Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Young Children’s Graphomotor Skills and Their Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study

The current study aimed to examine the unique contribution of personal and environmental factors to explain graphomotor skills in typically developing preschoolers and first-year elementary school students. A convenience sample of 136 Israeli children aged three–seven years was recruited. Graphomotor skills were assessed using the Gilboa Functional Test (GIFT); personal and environmental factors were assessed using a demographic questionnaire and the Home Literacy Experiences Questionnaire (HLEQ). A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that home literacy and educational approach accounted for 43.1% of the variance of graphomotor skills (R2 = 40.4, p < 0.000), each providing a unique contribution to the explained variance after controlling for age, gender, and spoken language. Generally, our results supported the bioecological model, with proximal factors (home literacy and educational approach) having a greater influence on child graphomotor skills than distal factors (parental socioeconomic and immigration status). By highlighting the role of environmental factors in graphomotor development, these results can be used as a conceptual framework for developing early intervention programs.
Book Review : Nonparametric Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Second Edition)

to 312; it has the same nine-chapter format as the old edition (with the same or similar chapter titles); and it adds an author index and an example author index as well as a small set of BASIC programs. In other respects, it is similar to the old edition except as indicated in the following chapter-by-chapter notes. My comments in these notes will refer to changes made by Castellan, as he did all of the rewriting for the deceased Siegel. Chapter 1 (Introduction): On page 3, there is an emphasis on ease of interpretation of nonparametric tests for data with less than interval scale of measurement. The old edition stated that &dquo;it is permissible to use the parametric techniques only with scores which are truly numerical,&dquo; so it appears that the stance with respect to scale of measurement has been softened, as promised in the preface. Also, a short paragraph
Shrinkage Cracking of Restrained Concrete Slabs

The goal of this investigation was to better understand and predict early-age shrinkage cracking in restrained concrete structures. The threefold aim of this study included: (1) the development of test methods to assess the potential for shrinkage cracking; (2) the development of a theoretical model to predict cracking; and (3) the evaluation of a nonexpansive shrinkage reducing admixture. Two tests configurations were used in evaluating the potential for restrained shrinkage cracking, ring-type and slab-type specimens. Experiments were performed on both normal and high strength concrete with 0, 1, and 2% shrinking reduction admixture. Time-dependent material properties were measured and the effect of restraint was tested in both ring and slab specimens. A computer-automated fracture mechanics model was used to successfully predict the age at first cracking. Results exhibit favorable comparison between theoretical modeling and experimental observations.
Antimicrobial Spectrum of Activity and Mechanism of Action of Linear Alpha-Helical Peptides Inspired by Shrimp Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factors

Shrimp antilipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) form a multifunctional and diverse family of antimicrobial host defense peptides (AMPs) composed of seven members (groups A to G), which differ in terms of their primary structure and biochemical properties. They are amphipathic peptides with two conserved cysteine residues stabilizing a central β-hairpin that is understood to be the core region for their biological activities. In this study, we synthetized three linear (cysteine-free) peptides based on the amino acid sequence of the central β-hairpin of the newly identified shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ALFs from groups E to G. Unlike whole mature ALFs, the ALF-derived peptides exhibited an α-helix secondary structure. In vitro assays revealed that the synthetic peptides display a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi but not against the protozoan parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania (L.) infantum. Remarkably, they displayed synergistic effects and showed the ability to permeabilize bacterial membranes, a mechanism of action of classical AMPs. Having shown low cytotoxicity to THP-1 human cells and being active against clinical multiresistant bacterial isolates, these nature-inspired peptides represent an interesting class of bioactive molecules with biotechnological potential for the development of novel therapeutics in medical sciences.
Temporal variations of the fractal properties of seismicity in the western part of the north Anatolian fault zone: possible artifacts due to improvements in station coverage

