Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in self-regulated learning profiles of Chinese EFL readers: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study

Abstract This study explored the latent profiles of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies (cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational regulation) endorsed by Chinese English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) readers in a high-stakes testing environment, and also their associations with individual factors (gender, grade, reading proficiency, and motivational beliefs). With a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, students in grades 11 and 12 (n = 1,113) completed a reading comprehension test and a questionnaire regarding their strategy use and individual factors, and some (n = 16) were randomly selected for follow-up semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed three SRL profiles, characterized by high, medium, and low levels of SRL-strategy use. Self-efficacy and extrinsic motivation most powerfully predicted an individual’s profile membership; all the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation variables were significantly higher for learners from the higher strategy-use profile. Moreover, reading proficiency did not significantly predict profile membership, but more self-regulated students still achieved higher reading scores as a group tendency.
Comparative Analysis of Waste, Steel, and Polypropylene Microfibers as an Additive for Cement Mortar

This study presents the results of laboratory experiments conducted to determine the mechanical parameters for cement mortar with various quantities of waste fibers, polypropylene microfibers, and steel microfibers. Waste fibers were used as samples and obtained using an end-of-life car tire recycling process. For comparison, samples with the addition of steel and polypropylene microfibers were tested. The same degrees of fiber reinforcement were used for all types of fibers. Ultimately, 22 mixtures of cement mortar were prepared. The aim of this study is therefore to present and compare basic mechanical parameter values. Compressive strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and flexural toughness were of particular interest. A three-point bending test was performed on three types of samples, without a notch and with a notch of 4 and 8 mm. The results show that the use of steel microfibers in the cement mortar produces a product with better properties compared to a mixture with steel cord or polypropylene fibers. However, the cement mortar with the steel cord provides better flexural strength and greater flexural toughness factors compared to the cement mortar with polypropylene fibers. This means that the steel cord is a full-value ecological replacement for different fibers.
Laboratory measurements of modulation of short-wave slopes by long surface waves

Hydrodynamic modulation of wind waves by long surface waves in a wave tank is investigated, at wind speeds ranging from 1.5 to 10 m s−1. The results are compared with the linear, non-dissipative, theory of Longuet-Higgins & Stewart (1960), which describes the modulation of a group of short gravity waves due to straining of the surface by currents produced by the orbital motions of the long wave, and work done against the radiation stresses of the short waves. In most cases the theory is in good agreement with the experimental results when the short waves are not too steep, and the rate of growth due to the wind is relatively small. At the higher wind speeds, the effects of wind-wave growth, dissipation and wave-wave interactions are dominant.
Depth Guidance and Intradomain Adaptation for Semantic Segmentation

Unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) mitigates the domain shift between the source and target domains. Some conventional methods are based on guiding semantic segmentation across domains using depth information. Nevertheless, these methods are constrained and inadequate for the use of depth knowledge. In this work, we propose a depth-aware adaptation framework (DAF) and an intradomain adaptation (IDA) strategy to improve semantic segmentation in the context of UDA. We design a novel depth estimation network based on the channelwise attention mechanism to provide additional depth information. In our approach, DAF aims to adapt domains by exploiting the inherent correlations of semantic and depth information, where we construct a depth-aware space for the alignment between source and target domains. Furthermore, IDA bridges the gap within the target domain through a proposed depth-aware ranking strategy. This strategy is based on dividing the target domain into a subsource domain and a subtarget domain. The distribution discrepancies between these domains are then aligned. Extensive experiments on SYNTHIAb $\rightarrow $ Cityscapes and SYNTHIAb $\rightarrow $ Mapillary cross-domain tasks confirm that our method overperforms the conventional depth guidance methods with mean IOU values of 46.7% and 73.3% on the above two tasks, respectively.
Aligned carbon nanotubes for through-wafer interconnects

Through-wafer interconnects by aligned carbon nanotube for three-dimensional stack integrated chip packaging applications have been reported in this letter. Two silicon wafers are bonded together by tetra-ethyl-ortho-silicate. The top wafer (100μm thick) with patterned through-holes allows carbon nanotubes to grow vertically from the catalyst layer (Fe) on the bottom wafer. By using thermal chemical vapor deposition technique, the authors have demonstrated the capability of growing aligned carbon nanotube bundles with an average length of 140μm and a diameter of 30μm from the through holes. The resistivity of the bundles is measured to be 0. 0097Ωcm by using a nanomanipulator.
Viscous effects on the position of cavitation separation from smooth bodies

