Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assimilation or integration: Similarities and differences between acculturation attitudes of migrants from Central Asia and Russians in Central Russia

When acculturation strategies of migrants and acculturation expectations of a host society do not coincide, psychological outcomes for members of the groups in contact can differ significantly. Berry (2013) proposed that intercultural relations can be understood on the basis of three hypotheses: the multiculturalism hypothesis, the integration hypothesis, and the contact hypothesis. Our goal was to test these three hypotheses in Russian majority and Asian minority groups. Migrants from Central Asia (N = 168; 88 ethnic Uzbeks and 80 ethnic Tajiks) and ethnic Russians (N = 158) were surveyed using a self-report questionnaire that included measures developed by the Mutual Intercultural Relations in Plural Societies project. Data processing was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling with the Russians and the migrants separately. We found significant and positive relationships between perceived security and multicultural ideology in both groups. We found a positive relationship between intercultural contacts and the integration strategy among the migrants from Central Asia. Intercultural contacts in the group of Russians was positively related to the expectation of integration and negatively related to the expectation of assimilation. The integration strategy of the migrants was positively related to their self-esteem, while the assimilation strategy was positively related to their sociocultural adaptation and life satisfaction. Among the Russians, the integration expectation promoted their better life satisfaction and self-esteem. The multiculturalism hypothesis was partially supported with both the migrants from Central Asia and the Russians: perceived security promoted an acceptance of multicultural ideology but didn’t promote ethnic tolerance. The contact hypothesis was partially supported in both groups: interethnic contacts were positively linked to the integration strategy of the migrants and the integration expectations of the Russians. The integration hypothesis was fully supported in the sample of Russians and partially supported in the sample of migrants. The migrants’ adoption of the assimilation strategy promoted their life satisfaction and sociocultural adaptation.
Transfer of Knowledge for Surrogate Model Selection in Cost-Aware Optimization

Surrogate model selection is an active-learning approach to cost-aware continuous black-box optimization in domains where the evaluation of the black-box objective function is expensive, e. g. , obtained experimentally or resulting from comprehensive simulations. Active reusing of knowledge represented by landscape properties of the objective function accross different tasks can provide additional information for more reliable decisions in terms of a suitable surrogate model and a suitable setting of its hyperparameters. However, research into using metalearing [13] and especially Exploratory Landscape Analysis (ELA) [14] in this context is only starting [20]. Our goal is to develop a learning system capable to recommend a surrogate model on the basis of the knowledge obtained in previous black-box optimization tasks. In this paper, we provide a first step necessary to construct a learning system applying knowledge from previous tasks to a new one: a study of the applicability of ELA to two important kinds of surrogate models – Gaussian processes (GP) [18] and ensembles of regression trees (random forests, RF) [3,4,6]. Results using the noiseless benchmarks of the Comparing-Continuous-Optimisers (COCO) platform [9] in the expensive scenario, where at most 50D evaluations are available, are analysed for statistical dependences between model performance and a broad variety of landscape features.
Computational study of flowfield characteristics in cavities with stores

Abstract In this paper, the results of computational studies on the unsteady flow features in three-dimensional empty cavities and cavities with a representative store are presented. Flow simulations with a turbulence model based on a hybrid method, which behaves as a standard Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model within the attached boundary layer and as a Large-Eddy Simulation LES sub-grid scale model in the rest of the flow (commonly known as Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES)) are used in this study. The time-mean flow study showed the presence of three-dimensional effects inside the cavities. The mean flowfield visualisation also clearly showed the presence of a pair of ‘tornado-like’ vortices in the upstream half of the cavity which merge to a single, large recirculation further downstream. Visualisation for the cavity-with-store case revealed that the mean flowfield was effectively divided into two halves with significant reduction of the spanwise flow across the cavity width. In the unsteady flow study, near-field acoustic spectra were computed for the empty cavity and cavity-with-store cases. Study of unsteady pressure spectra for the cavity-with-store case found the presence of many peaks and the corresponding mode frequencies were found to agree well with the Rossiter modes. The blockage effect of store and strut on the spanwise flow is thought to have reduced the interaction, and subsequent non-linear coupling, between the Rossiter modes. This may be the reason for the co-existence of multiple modes without the coupling among them.
Nitrite Reduction by Siderite

