Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping university preparatory school A1 level students’ high school English learning experience

Due to the importance of English in the global scale, English has been included in curriculum and taught from kindergarten to high school in Turkey for many years. Despite all the time, money and energy invested, students cannot pass English proficiency exam offered by their universities and are obliged to enroll in one-year English preparatory (prep) program at universities. The aim of this study is to investigate A1 level university prep students’ English learning experiences at high school, determine the possible reasons of failure in English in their previous schooling that have led them to start the prep school with the lowest entry level and get students’ suggestions to learn what can be done to improve the current situation and curriculum at high schools. 521 questionnaires that consisted of 19 items requiring short answers and an open-ended question were collected in the prep school of a state university in the fall term of 2018-2019 academic year. While analyzing the quantitative data, frequencies and percentages were taken into consideration. For the qualitative data in the open-ended question, content analysis was done. The findings show that English lessons at high schools do not focus much on communication skills and genuine learning.
Water consumption and preliminary crop coefficients of two Populus ×canadensis clones (‘I-214’ and ‘I-488’) grown at low planting density

Aim of study: The productivity of poplar plantations in Mediterranean climates might be reduced due to lower precipitations in a climate change scenario. Therefore, understanding the water consumption in these plantations is essential for their management. The objective of this study was to estimate water consumption and preliminary crop coefficients (kc) of two universally used poplar clones (Populus x Canadensis ‘I-214’ and ‘I-488’). Area of study: Central Chile (36º 05 'LS; 72º 47' LW; 470 m.a.s.l.). Materials and methods: Commercial stands of poplar clones established in 2009 and 2010 at low density (6×6 m) were used to experiment during the 2016-2017 growing season. In each of them, water balance was measuring, by determining evaporation using micro lysimeters and transpiration using the sap flow. Additionally, the water status and the leaf area index (LAI) were measured to understand the behaviour of both clones.Main results: Although the water supplied to both clones was the same, the transpiration (T) was higher for ‘I-488’ than ‘I-214’, at those moments in which the evapotranspiration (ETr) and the vapour pressure deficit (VPD) was higher. On the other hand, differences were observed in plant water status, ‘I-488’ had more negative xilematic water potential (Ψx) compared to ‘I-214’. In turn, I-214 proved to have a higher Leaf Area Index (LAI) than I-488 and grew more during the season, refuting its greater efficiency.Research highlights: These results allow characterizing the water behaviour of both clones in Mediterranean climate condition, but it is necessary to extend the study to more seasons and different age ranges.Keywords: Crop coefficient; water consumption; water balance; poplar.
Nano tipi ve granüle yüksek fırın cürufu ikame oranının çimento harçlarına olan etkisi

In the current experimental study, fresh and hardened properties of high-volume ground granulated blast furnace slag blended cements were investigated. For this purpose, fifty-eight cement mortars satisfying minimum requirements of TS EN 197-1 were produced and nano calcite, nano SiO2 and nano Al2O3 were replaced by the cement up to a replacement level of 4% (which were 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%). First of all, the mechanical properties of mixtures were examined at the curing ages of 2, 7 and 28 days and then standard consistency and setting times of eight selected mixtures were determined. Test results showed that increase in the replacement level of slag was resulted in decrease in early age compressive strength. As a result of both seeding (nucleation) and chemical effect, decrease in setting time and enhancement in early age strength development of mixtures including nanomaterials were observed. Even though increase in replacement of nanomaterials resulted in a slight decrease in compressive strength of the mixtures, the best enhancements were obtained with the replacement level of 1%. As a result of this, minimum requirements of CEM III-C 32.5 were achieved in the mortars including CEM III-C type cement with a slag replacement level of 81% and modified by 1% of nanomaterial.
The Role of Additives in Soil-Cement Subjected to Wetting-Drying Cycles

This study aimed to explore the use of additives in soil–cement mixtures that have undergone a wetting-drying cycle. In total, two types of soil were used, granitic and lateritic, which are widely used in road base construction in the Katingan area, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The cement used was the ordinary Portland type I, while the additive utilized was for commercial purposes, and predominantly contained CaCl2. This research was conducted by testing the optimum cement content for each soil to determine the shear strength according to Indonesian standards (i.e., minimum Unconfined Compressive Strength of 2400 kPa). The optimum cement contents of granitic and lateritic soils were deduced to be 5.5% and 5% on a dry weight basis, respectively. The utilization of 0.8% additive resulted in a 0.5% reduction in the optimum cement content of granite-like soil. The results showed that the optimum additive content for granitic soil was higher than that without supplementation, while for lateritic, no changes occurred. The advantage of using supplements, however, was more pronounced in the samples when they had been subjected to wetting–drying cycles. Additionally, at the optimum additive level, the moisture content and soil-cement loss during wetting was always lower than without supplements.
Thermal degradation kinetics of poly(arylene ether nitrile) and its cross-linked polymer