Abstract. Seismically-active fault zones are complex natural systems exhibiting scale-invariant or fractal correlation between earthquakes in space and time, and a power-law scaling of fault length or earthquake source dimension consistent with the exponent b of the Gutenberg-Richter frequency-magnitude relation. The fractal dimension of seismicity is a measure of the degree of both the heterogeneity of the process (whether fixed or self-generated) and the clustering of seismic activity. Temporal variations of the b-value and the two-point fractal (correlation) dimension Dc have been related to the preparation process for natural earthquakes and rock fracture in the laboratory These statistical scaling properties of seismicity may therefore have the potential at least to be sensitive short- term predictors of major earthquakes. The North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) is a seismicallyactive dextral strike slip fault zone which forms the northern boundary of the westward moving Anatolian plate. It is splayed into three branches at about 31oE and continues westward toward the northern Aegean sea. In this study, we investigate the temporal variation of Dc and the Gutenberg-Richter b-value for seismicity in the western part of the NAFZ (including the northern Aegean sea) for earthquakes of Ms > 4.5 occurring in the period between 1900 and 1992. b ranges from 0.6-1.6 and Dc from 0.6 to 1.4. The b-value is found to be weakly negatively correlated with Dc (r=-0.56). However the (log of) event rate N is positively correlated with b, with a similar degree of statistical significance (r=0.42), and negatively correlated with Dc (r=-0.48). Since N increases dramatically with improved station coverage since 1970, the observed negative correlation between b and Dc is therefore more likely to be due to this effect than any underlying physical process in this case. We present this as an example of how man-made artefacts of recording can have similar statistical effects to underlying processes.
A Comparison of Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Network Models for Measurement Invariance Assessment When Indicator Residuals are Correlated

Social science research is heavily dependent on the use of standardized assessments of a variety of phenomena, such as mood, executive functioning, and cognitive ability. An important assumption when using these instruments is that they perform similarly for all members of the population. When this assumption is violated, the validity evidence of the scores is called into question. The standard approach for assessing the factorial invariance of the measures across subgroups within the population involves multiple groups confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA). CFA models typically, but not always, assume that once the latent structure of the model is accounted for, the residual terms for the observed indicators are uncorrelated (local independence). Commonly, correlated residuals are introduced after a baseline model shows inadequate fit and inspection of modification indices ensues to remedy fit. An alternative procedure for fitting latent variable models that may be useful when local independence does not hold is based on network models. In particular, the residual network model (RNM) offers promise with respect to fitting latent variable models in the absence of local independence via an alternative search procedure. This simulation study compared the performances of MGCFA and RNM for measurement invariance assessment when local independence is violated, and residual covariances are themselves not invariant. Results revealed that RNM had better Type I error control and higher power compared to MGCFA when local independence was absent. Implications of the results for statistical practice are discussed.
A FINITE ELEMENT CODE FOR THE NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF THE HELMHOLTZ EQUATION IN AXIALLY SYMMETRIC WAVEGUIDES WITH INTERFACES

We consider the Helmholtz equation in an axisymmetric cylindrical waveguide consisting of fluid layers overlying a rigid bottom. The medium may have range-dependent speed of sound and interface and bottom topography in the interior nonhomogeneous part of the waveguide, while in the far-field the interfaces and bottom are assumed to be horizontal and the problem separable. A nonlocal boundary condition based on the DtN map of the exterior problem is posed at the far-field artificial boundary. The problem is discretized by a standard Galerkin/finite element method and the resulting numerical scheme is implemented in a Fortran code that is interfaced with general mesh generation programs from the MODULEF finite element library and iterative linear solvers from QMRPACK. The code is tested on several small scale examples of acoustic propagation and scattering in the sea and its results are found to compare well with those of COUPLE.
Tailoring exchange bias through chemical order in epitaxial FePt3 films

Intentional introduction of chemical disorder into mono-stoichiometric epitaxial FePt3 films allows to create a ferro-/antiferromagnetic two-phase system, which shows a pronounced and controllable exchange bias effect. In contrast to conventional exchange bias systems, granular magnetic interfaces are created within the same crystallographic structure by local variation of chemical order. The amount of the exchange bias can be controlled by the relative amount and size of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic volume fractions and the interface between them. The tailoring of the magnetic composition alone, without affecting the chemical and structural compositions, opens the way to study granular magnetic exchange bias concepts separated from structural artifacts.
A Monolayer Partitioning Scheme for Droplets of Surfactant Solutions

Bulk‐surface partitioning of surface active species affects both cloud droplet activation by aerosol particles and heterogeneous atmospheric chemistry. Various approaches are given in the literature to capture this effect in atmospheric models. Here we present a simple, yet physically self‐contained, monolayer model for prediction of both composition and thickness of the surface layer of an aqueous droplet. The monolayer surface model is based on assuming a finite surface layer and mass balance of all species within the droplet. Model predictions are presented for binary and ternary aqueous surfactant model systems and compared to both experimental and model data from the literature and predictions using a common Gibbsian model approach. Deviations from Gibbsian surface thermodynamics due to volume constraints imposed by the finite monolayer lead to stronger predicted surface tension reduction at smaller droplet sizes with the monolayer model. Process dynamics of the presented monolayer model are also contrasted to other recently proposed approaches to treating surface partitioning in droplets, with different underlying assumptions.
Mechano-Chemical Effect of Gelatin- and HA-Based Hydrogels on Human Retinal Progenitor Cells