Nitrate-dependent Fe(II) oxidation is an important process in the inhibition of soil Fe(III) reduction, yet the mechanisms are poorly understood. One proposed pathway includes chemical reoxidation of mineral forms of Fe(II) such as siderite [FeCO 3(s) ] by NO 2 - . Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the reactivity of FeCO 3(s) with NO 2 - . Stirred-batch reactions were performed in an anoxic chamber across a range of pH values (5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7.9), initial FeCO 3(s) concentrations (5, 10, and 15 g L -1 ) and initial NO 2 - concentrations (0.83-9.3 mmol L -1 ) for kinetic and stoichiometric determinations. Solid-phase products were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD). Siderite abiotically reduced NO 2 - to N 2 O. During the process, FeCO 3(s) was oxidized to lepidocrocite [γ-FeOOH (s) ] based on the appearance of XRD peaks located at 0.624, 0.329, and 0.247 nm. The rate of NO 2 - reduction was first order in total NO 2 - concentration and FeCO 3(s) , with a second-order rate coefficient (k) of 0.55 ± 0.05 M -1 h -1 at pH 5.5 and 25°C. The reaction was proton assisted and k values increased threefold as pH decreased from 7.9 to 5.5. The influence of pH on NO 2 - reduction was rationalized in terms of the availability of FeCO 3(s) surface sites (>FeHCO 3 0 , >FeOH 2 + , and >CO 3 Fe + ) and HNO 2 concentration. These findings indicate that if FeCO 3(s) is present in an Fe(III)-reducing soil where fertilizer NO 3 - is applied, it can participate in secondary chemical reactions with NO 2 - and lead to an inhibition in Fe(III) reduction. This process is relevant in soil environments where NO 3 - - and Fe(III)-reducing zones overlap or across aerobic-anaerobic interfaces.
Decentralization of Health and Education in Developing Countries: A Quality-Adjusted Review of the Empirical Literature

We review empirical evidence on the ability of decentralization to enhance preference matching and technical efficiency in the provision of health and education in developing countries. Many influential surveys have found that the empirical evidence of decentralization's effects on service delivery is weak, incomplete, and often contradictory. Our own unweighted reading of the literature concurs. However, when we organize quantitative evidence first by substantive theme, and then—crucially—by empirical quality and the credibility of its identification strategy, clear patterns emerge. Higher-quality evidence indicates that decentralization increases technical efficiency across a variety of public services, from student test scores to infant mortality rates. Decentralization also improves preference matching in education, and can do so in health under certain conditions, although there is less evidence for both. We discuss individual studies in some detail. Weighting by quality is especially important when quantitative evidence informs policy-making. Firmer conclusions will require an increased focus on research design, and a deeper examination into the prerequisites and mechanisms of successful reforms.
Influencing risk-preference in decision-making: The effects of framing and salience

Abstract Prospect theory predicts that people tend to prefer the sure option when choosing between two alternative courses of action framed in terms of gains and prefer the risky option when choosing between two alternatives framed as losses. Related research investigated the impact of emphasizing the probability of the positive outcome of a risky option versus emphasizing the probability of the negative outcome on preference. Most of these studies on the effects of "outcome salience" related their findings to prospect theory′s framing effect. It will be argued that most of these studies inaccurately applied prospect theory to explain the obtained effects and that these might be better understood in terms of salience. In four experiments we test the predictions that (1) choosing between two options in a gain problem will lead to decreased risk preference as compared to loss problems and (2) emphasizing the probability of positive outcomes of a risky option leads to increased preference for this option compared to emphasizing the probability of negative outcomes. Results confirm the impact of both prospect framing and outcome salience and indicate that these effects should be understood in terms of distinct, independent processes.
Direct correlation between the scores of PANSS/AIMS scales and some oxidative stress markers in treated schizophrenic patients

Oxidative stress is increasingly viewed as potentially important in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, al- though most results regarding this subject are contradictory. We previously demonstrated an increased oxidative stress status in schizophrenic patients, regardless of their treatment. In this paper, we were interested in whether there is a cor- relation between the specific activities of the most important antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and a lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde) and the scores of PANSS/AIMS scales. A direct significant correlation was observed between oxidative stress markers and the aforementioned scales. Our results provide additional evidence regarding the implications of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia.
Galilean creation of the inflationary universe

It has been pointed out that the null energy condition can be violated stably in some non-canonical scalar-field theories. This allows us to consider the Galilean Genesis scenario in which the universe starts expanding from Minkowski spacetime and hence is free from the initial singularity. We use this scenario to study the early-time completion of inflation, pushing forward the recent idea of Pirtskhalava et al. We present a generic form of the Lagrangian governing the background and perturbation dynamics in the Genesis phase, the subsequent inflationary phase, and the graceful exit from inflation, as opposed to employing the effective field theory approach. Our Lagrangian belongs to a more general class of scalar-tensor theories than the Horndeski theory and Gleyzes-Langlois-Piazza-Vernizzi generalization, but still has the same number of the propagating degrees of freedom, and thus can avoid Ostrogradski instabilities. We investigate the generation and evolution of primordial perturbations in this scenario and show that one can indeed construct a stable model of inflation preceded by (generalized) Galilean Genesis.
Too Proud to Stop: Regret in Dynamic Decisions