The kinetics of the thermal degradation of poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN; cross-linked and uncross-linked) was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The corresponding kinetic parameters of PEN were determined using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and the Friedman method. The Satava method was also used to explore the probable degradation mechanisms of PEN. The results showed that the activation energy (E) obtained from the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method was in good agreement with the value obtained from the Friedman method. The solid-state decomposition mechanisms of uncross-linked and cross-linked PEN were A2 (nucleation and growth) and R2 type (phase boundary–controlled reaction), respectively. The E and initial decomposition temperature of cross-linked PEN were higher than those of uncross-linked PEN, which indicates that cross-linking treatment is effective in enhancing the thermal stability of PEN.
Structure analyses and expression pattern of the ERF transcription factor family in Coffea arabica

Members of the ERF Family of Transcription Factors play an important role in plant development and gene expression that regulates responses to biotic and abiotic stress. This work identified 36 ERF family genes in Coffea arabica within the AP2/ERF full domain, using the EST-based genomic resource of the Brazilian Coffee Genome Project. The ERF family genes were classified into nine of the ten existing groups through phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences and comparison with the sequences of the ERF family genes in Arabidopsis. In addition to the AP2 domain, other conserved domains were identified, typical of members of each group. The in silico analysis and expression profiling showed high levels of expression for libraries derived from tissues of fruits, leaves and flowers as well as for libraries subjected to water stress. These results suggest the participation of the ERF family genes of C. arabica in distinct biological functions, such as control of development, maturation and responses to water stress. The results of this work imply in the selection of promising genes for further functional characterizations that will provide a better understanding of the complex regulatory networks related to plant development and responses to stress, opening up opportunities for coffee breeding programs.
Spatial areas of genotype probability: Predicting the spatial distribution of adaptive genetic variants under future climatic conditions

In a context of rapid global change, one of the key components for the survival of species is their genetic evolutionary potential for adaptation. Many methods have been developed to identify genetic variants underpinning adaptation to climate, but few tools were made available to integrate this knowledge into conservation management. We present here the SPatial Areas of Genotype probability (SPAG), a method to transpose the results of genotype–environment association studies into an evolutionary potential spatial prediction framework. We define a univariate model predicting the spatial distribution of a single‐locus adaptive genotype and three multivariate models allowing the integration of several adaptive loci in a composite genotype. Unlike existing methods, SPAGs provide (a) a flexible approach to combine loci under different types of intergenic relationships and (b) a cross‐validation framework to assess the pertinence of evolutionary potential predictions. SPAGs can be integrated with climate change projections to forecast the future spatial distribution of genotypes. The analysis of the mismatch between current and future SPAGs (“genomic offset”) makes it possible to identify vulnerable populations potentially lacking the adaptive genotypes necessary for future survival. We tested the SPAG approach on a simulated population and applied it to characterize the evolutionary potential of 161 Moroccan goats to bioclimatic conditions. We identified seven regions of the Moroccan goat genome strongly associated with the precipitation seasonality and used the SPAG approach to predict the evolutionary potential. We then forecasted the shift in SPAGs under a strong climate change scenario and uncovered the goat populations likely to be threatened in future conditions. The SPAG methodology is an efficient and flexible tool to characterize the evolutionary potential across a landscape and to transpose evolutionary information into conservation frameworks.
Idiosyncratic responses to simulated herbivory by root fungal symbionts in a subarctic meadow

ABSTRACT Plant-associated fungi have elementary roles in ecosystem productivity. There is little information on the interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal symbiosis, fine endophytic (FE) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi, and their host plants in cold climate systems. In particular, the environmental filters potentially driving the relative abundance of these root symbionts remain unknown. We investigated the interlinkage of plant and belowground fungal responses to simulated herbivory (clipping, fertilization, and trampling) in a subarctic meadow system. AM and FE frequency in the two target plant roots, Potentilla crantzii and Saussurea alpina, was unaffected by simulated herbivory, highlighting the importance and resilience of arbuscule forming mycorrhizas in a range of environmental conditions. Fertilization and trampling increased DSE colonization in P. crantzii roots although generally P. crantzii performance was reduced in these plots. The idiosyncratic responses by DSE fungal frequency in the two host plants in our experiment indicate that the host plant identity has a pivotal role in the DSE fungus–plant outcome. DSE fungal frequency did not respond to environmental manipulations in a manner similar to arbuscular mycorrhizas, suggesting that they have a different role in plant ecology.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ACCESS FOR PRACTICALS AMONG SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS IN AN OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING UNIVERSITY

