Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Academic Performance of Native and Immigrant Students: A Study Focused on the Perception of Family Support and Control, School Satisfaction, and Learning Environment

The international assessment studies of key competences, such as the PISA report of the OECD, have revealed that the academic performance of Spanish students is significantly below the OECD average. In addition, it has also been confirmed that the results of immigrant students are consistently lower than those of their native counterparts. Given the context, the first objective of this work is to observe the variables (support, control, school satisfaction, and learning environment) which distinguish between retained and non-retained native and immigrant students. The second objective is to check, by comparing the retained and non-retained native and immigrant students and separating the two levels, in order to find out which of the selected variables clearly differentiate the two groups. A sample of 1359 students was used (79.8% native students and 20.2% immigrant students of Latin American origin), who were enrolled in the 5th and 6th year of Primary Education (aged 10–11 years) and in the 1st and 2nd year of Secondary Education (aged 12–13 years). The measurement scales, which undergo a psychometric analysis in the current work, have been developed in a previous research study (Lorenzo et al., 2009). The construct validity and reliability are reported (obtaining alpha indices between 0.705 and 0.787). Subsequently, and depending on the results of this analysis, inferential analyses are performed, using as independent variables the ethno-cultural origin and being retained or not, whereas, as dependent variables, the indices referring to students' perception of family support and control, as well as the assessment of the school and learning environment. Among other results, the Group × Being retained/Not being retained [F(1, 1315) = 4.67, p < 0.01] interaction should be pointed out, indicating that native non-retained subjects perceive more control than immigrants, as well as the Group × Being retained/Not being retained [F(1, 1200) = 5.49, p < 0.01] interaction, showing that native non-retained students perceive more family support. Given the results obtained, our intention is to provide solid evidence that would facilitate the design of family involvement programs, helping to improve students' educational performance.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) MR based electric properties imaging for hyperthermia treatment planning and MR safety

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Decidability of the isomorphism problem for stationary AF-algebras and the associated ordered simple dimension groups

The notion of isomorphism on stable AF-C^{\ast}-algebras is considered in this paper in the case when the corresponding Bratteli diagram is stationary, i.e. is associated with a single square primitive incidence matrix. A C^{\ast}-isomorphism induces an equivalence relation on these matrices, called C^{\ast}-equivalence. We show that the associated isomorphism equivalence problem is decidable, i.e. there is an algorithm that can be used to check in a finite number of steps whether two given primitive matrices are C^{\ast}-equivalent or not. Special cases of this problem will be considered in a forthcoming paper.
The Ironic double whammy of being an ethical leader: follower response to leader infidelity

This study examines how leaders’ ethical behavior outside of work affects followers’ attitudes toward them. Building on leader integrity and apology research, we conducted a scenario-based study that experimentally manipulated leader reputation (ethical/unethical), type of sex scandal (involving abuse of power or not) and the leader’s response (denial, apology or atonement). The results support and extend recent work on apologies, suggesting that ethical leaders suffer more than unethical leaders from extra-role sex scandals, and that meaningful apologies are effective for personal responsibility but not for violations involving an ofﬁcial abuse of power.
UNUSUAL DUST EMISSION FROM PLANETARY NEBULAE IN THE MAGELLANIC CLOUDS

We present a Spitzer Space Telescope spectroscopic study of a sample of 25 planetary nebulae (PNe) in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs). The low-resolution modules are used to analyze the dust features present in the infrared spectra. This study complements a previous work by the same authors where the same sample was analyzed in terms of neon and sulfur abundances. Over half of the objects (14) show emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, typical of carbon-rich dust environments. We compare the hydrocarbon emission in our objects to those of Galactic H ii regions and PNe, and Large Magellanic Cloud/Small Magellanic Cloud H ii regions. Amorphous silicates are seen in just two objects, enforcing the now well known fact that oxygen-rich dust is less common at low metallicities. Besides these common features, some PNe show very unusual dust. Nine objects show a strong silicon carbide feature at 11 μm and 12 of them show magnesium sulfide emission starting at 25 μm. The high percentage of spectra with silicon carbide in the MCs is not common. Two objects show a broadband which may be attributed to hydrogenated amorphous carbon and weak low-excitation atomic lines. It is likely that these nebulae are very young. The spectra of the remaining eight nebulae are dominated by the emission of fine-structure lines with a weak continuum due to thermal emission of dust, although in a few cases the signal-to-noise ratio in the spectra is low, and weak dust features may not have been detected.
MicroRNA mimicry blocks pulmonary fibrosis