Regret and its anticipation affect a wide range of decisions. Job-seekers reject offers while waiting for an offer to match their best past offer; investors hold on to badly performing stocks; and managers throw good money after bad projects. We analyze behavior of a decision maker with regret preferences in a dynamic context and show that regret agents have a disposition to gamble until they receive a payoff matching the best past offer. Results from a lab experiment confirm that many subjects exhibit such behavior and are reluctant to stop below the past peak.
A Compact Model for Graphene FETs for Linear and Non-linear Circuits

The graphene field-effect transistor has generated attention in recent years for its potential for fast electronics, with theoretical transit frequencies in the THz range, and fabricated devices operating at hundreds of GHz. Previously published models are based on numerical iteration or neglect the equilibrium quantum capacitance, leading to reduced accuracy around the Dirac point. We have derived a compact, physicsbased closed-form equation for drain-source current that can be implemented in a circuit level simulator. This model demonstrates strong agreement with both DC and RF measurements, as well as linear and non-linear circuits. The model also enables simulation of circuits to enable design of topologies that take advantage of the unique properties of the graphene transistor. The model also affords parameter variation analyses to quantify the adverse effects of non-idealities such as contact resistance. Finally, we have developed a quantum capacitance limited model to benchmark the performance of realistic devices against the ideal quantum capacitance limit, and elucidate the effects of oxide scaling.
Effect of osmotic dehydration process using sucrose solution at mild temperature on mass transfer and quality attributes of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizusis)

In the current research, osmotic dehydration of red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizusis) cubes using sucrose solution at mild temperature (35oC) was investigated. Sucrose solution (40, 50 and 60% w/w) was employed for osmotic dehydration process. Responses of weight reduction (WR), solid gain (SG), water loss (WL), color (L * , a * and b * ) and texture (hardness) were evaluated. It was found that sucrose concentration significantly (p < 0.05) affected the mass transfer terms during osmosis process. The results obtained revealed an increase in yellowness (b * ), decrease in lightness (L * ) and redness (a * ) as the sucrose concentration increased. Furthermore, osmotically dehydrated samples were considerably softer than untreated samples. Increasing of sucrose concentration and dehydration time caused softer tissue of dehydrated product compared with the fresh red pitaya.
Factors Affecting Effective use of Safety Wears among Construction SiteOperatives: Lessons from Indigenous Firms in South Western Nigeria

Work related hazard is not a new phenomenon but its frequent occurrence on sites remain a major setback towards successful projects delivery. The study assessed factors affecting effective use of safety wears on construction sites. Based on snowball and random sampling technique, 128 copies of questionnaire were administered to participants with years of experience on construction management. The outcome of the study revealed that the top aspect of safety practices currently explored by the indigenous construction firms on sites include: provision of temporary fence, provision of accidents prevention procedure and development and frequently review of Safety Policy for building projects. The result of Independent Samples T-test showed the top three factors preventing effective use of safety wears on construction sites are: inadequate engagement of Safety Managers on sites, lack of proper training on effective use of safety wears and workers failure to adapt with safety practices as it was against their traditional training. This paper concluded that effective use of audio and visual displaying gadgets on site, conducting in-house safety training for the workers and ensure one Safety Manager is employ on every construction sites will go a long way in improving workers safety practices on sites.
Title : Thermal refugia and the survival of species in changing environments : new evidence 1 from a nationally extinct freshwater fish

26 Variation in global climate during the Quaternary has helped shape current species 27 distributions. The stenohaline fish fauna of the British Isles is generally thought to have 28 colonised eastern England via a landbridge following the last glacial maximum. This theory 29 is investigated using the nationally extinct burbot, Lota lota, as a model species. Samples 30 were collected from 15 museum specimens of known English provenance and analysed for 31 differences in the mitochondrial DNA control region. The DNA analysis produced eight 32 sequences of 270 basepairs, with one sample reaching 420 basepairs in length. Genetic 33 analysis suggests the extinct English population of the burbot was a distinct lineage, differing 34 from those previously described from across the species’ global distribution. Despite this, 35 network analysis suggests that the English lineage is closely related to populations in western 36 Europe, supporting colonisation via a post-glacial landbridge. The rate of genetic divergence 37 suggests that the timing of L. lota’s colonisation of English rivers was prior to the last glacial 38 maximum. Lota lota appears to have survived the last glacial maximum in refugia within the 39 British Isles. This study adds to the evidence for a British freshwater refugia and furthers our 40 understanding of the colonisation history of British freshwater fishes. These results also 41 provide valuable information for conservation strategies for L. lota indicating the western 42 European clade as most genetically appropriate for potential future reintroductions to English 43
Molecular changes in particulate organic matter (POM) in a typical Chinese paddy soil under different long‐term fertilizer treatments

