Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong secondary students’ perspectives on selecting test difficulty level and learner washback: Effects of a graded approach to assessment

This sequential mixed-methods study investigates washback on learning in a high-stakes school exit examination by examining learner perceptions and reported behaviours in relation to learners’ beliefs and language learning experience, the role of other stakeholders in the washback mechanism, and socio-educational forces. The focus is the graded approach of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education English Language Examination (HKDSE-English), incorporated in 2012, that allows test-takers to choose between easier and more difficult sections for reading and listening-integrated skills papers. Inductive coding of focus groups involving 12 secondary students fed into the development of the Washback on Students’ Learning questionnaire, which was administered to another 150 learners. Exploratory factor analyses of identified washback effects revealed four major types straddling different settings (classrooms, tutorial schools, learners’ personal environment), and seven categories of mediating variables pertaining to learners themselves, other stakeholders, and societal influences. Simultaneous multiple regressions identified influential clusters of mediating variables and showed the strongest predictors for each macro-level washback type varied. At least one intrinsic and one extrinsic factor category significantly contributed to all types, reaffirming learner washback as a socially situated, negotiated construct. Implications related to the consequences, use, and fairness of the graded approach are discussed.
Land-atmosphere interactions in sub-polar and alpine climates in the CORDEX FPS LUCAS models: I. Evaluation of the snow-albedo effect

Abstract. In the Northern Hemisphere, the seasonal snow cover plays a major role in the climate system via its effect on surface albedo and fluxes. The parameterization of snow-atmosphere interactions in climate models remains a source of uncertainty and biases in the representation of the local and global climate. Here, we evaluate the ability of an ensemble of regional climate models (RCMs) coupled to different land surface models to simulate the snow albedo effect over Europe, in winter and spring. We use a previously defined index, the Snow Albedo Sensitivity Index (SASI), to quantify the radiative forcing due to the snow albedo effect. By comparing RCM-derived SASI values with SASI calculated from reanalyses and satellite retrievals, we show that an accurate simulation of snow cover is essential for correctly reproducing the observed forcing over mid- and high-latitudes in Europe. The choice of parameterizations with first and foremost the choice of the land surface model but also the convection scheme and the planetary boundary layer, strongly influences the representation of SASI as it affects the ability of climate models to simulate snow cover correctly. The agreement between the datasets differs between the accumulation and ablation periods, with the latter one presenting the greatest challenge for the RCMs. Given the dominant role of land surface processes in the simulation of snow cover during the ablation period, the results suggest that the choice of the land surface model is more critical for the representation of SASI than the atmospheric model during this time period.
School and Employment-Related Barriers for Youth and Young Adults with and without a Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area

Purpose: Youth and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to explore barriers to school and employment for youth with and without a disability during the pandemic. Methods: This qualitative comparison study involved in-depth interviews with 35 youth and young adults (18 with a disability; 17 without), aged 16–29 (mean age 23). An interpretive, thematic analysis of the transcripts was conducted. Results: Our findings revealed several similarities and some differences between youth and young adults with and without disabilities regarding barriers to school and employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes related to these barriers involved: (1) difficult transition to online school and working from home (i.e., the expense of setting up a home office, technical challenges, impact on mental health), (2) uncertainty about employment (i.e., under-employment, difficult working conditions, difficulty finding work, disability-related challenges) and (3) missed career development opportunities (i.e., canceled or reduced internships or placements, lack of volunteer opportunities, uncertainties about career pathway, the longer-term impact of the pandemic). Conclusion: Our findings highlight that youth and young adults with disabilities may need further support in engaging in meaningful and accessible vocational activities that align with their career pathway.
Low hatching success in the critically endangered kākāpō is driven by early embryo mortality not infertility

In many endangered species, reproductive failure is a major barrier to recovery. The critically endangered kākāpō Strigops habroptilus exemplifies this challenge: 61% of their eggs fail to hatch, and of these 73% show no sign of development. Undeveloped eggs have previously been attributed to male infertility, but recent studies of non‐threatened bird species suggest fertilisation failure is rare in the wild. The underlying causes of fertilisation failure and embryo death differ, so distinguishing between them is essential for effective conservation management. Here we show that the majority (72%, n = 124) of undeveloped kākāpō eggs are fertilised, and combine this with conservation programme data on natural copulations, artificial inseminations, and paternity of developed eggs, to generate the most precise estimate to date of fertility in a wild population. We also demonstrate, for the first time in a wild bird, that artificial insemination results in greater numbers of sperm reaching the egg.
Enhanced folded source-coupled logic technique for low-voltage mixed-signal integrated circuits

