients With Chronic Stroke

1) Background: Patients with chronic stroke often shows decreased trunk muscle activity and trunk performance. To resolve these problems, many trunk stabilizing techniques including the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) and the diaphragmatic breathing maneuver (DBM) are used to improve trunk muscle strength. Objects: To compare the effects of the ADIM and the DBM on abdominal muscle thickness, trunk control, and balance in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Nineteen patients were randomly allocated to the ADIM (n1=10) and DBM (n2=9) groups. The ADIM and DBM techniques were performed three times per week for 4 weeks. The thicknesses of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique muscle, and external oblique muscles on the paretic and non-paretic sides, Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) score, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score were used to assess changes in motor development after 4 weeks of training. Results: After the training periods, the TrA thickness on the paretic side, TIS score, and BBS score improved significantly in both groups compared to baseline (p<.05). TIS score was significantly greater in the DBM group than in the ADIM group (p<.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ADIM and DBM are beneficial for improving TrA muscle thickness in the paretic side, trunk control, and balance ability. Intergroup comparison revealed that TIS score was significantly improved in the DBM group versus the ADIM group. Thus, DBM may be an effective treatment for low trunk muscle activity and performance in patients with chronic stroke.
FIRST RECORD OF THE CUBERA SNAPPER , LUTJANUS CYANOPTERUS ( ACTINOPTERYGII : PERCIFORMES : LUTJANIDAE ) , FROM THE AZORES ( NE ATLANTIC ) AND POSSIBLE RANGE EXTENSION FOR THE EAST ATLANTIC

Background. A lutjanid recently captured in Flores Island represents the first documented record of a snapper for the Azores Islands. Since this specimen was not made available to us besides photographs and a muscle sample, a genetic study approach was necessary in order to accurately describe and discuss this somewhat unexpected occurrence. The main objective of this paper was to explain and discuss the presence of this single specimen in this part of the north-eastern Atlantic. Materials and methods. The specimen was caught by spear fishers on 30 July 2014 off Flores Island. We analysed all available photographs and a sample of muscle tissue that was taken and preserved frozen to be used for DNA barcoding. Results. The specimen was a reproductively mature female with a total length of 108.7 cm and weighing 14.84 kg. The body depth of the specimen from the Azores was 2.9 in SL and the analyses conducted showed no divergence from the Canary Islands specimen reported by García-Mederos and Tuset (2014) as Lutjanus dentatus (Duméril, 1861) with the body depth of 2.5 in SL, which demonstrates that this character is highly variable and not useful for species identification. Conclusions. The snapper specimen from the Island of Flores is a Lutjanus cyanopterus (Cuvier, 1828) and confirmed as first record for this part of the north-eastern Atlantic. Comparisons with a L. dentatus from the Canary Islands point towards synonymy although the available molecular evidence is too scarce and by no means conclusive.
Effect of Car Rear Shape on Pollution Dispersion in Near Wake Region

Dispersion of vehicle exhaust gas is a primary source of air pollution in urban areas. Thus, it has become an important subject in the automotive field. This paper consists of two parts. First, the fastback MIRA model was selected as study object and a standard two-equation turbulence model was used. The simulation results were compared and analyzed with experimental data. The feasibility of the turbulence model and grid strategy was then verified, and the results were used in the next research step. Second, we used propane as tracer gas while ignoring the effect of the vehicle wake field force on this gas. The tracer gas diffusion in the wake flow field was then simulated through fastback, notchback, and square-back MIRA models. This study focuses on analyzing the characteristics of wake field diffusion effects, particularly in the near wake of a vehicle.
Social and Academic Abilities of Gifted Children as Perceived by Parents and Teachers

