Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dominant role of structure for solute transport in soil: Experimental evidence and modelling of structure and transport in a field experiment

Abstract. A classical transport experiment was performed in a field plot of 2.5 m2 using the dye tracer brilliant blue. The measured tracer distribution demonstrates the dominant role of the heterogeneous soil structure for solute transport. As with many other published experiments, this evidences the need of considering the macroscopic structure of soil to predict flow and transport. We combine three different approaches to represent the relevant structure of the specific situation of our experiment: i) direct measurement, ii) statistical description of heterogeneities and iii) a conceptual model of structure formation. The structure of soil layers was directly obtained from serial sections in the field. The sub-scale heterogeneity within the soil horizons was modelled through correlated random fields with estimated correlation lengths and anisotropy. Earthworm burrows played a dominant role at the transition between the upper soil horizon and the subsoil. A model based on percolation theory is introduced that mimics the geometry of earthworm burrow systems. The hydraulic material properties of the different structural units were obtained by direct measurements where available and by a best estimate otherwise. From the hydraulic structure, the 3-dimensional velocity field of water was calculated by solving Richards' Equation and solute transport was simulated. The simulated tracer distribution compares reasonably well with the experimental data. We conclude that a rough representation of the structure and a rough representation of the hydraulic properties might be sufficient to predict flow and transport, but both elements are definitely required.
Game-Theoretic Design for Robust  $H_{\infty}$ Filtering and Deconvolution With Consideration of Known Input

This paper aims at the H∞ estimation of a linear combination of state and unknown input for linear continuous time-varying systems, which is subjected to both norm-bounded parameter uncertainty and a known input. Such a problem is reformulated into a two-player differential game, whose saddle point solution gives rise to both one sufficient solvable condition to the estimation problem and one possible optimal estimator in terms of solution to two coupled Riccati differential equations. It is demonstrated, through one example, the proposed estimator is of superior robust performance with respect to either parameter uncertainty or known input, when compared with those based on the nominal design. Note to Practitioners-Generally speaking, estimation can be divided into two kinds of problems including state observation (filtering, smoothing, and prediction) and deconvolution (unknown input estimation). This paper will consider state and unknown input hybrid estimation (abbreviated to "hybrid estimation"). The estimated signal is linear combination of state and unknown input. Hybrid estimation also reveals useful in many industrial applications. One example is load current estimation of unin terruptible power supply, where load current signal is a linear function of capacity voltage (state) and back electromotive force (unknown input). Chaos synchronization in secure communication is another example. The practical systems are subjected to both norm-bounded parameter uncertainty and a known input, and the known input will incur new estimation error due to parameter uncertainty. In this work, we utilize differential game approach to solve hybrid estimation problem. The method is based on optimal estimator in terms of solution to two coupled Riccati differential equations. Based on these tools, we propose a complete solvable framework for hybrid estimation systems.
The validation of the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Short Form in Nigeria

The present study examined the competing factor structures, validity, and reliability of the state and trait versions of the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Short Form and the effect of the number of response categories on the scale qualities among Nigerians. Undergraduates (N-1510) completed a trait version of the scale with 5-point and 7-point response formats and a state version with a 7-point response format. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed alongside other techniques to gauge the psychometric properties of the scale. The obtained factor structures for the trait and state versions were in line with the theoretical assumptions of the scale and previous findings. A correlated two-factor model provided the best fit for the trait version, while an orthogonal two-factor model provided the best fit for the state version. The scale performed well with the 7-point response format, but it performed poorly with the 5-point response format, suggesting that the behaviour of the scale depends on the number of response categories. The findings, limitations of the study, and suggestions for further studies are discussed.
The attitude–achievement paradox in Belgium

In Belgium, students of Turkish and North African descent express optimistic attitudes toward education. However, these attitudes conflict with their achievement results, as many underachieve compared to their peers of Belgian descent. Mickelson’s work discusses this attitude–achievement paradox in the United States. In the current study, we use Mickelson’s framework to investigate the attitude–achievement paradox in Belgium. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, we find that students of Turkish, North African and Belgian descent believe in the importance of education to get ahead in society, holding optimistic abstract attitudes. Students of Turkish and North African descent hold more optimistic attitudes than students of Belgian descent. However, these abstract attitudes toward education do not translate into ethnic minority students’ concrete attitudes toward education, which depend mainly on the socioeconomic background of the student. Students with a low socioeconomic background are much more pessimistic than students with a high socioeconomic background. Concrete attitudes influence the achievement of students of Belgian descent; this is not the case for students of Turkish and North African descent. Qualitative research shows that to understand the interpretation of concrete school attitudes and its relationship with achievement results, we need to consider students’ definitions of success, frames of reference and perceived constraints and opportunities.
A COMPLEMENTARY-SYSTEMS APPROACH TO ABSTRACT AND EPISODIC SPEECH PERCEPTION