The advantages of CMOS differential-stack current-mode logic techniques together with the load-driving capability, switching speed, and noise immunity of bipolar devices has been exploited to develop a novel enhanced folded source coupled logic (FSCL) technique. A pair of quiet low-impedance push-pull load steering emitter followers (EF's) are implemented at the mutually complementary outputs of the CMOS FSCL (CFSCL) gate to obtain the EF/sup 2/SCL gate structure. This modification considerably improves the performance of the gate at low supply voltages for a mixed-mode environment (e.g., /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ data converters in digital audio, video, and radio frequency applications) without the cost of substantial power-supply spikes. Thorough current steering and dynamic-charge storage analysis at 100 MHz, using a 3.3-V supply voltage and BSIM process parameters was performed to evaluate the performance enhancement achievable by the EF/sup 2/SCL technique. A 4-bit carry-lookahead with carry skip was achieved in 2 ns using a single EF/sup 2/SCL logic gate, compared to 9 ns for a CFSCL gate. In addition, the deterioration of the voltage-swing (and hence the noise margin) with power-supply scaling and increased differential logic input stack-size is considerably more pronounced in a CFSCL gate compared to an EF/sup 2/SCL gate. EF/sup 2/SCL thus permits logic implementation using fewer stages compared to CFSCL, and hence reduces delay latency in a pipelined system. A tiny chip using MOSIS Orbit 2-/spl mu/m n-well analog CMOS process (which provides a p-base diffusion layer for low-cost n-p-n device option) was used for the experimental verification.
Synthetic ligustrazine based cyclohexanone and oxime analogs as Anti-Trypanosoma and Anti-Leishmanial agentes

In the present study a series of 34 synthetic ligustrazine-containing α, β-Unsaturated carbonyl-based compounds and oximes, recognized as anticancer compounds were assessed against protozoa of the Trypanosoma and Leishmania species. Ligustrazine, chemically known as tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), was selected as the core moiety for the synthesis of α, β-Unsaturated carbonyl-based compounds and these compounds were selected as precursors for the synthesis of new oximes. Some derivates, including 5f and 6i, showed multiple activities against all tested strains. In particular compounds 5f and 8o are the most potent and they are, therefore, potential candidates for trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis
From disorganised study methods to disorganisation: new perspectives on a neglected study strategy

ABSTRACT Disorganisation refers to the difficulty that some learners have developing an organised approach to studying. The aim of the present study was to explore antecedents and consequences of disorganisation and individual differences in how disorganisation occurs. A questionnaire was administered to 177 French first-year students enrolled on STEM courses. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that social integration and performance-avoidance goals are negative predictors of disorganisation, and weak prior achievement a positive one. A cluster analysis revealed that disorganisation can be associated with either a large or a small amount of time spent studying. Students also differed from one another on engagement-related variables according to time spent studying. The article argues that disorganisation may be associated with engagement when students undergo the transition to higher education. The conclusion outlines some practical implications for teaching, and proposes directions for future research.
Low Inter-Rater Reliability of a High Stakes Performance Assessment of Teacher Candidates

The Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT) is a high stakes summative assessment that was designed to measure pre-service teacher readiness. We examined the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of trained PACT evaluators who rated 19 candidates. As measured by Cohen’s weighted kappa, the overall IRR estimate was 0.17 (poor strength of agreement). IRR estimates ranged from −0.29 (worse than expected by chance) to 0.54 (moderate strength of agreement); all were below the standard of 0.70 for consensus agreement. Follow-up interviews of 10 evaluators revealed possible reasons we observed low IRR, such as departures from established PACT scoring protocol, and lack of, or inconsistent, use of a scoring aid document. Evaluators reported difficulties scoring the materials that candidates submitted, particularly the use of Academic Language. Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) is suggested as a method to improve IRR in the PACT and other teacher performance assessments such as the edTPA.
Functional Changes and Threats to Hyperseasonal Neotropical Savannas After Australian Acacia Invasion