Flow visualization by the schlieren technique in the neighbourhood of a fully developed cavity on two axisymmetric headforms has shown the existence of laminar boundary-layer separation upstream of cavitation separation, and the distance between the two separations to be strongly dependent on Reynolds number. Based on present results, a semi-empirical method is developed to predict the position of cavitation separation on a smooth body. The method applies only in the Reynolds-number range when the cavitating body possesses laminar boundary-layer separation under non-cavitating conditions. Calculated positions of cavitation separation on a sphere by the method show good agreement with experimentally observed positions.
The Sensitivity of Tidal Channel Systems to Initial Bed Conditions, Vegetation, and Tidal Asymmetry

In tidal environments, channel networks act as essential drainage pathways. Although the complex interactions between environmental factors have been studied extensively, the effects of the initial bathymetry on tidal network ontogeny are poorly understood. In this contribution, we used a numerical model to mimic a schematic tidal basin subjected to tidal forcing. The effects of the initial bathymetry and vegetation growth are analyzed by changing the features of randomly generated bed perturbation and the intertidal platform slope. Different perturbation densities mildly affect the growth of tidal networks, which, at equilibrium, share similar values in terms of channel length, tidal prism, and cross‐sectional area. The complexity and structure of channel networks are more sensitive to variations in the perturbation distribution. Increasing the initial bathymetry slope can shorten channels and reduce the tidal prism and drainage efficiency. Vegetation growth is found to invariably promote channel lengthening and narrowing, increasing the complexity and drainage efficiency of the system. An asymmetrical tidal forcing generally leads to longer channels and smaller unchanneled lengths. Under ebb‐dominant conditions, channels get deeper, and the increased channel length ensures a higher drainage efficiency. The insights of our study provide a deeper understanding of the environmental factors controlling the equilibrium morphology of tidal channel systems and their overall resilience. Further implications concern the restoration and management of coastal areas through the informed use of topographic changes and planting arrangements. Finally, accounting for the uncertainties associated with initial conditions is relevant when modeling other earth systems and comparing them with real systems.
Volt-ampere rating of air-core superconducting power transformers

The authors point out that air-core superconducting power transformers have the potential of serving not only as power transformers but also as shunt reactors when used in power transmission systems having large capacitances. Here, the rated primary volt-amperes, volt-amperes as a shunt reactor, and related quantities are analyzed and their relations to the magnetic coupling factor and magnetizing reactance of the transformer are clarified. >
Atmospheric aging increases the cytotoxicity of bare soot particles in BEAS-2B lung cells

Abstract Soot particles (SP) are ubiquitous components of atmospheric particulate matter and have been shown to cause various adverse health effects. In the atmosphere, freshly emitted SP can be coated by condensed low-volatility secondary organic and inorganic species. In addition, gas-phase oxidants may react with the surface of SP. Due to the chemical and physical resemblance of SP carbon backbone with polyaromatic hydrocarbon species and their potent oxidation products, we investigated the biological responses of BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells following exposure to fresh- and photochemically aged-SP at the air–liquid interface. A comprehensive physical and chemical aerosol characterization was performed to depict the atmospheric transformations of SP, showing that photochemical aging increased the organic carbon fraction and the oxidation state of the SP. RNA-sequencing and qPCR analysis showed varying gene expression profiles for fresh- and aged-SP. Exposure to aged-SP increased DNA damage, oxidative damage, and upregulation of NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response genes compared to fresh-SP. Furthermore, aged-SP augmented inflammatory cytokine secretion and activated AhR-response, as evidenced by increased expression of AhR-responsive genes. These results indicate that oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage play a key role in the cytotoxicity of SP in BEAS-2B cells, where aging leads to higher toxic responses. Collectively, our results suggest that photochemical aging may increase SP toxicity through surface modifications that lead to an increased toxic response by activating different molecular pathways. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Baseline Characteristics of Patients Enrolled in Clinical Trials of Biologics for Severe Asthma as Potential Predictors of Outcomes

(1) Background: Over the past 20 years, monoclonal antibodies have been developed for the treatment of severe asthma, with numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted to define their safety and efficacy. The growing availability of biologics, which until now have only been available for T2-high asthma, has been further enriched by the arrival of tezepelumab. (2) Methods: This review aims to evaluate the baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in RCTs of biologics for severe asthma to understand how they could potentially predict outcomes and how they can help differentiate between available options. (3) Results: The studies reviewed demonstrated that all biologic agents are effective in improving asthma control, especially with regard to reducing exacerbation rates and OCS use. As we have seen, in this regard, there are few data on omalizumab and none yet on tezepelumab. In analysing exacerbations and average doses of OCSs, pivotal studies on benralizumab have enrolled more seriously ill patients. Secondary outcomes, such as improvement in lung function and quality of life, showed better results—especially for dupilumab and tezepelumab. (4) Conclusion: Biologics are all effective, albeit with important differences. What fundamentally guides the choice is the patient’s clinical history, the endotype represented by biomarkers (especially blood eosinophils), and comorbidities (especially nasal polyposis).
Platform participants hedging risk: post-alliance technology search of a platform participant and a rival platform