This study was an investigation of the social and academic abilities of gifted children as perceived by parents and teachers. From the literature reviewed, it was thought that social skills perceived by parents and teachers would be different, and that these adults' would value specific social skills differently. As an extension of Wentzel's research (1991), it was also suggested that teacher ratings of social and academic abilities may be interdependent. The sample consisted of 27 preadolescent children ages 6 through 12. Subjects were included who scored at least 125 on the Weschler Intelligence Scale for ChildrenThird Edition (WISC-III) or on the Stanford Binet-Fourth Edition (SB-IV). The subjects' parents and teachers were asked to rate the social abilities of the children and the teachers were also asked to evaluate the academic abilities of the children. A series of t-tests were used to evaluate differences between the parent and teacher ratings. Ranking the most valued social skills enabled comparisons between teacher and parent highly valued social behaviors. Pearson correlations served to identify relationships between teacher ratings of social and academic abilities. The results revealed that both parents and teachers perceived the gifted children as demonstrating social skills similar to those in the norm sample. Teachers' highly valued social skills reflected cooperative behaviors, while parents placed more importance on those behaviors reflecting assertion. Ratings of academic ability were related to ratings of social ability, but only when the academic assessment incorporated some classroom behaviors. Future research needs to include larger samples of gifted children. Investigation of the appropriateness of the assessment tools with the gifted population needs to be undertaken. As well, further examination of the relationship between social and academic abilities would be valuable.
TREPIL: Developing Methods and Tools for Multilevel Treebank Construction

Current trends in language technology require treebanks that do not stop at the level of constituent structure, but include deeper and richer levels of analysis, including appropriate meaning structures. Capturing sufficient detail at different levels of linguistic description is too complex a task to be practically achievable by manual annotation or shallow parsing; rather it requires sophisticated tools that help secure the consistency of parallel but different structures. In conventional treebanks, grammatical functions and semantic roles are often simply attached to the syntactic constituent structure. The Penn Proposition Bank [12, 20] is basically constructed by labeling verbs as predicates and assigning appropriate semantic (thematic) roles to syntactic constituents that are in grammatical relations to the verbs. Though useful in its own right, this approach is nevertheless limited to verbs and is constrained by implicit isomorphism between the syntactic and semantic structures. In contrast, we are constructing a multilevel treebanking tool that incorporates a deep parser and grammar for Norwegian. Inspired by the LinGO Redwoods approach [19], we are tightly linking our treebank to grammar development so as to achieve a sound embedding in grammatical theory and yield more useful results for applications.
Growth of bacteria in seawater filtered through 0.2 µm Nuclepore membranes. Implications for dilution experiments

Dilution experlments were conducted in the Caribbean and Sargasso Seas in an attempt to measure bacterial growth under reduced grazing pressure. In this type of experiment, a small volume of the intact plankton sample is diluted into the same seawater from which all organisms have presumably been removed by filtration We noted that d ~ l u e n t prepared by vacuum filtration (< 100 mm Hg pressure) of natural seawater through 0.2 pm Nuclepore membranes contained bacterla which could be retained by the same membranes upon refiltration Upon ~ncubat ion, these bacteria rapidly accumulated 3H-amino acids and grew at high rates (0.18 h') The literature supports the evidence of ultramicrobacteria (those which might be expected to pass through 0.2 pm membranes): these may have passed into the diluent but were subsequently retained on 0 2 pm membranes poss~bly because they increased in cell size, formed ultramicrocolonies, or were aspherical In shape so that the orientation in relation to the membrane pore determined whether the cell was filtered or retained. Although the apparent specific growth rate of bacteria was in inverse relation to the degree of sample dilution, interpretable as a consequence of grazing on bacteria, the growth of bacteria in the diluent made it problematic to consider the dilution experlments in the conventional manner. It IS likely that the 0.22 pm cellulose ester membranes used by many others who have performed such experiments would be much more effective in retaining ultramicrobacteria.
An Efficient Cluster Head Selection Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks Using Fuzzy Inference Systems

An efficient cluster head selection algorithm in wireless sensor networks is proposed in this paper. The implementation of the proposed algorithm can improve energy which allows the structured representation of a network topology. According to the residual energy, number of the neighbors, and the centrality of each node, the algorithm uses Fuzzy Inference Systems to select cluster head. The algorithm not only balances the energy load of all nodes, but also provides a reliable selection of a new cluster head and optimality routing for the whole networks. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm effectively increases the accuracy to select a cluster head and prolongs the network lifetime.
A Wide-Bandwidth Monopolar Patch Antenna with Dual-Ring Couplers

A new center-fed circular patch antenna with two coupled annular rings is presented. When the two annular rings are coupled properly, a wide band from 5.45 GHz to 7.16 GHz is achieved with a monopole-like radiation pattern. Measured results show that the antenna with a low profile of 0.027 wavelengths (at 5.45 GHz) has a bandwidth of 27.1% and a measured maximum gain of 6 dBi. The radiation pattern is omnidirectional and remains relatively stable within the operating band.
Interactive comment on “Comment on “Quantitative performance metrics for stratospheric-resolving chemistry-climate models” by Waugh and Eyring” by V. Grewe and R. Sausen

