Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of prior knowledge on students' performance in idea generation: Reflection on university entry requirements

Context: Creative performance of science and engineering professionals is supported by their ability to generate diverse solution ideas. The latter ability, in turn, can be influenced by numerous factors including prior knowledge and experience of the problem solver as well as by ideation heuristics she/he uses. This paper investigates the influence of prior science knowledge on the outcomes of an idea generation experiment that engaged engineering students from Australia, Czech Republic, Finland and Russian Federation in resolving the same open-ended technical problem. Purpose: The outcomes of the abovementioned idea generation experiment were unexpected. Australian students proposed statistically significantly less distinct ideas than their international counterparts. Moreover, the ideas generated by the Australian students were not as broad as ideas generated by the students from the other three countries. Such poor performance of Australian students contradicted the results of the 2012 OECD PISA assessment of creative problem solving skills, which positioned Australian 15-year-olds above their international peers from Czech Republic and Russian Federation and on a par with students from Finland. The reasons for such a poor performance by Australian students required exploration. Approach: In order to establish the potential reasons behind the unexpectedly poor performance of Australian students this study reflected on: (1) the results of OECD PISA 2012 assessment of student skills in mathematics, science and reading and the results of the 2012 OECD PISA assessment of creative problem solving skills; (2) performance of students from Australia, Czech Republic, Finland and Russian Federation in the abovementioned idea generation experiment; (3) reviews of educational systems of Australia, Czech Republic, Finland and Russian Federation as well as the admission requirements at universities that participated in the abovementioned idea generation experiment. Results: It was discovered that the minimum university admission requirements in science knowledge at participating universities from Czech Republic, Finland and Russian Federation were similar and substantially more demanding than that at the Australian university. All other identified factors that could have influenced the idea generation performance were evaluated and found to be insignificant. Therefore, it was concluded that the most likely reason for poor performance of Australian engineering students compared with their counterparts from Czech Republic, Finland and Russian Federation was related to significant differences in their prior science knowledge. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a lack of prior knowledge in science might limit creative abilities of STEM graduates. Australian STEM educators need to revisit university admission requirements and to consider establishing admission thresholds of prior science knowledge similar to those existing in other countries if we would like to see Australian graduates on par with their international counterparts.
Asymmetric Preferences in Investment Decisions in the Brazilian Financial Market

The main objective of this article is to test the hypothesis that utility preferences that incorporate asymmetric reactions between gains and losses generate better results than the classic Von Neumann-Morgenstern utility functions in the Brazilian market. The asymmetric behavior can be computed through the introduction of a disappointment (or loss) aversion coefficient in the classical expected utility function, which increases the impact of losses against gains. The results generated by both traditional and loss aversion utility functions are compared with real data from the Brazilian market regarding stock market participation in the investment portfolio of pension funds and individual investors.
A DNA-barcode for Melia volkensii Gürke (Meliaceae) and its phylogenetic relationship with some economically important relatives

The study reports the first DNA-barcode and molecular phylogeny of the East African endemic tree species Melia volkensii using the standard two-locus plant barcoding genes (rbcL and matK). The two genes were amplified and the PCR products sequenced. Complete coding sequences were obtained for both genes. The edited and aligned sequences had lengths of 1371 bp for rbcL and 1524 bp for matK. These DNA sequences were deposited into the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) with cross-listing in the European Molecular Biology Labaratory (EMBL) and GenBank databases. The deposited gene sequences were then subjected to separate nucleotide BLASTs in NCBI’s GenBank database. Out of 100 Blast results in which the query (M. volkensii) had 96–100 percentage similarity in nucleotide sequence for the rbcL gene and 90-100% similarity for the matK gene, only 16 taxa had data for both rbcL and matK genes. These 16 taxa were used for the phylogenetic analysis and comprised of 6, 9 and 1 taxa respectively from the families Meliaceae, Simaroubaceae and Rutaceae. The barcode allowed adequate discrimination of the taxa into their respective generic and species clades. Availability of a barcode for M. volkensii will ease identification of the species, provide more robust phylogenetic reconstructions and allow for better tracking of its exotic dispersal. Key words: DNA barcoding, matK, rbcL, DDBJ/EMBL/NCBI Gene Databases, Melia volkensii, phylogeny.
On stability of equilibrium in linear thermoviscoelasticity

Influenced by [1–3], the author obtained in [4–7] some results regarding the stability and continuous dependence of solution to equilibrium equations of inhomogeneous anisotropic and non-convolutive linear viscoelasticity. Precisely, denoting by u the displacement field and by σ, C, and G, respectively, the stress, elasticity, and relaxation tensor fields, we have considered materials with the constitutive equation
HIGH AND LOW RESOLUTION TEXTURED MODELS OF COMPLEX ARCHITECTURAL SURFACES