Over the past two decades, numerous experiments have shown that spoken word perception creates detailed memory traces, containing not only word meanings, but also extraneous, perceptual or contextual details. This is shown, for example, by voice-specific priming effects. Based on such results, exemplar theories suggest the mental lexicon may consist of accumulated episodic traces. Although an episodic approach is wellsuited to explain priming, ample evidence suggests that language also entails abstract representations. Certainly at the segmental level, there are logical constraints that require unitization. An optimal theory may include stable abstract representations, combined with context-sensitive episodic traces. This paper summarizes new tests examining word perception from a complementary-systems perspective, wherein reciprocal neural networks represent hippocampal and cortical memory systems [13]. In this approach, detailed episodic traces and holographic, abstract traces combine to create behavior in real-time, allowing perceptual or memorial data to appear more or less “episodic,” depending on myriad factors. I summarize new results and simulations on perceptual priming, and discuss the model with respect to perceptual learning in speech.
How Do Social Studies Pre-Service Teachers’ Learn Lesson Planning Skills? : Factors that Heighten Abilities Following University Enrollment and Support Measures

To have students in university teacher education courses independently explore what a “good lesson” is, there is a need to first eliminate the gap between university courses and courses students have taken up through high school and disentangle the formalities unconsciously shaped during their K-12 experiences. Keeping this in mind, this study focuses on students who, after enrolling in university classes, have accepted a theory of teaching different from that which they had supported up until then. These students were able to create highquality lesson plans, and this study investigates and analyzes why they were able to heighten their lesson planning skills. Based on analyses of the lesson plans of three students and interviews with them, the following three points were identified:(1)students tried to reflect upon and refine their own lesson plans by being enlightened by others’ purpose-rational lesson plans,(2)their own views of social studies and theories of teaching were relativized by learning about multiple theories of teaching with different goals, and(3)they had little formality with regard to the subjects and fields (geography) that they had not taken during high school. Rather, they were able to independently envision educational content in a purpose-rational fashion. Furthermore, our findings suggest the potential of guidance for supporting the improvement of social studies lesson planning skills that(1)draws from within students criteria and conflicts with regard to the their own latently-held ideas of a “good lesson” through the experience of evaluating exceptional classes taught by others and creating their own lessons (rather than forcing upon them good lessons from the outside through university classes), and(2)makes them understand the importance of engaging in teaching materials study and content construction in accordance with subject objectives, using as material subjects and fields that students have not fully understood the importance of.
Buoyancy Regulation in Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel Colonies

Buoyancy of Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel (Prymnesiophyceae) colonies was investigated by measuring the vertical distribution of colonies in quiescent water where convection had been removed. Over 60% of the colonies exhibited negative buoyancy regardless of light condition or growth phase. Positively and neutrally buoyant colonies lost their buoyancy in the dark, but regained buoyancy upon return to the light. Colonies with closer cell packing; i.e., more cells per unit colonial surface area, had greater capability to remain buoyant. Our results suggest that colony buoyancy was not uniform within a P. globosa population, and that biological regulation of colony buoyancy required light energy.
Diverse roles for VEGF-A in the nervous system

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is best known for its essential roles in blood vessel growth. However, evidence has emerged that VEGF-A also promotes a wide range of neuronal functions, both in vitro and in vivo, including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neuronal survival and axon guidance. Recent studies have employed mouse models to distinguish the direct effects of VEGF on neurons from its indirect, vessel-mediated effects. Ultimately, refining our knowledge of VEGF signalling pathways in neurons should help us to understand how the current use of therapeutics targeting the VEGF pathway in cancer and eye disease might be expanded to promote neuronal health and nerve repair.
Gevrey regularity for a class of dissipative equations with analytic nonlinearity