Engineering matrices for cell therapy requires design criteria that include the ability of these materials to support, protect and enhance cellular behavior in vivo. The chemical and mechanical formulation of the biomaterials can influence not only target cell phenotype but also cellular differentiation. In this study, we have demonstrated the effect of a gelatin (Gtn)—hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel on human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) and show that by altering the mechanical properties of the materials, cellular behavior is altered as well. We have created an interpenetrating network polymer capable of encapsulating hRPCs. By manipulating the stiffness of the hydrogel, the differentiation potential of the hRPCs was controlled. Interpenetrating network 75 (IPN 75; 75% HA) allowed higher expression of rod photoreceptor markers, whereas cone photoreceptor marker expression was found to be higher in IPN 50. In vivo testing of these living matrices performed in Long–Evans rats showed higher levels of rod photoreceptor marker expression when IPN 75 was injected versus IPN 50. These biomaterials mimic biological cues that are required to simulate the dynamic complexity of natural retinal ECM. These hydrogels can be used as a vehicle for cell delivery in vivo as well as for expansion and differentiation in an in vitro 3D system in a highly reproducible manner.
Cubature formulae for Besov classes

This paper is devoted to an investigation of optimal cubature formulae for Besov classes of functions with restrictions on the mixed difference. This study is a continuation of papers [1] and [2]. In this paper we find the exact order of the error of the cubature formula using the values of the function at particular points.
ARE OUTFLOWS BIASING SINGLE-EPOCH C iv BLACK HOLE MASS ESTIMATES?

We use a combination of reverberation mapping data and single-epoch (SE) spectra of the C iv emission line in a sample of both low- and high-redshift active galactic nuclei to investigate sources of the discrepancies between C iv- and Hβ-based SE black hole (BH) mass estimates. We find that for all reverberation mapped sources, there is a component of the line profile that does not reverberate, and the velocity characteristics of this component vary from object to object. The differing strength and properties of this non-variable component are responsible for much of the scatter in C iv-based BH masses compared to Hβ masses. The C iv mass bias introduced by this non-variable component is correlated with the shape of the C iv line, allowing us to make an empirical correction to the BH mass estimates. Using this correction and accounting for other sources of scatter, such as poor data quality and data inhomogeneity, reduces the scatter between the C iv and Hβ masses in our sample by a factor of ∼2, to only ∼0.2 dex. We discuss the possibility that this non-variable C iv component originates in an orientation-dependent outflow from either the proposed broad-line region disk wind or the intermediate-line region, a high-velocity inner extension of the narrow-line region.
Using Quantitative Hormonal Fertility Monitors to Evaluate the Luteal Phase: Proof of Concept Case Study

Several new quantitative fertility monitors are now available for at-home use that measure estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone (PDG) in urine. This case report compares the Mira and Inito quantitative fertility monitors with the well-established qualitative ClearBlue fertility monitor. Three clinical scenarios were evaluated: a normal cycle, a prolonged luteinization cycle, and an anovulatory cycle. The identification of the luteal phase (or lack thereof in the case of anovulation) and the transition through the three processes of luteinization, progestation, and luteolysis were clearly demarcated with the help of quantitative LH and PDG. Quantitative fertility monitors have the potential to identify details of the luteal phase to help women with regular cycles and abnormal luteal phases to help target interventions for optimizing fertility.
Innovative profiles of TQM in banking management. The relationship between employee training and risk mitigation

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between employee training and bank risk to verify whether and to what extent an increase in employee training, as a soft component of total quality management (TQM), affects bank risk.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a panel regression, based on a unique dataset of a sample of Italian banks over the period 2011–2018, to test whether employee training affects bank risk, measured alternatively in terms of Z-score, a proxy of bank stability and non-performing loans (NPLs)/gross loans ratio as a proxy of credit risk.FindingsResearch findings reveal that increasing employee training leads to growing bank stability. In contrast, credit risk is not affected by employee training. However, by investigating training heterogeneity, this study found that the increase in the number of managerial training hours, as a proxy for soft skills training, negatively impacts credit risk. Therefore, an increase in soft skills leads to a reduction in bank credit risk.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides empirical evidence in support of the relationship between employee training and bank risk, which seems novel in the literature. From a managerial point of view, this study highlights the need for banks to pay attention to the skills, particularly soft skills, that banks' employees must possess to effectively manage bank risk and, more specifically, the core bank risk.Originality/valueEmpirical evidence on the relationship between employee training, soft/hard skills and bank risk appears limited if not absent. Therefore, the findings provide insights for a more nuanced interpretation of variables that affect bank risk.
Der Dieudonnemodul einer polarisierten abelschen Mannigfaltigkeit vom CM-Typ

