Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social-Cognitive Predictors of Iranian College Students’ Academic Well-Being

The purpose of this study was to examine the application of Lent and Brown’s social-cognitive model in predicting academic well-being of Iranian students. A total of 400 undergraduate students (252 female students and 148 male students) completed the measures of academic satisfaction, self-efficacy, environmental support, goal progress, and personality traits. Path analysis indicated that the modified social-cognitive model provided good fit to the data and accounted for substantial portion of the variance in academic satisfaction. The results of path analysis showed that self-efficacy, goal progress, environmental supports, and resources both directly and indirectly had relationship with academic well-being. It was revealed that only one of the personality traits (conscientiousness) had a direct and significant correlation with students’ academic well-being. However, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and extroversion had indirect and significant correlations with academic well-being through self-efficacy, environmental supports, and resources. According to the obtained findings, this research supported the role of social-cognitive variables in the academic well-being of Iranian students.
A simple spectra computing approach for continuous-phase phase modulation (CPPM)

Recently, we have developed a special class of continuous-phase modulation (CPM) scheme, called the continuous-phase phase modulation (CPPM); it transmits the PAM information sequences using time-limited phase shaping pulses. In this paper, the power spectra for this novel CPM are investigated. We employ autocorrelation function approach to modify the CPM spectra computing formula for time-limited phase shaping pulse. Since CPPM is a CPM modulator with time-limited phase shaping function, previous research believed that such modulator will have data-independent spectral lines and suggested to be avoided. However, we show that the spectral lines can be diminished by choosing appropriate modulation index, modulation level and phase shaping pulse. Spectra for two classes of CPPM schemes are given. It is shown that the bandwidth of CPPM scheme can be effectively reduced by using smaller modulation index and/or increasing the correlative length and modulation level. The resultant CPPM schemes have attractive spectral occupancy as compared to conventional CPM.
The Resolvent of Closed Extensions of Cone Differential Operators

Abstract We study closed extensions $\underset{\scriptscriptstyle-}{A}$ of an elliptic differential operator $A$ on a manifold with conical singularities, acting as an unbounded operator on a weighted ${{L}_{p}}$ -space. Under suitable conditions we show that the resolvent ${{\left( \lambda -\underset{\scriptscriptstyle-}{A} \right)}^{-1}}$ exists in a sector of the complex plane and decays like $1/\left| \lambda \right|$ as $\left| \lambda \right|\to \infty $ . Moreover, we determine the structure of the resolvent with enough precision to guarantee existence and boundedness of imaginary powers of $\underset{\scriptscriptstyle-}{A}$ . As an application we treat the Laplace–Beltrami operator for a metric with straight conical degeneracy and describe domains yielding maximal regularity for the Cauchy problem $\dot{u}\,-\,\Delta u\,=\,f,$ $u\left( 0 \right)\,=\,0$ .
Mouse Oocytes and Embryos Cryotop-vitrification Using Low Concentrated Solutions: Effects on Meiotic Spindle, Genetic Material Array and Developmental Ability

Objective(s): The examination of the possibility of applying lower CPA- concentrations and obtaining the similar results to those using higher concentrations; as it is shown, the toxicity of the CPAs used in vitrification approach will diminish. Materials and Methods: Following vitrification/warming, oocytes were subjected to PZD/ICSI. SRs, FRs, and DRs were recorded. SRs and DRs of the embryos were monitored after vitrification/warming. IHC studies were done. Data were analyzed in comparison to the data of Exp. (experimental groups) applying 1.5 M CPA- concentrations (largely-used concentration). Results: The data of oocytes exposed to 1.25 M concentrated CPAs were in consistency with those exposed to 1.5 M and fresh oocytes in terms of SRs, FRs and DRs. Normal spindle and chromatin configuration is in consistence between the two experimental groups, but lower in comparison with control group. The lower the concentrations were, the less SRs, FRs, DRs were. Also, spindle organizations were more normal in comparison with the experimental groups as the concentrations decreased. The results of DRs for embryos which were exposed to 1.25 and 1.0 M concentrated CPAs were close to those vitrified with 1.5 M and fresh embryos but IHC observations in the three Exp. were significantly lower than those of fresh embryos. The results of 7.5 M concentrated CPAs solutions were significantly lower than those of the control group 1.5, 1.25 and 1.0 M treated. Conclusions: Vitrification by cryotop technology using minimal volume approach increases both cooling and warming rates, therefore, the CPAs limited reduction to 1.25 and 1.0 M instead of using 1.5 M for oocytes and embryos cryotop-vitrification procedure, may be a slight adjustment.
Tel1 and Rif2 Regulate MRX Functions in End-Tethering and Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks

The cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is initiated by the MRX/MRN complex (Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 in yeast; Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 in mammals), which recruits the checkpoint kinase Tel1/ATM to DSBs. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the role of Tel1 at DSBs remains enigmatic, as tel1Δ cells do not show obvious hypersensitivity to DSB-inducing agents. By performing a synthetic phenotype screen, we isolated a rad50-V1269M allele that sensitizes tel1Δ cells to genotoxic agents. The MRV1269MX complex associates poorly to DNA ends, and its retention at DSBs is further reduced by the lack of Tel1. As a consequence, tel1Δ rad50-V1269M cells are severely defective both in keeping the DSB ends tethered to each other and in repairing a DSB by either homologous recombination (HR) or nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). These data indicate that Tel1 promotes MRX retention to DSBs and this function is important to allow proper MRX-DNA binding that is needed for end-tethering and DSB repair. The role of Tel1 in promoting MRX accumulation to DSBs is counteracted by Rif2, which is recruited to DSBs. We also found that Rif2 enhances ATP hydrolysis by MRX and attenuates MRX function in end-tethering, suggesting that Rif2 can regulate MRX activity at DSBs by modulating ATP-dependent conformational changes of Rad50.
Pricing Liquidity Risk with Heterogeneous Investment Horizons

Abstract We develop an asset pricing model with stochastic transaction costs and investors with heterogeneous horizons. Depending on their horizon, investors hold different sets of assets in equilibrium. This generates segmentation and spillover effects for expected returns, where the liquidity (risk) premium of illiquid assets is determined by investor horizons and the correlation between liquid and illiquid asset returns. We estimate our model for the cross-section of U.S. stock returns and find that it generates a good fit, mainly due to a combination of a substantial expected liquidity premium and segmentation effects, while the liquidity risk premium is small.
Comparing Stars: On Approximating Graph Edit Distance

Graph data have become ubiquitous and manipulating them based on similarity is essential for many applications. Graph edit distance is one of the most widely accepted measures to determine similarities between graphs and has extensive applications in the fields of pattern recognition, computer vision etc. Unfortunately, the problem of graph edit distance computation is NP-Hard in general. Accordingly, in this paper we introduce three novel methods to compute the upper and lower bounds for the edit distance between two graphs in polynomial time. Applying these methods, two algorithms AppFull and AppSub are introduced to perform different kinds of graph search on graph databases. Comprehensive experimental studies are conducted on both real and synthetic datasets to examine various aspects of the methods for bounding graph edit distance. Result shows that these methods achieve good scalability in terms of both the number of graphs and the size of graphs. The effectiveness of these algorithms also confirms the usefulness of using our bounds in filtering and searching of graphs.
Policy Rules for Open Economies

This paper examines the choice of a monetary-policy rule in a simple macroeconomic model. In a closed economy, the optimal policy is a output and inflation. In an open economy, the optimal rule changes in two ways. First, the policy instrument is a Conditions Index the exchange rate. Second, on the right side of the rule, inflation is replaced by filters out the transitory effects of exchange-rate movements. The model also implies that pure inflation targeting is dangerous in an open economy, because it creates large fluctuations in exchange rates and output. Targeting long-run inflation avoids this problem and produces a close approximation to the optimal instrument rule.
The Declining Use of Race in College Admissions Decisions

Using eighteen years of data from more than 1,300 four-year colleges and universities in the United States, we investigate the extent to which institutional characteristics and contextual factors influence the propensity of colleges to indicate that they consider race/ethnicity in their admissions decisions. Consideration of race/ethnicity in admissions declined sharply after the mid-1990s, especially at public institutions. Rather than being shaped by specific historical and political contexts, consideration of race/ethnicity in admissions appears to be a widely institutionalized practice in higher education that has been tempered by changes in the policy environment over time.
YCu(TeO3)2(NO3)(H2O)3: a novel layered tellurite

A new layered tellurite has been synthesized, where the structural unit consists of [Cu2(TeO3)4]4− loop-branched chains of {Cu⋯Te⋯Cu⋯Te} squares, which are linked further into layers only through Y(O,H2O)8 polyhedra.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-ESTEEM, FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AS THE PROTECTIVE FACTORS AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

Purpose : Mental disorders begin to occur at the age of 10-29 years about 10-20 %. Protective factors to prevent mental disorders in adolescents were self-esteem, family relationships and social support. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the protective factors of self-esteem, family relationships, and social support and adolescent mental health. Methodology: This research employs a correlative design. The subjects were 452 students in 8 grade (aged < 15 years old) that chosen by a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by five questionnaires: demographic data, Rossenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Family Relation Index, Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale, Mental Health Continuum Short Form. Main Findings: The results show that the protective factors of self-esteem, family relationships, and social support have a positive and significant influence on adolescent mental health (p < 0,05). Applications: These findings showed the important role of protective factors (self-esteem, family relationships, social support) to adolescent mental health. Schools, parents and mental health nurses need to develop programs to promote mental health by improving the protective factors of self-esteem, family relationships, and social support. Novelty/Originality: There are no studies involving comprehensive protective factors include individuals, families and communities on adolescent mental health.
A Chandra X-ray survey of nearby dwarf starburst galaxies - I. Data reduction and results