In this paper, we establish Gevrey class regularity of solutions to a class of dissipative equations with an analytic nonlinearity in the whole space. This generalizes the results of Ferrari and Titi in the periodic space case with initial data in $L^2-$based Sobolev spaces to the $L^p$ setting and in the whole space. Our generalization also includes considering rougher initial data, in negative Sobolev spaces in some cases including the Navier-Stokes and the subcritical quasi-geostrophic equations, and allowing the dissipation operator to be a fractional Laplacian. Moreover, we derive global (in time) estimates in Gevrey norms which yields decay of higher order derivatives which are optimal. Applications include (temporal) decay of solutions in higher Sobolev norms for a large class of equations including the Navier-Stokes equations, the subcritical quasi-geostrophic equations, nonlinear heat equations with fractional dissipation, a variant of the Burgers' equation with a cubic or higher order nonlinearity, and the generalized Cahn-Hilliard equation. The decay results for the last three cases seem to be new while our approach provides an alternate proof for the recently obtained $L^p\, (1<p<2)$ decay result for the Navier-Stokes equations by Bae, Biswas and Tadmor. These applications follow from our global Gevrey regularity result for initial data in \emph{critical spaces} with low regularity.
Characterisation of homologous recombination induced by replication inhibition in mammalian cells

To analyze relationships between replication and homologous recombination in mammalian cells, we used replication inhibitors to treat mouse and hamster cell lines containing tandem repeat recombination substrates. In the ﬁrst step, few double-strand breaks (DSBs) are produced, recombination is slightly increased, but cell lines defective in non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) affected in ku86 (xrs6) or xrcc4 (XR-1) genes show enhanced sensitivity to replication inhibitors. In the second step, replication inhibition leads to coordinated kinetics of DSB accumulation, Rad51 foci formation and RAD51 -dependent gene conversion stimulation. In xrs6 as well as XR-1 cell lines, Rad51 foci accumulate more rapidly compared with their respective controls. We propose that replication inhibition produces DSBs, which are ﬁrst processed by the NHEJ; then, following DSB accumulation, RAD51 recombination can act.
Reconciling animal and human data in a cancer risk assessment of acrylonitrile.

OBJECTIVES Bioassays of rats exposed to acrylonitrile have consistently detected an elevated incidence of central nervous system (CNS) cancer. In contrast, epidemiologic studies have not found a statistically stable increase in CNS cancer mortality. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not CNS cancers predicted from the most appropriate inhalation bioassay in rats are consistent with CNS cancers observed in 3 recent, large epidemiologic studies. METHODS A linearized multistage model was fit to dose-response data from a rat inhalation bioassay to estimate carcinogenic potency. This potency was applied to epidemiologic studies of acrylonitrile-exposed workers. After adjustment for less than complete lifetime follow-up in the epidemiologic studies, consistency was examined between CNS cancers predicted by the model fit to the animal data for the exposure levels and sample sizes of the epidemiologicy studies and the CNS cancers observed in the epidemiologic studies. RESULTS The model predicted totals of 17.7, 3.6, and 7.6 CNS cancer deaths for the studies. These predictions were not far from the observed CNS cancer deaths (12, 6, and 6) and were well within their 95% confidence intervals of 6.9-22.3, 2.2-13.1, and 2.2-13.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The CNS cancer potency estimated from the best available inhalation bioassay was consistent with the observed deaths in the epidemiologic studies as long as continuous lifetime exposure was chosen as the exposure metric. The lack of observed excess in CNS cancer among the studied workers may have been due to low exposures, insufficient follow-up times, or both.
Being Transformed by Being a Peer Mentor: An Examination of High-Impact and Transformative Peer Mentor Experience

Being Transformed by Being a Peer Mentor: An Examination of High-Impact and Transformative Peer Mentor Experience Bryce D. Bunting Department of Instructional Psychology and Technology, BYU Doctor of Philosophy This multi-article dissertation explores the potential for the undergraduate peer mentoring experience to contribute to transformative learning for those who serve in peer mentoring or peer leadership roles. While past research has established that peer mentors experience a variety of positive outcomes associated with their leadership experience, there are gaps in the literature with regard to how the peer mentor experience can be intentionally designed as a high-impact practice for student leaders. Through three qualitative studies, as well as a comprehensive literature review, this dissertation addresses this gap by exploring what peer mentors report learning through their mentoring experiences (Article #1), the types of experiences that contribute to transformative learning (Articles #2 and #3), and how transformative learning can be facilitated through a particular designed training intervention (Article #4). Based on the findings of these four studies, an emerging framework is proposed to describe the characteristics of high-impact and transformative PM learning environments. This framework suggests that transformative PM learning is most likely when (a) the learning of PMs themselves is an explicit objective of the program or initiative, (b) PMs are engaged in purposeful routines and structured practices that facilitate learning, (c) PMs are exposed to unfamiliar and challenging situations in their mentoring practice, (d) theoretical and conceptual understandings (e.g., selected readings) are integrated into PM development; (e) PMs are provided with frequent and structured opportunities for reflection on their experiences, and (f) PMs are part of a supportive mentoring community. Recommendations for the design of high-quality PM learning environments are made based on the elements of this framework. Additionally, directions for future research on peer mentoring as a high-impact practice are made.
Mindfulness Meditation for Intimate Partner Violence