ABSTRACT Using Oracle’s enterprise software platform ecosystem, we demonstrate how the platform players involved in or affected by alliances adjust their post-alliance technology search behaviours to address potential competitive challenges. While both platform owners and platform participants increase searches for each other’s technology after the formation of a technology alliance, we find that the latter also increase the technology searches for the main rival platform owner, likely in order to hedge the risk of being exclusively tied to the former. We further find that the rival platform owner also increases searches for the technology of the platform participant in order to neutralise potential competitive threats from the focal alliance. In doing so, this study cross-pollinates the separate research streams of platform ecosystems and alliances in order to examine the competitive interplays between platform player and the resulting technological evolution in a platform ecosystem.
Simulation of Fusion Plasmas: Current Status and Future Direction

I. Introduction (Z. Lin, G. Y. Fu, J. Q. Dong) II. Role of theory and simulation in fusion sciences 1. The Impact of theory and simulation on tokomak experiments (H. R. Wilson, T.S. Hahm and F. Zonca) 2. Tokomak Transport Physics for the Era of ITER: Issues for Simulations (P.H. Diamond and T.S. Hahm) III. Status of fusion simulation and modeling 1. Nonlinear Governing Equations for Plasma Simulations (T. S. Hahm) 2. Equilibrium and stability (L.L. Lao, J. Manickam) 3. Transport modeling (R.E. Waltz) 4. Nonlinear MHD (G.Y. Fu) 5. Turbulence (Z. Lin and R.E. Waltz) 6. RF heating and current drive (D.A. Batchelor) 7. Edge physics Simulations (X.Q. Xu and C.S. Chang) 8. Energetic particle physics (F. Zonca, G.Y. Fu and S.J. Wang) 9. Time-dependent Integrated Modeling (R.V. Budny) 10. Validation and verification (J. Manickam) IV. Major initiatives on fusion simulation 1. US Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) Program & Fusion Energy Science (W. Tang) 2. EU Integrated Tokamak Modelling (ITM) Task Force (A. Becoulet) 3. Fusion Simulations Activities in Japan (A. Fukuyama, N. Nakajima, Y. Kishimoto, T. Ozeki, and M. Yagi) V. Cross-disciplinary research in fusion simulation 1. Applied mathematics: Models, Discretizations, and Solvers (D.E. Keyes) 2. Computational Science (K. Li) 3. Scientific Data and Workflow Management (S. Klasky, M. Beck, B. Ludaescher, N. Podhorszki, M.A. Vouk) 4. Collaborative tools (J. Manickam)
A STUDY ON ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR ENGLISH – VIETNAMESE CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING TESTS

The study investigates the reliability and user feedback about the rubrics to evaluate English – Vietnamese consecutive interpreting tests taken by undergraduates at VNU-ULIS created by Tran and Do (2022). Five VNU-ULIS raters – two experienced raters and three novice ones – independently rated ten different interpreting tests and provided their feedback on the rubrics. The results reveal the newly created rubrics is mostly considered user-friendly and practical application for interpreting evaluation. Overall, inter-rater reliability, which was presented through Cronbach’s alpha and the single measure intra-class coefficient, was acceptable. Besides, the value among the novice raters was higher than that between the two experienced ones. The raters’ perception of each quality criterion and their rating process may account for the differences in their score decisions. The findings also suggest further improvements in terms of descriptor wording, weightings and rater training.
The Identification of Risk Factors for Symptomatic Spinal Metastasis Onset: A Prospective Cohort Study of 128 Asymptomatic Spinal Metastasis Patients