Abstract. During the recent years it has become obvious that 3D technology, applied mainly with the use of terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) is the most suitable technique for the complete geometric documentation of complex objects, whether they are monuments or architectural constructions in general. However, it is rather a challenging task to convert an acquired point cloud into a realistic 3D polygonal model that can simultaneously satisfy high resolution modeling and visualization demands. The aim of the visualization of a simple or complex object is to create a 3D model that best describes the reality within the computer environment. This paper is dedicated especially in the visualization of a complex object's 3D model, through high, as well as low resolution textured models. The object of interest for this study was the Almoina (Romanesque) Door of the Cathedral of Valencia in Spain.
Themes of Whiteness in Bulletproof Monk, Kill Bill, and The Last Samurai

In 2003, Hollywood released three major films in which a White protagonist ‘‘mastering’’ an Asian martial art was part of the narrative: Kill Bill, The Last Samurai, and Bulletproof Monk. In each film, the protagonist’s ethnicity is questioned as an inhibition but found to be irrelevant. It is the position of the present study that these films are beneficially understood through a theoretical framework of strategic rhetoric of whiteness expressed in four common themes: The supraethnic viability of whiteness, the necessary defeat of Asians, the disallowance of anti-White sentiment, and the presence of at least one helpful and/or generous Asian cohort. The themes’ presence in the films, as well as their implications, both local and global, are examined in detail. Whiteness and the American martial arts films The martial arts film originated in Asia and first gained widespread popularity in America in the 1970s with the rise to stardom of Bruce Lee. During the 1980s, martial arts returned to American theaters but with a significant shift in the ethnic makeup of the martial arts star. In Bruce Lee’s absence, White men such as Chuck Norris, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Steven Seagal gained fame as ‘‘martial arts’’ actors. The shift in the ethnicity is a significant change that demands investigation because in 2003, Kill Bill, The Last Samurai, and Bulletproof Monk again made a White person ‘‘mastering’’ Asian martial arts a narrative theme in mainstream American film. It is the position of the present study that these films are beneficially understood through a theoretical framework of strategic rhetoric of whiteness. Themes of whiteness inform and affect the narrative structure of these films, allowing for perpetuation of specific ideological constructs of whiteness that include ethnic superiority and recurrent, stringent assignment of roles and functions based on ethnicity.
A Comparison of Learners’ Affect and Behaviors While Using an Intelligent Tutor and an Educational Game

We compared the extent to which of students exhibit certain affect states and behaviors while using an intelligent tutoring system, Aplusix, and an educational game, Math Blaster 9-11. We found that students using Math Blaster showed more boredom and less flow than the students who used Aplusix. Despite exhibiting less flow, students using the game spent more time ontask and less time in conversation or in gaming the system (defined as hint abuse or systematic guessing) that those using Aplusix. We were able to associate affective states with certain behaviors. We found that, in Aplusix, gaming the system tended to co-occur with boredom and confusion. In both Aplusix and Math Blaster, confusion and delight tended to dampen on-task behavior but foster on-task conversation. Also in both cases, flow was associated with on-task behavior and is not associated with off-task behaviors. Findings from this study suggest that, regardless of software format, boredom is an undesirable affective state. Flow is clearly desirable. Confusion and delight reduce solitary on-task behavior yet foster greater communication with teachers or classmates. The findings also provide some evidence that, regardless of the affective states they evoke, game formats tend to keep students on-task.
Foraging behaviour and energetics of Cape gannets Morus capensis feeding on live prey and fishery discards in the Benguela upwelling system

We compared the foraging ecology of Cape gannets Morus capensis attending 2 colonies of equivalent size, yet with contrasting diet and population trends. One colony, on the west coast of South Africa, is decreasing in size and its occupants feed mainly on fishery wastes, whereas the other colony, on the south coast of South Africa, is growing and its occupants feed exclusively on natural prey (pelagic fish). In October and November 2005, we examined the diet, at-sea behaviour, and energy requirements of breeding gannets using direct observations, miniaturised GPS loggers, and time-depth recorders attached to foraging adults. Concurrent hydroacoustic surveys allowed us to assess the distribution and abundance of their preferred prey (the sardine Sardinops sagax and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus). Birds from the declining west coast colony foraged in areas contain- ing very low abundances of pelagic fish. They fed primarily on low-energy fishery discards. They increased their foraging effort and exploited a greater area than birds from the growing colony, which took advantage of abundant pelagic fish stocks in their foraging range. A marked eastward shift of pelagic fish initiated in the late 1990s has resulted in the shortage of natural prey to Cape gannets on the west coast, strongly suggesting that the local population trend is driven by food avail- ability during the breeding season. A bioenergetic model showed that enhanced availability of low- energy fishery discards does not seem to compensate for the absence of natural prey. Added to the predation pressure by the Cape fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus and the great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus, those threats weigh heavily on a vulnerable seabird population.
The contribution of education to economic growth: Empirical analysis in the Middle East and North Africa region