Over the last decade, great enthusiasm has evolved for microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics. Part of the excitement stems from the fact that a miRNA often regulates numerous related mRNAs. As such, modulation of a single miRNA allows for parallel regulation of multiple genes involved in a particular disease. While many studies have shown therapeutic efficacy using miRNA inhibitors, efforts to restore or increase the function of a miRNA have been lagging behind. The miR‐29 family has gained a lot of attention for its clear function in tissue fibrosis. This fibroblast‐enriched miRNA family is downregulated in fibrotic diseases which induces a coordinate increase of many extracellular matrix genes. Here, we show that intravenous injection of synthetic RNA duplexes can increase miR‐29 levels in vivo for several days. Moreover, therapeutic delivery of these miR‐29 mimics during bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis restores endogenous miR‐29 function whereby decreasing collagen expression and blocking and reversing pulmonary fibrosis. Our data support the feasibility of using miRNA mimics to therapeutically increase miRNAs and indicate miR‐29 to be a potent therapeutic miRNA for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
Between gentrification and reurbanisation: The participatory dimension of bottom-up regeneration in Gdańsk, Poland

GRABKOWSKA, M. (2015): Between gentrification and reurbanisation: The participatory dimension of bottom-up regeneration in Gdańsk, Poland. Geografie, 120, No. 2, pp. 210–225. – Urban regeneration has become a key issue in the development of contemporary cities. The paper discusses bottom-up regeneration practices performed by inhabitants of a decaying inner-city neighbourhood under post-socialist conditions, which differ notably from the widely researched Western European context. Results of a qualitative study in Wrzeszcz Dolny, Gdańsk, have indicated the leading role of newcomers to the area in animating bottom-up regeneration efforts, which in turn translate into an activation and integration of the local community. Thus, it is argued that an in-migration into the inner city, usually interpreted as gentrification, does not necessarily generate losses for the indigenous inhabitants but can also bring a desired social change and significantly contribute to the building of inclusive civil society. The presented case study therefore signals the need for a careful investigation and precise labelling of the post-socialist inner-city transformation processes, as well as demonstrates how increasing participation might be employed as the potential antidote to ills associated with gentrification.
Assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality for Retrofitting Classrooms with An Egg-Crate Shading Device in A Hot Climate

In the Mediterranean climate, a large number of educational buildings suffer from discomfort due mostly to energy-deficient thermal envelopes and a lack of cooling systems. Impending climate change is expected to worsen overheating in classrooms, especially during heatwave periods. Therefore, the protection of window openings to reduce incident solar radiation while maintaining adequate indoor environmental quality must be considered a necessary key focus. The main objective of this research is to assess the influence of an egg-crate shading device on the indoor environmental quality of a classroom in Southern Spain. To do so, two classrooms—with and without this shading device—were simultaneously monitored over a whole year. The implementation of an egg-crate shading device allowed for a significant reduction of the incident solar radiation, both in summer and mid-season (around 45–50%), which objectively slightly conditioned indoor operative temperatures. Given the noticeable influence of the user patterns observed, indoor illuminance was also improved, as the rolling shutters tended to be opened at higher aperture levels.
Help Seeking and Help Design in Interactive Learning Environments

Many interactive learning environments (ILEs) offer on-demand help, intended to positively influence learning. Recent studies report evidence that although effective help-seeking behavior in ILEs is related to better learning outcomes, learners are not using help facilities effectively. This selective review (a) examines theoretical perspectives on the role of on-demand help in ILEs, (b) reviews literature on the relations between help seeking and learning in ILEs, and (c) identifies reasons for the lack of effective help use. We review the effect of system-related factors, of student-related factors, and of interactions between these factors. The interaction between metacognitive skills and cognitive factors is important for appropriate help seeking, as are a potentially large space of system-related factors as well as interactions among learner- and system-related factors. We suggest directions for future research.
Facebook's Effect on Learning in Higher Education: An Empirical Investigation.

Due in part to its widespread acceptance, Facebook has been adopted as a tool for higher education courses. Proponents claim that Facebook-enhanced courses facilitate an increased community of practice, sense of learning and sense of connectedness compared to non-enhanced courses. This empirical study uses a survey methodology in an independent measures static group comparison research design to compare the responses of 586 students who were enrolled in Facebook-enhanced business courses with those who were not. The courses were taught by two instructors at two different universities in the USA. The use of Facebook in students’ courses serves as the independent variable. Students’ attitudes toward the community of practice, sense of learning and sense of connectedness that evolved in their classrooms serve as the dependent variables. Research findings show that students in the Facebook-enhanced courses experienced a somewhat more positive community of practice, sense of learning and sense of connectedness compared to students in non-Facebook-enhanced courses. Implications for teaching, limitations and further research are discussed.
Estimation of the Variability and Inheritance of Some Quantitative Traits in Two Rows Spring Barley in the Conditions of ARDS Turda