Die Formel von Shimura-Taniyama beschreibt den rationalen Dieudonnemodul der Reduktion von A mit Hilfe von (D. Wir berechnen die Riemannsche Form auf dem Dieudonnemodul von einer Polarisierung X von A aus ihrer Riemannschen Form auf H1(A, Q). Wir betrachten in der ganzen Arbeit nur den Fall der Reduktion modulo einer Primzahl p # 2. Die Berechnung des Dieudonnemoduls mit seiner Riemannschen Form ist notwendig, wenn man die Punkte von Shimuramannigfaltigkeiten mit Werten in einem endlichen Korper klassifizieren will.
Evolution of squall line variability and error growth in an ensemble of large eddy simulations

Abstract. A chain of processes is identified that regulates much of the spread in an ensemble of squall lines in large eddy simulations with tight initial conditions. Patterns of gravity wave propagation de-correlate and restructure the initial condition spread until a second phase of convective initiation is taking place, i.e. after 30 min of simulation time. Subsequently, variability in this convective initiation and mass overturn is associated with differences in cold pool propagation within the ensemble (propagation at 2–4 m s−1. An ensemble sensitivity analysis reveals that anomalies in squall-line-relative flow with respect to the ensemble mean are also associated with the secondary convective initiation. Downdraughts are fed with extra air by a convergence zone on the rearward flank of the updraughts. An analysis of difference growth within the ensemble shows that a substantial proportion of variability is explained by cold pool propagation contrasts during this stage (30–80 min), which is partly removed when a feature-relative perspective is taken. The patterns of coherent variability exist on the timescale of an hour and dissipate subsequently (80–100 min).
Effect of dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl on recovery responses to tracheal extubation in vitrectomy, randomized, controlled trial

Abstract Background: Our study was to compare the effects of fentanyl 1 mcg/kg IV and dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg IV as single bolus doses on the IOP, quality of extubation, hemodynamic responses during extubation, postoperative sedation, postoperative pain, and complications. Methods: Sixty patients were recruited randomly into three groups. 5 min before extubation, Group (I): received IV 10 ml of normal saline. Group (II): received fentanyl 1 mcg/kg IV in 10 ml of normal saline. Group (III): received 0.5 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine IV in 10 ml of normal saline. Our primary outcome was the intraocular pressure; our secondary outcomes were hemodynamic, extubation quality, extubation and recovery duration, postoperative pain, postoperative sedation, and complications. Results: The dexmedetomidine group IOP upon extubation was shown to be more stable than the fentanyl group. The preoperative and at the end of the operation hemodynamics measured in the three groups did not show any appreciable changes. However, we found that patients receiving dexmedetomidine saw much smaller increases in HR, and MBP following medication administration compared to patients receiving fentanyl, and both groups also experienced significantly lower increases than the control group. Dexmedetomidine considerably improved extubation quality compared to fentanyl, and both groups were significantly better than the control group. The dexmedetomidine group had considerably shorter extubation times than the other two groups. Conclusion: In contrary to fentanyl 1 mcg/kg IV, dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg given IV 5 minutes before extubation stabilizes IOP, and hemodynamic responses to extubation, and promotes smooth extubation without extending recovery time or increasing postoperative complications.
The Decoy Effect and Recommendation Systems

Recommendation systems and the decoy effect are two popular marketing techniques that have been used for facilitating decision making. Practitioners often use decoys to help drive demand for specific items, and prior research has shown the decoy effect to be robust in traditional choice settings, with consistent reporting of an overall positive impact. Recommendation systems are also increasingly being used to present item choice sets to customers and users, assisting users in their decision-making process. However, previous work has not examined the decoy effect in the context of recommendations. The decoy effect may facilitate consumer decision making and positively impact user behavior when used with recommendation systems. However, in the recommendation context, customers often have different expectations for the reliability and quality of the presented information. Hence, a decoy as a recommendation could signal issues in system reliability, resulting in a negative effect. Our study demonstrates that depending on the recommendation context, the decoy effect can be beneficial or counterproductive. Specifically, we find in the personalized context, including a decoy minimizes the demand for the target option and pushes consumers to opt out of purchase, which deviates from the traditional decoy effect. However, a decoy increases the target item’s demand in the nonpersonalized context, following the conventional decoy effect.