In this paper we will focus on education. Indeed, most theoretical analyzes have confirmed that human capital has a positive and significant effect on growth. The paper aims to examine in time series the causality between human capital and growth in MENA’s region. For this, We carry out our empirical investigation by employing various human capital measures suggested in the literature. The results show that cointegration between education and economic growth exists only in Tunisia, Turkey, Morocco, Iran and Israel. However, in the other countries the causality does not exist because they don’t have effective means to improve their growth.
Comparative cytogenetics among sympatric species of Characidium (Pisces, Characiformes). Diversity analysis with the description of a ZW sex chromosome system and natural triploidy

Abstract A comparative cytogenetic analysis was carried out in two sympatric fish species of the genus Characidium, C. gomesi and C. cf. zebra, from the Paraná basin, São Paulo State, Brazil. Although both species showed the same diploid number (2n = 50) and a similar karyotypic macrostructure, an interspecific diversity was detected concerning the distribution of the C-bands and the nucleolar organizing regions in the karyotypes, as well as the sex chromosomes. A ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system was detected in C. gomesi, where the W chromosome appears fully heterochromatic and with a small size than Z chromosome. This species also presented a triploid female specimen bearing one W and two Z chromosomes. In C. cf.zebra heteromorphic sex chromosomes were not found. These data are discussed concerning the characterization of the regional ictiofauna and its evolutionary aspects.
A Regional Biological Approach to the Spread of Farming in Europe

This article examines the potential contribution of archaeological human skeletal material, in particular craniometric data, to interpretations of the nature of the transition to farming in Europe. The material is discussed particularly in relation to recent debates about demographic variables and processes and modern genetic frequency patterns. It is suggested that biological morphometrics enables the comparison of ancient populations on a regional basis. Analysis of the material suggests that there was considerable morphological heterogeneity among the earliest farmers of the Levant belonging to the PrePottery Neolithic but that similar variability is generally not seen among the earliest mainland agriculturalists of southeastern Europe. We propose that this may be explained by the existence of a genetic bottleneck among Anatolian populations and that it supports models of the largely exogenous origin of many early Neolithic populations in this region. Regional comparisons further demonstrate a biologically more complex relationship between Mesolithic and Neolithic populations in the central and western Mediterranean. The regional and chronological variability of transitions to farming is stressed, and it is pointed out that different techniques highlight different aspects of the processes involved at a range of scales and resolutions.
Climate-Smart Agriculture? A review of current practice of agroforestry and conservation agriculture in Malawi and Zambia

Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa must undergo significant productivity improvements to meet the combined challenges of population growth and climate change. A proposed means of achieving such improvements is increased use of a ‘climate-smart agriculture’ approach to agricultural development policy-making, which emphasizes the use of farming techniques that (1) increase yields, (2) reduce vulnerability to climate change, and (3) reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Two countries that are prioritizing such an approach within the framework of a Climate-Smart Agriculture project are Malawi and Zambia. These countries are promoting the use of agroforestry and conservation agriculture with the aim of improving the productivity of their smallholder agricultural systems under climate change. This review synthesizes evidence on the use, yield and socio-economic impacts of these farming techniques. Key findings are that agroforestry is a promising option for smallholder farmers with well-documented yield and profitability improvements. Evidence supporting the use of conservation agriculture in the target countries is also positive but weaker. Adoption rates, although higher than those in other African countries, are lower than would be expected given the potential benefits, and resources spent on promotion. Key constraints and needs for further research are documented.
A Neuro-Fuzzy Application Proposal of an Individual Intelligent Driving Behavior Predictor Device