From the spring barley collection of ARDS Turda, a number of 60 genotypes were chosen and analysed in terms of variability parameters (the mean, minimum and maximum, coefficient of genetic, phenotypic and environmental variation and the heritability coefficient in broad sense). The morpho-productive characters analysed were: the number of grains/ear, ear length, grain weight/ear, TKW and harvest index. To estimate gene effects involved in the inheritance of quantitative traits, such as yield components, the genetic analysis model proposed by Hayman (1958) and applied by Gamble (1962) was used. The study was conducted to evaluate a number of six hybrid combinations. The parental forms were chosen on the basis of homozygosity and phenotypic differences in yield between parents c. To estimate additive gene effects, dominance and epistatic interaction of additive x additive (aa), additive x dominance (ad) and dominance x dominance (dd) types, involved in the heritability of a trait, we established the mean of: parental population, of F1, F2 and backcross (BCI and BCII). genetic populations.
A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING THE SHEAR STRENGTH OF FINE-GRAINED UNSATURATED SOILS USING THE CONVENTIONAL DIRECT SHEAR APPARATUS

In recent years, several investigators have developed semi-empirical procedures for predicting the shear strength of unsaturated soils using computing techniques. The input parameters for predicting the unsaturated shear strength include effective shear strength parameters and the soil-water characteristic curve data. The soil-water characteristic curve data is represented as a mathematical equation in the shear strength function. The prediction procedures developed and proposed in the literature are however based using limited experimental data. In this paper, a simple experimental technique is proposed for determining the unsaturated shear strength of fine-grained soils using the direct shear testing apparatus, which is conventionally used for determining the shear strength of saturated soils. The simple experimental procedure proposed in this paper can be used in conjunction with the semi-empirical procedures to predict the shear strength of fine-grained unsaturated soils with greater reliability. RESUMÉ Pendant les dernières années, plusieurs chercheurs ont développé des methods numériques semi empiriques et des procédures pour prédire la résistance au cisaillement des sols non saturés. Les données requises pour ces predictions incluent les paramètres effectifs de résistance au cisaillement et les courbes caractéristiques sol/eau. Ces courbes sont représentées par une equation mathématique dans la fonction de résistance au cisailllement. Les methods prédictives proposées dans la littérature sont basées sur un nombre limité de données expérimentales. Dans cet article, on propose une technique expérimentale simple pour déterminer la résistance au cisaillement de sols fins et non saturés à l'aide d'un appareil qui est courrament utilisé pour déterminer la résistance au cisaillement de sols saturés. Cette nouvelle procédure peut être utilisée avec des méthodes semi empiriques pour prédire de façon fiable la résistance au cisaillement de sols fins.
Prospects and Challenges in Promoting Organic Agriculture in the Upland Communities in the Philippines : Implications to Food Security and Nutrition

This paper highlights the status of organic farming in the upland areas in the Philippines. Using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and biophysical characterization, results revealed that majority of the farmers are now moving from conventional agriculture to organic farming practices. The shift was attributed to farmers’ concern on health and food safety, cheaper inputs, and the preservation of their local agricultural practices. Similarly, the consumers appreciate the health and environmental contributions of organic farming, thus, the growing demand for organic food products. Despite these prospects, the adoption of organic agriculture is faced with challenges such as the lack of financial and technical capacity of the smallholder farmers; problem on the marketing and product labelling of organic food products; and, the quality of the organically produced agricultural products. These findings, therefore, suggest the need to review the institutional support system for the adoption of organic agriculture; and, enhance smallholder farmers’ capacities.
Fecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer from a prospective cohort with 513,283 individuals

AbstractThe fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is underutilized, in part, because its benefits have not been fully understood. We assessed the relationship of FIT values with cancer incidence and mortality, and explored how repeated administrations of FIT could aid clinicians. A cohort with 513,283 adults in Taiwan participated in a screening program between 1994 and the end of 2007. Colorectal cancer was identified from National Cancer Registry and not from colonoscopy. Positive FIT was FIT ≥ 100 ng/mL. Number needed to scope (NNS) to identify 1 cancer by different FIT values was calculated for the study time. Only 4% of subjects had FIT ≥ 100 ng/mL but contributed 40% of cancer cases, leading to a NNS of 25 for finding 1 in this group. However, within the same FIT ≥ 100 ng/mL, NNS was different by age: 10 for age 60 to 69 years, 42 for age 40 to 49 years, and 156 for age 20 to 39 years. Furthermore, within the same age, NNS was different by FIT values, for instance, 66 for FIT 100 to 199 ng/mL and 12 for FIT 600 to 799 ng/mL, a difference of 5-fold for age 50 to 59 years. The dose–response relationship of FIT can facilitate consultation regarding the need for colonoscopy by providing a quantitative NNS for cancer risk, an index easily understood by patients. Our conclusion made use of (a) age-dependent and (b) quantitative interpretation of FIT values. This single cutpoint practice obliterates a large amount of valuable cancer risk information available to patients.
GRU Encoder Word Embeddings Fusing with MLP Predicted Word : Vase