A combination of solid‐state CPMAS‐13C‐NMR and TMAH thermochemolysis‐GC/MS was applied to investigate the molecular composition of particulate organic matter (POM) separated from a Chinese paddy soil, from the Tai Lake region, under a long‐term field experiment with different fertilizer treatments. The treatments were: (i) no fertilizer application (NF), (ii) chemical fertilizers only (CF), (iii) chemical fertilizer plus pig manure (CFM) and (iv) chemical fertilizer plus crop straw (CFS). CPMAS‐13C‐NMR spectra showed that POM from all treated plots was rich in O‐alkyl‐C compounds, followed by alkyl‐C and aromatic‐C compounds. However, as compared with a control (NF), POM under CFM and CFS treatments exhibited a smaller relative O‐alkyl‐C content and a larger contribution of aromatic‐C and alkyl‐C, thus increasing both aromaticity and hydrophobicity and, hence, recalcitrance of POM samples. Thermochemolysis of POM from all treatments demonstrated a dominance of aliphatic and lignin‐derived compounds. However, the distribution of lignin monomers (p‐hydroxyphenyl, P, guaiacyl, G, and syringyl, S) revealed significant differences among the treatments. The relative distribution of lignin P, G and S monomers in NF, CF and CFS indicated a preferential contribution of annual crops and maize straw, as compared with that found for CFM. Concomitantly, a larger content of aliphatic thermochemolysis derivatives was found for CFS and CFM. The relative increase of aliphatic molecules in CFS was attributed to hydrophobic polyesters from higher plants. In the CF and CFM systems, the presence of aliphatic components of microbial origin suggested a greater microbial activity in comparison with NF and CFS. The combined application of solid state CPMAS‐13C‐NMR and TMAH thermochemolysis‐GC/MS can be used to assess effectively the accumulation of recalcitrant organic compounds in soil POM under long‐term fertilizer application with organic biomass. It is thus inferred that soil organic matter stabilization by molecular recalcitrance contributes to carbon sequestration in Chinese paddy soils under long‐term managements.
Biogeography and morphology of a poorly known Sellaphora species

Specimens of a very small diatom were found in a dead oxbow of Tisza River (Hungary), in Eula River (Germany) and Parroy Pond (France). After SEM studies we identified all of them as Eolimna archibaldii J.C. Taylor et Lange-Bert. , which is currently regarded as endemic species to South Africa. Furthermore, the results of Principal Components Analysis of morphometric characters clearly demonstrated an overlap between the type material and European populations. Therefore this diatom cannot be considered endemic to South Africa. Moreover, E. archibaldii and a very similar species, E. becaresii are transferred to the genus Sellaphora. Our results confirm the benefit of SEM for verifying the identity of small-sized diatoms, especially for routine monitoring, and allow more precise ecological assessment.
Breaking Text-based CAPTCHAs using Average Vertical Partition

CAPTCHA, which stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart, has been widely used as a security mechanism to defend against automated registration, spam and malicious bot programs. There have been many successful attacks on CAPTCHAs deployed by popular websites, e.g., Google, Yahoo! , and Microsoft. However, most of these methods are ad hoc, and they have lost efficacy with the evolution of CAPTCHA. In this paper, we propose a simple but effective attack on text-based CAPTCHA that uses machine learning to solve the segmentation and recognition problems simultaneously. The method first divides a CAPTCHA image into average blocks and attempts to combine adjacent blocks to form individual characters. A modified K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) engine is used to recognize these combinations, and using a Dynamic Programming (DP) graph search algorithm, the most likely combinations are selected as the final result. We tested our attack on the popular CAPTCHAs deployed by the top 20 Alexa ranked websites. The success rates range from 5.0% to 74.0%, illustrating the effectiveness and universality of our method. We also tested the applicability of our method on three well-known CAPTCHA schemes. Our attack casts serious doubt on the security of existing text-based CAPTCHAs; therefore, guidelines for designing better text-based CAPTCHAs are discussed at the end of this paper.