The comment by Grewe and Sausen (hereinafter “GS09”) examines the statistical significance of the grading calculations performed in our 2008 paper on “Quantitative performance metrics for stratospheric-resolving chemistry-climate models” (Waugh and Eyring, 2008; hereinafter WE08). We are pleased to see that the authors are continuing the conversation on model grading. We agree with them that more analysis is
Cultural Awareness and Translation Teaching at Higher Vocational College: Problems and Solutions

In this paper, an investigation has been done on culture knowledge acquisition and cultural awareness of English majors at Higher Vocational College by taking the students at Quzhou College of Technology as the subjects. The problem of lack of culture knowledge and cultural awareness has been shown through the analysis. The strategies and techniques on integrating culture into translation teaching at Higher Vocational Colleges are given for translation teaching by laying stress on imparting culture knowledge as well as translation skills so as to reduce students’ translation errors.
Wheat Straw as a Bio-Sorbent for Arsenate, Chromate, Fluoride, and Nickel

Batch-type experiments were used to study As(V), Cr(VI), F−, and Ni2+ sorption/desorption on wheat straw. For the lowest concentration added (0.5 mmol·L−1), the sorption sequence was F− > Ni2+ > Cr(VI) >> As(V) (93%, 61%, 29%, 0.3%), but changed to Ni2+ > F− > Cr(VI) >> As(V) when 3.0 and 6.0 mmol·L−1 were added (with 65%, 54%, 25%, 0%, and 68%, 52%, 27%, 0% sorption, respectively). Overall, As(V) showed the lowest sorption, whereas it was 25–37% for Cr(VI), 61–68% for Ni2+, and 52–93% for F−. For As(V), pH in the equilibrium solution was always above the pH of the point of zero charge (pHPZC) for wheat straw, decreasing sorption efficiency. For Cr(VI), pH was below pHPZC, but not enough to reach high sorption. For F−, pH in the equilibrium was above pHPZC, which could reduce sorption. For Ni2+, pH in the equilibrium was always below pHPZC, which made sorption difficult. The satisfactory fitting of Cr(VI), F−, and Ni2+ data to the Freundlich model suggests multilayer-type adsorption. Desorption was high for F−, whereas Ni2+ showed the lowest desorption. This research could be especially relevant when focusing on the use of wheat straw as a bio-sorbent, and in cases where straw mulching is used.
Understanding the effects of power asymmetry on a start ups’ innovation performance

This study focuses on the vulnerabilities of startups in inter-organizational relationships. A conceptual model is created based on literature, which predicts a negative roll from power asymmetry on the explorative innovation firm performance of startups. With experience having a moderating effect, that decreases the negative impact of power asymmetry on explorative innovation firm performance. An online survey based on literature is designed to analyze if these relationships indeed exist in startups. Startups located in concentrated areas in Germany and the Netherlands are used for data sampling. Preliminary data analysis is used by means of a principal component analysis to validate the survey items. Hierarchical regression analysis of the data did not find a negative effect of asymmetric interdependence on explorative innovation performance. Neither was the moderating effect of experience found proven by the results, experience having a non-significant negative effect on explorative innovation firm performance. Many other significant relationships between control variables and explorative innovation performance were found. Limitation of this research and suggestions for future research are suggested.
Second International Conference on Energy and Indoor Environment for Hot Climates

Thermal and visual comfort are often listed by occupants as the most important requirements for indoor environmental quality. Leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED), as an internationally recognized rating system for sustainable buildings, defines credits for the indoor environmental quality including thermal and visual comfort qualities. New designs, pursuing daylighting credits, draw on high window to wall ratios in order to provide natural light, which has also caused glare, closing the blinds, and consequently using artificial lighting during daytime. The high window/wall ratio increases the heat loss, resulting in cold spaces, and increases solar gains, resulting in overheated spaces during the hot seasons. The actual performance of LEED buildings should be assessed in order to define the gap between designed and actual levels of performance. This study, through questionnaire survey and onsite measurement, evaluates the visual and thermal comfort in four classrooms of different window sizes, locations, and orientations in two LEED buildings on the campus of Texas A & M University. The students' actual perceptions are compared through measurements and simulations with metrics proposed in LEED v2, v3, and v4, showing satisfaction wih the thermal, though not the visual environment. The results have been discussed for improving the quality of visual environment in university classrooms.