We present an analysis of Chandra X-ray observations of a sample of eight dwarf starburst galaxies (IZw18, VIIZw403, NGC1569, NGC3077, NGC4214, NGC4449, NGC5253, and He2–10). Extended, diffuse X-ray emission is detected in all but two of the objects. Unresolved sources were found within all dwarf galaxies (total: 55 sources). These point sources are well fit by power law, thermal plasma, or black body models. Ten of the point sources exceed an X-ray luminosity of 10 39 erg s 1 (ultraluminous X-ray sources). In those galaxies where diffuse X-ray emission is detected, this emission (with X-ray luminosities ranging from 4 × 10 38 erg s 1 to 2 × 10 40 erg s 1 ) contains most (60-80 per cent) of the X-ray photons. This diffuse emission can be well fit by MeKaL one-temperature thermal plasma models once the contribution from the unresolved point sources is subtracted properly. The diffuse X-ray component is significantly extended, reaching as far as 0.5 5kpc into the outskirts of their hosts. Azimuthally averaged X-ray surface brightness profiles are well approximated by exponential functions. Temperatures of various regions within the galaxies range from 1.6 7.6 × 10 6 K. With few exceptions, temperatures of the hot gas are remarkably uniform, hovering around 2 3×10 6 K. Temperatures of the coronal gas in the outer regions are in general � 2 3 times lower than those found in the central regions. Fits to the diffuse emission do not allow strong constraints to be put on the metallicities of the emitting plasmas. However, the derived metallicities are compatible with those determined from their H ii regions. An α/F e ratio of � 2 is indicated for the hot gas within at least three objects (NGC1569, NGC4449, and He2–10). Shadowing of the diffuse X-ray emission by the cooler disc gas is used to constrain the orientation of the galaxies.
Devaluation and Inflation with Parallel Markets: An Application to Ghana

A common concern in reform programs is the potential inflationary effects of the combination of devaluation, trade liberalization, subsidy reduction, and price decontrol This issue is critical in Africa, where inflation has accelerated in several countries, particularly those undergoing adjustments. In Ghana, which has carried out one of the most thorough structural adjustment programs in Africa, an increasingly high inflation rate has been attributed to major devaluations of the official exchange rate. This paper disputes this conclusion based on careful testing and simulations using a macroeconomic model estimated with Ghanaian data.
OPTICAL MODES OF A DISPERSIVE PERIODIC NANOSTRUCTURE

We show that the optical modes of a periodic nanostruc- ture with frequency dependent dielectric constant (i.e., a dispersive optical nanostructure), in general can be written as an ordinary eigen- value problem of a \dielectric function operator", for each distinct sym- metry representation of the periodic nanostructure. For a frequency dependence in the form of polynomial rational function, the problem translates to a polynomial eigenvalue equation in the frequency of the mode. The resulting problem can be solved using the basis functions of a dielectric backbone structure, which has a frequency independent dielectric constant. Rapid convergence is achieved when the basis func- tions are selected to be the modes of a dielectric backbone structure that minimizes the frequency perturbation of the dielectric function of the optical nanostructure. In particular, using a two dimensional photonic crystal constructed with a polar crystal as an example, we demonstrate that, remarkable simple cubic equations are su-cient to obtain accurate descriptions of eigenfrequencies.
Business intelligence adoption : a case study in the retail chain

Business Intelligence (BI) tools are adopted by more and more companies in the current environment that requires companies to operate as efficiently as possible. The paper investigates a BI adoption in a retail chain. Based on qualitative research methods, it analyses the Business Intelligence life cycle; it evaluates factors impacting the adoption from the Diffusion of Innovations perspective. One of the findings is that requirements engineering is critical, and even small issues have a tendency to cause big problems. This links to the sentiment among managers, often worrying that IT projects will run over-budget and/or over-time. Finally, the presented research identifies benefits that are considered to be the most important by the retail chain managers. An important finding is that managers consider improved decision-making to be the most significant benefit. Key-Words: Business intelligence, adoption, diffusion of innovations theory, system life cycle, benefits, retail chain, speed of adoption.
A Critical Examination of the Arab Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of their Academic Arabic Proficiency in Three EMI Universities in the UAE