This study examined meditative practices among group participants and therapists, participating in the Domestic Violence Focused Couples Treatment (DVFCT) group using the phenomenology and systems frameworks. Specifically, this inquiry explored whether or not group participants and therapists experienced intrapersonal effects as well as relational effects from meditating, both within and outside of session. Little research examines the relational impact of meditating, or the use of meditation as a strategy for helping couples who experienced intimate partner violence. Systems theory and existing research regarding mindfulness meditation contributed to the development of interview questions. Five group participants and four therapists who facilitated the Domestic Violence Focused Couples Treatment group within the last two years were interviewed. The main theme that had emerged from the study were the differences between meditating during session versus out of session for all study participants. In the study, it was noticed that group participants also experienced more relational effects then were noticed by the therapists. While the experience for the therapists and group participants varied, some similarities were found consistently through their interviews. Also included are a discussion of the connections between these themes and the existing literature, the strengths and limitations of this study, and the implications for future research.
Impact of cognition and noise reduction on speech perception in adults with unilateral cochlear implants

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of cognition and noise reduction (NR) technology in cochlear implants (CIs) on speech perception and listening effort. Methods: Thirteen adults fitted with unilateral CIs (Nucleus® 6, CP900) participated in this study. Participants performed: (I) cognitive tests of working memory and processing speed, (II) speech perception in noise tests, and (III) an auditory–visual dual-task paradigm to quantify listening effort, as a part of the three-phase experimental study. Both the participant and the tester, performing the outcome measures, were blinded to the NR settings (ON/OFF) of the CI for phases II and III. Results: Speech intelligibility significantly improved with the NR activated, but was independent of individual differences in cognitive abilities. Listening effort did not significantly change with NR setting; however, there was a trend for participants with good working memory to have better speech perception scores with NR activated during the effortful listening task (dual-task paradigm). Conclusion: Future studies are warranted to explore the interaction between cognition and CI NR algorithms during an effortful listening task.
Effect of Distance Information and Range on Two Indices of Visually Perceived Distance

Subjects made verbal reports of the perceived distance of near visual targets and indicated their distances by pointing at them with an unseen hand. The targets were presented under three stimulus conditions: monocular, binocular, and multicue. Two ranges of target distance were studied in separate experiments: 11–39 cm and 21–33 cm. When reciprocals of both response distance and target distance were plotted, all functions were approximately linear. The verbal and manual responses (distance indices) differed greatly, but were found to be related by a constant transform. The range of target distances had no effect on either index. The standard deviation of the manual response was about half that of the verbal response. Stimulus condition had a large effect, with the multicue condition producing the greatest change in indicated distance, and the monocular condition the least. The results are discussed with reference to the definition of perceived distance, and hypotheses concerning the integration of distance information.
Grandparent-Grandchild Contact and Attitudes Toward Older Adults: Moderator and Mediator Effects

Two studies tested the intergroup contact hypothesis in the context of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. The hypothesis suggests that contact with an out-group member has more influence on attitudes toward the out-group when group memberships are salient. In Study 1, the predicted link was found but only for grandparents with whom the grandchild had more frequent contact. The second study examined only the most frequent grandparent relationship and replicated the effect. This study also investigated the role of various mediators of the link between quality of contact and attitudes, as well as quality of contact and perceived out-group variability. Perspective taking, anxiety, and accommodation mediated the effects of contact on attitudes, whereas individuation and self-disclosure mediated the effects of contact on perceived out-group variability. Moderated mediational analysis indicated that the moderating effect of group salience occurs between quality of contact and the mediator, not between the mediator and attitudes.