This study utilised a non-experimental, quantitative research design to describe the ICT experiences of fourth-year Social Work students of the University of South Africa. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 317 students for the study. A questionnaire was used as a data-collection instrument and the data collected were analysed using SPSS. The study’s findings indicated that the majority of the students (83.5%) have access to computers, but some of them could not access the internet because of inadequate knowledge of computer usage, lack of financial resources to buy a laptop, and the cost of commuting to a computer centre.
Plasma Concentration After the First Hemoperfusion has a High Predictive Value in Medium Level Acute Paraquat-Poisoned Patients

Background: Paraquat ( PQ) is very poisonous to humans and animals and there is no effective clinical antidote . The efficacy of hemoperfusion (HP) treatment for PQ poisoning remains controversial. To explore new ways to predict the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning and assist in the development of better hemopurification treatment strategies. Methods: The clinical data of patients who were intoxicated with PQ through contact were diagnosed with PQ poisoning by high-performance liquid chromatography. Samples were collected by the Emergency Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2012 to November 2016. Based on the prognosis, the patients were grouped into survival and death groups. Comparisons of the differences in the clinical indexes were performed, including the initial concentration of PQ at admission, PQ concentration after first HP, the number of HP cartridges used for the first hemoperfusion, whether HP was combined with continuous renal replacement therapy, and the number of concurrent organ injuries between the 2 groups. In addition, data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Moreover, prognostic factors in patients with acute PQ poisoning were analyzed. Results: Overall, 128 patients with acute PQ poisoning were enrolled in this study. The median plasma PQ concentrations of the patients at admission were 21 and 834 ng/mL (range: 50–1,099,118 ng/mL). The multiple logistic regression model revealed that the initial concentration of PQ and the PQ concentration after the first perfusion were independent risk factors for death in patients with acute PQ poisoning. The PQ concentration in the survival group after the first HP was <516 ng/mL and was mainly distributed at approximately 100 ng/mL. The percentage of patients whose concentration after the first HP was <516 ng/mL in the death group was only 19%. Conclusions: The initial plasma PQ concentration after admission and PQ concentration after the first HP are risk factors for death in patients with acute PQ poisoning. Moreover, PQ concentration after the first HP had a high predictive value for death. When the initial plasma PQ concentration after admission ranges from 50 ng/mL to 5000 ng/mL, the rapid reduction in plasma PQ concentration after HP treatment could improve the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning.
Is Sustainable Consumption Translated into Ethical Consumer Behavior?

Nowadays, sustainability is assumed to have high potential for promoting ethical consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sustainable behavior on consumer intention to be ethical when it comes to political, social, and environmental dimensions. Therefore, insightful results can be brought forward to explain consumer ethical behavior from a different perspective. Covariance structural equation modelling in AMOS was used for data analysis. Three antecedents, namely environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable consumption, are found to have a significant and positive impact on intention to engage in ethically consumer behavior. In this context, companies seeking to proactively approach eco-friendly consumers will need to understand the complexity of the decision-making process of ethically minded consumers.
Tapping into nature’s benefits: values, effort and the struggle to co-produce pine resin

ABSTRACT The concept of ecosystem services (ES) and related conceptual frameworks like the cascade model, can be relevant to explore the ways through which people and nature are connected and how the benefits of nature, upon which people depend, are realised. An integrated cascade framework was used to study the ES pathway of pine resin, a traded forest product, in a rural mountain community in Mexico. We conducted mixed-methods research, combining participatory tools with measures of service capacity, resin yield, and key farmer endowments. Resin was co-produced by an intricate interaction between the human and natural components of the social-ecological system. Substantial human inputs and coordinated efforts were required to realise resin benefits, and people’s appreciation and plural values emerged along the whole service pathway. Though there were stark differences in natural resource endowments, working farmers gained a high share of resin’s income through labour, labour relations and social networks. But most social conflicts and struggles also occurred over labour relations and organisation, revealing power dynamics. Furthermore, external actors controlled different mechanisms of access, and exerted power over the community’s ability to derive benefits from resin. In resin co-production, values connect people to the landscape, while labour and power mediate the access to nature’s benefits.
Fish pass use by shads (Alosa alosa L. and Alosa fallax [Lacépède, 1803]): Implications for monitoring and management