The overwhelming power that English enjoys has become a threat to many indigenous languages that are losing the battle against English dominance and hegemony. One facet for this threat is the use of English as a medium of instruction (EMI). The EMI policy has been a naturalized and taken-for-granted practice without questioning or problematizing. As a result, academic Arabic is almost absent from the academic scene in the UAE higher education. This study aims to problematize the use of English as medium of instruction at three universities in the United Arab Emirates. It also aims to critically explore the perceptions of Arab university students who were in Arabic schools, of their Arabic proficiency after studying at university. Based on critical theoretical framework and approached from interpretive and critical paradigms, the study used a mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. 268 surveys and 20 semi-structured interviews showed that students were aware of the decline in their Arabic proficiency due to studying via English. Results also indicated that students showed symptoms of Academic language attrition.
POPULATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

MODERN economic growth, as revealed by the experience of the developed countries since the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, reflects a continuing capacity to supply a growing population with an increased volume of commodities and services per capita. The increase in both population and per capita product is not the unique feature of recent growth: even in pre-modern times the population of several countries grew and enjoyed a rising per capita product. The distinctive features of modern economic growth are the extremely high rates of increase-at least five times as high for population and at least ten times as high for per capita product as in the observable past. ' Both high rates of increase imply rapid
Investigation on the use of Hidden-Markov Models in automatic transcription of music

Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) are a ubiquitous tool to model time series data, and have been widely used in two main tasks of Automatic Music Transcription (AMT): note segmentation, i.e. identifying the played notes after a multi-pitch estimation, and sequential post-processing, i.e. correcting note segmentation using training data. In this paper, we employ the multi-pitch estimation method called Probabilistic Latent Component Analysis (PLCA), and develop AMT systems by integrating different HMM-based modules in this framework. For note segmentation, we use two different twostate on/o? HMMs, including a higher-order one for duration modeling. For sequential post-processing, we focused on a musicological modeling of polyphonic harmonic transitions, using a first- and second-order HMMs whose states are defined through candidate note mixtures. These different PLCA plus HMM systems have been evaluated comparatively on two different instrument repertoires, namely the piano (using the MAPS database) and the marovany zither. Our results show that the use of HMMs could bring noticeable improvements to transcription results, depending on the instrument repertoire.
Test Generation for Timing-Critical Transition Faults

Timing-aware ATPG [1] has been shown to be an effective method for generating high-quality test sets that detect small delay defects through the longest paths. However, this method usually results in a much higher test pattern count than the traditional transition fault test generation. In this paper, we propose a new criterion that identifies a subset of transition faults to be targeted by the timing-aware ATPG in order to reduce test pattern count while minimizing the impact on the overall delay test quality. The new criterion utilizes the minimal static slack to classify certain transition faults as timing-critical. The test pattern count reduction is achieved by restricting the timing-aware ATPG to targeting the timing-critical transition faults while using traditional transition fault test generation for the remaining transition faults. The experimental results for the industrial circuits show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Describing shapes by geometrical-topological properties of real functions

Differential topology, and specifically Morse theory, provide a suitable setting for formalizing and solving several problems related to shape analysis. The fundamental idea behind Morse theory is that of combining the topological exploration of a shape with quantitative measurement of geometrical properties provided by a real function defined on the shape. The added value of approaches based on Morse theory is in the possibility of adopting different functions as shape descriptors according to the properties and invariants that one wishes to analyze. In this sense, Morse theory allows one to construct a general framework for shape characterization, parametrized with respect to the mapping function used, and possibly the space associated with the shape. The mapping function plays the role of a lens through which we look at the properties of the shape, and different functions provide different insights. In the last decade, an increasing number of methods that are rooted in Morse theory and make use of properties of real-valued functions for describing shapes have been proposed in the literature. The methods proposed range from approaches which use the configuration of contours for encoding topographic surfaces to more recent work on size theory and persistent homology. All these have been developed over the years with a specific target domain and it is not trivial to systematize this work and understand the links, similarities, and differences among the different methods. Moreover, different terms have been used to denote the same mathematical constructs, which often overwhelm the understanding of the underlying common framework. The aim of this survey is to provide a clear vision of what has been developed so far, focusing on methods that make use of theoretical frameworks that are developed for classes of real functions rather than for a single function, even if they are applied in a restricted manner. The term geometrical-topological used in the title is meant to underline that both levels of information content are relevant for the applications of shape descriptions: geometrical, or metrical, properties and attributes are crucial for characterizing specific instances of features, while topological properties are necessary to abstract and classify shapes according to invariant aspects of their geometry. The approaches surveyed will be discussed in detail, with respect to theory, computation, and application. Several properties of the shape descriptors will be analyzed and compared. We believe this is a crucial step to exploit fully the potential of such approaches in many applications, as well as to identify important areas of future research.