The hyperseasonal savanna experiences regular flooding and drought stresses and is a neotropical vegetation type threatened by global change including Acacia spp. invasion. To deepen the understanding of hyperseasonal savannas after Acacia invasion in a climate change scenario, we aimed to answer if: i) the plants of the studied hyperseasonal savanna are separated into C3, C4 or CAM species; ii) Acacia invasion can change the hyperseasonal savanna functioning for C3, C4 and CAM plants; iii) how invasive Acacia uptake water compared to native species in this hyperseasonal savanna. We detected both C3 and C4 metabolic groups of plants but two C3 species are possibly CAM facultative. The functioning of C3 plants as a group was not affected by the Acacia invasion, but this result does not exclude a species turnover between C3 herbs and C3 trees. The C4 plants of invaded Mussununga lost their response of increasing water use efficiency to the increasing Leaf N%. Plants of hyperseasonal savannas depend on the same water source as the soil water from recent rains. There are differences in d18O among species because some grow mostly during the rainy season with the 18O-enriched water meanwhile the invader Acacia mangium grows throughout the year whenever it rains. According to our results, the threat to C4 plants is high and they can be excluded from Mussunungas and from hyperseasonal savannas. However, hyperseasonal savannas are threatened as a vegetation. Therefore, hyperseasonal savannas should be considered critically endangered because of global change, especially bacause Acacia invasions. Initiatives for conservation of hyperseasonal savannas could save these remarkable ecosystems.
Long-term management of building stocks

The built environment is composed of buildings, infrastructures and cultural landscapes (stocks). These man-made artefacts constitute a complex capital (natural, man-made, human, social and cultural) and its evolution is a crucial parameter in sustainable development. Their composition and dynamics can be modelled as flows or as capitals or combinations of the two. Examples of the modelling of the long-term behaviour of different types of stock are given and their behaviour is analysed and discussed. A resource economic framework is presented and strategies for two different types of stocks, old/stationary and new/expanding, are compared. The importance of institutional regimes for the long-term management of stocks and the relation to demographic and retirement finance are discussed. The long-term institutional aspects have to be taken into account to avoid dramatic losses of economic, social and cultural capitals in the coming decades. L'environnement construit est composé de bâtiments, d'infrastructures et de paysages aménagés (parcs et jardins). Ces artéfacts fabriqués par l'homme constituent un capital complexe (naturel, façonné par l'homme, humain, social et culturel) et son évolution est un paramètre crucial du développement durable. Leur composition et leur dynamique peuvent être modélisées sous la forme de flux ou de capitaux ou d'une combinaison des deux. L'article donne des exemples de la modélisation du comportement à long terme de différents types de stocks de bâtiments puis analyse et examine leur comportement. Il présente un cadre d'analyse d'économie de ressource et compare des stratégies pour de deux types différents de stocks de bâtiments, à savoir un stock ancien/statique et un stock nouveau/en extension. L'article examine ensuite l'importance des régimes institutionnels pour la gestion à long terme de stocks de bâtiments ainsi que leurs rapports avec l'évolution démographique et les plans de financement de la retraite. Les aspects institutionnels dans le long terme doivent être pris en compte pour éviter les pertes dramatiques de capitaux économiques, sociaux et culturels dans les décennies à venir. Mots clés: gestion des actifs, stocks de bâtiments, remise en état, rénovation, économie de ressources, développement durable
Ternary Arithmetic Logic Unit Design Utilizing Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNTFET) and Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM)

Due to the difficulties associated with scaling of silicon transistors, various technologies beyond binary logic processing are actively being investigated. Ternary logic circuit implementation with carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs) and resistive random access memory (RRAM) integration is considered as a possible technology option. CNTFETs are currently being preferred for implementing ternary circuits due to their desirable multiple threshold voltage and geometry-dependent properties, whereas the RRAM is used due to its multilevel cell capability which enables storage of multiple resistance states within a single cell. This article presents the 2-trit arithmetic logic unit (ALU) design using CNTFETs and RRAM as the design elements. The proposed ALU incorporates a transmission gate block, a function select block, and various ternary function processing modules. The ALU design optimization is achieved by introducing a controlled ternary adder–subtractor module instead of separate adder and subtractor circuits. The simulations are analyzed and validated using Synopsis HSPICE simulation software with standard 32 nm CNTFET technology under different operating conditions (supply voltages) to test the robustness of the designs. The simulation results indicate that the proposed CNTFET-RRAM integration enables the compact circuit realization with good robustness. Moreover, due to the addition of RRAM as circuit element, the proposed ALU has the advantage of non-volatility.
Earthquake strong motions recorded by a large near‐source array of digital seismographs

Specially designed arrays of strong-motion seismographs near to the earthquake source are required for seismological and engineering studies of the generation and near-field properties of seismic waves. The first such large digital array, called SMART 1 (with radius 2 km and 37 accelerometers), to record substantial ground motion (up to 0·24g horizontal acceleration) became operational in late 1980 in a highly seismic region of Taiwan. During the first 6 months of operation, SMART 1 recorded nine earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from ML 3·8 to 6·9. Three were located directly below the array at focal depths of 59 to 76 km. The remaining six had shallow depths and epicentral distances from 7 to 193 km. Digital records from 27 three-component accelerographs were obtained from a magnitude 6·9 (ML) local earthquake on 29 January 1981. Representative measurements are described of seismic wave coherency and power spectrum as a function of wave number, frequency, azimuth of propagation and wave type. Acceleration waveforms varied significantly across the array for each event. On average, peak acceleration of horizontal components was about three times that of the vertical component. Relative spectral changes from earthquake to earthquake were large.
Inexorable and Inevitable: The Continuing Story of Technology and Assessment