Fish pass monitoring is essential to ensure the device's effectiveness as a mitigation measure for river impoundment, guaranteeing the longitudinal continuity of rivers, which is particularly important for diadromous fish that depend on obligatory migrations to freshwater reproduction (anadromous) or feeding areas (catadromous) to complete their life cycle. The upstream migration of the anadromous allis (Alosa alosa L.) and twaite (Alosa fallax Lacépède, 1803) shad in the River Mondego, Central Portugal, is being monitored at the Coimbra Dam fish pass since 2013, using visual counts. Statistical models were used to evaluate shad passage and to identify the main environmental variables that seem to condition their behaviour. A total of 26,561 shad were recorded in this infrastructure during the study period (2013–2017), with 96.5% of the total counted fish being counted between April and June. Overall, water temperature and river flow are the environmental predictors that consistently influence the number of shad using the fish pass, although its individual contribution changed between years. The models (Boosted Regression Trees) obtained were robust with an average explained deviance of 0.79 (R2), despite the poorer results associated with the 2015 spawning season, that were possibly related with the low number of adult fish observed that year. Results from this study contribute to better understand the dynamics associated with fish pass use by Alosa sp. and can help the conservation and management of these species through the improvement of fish pass attractiveness and, consequently, the overall efficiency of fish pass devices targeting shads.
Fatty acid profile and chemical composition of meat from Nellore steers finished on pasture with different amounts of supplementation

Abstract: The use of supplements to feed grazing ruminants may improve the productivity and profitability of beef cattle productive systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different supplementation amounts on the meat quality of Nellore steers finished on pasture. A total of 40 steers were maintained on Brachiaria brizantha ‘Marandu’ pasture and finished on different concentrate supplementation amounts: 0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.9% of body weight (BW). There was no effect (P > 0.10) of supplementation on 14:0, 14:1 n-5, 15:0, 15:1 n-6, 16:1 n-10, 16:1 n-9, 16:1 n-7, 18:1 c-9, 18:1 t-9, 18:2 n-6, conjugated linoleic acid, 20:4 n-6, 22:0 and 22:5 n-3. However, the 17:1 n-10 decreased linearly (P < 0.01), whereas 18:0 increased linearly (P < 0.01) when supplementation was added. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.10) for 16:0 and 18:1 t-11, as well as for 18:3 n-6. The total concentration of n-3 was linearly reduced, whereas the n-6/n-3 ratio was linearly increased. The use of concentrate supplements for Nellore steers finished on pasture, at amounts up to 0.9% of BW, does not improve the unsaturated fatty acids content. In contrast, the supplementation increases the content of saturated fatty acids in meat of steers.
It Depends Who you Ask: Context Effects in the Perception of Stock Returns

We use a large dataset of individual investor stock trades to demonstrate that investors are more likely to sell stocks with larger price changes in the previous day. This is consistent with investors trying to learn about the firms' fundamentals from stock returns. Our core contribution is to show that the same return elicits a much larger selling response when that return is extreme compared to the individual investor's own personal portfolio history of returns. The effect is large. When a return is extreme compared to an investor's personal history of returns, the coefficient on negative returns increases by a factor of 4.5 and the coefficient on positive returns increases by a factor of 2.0. Whereas stock returns are commonly considered to be "objective", here we have demonstrated considerable subjectivity in their perception.
Research Note—Equity and Justice in the Social Work Explicit Curriculum

ABSTRACT In the context of the current sociopolitical climate, schools of social work’s expressed commitment to equity and justice is of paramount relevance. Utilizing course descriptions and syllabi posted online, we used content analysis to identify equity and justice-related content within the explicit curricula of 19 master of social work programs in the United States. We searched for content related to differences, diversity, disparities, and inclusion, as well as the mention of specific demographic and social identity groups. Findings indicate that, although social work courses are embedded with equity and justice-related content, the explicit curriculum may be strengthened by allocating greater attention to disparities and inclusion. Consideration of disparities and inclusion is critical in clinical courses, as part of a person-in-the-environment approach, and in macro social work courses that aim to equip future social workers to make broad changes that promote equity and justice in society and institutions.