Ever since automobiles evolved as the dominant transportation mode, road safety emerged as one of the governments' greatest concerns. A number of surveys highlight the fact that unpredictable reaction of drivers is one of the major accident reasons, especially on highways and major roads. Researchers have not made many efforts to tackle this issue, which leaves this a rather untouched problem requiring more research. Intelligent transport systems (ITS) technologies are increasingly being accepted by traffic authorities and people. This paper attempts to offer an ITS solution which can help to learn and predict drivers' behaviors which can be useful for predicting their actions and reactions during driving. This approach consists of three major phases: Learning, Modeling and Predicting. An artificial Neural Network (ANN) has been applied for learning phase and then the learned parameters are utilized in generating a fuzzy model of the driver behavior which can be a basis for the third phase which is prediction. In other words, this research uses a neuro-fuzzy approach to learn, model and predict a driver's behavior. Previously, researches have been conducted in providing safer roads by using intelligent systems and inter-vehicle communication. The aim is to implement this process in personal devices, each located in every car, which are inter-connected.
Modeling 3D spatially distributed water fluxes in an andisol under banana plants

Water fluxes in the subsurface of forested and agricultural ecosystems are spatially widely variable because of several interconnected phenomena. On the one hand, subsurface environments are often highly heterogeneous. On the other hand, infiltration water is often distributed unevenly due to above-ground interception and redistribution of rainfall by the plant canopy. These phenomena have important hydro-ecological consequences because they significantly affect groundwater recharge and nutrient leaching. Field experiments involving subsurface lysimeters and tensiometers were carried out to quantify the spatial distribution of fluxes in an andisol under a banana plant. Wick lysimeters were installed at a depth of 70 cm at several locations with respect to the banana stem to measure spatial distribution of subsurface water fluxes. Collected experimental data were simulated using the HYDRUS software package that numerically solves the Richards equation describing three-dimensional variably-saturated water flow in the subsurface. Spatially distributed drainage fluxes were well reproduced with the numerical model. Due to the impact of stemflow, drainage volumes under the banana stem were up to six times higher than in the row downstream from the stem, as well as between rows, as these areas were sheltered from direct rainfall by the banana leaves and received only throughfall. (Resume d'auteur)
Solubilization of inorganic phosphates by fungi isolated from agriculture soil

Most agricultural soils contain large reserves of phosphorus (P), a considerable part of which accumulates as a consequence of regular applications of P fertilizers. However, a greater part of soil phosphorus, approximately 95‐99% is present in the form of insoluble phosphates and hence cannot be utilized by the plants. In the present study fungal strains isolated from agriculture soil, having potential to solubilize insoluble inorganic phosphates were characterized. Two fungal isolates were tested for their tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization efficiency in both solid and liquid medium. Isolates were identified as Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. depending upon their colony morphology and microscopic studies. Phosphate solubilization was related to pH decrease caused by growth of fungus in medium containing glucose as carbon source. Aspergillus sp. solubilized 480 �g/ml of phosphorus, while Penicillium sp. solubilized 275 �g/ml of phosphorus from 0.5% tricalcium phosphate after 4 and 3 days of growth respectively. Both the strains show diverse levels of phosphate solubilization activity in liquid broth culture in presence of various carbon and nitrogen sources. Drop in pH during growth was more prominent in absence of TCP in the liquid medium. This indicates that absence of soluble P in media induces the acid production. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms convert insoluble phosphates into soluble forms generally through the process of acidification, chelation and exchange reactions. Thus such microorganisms may not only compensate for higher cost of manufacturing fertilizers in industry but also mobilizes the fertilizers added to soil.
Investigating Causal Linkages Between International Stock Markets in Hungary and Austria in Terms of Economic Globalization

The main aim of this chapter is to examine causal linkages between selected stock markets of Hungary and Austria in terms of economic globalization. The sample databases cover a long time period from January 2000 to December 2013. The selected ATX stock index represents Austria index, while BUX represents the main stock index of Hungary. The empirical findings highlighted that stock market in Hungary is significantly more volatile and provides comparatively higher investing opportunities for financial asset returns. There are strong evidences of no casual linkages between selected markets of Austria and Hungary. The econometric analysis includes BDS and Granger causality tests. The results are classified in a comparative manner. This book chapter will support decision makings on escalation ratios depending on the international financial market transmitting patterns.
Exploring Leadership Hubs as an Intervention in Strengthening the Resilience of Health Caregivers

This article reports the findings from an intervention to strengthen the resilience of leaders of health caregivers involved in HIV and AIDS care across 4 countries, namely South Africa, Uganda, Jamaica and Kenya. Data on participants' experience of how their involvement in a leadership intervention (Leadership Hubs) contributed to their resilience were collected using 23 focus group discussions (n = 136) and individual interviews (n = 12) with the health care leaders. Data were analysed by means of thematic content analysis. The results indicate that involvement in Leadership Hubs strengthened the resilience of participants. This was evident from a more positive mind-set and their improved confidence to be involved in problem solving, policy making, research, further studies and collaboration. Members' resilience was thus enhanced including their abilities to access external resources (e.g., time and management) to initiate and support action plans.