This paper argues that the inexorable advance of technology will force fundamental changes in the format and content of assessment. Technology is infusing the workplace, leading to widespread requirements for workers skilled in the use of computers. Technology is also finding a key place in education. This is occurring not only because technology skill has become a workplace requirement. It is also happening because technology provides information resources central to the pursuit of knowledge and because the medium allows for the delivery of instruction to individuals who couldn’t otherwise obtain it. As technology becomes more central to schooling, assessing students in a medium different from the one in which they typically learn will become increasingly untenable. Education leaders in several states and numerous school districts are acting on that implication, implementing technology-based tests for low- and high-stakes decisions in elementary and secondary schools and across all key content areas. While some of these examinations are already being administered statewide, others will take several years to bring to fully operational status. These groundbreaking efforts will undoubtedly encounter significant difficulties that may include cost, measurement, technological-dependability, and security issues. But most importantly, state efforts will need to go beyond the initial achievement of computerizing traditional multiple-choice tests to create assessments that facilitate learning and instruction in ways that paper measures cannot.
Comparable Studies of Financial Bankruptcy Prediction Using Advanced Hybrid Intelligent Classification Models to Provide Early Warning in the Electronics Industry

In recent years in Taiwan, scholars who study financial bankruptcy have mostly focused on individual listed and over-the-counter (OTC) industries or the entire industry, while few have studied the independent electronics industry. Thus, this study investigated the application of an advanced hybrid Z-score bankruptcy prediction model in selecting financial ratios of listed companies in eight related electronics industries (semiconductor, computer, and peripherals, photoelectric, communication network, electronic components, electronic channel, information service, and other electronics industries) using data from 2000 to 2019. Based on 22 financial ratios of condition attributes and one decision attribute recommended and selected by experts and in the literature, this study used five classifiers for binary logistic regression analysis and in the decision tree. The experimental results show that for the Z-score model, samples analyzed using the five classifiers in five groups (1:1–5:1) of different ratios of companies, the bagging classifier scores are worse (40.82%) than when no feature selection method is used, while the logistic regression classifier and decision tree classifier (J48) result in better scores. However, it is significant that the bagging classifier score improved to over 90% after using the feature selection technique. In conclusion, it was found that the feature selection method can be effectively applied to improve the prediction accuracy, and three financial ratios (the liquidity ratio, debt ratio, and fixed assets turnover ratio) are identified as being the most important determinants affecting the prediction of financial bankruptcy in providing a useful reference for interested parties to evaluate capital allocation to avoid high investment risks.
Taking a closer look at the bidirectional relationship between meaningful work and strain at work: a cross-lagged model

ABSTRACT Research conceptualized meaningful work as an important resource reducing work-related strain. Literature has however neglected the possibility that the relationship between meaningful work and strain may be bidirectional. Based on Conservation of Resources theory and the attention view on stress, we therefore simultaneously examine the relationship between strain and meaningful work in a cross-lagged panel study with 983 participants. We demonstrate that meaningful work reduces employees’ degree of strain more than a month later. Vice versa, the strain that employees experience at work also reduces the degree to which they perceive their work as meaningful. These results indicate that while meaningful work serves as an important psychological resource reducing strain, it may, itself, prove susceptible to high levels of strain.
Molecular dynamics study of thermally induced shear strain in nanoscale copper

Thermally induced strain and stress were calculated in a nanoscale copper system using the molecular dynamics method. The shear strain in the system was generated by a mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the materials surrounding it. Plastic deformation mechanisms, stress concentration and stress relaxation were studied. The results show that initially the stress is concentrated in the corners of the system, as suggested by other studies. However, when the structure has been plastically deformed, high stress regions are found in the center of the system.
The Organizational Culture Profile: an Australian Perspective

Our paper develops a restructured version of the Organizational Culture Profile developed by O’Reilly et al. (1991) and examines its structural properties across a stratified random sample of 1,918 managers in Australia. Seven discrete factors of organizational culture were identified. These factors were classified on the basis of selected demographic variables to provide a detailed profile of executives and their workplace cultures. Recommendations for further research and development are provided.