Simple Summary The risk factors for symptomatic spinal metastasis (SSM) onset remain unclear. This prospective cohort study aimed to statistically analyze the significant risk factors. One hundred and twenty-eight asymptomatic patients were prospectively registered. Data were collected from sixteen candidates regarding independent demographic and clinical factors, including Spinal Neoplastic Instability Score (SINS). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for SSM onset. Furthermore, the threshold was calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve using the Youden index. Thirty-seven patients (28.9%) developed SSM during the follow-up period. The total SINS was identified as the most significant factor. The cut-off value for the SINS was 9.5 (sensitivity: 67.6%; specificity: 83.5%). This study identified the significant risk factors for SSM onset and the threshold of the SINS. If long-term survival is expected, patients with a SINS ≥ 10 should be considered for intervention to prevent SSM. Abstract Background: Symptomatic spinal metastasis (SSM) decreases the activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life of cancer patients. However, the risk factors for SSM onset remain unclear. This prospective cohort study aimed to statistically analyze the significant risk factors. Methods: From 2016 to 2018, 210 consecutive patients with spinal metastases were prospectively registered. Patients with SSM at the first consultation and those who were unable to be followed-up owing to poor general condition were excluded. The demographic factors (age, sex, primary cancer, performance status, and ADL), clinical factors (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, molecularly targeted drugs, and bone-modifying agents (BMAs)), and Spinal Neoplastic Instability Score (SINS) were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for SSM onset. Furthermore, the threshold was calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve using the Youden index. Results: Thirty-nine patients who presented with SSM at the first consultation and 43 patients who were unable to be followed-up owing to poor general condition were excluded. Finally, 128 asymptomatic patients were included. Thirty-seven patients (28.9%) developed SSM during the follow-up period. The total SINS (OR: 1.739; 95% CI: 1.345–2.250) was identified as the most significant factor. The cut-off value of the SINS was 9.5 (sensitivity: 67.6%; specificity: 83.5%). Twenty-five (62.5%) of the forty patients with a SINS ≥ 10 developed SSM within a mean of 5.5 months (95% CI: 1.17–9.83). Furthermore, all patients with a SINS ≥ 13 developed SSM (n = 5) within a mean of 1.37 months (95% CI: 0.0–3.01). Conclusions: This study identified the significant risk factors for SSM onset and the threshold of the SINS. If long-term survival is expected, patients with a SINS ≥ 10 should be considered for intervention to prevent SSM.
Recombinant Escherichia coli BL21 with LngA Variants from ETEC E9034A Promotes Adherence to HT-29 Cells

The CS21 pilus produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is involved in adherence to HT-29 intestinal cells. The CS21 pilus assembles proteins encoded by 14 genes clustered into the lng operon. Aim. This study aimed to determine whether E. coli BL21 (ECBL) transformed with the lng operon lacking the lngA gene (pE9034AΔlngA) and complemented in trans with lngA variants of ETEC clinical strains, as well as point substitutions, exhibited modified adherence to HT-29 cells. Methods. A kanamycin cassette was used to replace the lngA gene in the lng operon of the E9034A strain, and the construct was transformed into the ECBL strain. The pJET1.2 vector carrying lngA genes with allelic variants was transformed into ECBLpE9034AΔlngA (ECBLΔlngA). The point substitutions were performed in the pJETlngAFMU073332 vector. Results. Bioinformatic alignment analysis of the LngA proteins showed hypervariable regions and clustered the clinical ETEC strains into three groups. Variations in amino acid residues affect the adherence percentages of recombinant ECBL strains with lngA variants and site-specific mutations with HT-29 cells. Conclusion. In this study, ECBL carrying the lng operon harboring lngA variants of six clinical ETEC strains, as well as point substitutions, exerted an effect on the adherence of ECBL to HT-29 cells, thereby confirming the importance of the CS21 pilus in adherence.
Thermal and Stress Analysis of Glazing in Fires and Glass Fracture Modeling with a Probabilistic Approach

The aim of the study is to predict the thermal and stress behavior of a framed glass subjected to typical fire conditions, and the initial glass fracture time and locations using a probabilistic approach as an alternative to Pagni's deterministic criterion. Thermal stresses in glass have been little researched. The probabilistic approach has the advantage of taking into account some uncertainties such as the edge conditions. The model employed is based on stress and conduction heat transfer models, a spectral discrete ordinates radiation model, and a failure probability model. Some results of its verification and applications are reported here.
The stability of the decaying flow in a suddenly blocked channel

The stability of the decaying laminar flow in a suddenly blocked channel is investigated. The partial differential system governing the stability of the flow is solved using a WKB type of approach. It is shown that the first term of the WKB expansion of the disturbance velocity field is just that obtained by a quasi-steady approach. The flow is found to be unstable at quite small Reynolds numbers. This instability is associated with the inflexional nature of the velocity profiles of the decaying flow.
Self-assembled DNA networks and their electrical conductivity

We report direct measurements of the intrinsic electrical characteristics of polynucleotides using a conducting-probe atomic-force microscope under vacuum. Poly(dA)⋅poly(dT) self-assemble a cross-interlaced network on mica, but poly(dG)⋅poly(dC) self-organize a uniform two-dimensional reticulated structure. Transport studies demonstrate that poly(dG)⋅poly(dC) can act as a semiconducting nanowire and show a better conductance than that in poly(dA)⋅poly(dT).