We study the problem of grounding distributional representations of texts on the visual domain, namely visual-semantic embeddings (VSE for short). Begin with an insightful adversarial attack on VSE embeddings, we show the limitation of current frameworks and image-text datasets (e.g., MS-COCO) both quantitatively and qualitatively. The large gap between the number of possible constitutions of real-world semantics and the size of parallel data, to a large extent, restricts the model to establish the link between textual semantics and visual concepts. We alleviate this problem by augmenting the MS-COCO image captioning datasets with textual contrastive adversarial samples. These samples are synthesized using linguistic rules and the WordNet knowledge base. The construction procedure is both syntaxand semantics-aware. The samples enforce the model to ground learned embeddings to concrete concepts within the image. This simple but powerful technique brings a noticeable improvement over the baselines on a diverse set of downstream tasks, in addition to defending known-type adversarial attacks. We release the codes at https://github.com/ExplorerFreda/VSE-C.
Execution synthesis: a technique for automated software debugging

Debugging real systems is hard, requires deep knowledge of the code, and is time-consuming. Bug reports rarely provide sufficient information, thus forcing developers to turn into detectives searching for an explanation of how the program could have arrived at the reported failure point. Execution synthesis is a technique for automating this detective work: given a program and a bug report, it automatically produces an execution of the program that leads to the reported bug symptoms. Using a combination of static analysis and symbolic execution, it "synthesizes" a thread schedule and various required program inputs that cause the bug to manifest. The synthesized execution can be played back deterministically in a regular debugger, like gdb. This is particularly useful in debugging concurrency bugs. Our technique requires no runtime tracing or program modifications, thus incurring no runtime overhead and being practical for use in production systems. We evaluate ESD--a debugger based on execution synthesis--on popular software (e.g., the SQLite database, ghttpd Web server, HawkNL network library, UNIX utilities): starting from mere bug reports, ESD reproduces on its own several real concurrency and memory safety bugs in less than three minutes.
Shortest Path Routing Protocol for Multi-layer Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks

A Mobile Wireless Sensor Network consisting of a large amount of tiny sensors with low-power can be an effective tool for gathering data in a variety of environments. The data collected by each sensor is transmitted to a single processing center that uses all data to determine characteristics of the environment. Sensors deployed in all kinds of areas on a large scale can move with wind and water. Defining different sensor nodes and routing protocols, we simplify sensor complexity, reduce network cost, and update network topology with low energy consumption. In this paper, we design a three-layer mobile node architecture to organize all the sensors in mobile wireless sensor networks. Based on the new architecture, we propose SP(Shortest Path) routing protocol to adapt sensors to update the network topology. Simulations show that SP performs as well as LEACH in small-scale wireless sensor networks, however, greatly outperforms in large-scale ones. In addition, SP provides an elegant solution to node movement in multi-layer mobile wireless sensor networks we simulated.
FACTORS AFFECTING FARMERS WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED IRRIGATION SERVICE: A CASE STUDY OF BONTANGA IRRIGATION SCHEME IN NORTHERN GHANA

The aim of this paper is to examine factors affecting farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved irrigation services at the Bontanga Irrigation Scheme. There are 13 communities in the scheme’s catchment area of which Six (6) communities were randomly selected and 113 farmers interviewed with a semi structure questionnaires. Contingent Valuation Technique was adopted to estimate farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved irrigation services. The mean WTP for improved irrigation per ha per season was GHS 22.92 ($10.51), far below the GHS 50.00 ($22.94) proposed by management. The study found age and maintenance culture of irrigation facilities to be significant in influencing farmers’ willingness to pay at 10% significant level. Also on-scheme income as ratio of household income and off-scheme income were significant in influencing farmers’ willingness to pay at both 5% and 10% level of significance. The study recommends that any proposed increase in Irrigation Service Charges (ISCs) should be taken into consideration the mean WTP of 22.92GHS. Also, management of the scheme should put in place a comprehensive routine maintenance for facilities within the scheme to ensure regular delivery of water to merit farmers increase financial commitment towards sustainable management of the irrigation scheme.