Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the effects of conceptual and analytical choices on ‘finding’ the privacy paradox: A specification curve analysis of large-scale survey data

ABSTRACT The privacy paradox suggests that privacy concerns do not relate to privacy-related behavior. Although it has inspired numerous studies, findings remain inconclusive. Some of the inconsistencies in published findings may be explained by a strong heterogeneity in the conceptual and analytical choices that researchers implement when investigating the privacy paradox. Based on representative survey data of the 27 EU member states (2011: n = 8,962; 2015: n = 10,526; 2019: n = 11,428), I investigated the effect of conceptual and analytical decisions on ‘finding’ the privacy paradox. Specification curve analyses revealed that the magnitude and statistical significance of the relationship between privacy concerns and information disclosure is contingent on the operationalization of the independent variable, the inclusion of covariates, and the age of the studied population. The relationship between online privacy concerns and using social media privacy settings, in contrast, was less influenced by analytical decisions. Yet, the relationship was stronger in younger people and increased over time. The findings call for more transparency in analyzing research data. Evaluating the implications of analytical choices will help to establish best practices and advance cumulative knowledge creation in privacy research.
Multivariate Diversity Analysis of Quantitative Traits of Mung Bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes

Mung bean is an important pulse crop grown by poor farmers in marginal and drought-prone areas of Ethiopia. Information on the extent of genetic divergence in mung bean is vital to identify diverse genotypes for crop improvement and the efficient utilization of the existing genetic resources. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to assess the extent and pattern of morphological diversity among the mung bean genotypes and to identify the traits contributing to the genetic diversity using multivariate analyses. The experiment was conducted using 60 mung bean genotypes at Jinka Agricultural Research Center during the 2018 cropping season. The first seven principal components explained 80.1% of the total variation. Almost all the studied traits were important contributors to the divergence. The cluster analysis based on quantitative traits revealed four distinct groups. The highest inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster I and cluster IV (D 2 = 43.16 units). The minimum inter-cluster distance was noted between cluster III and cluster IV (D2 = 12.16 units). The maximum and minimum intra-cluster distances D2 were recorded within cluster I (D2 = 6.49 units) and cluster III (D2 = 3.53 units), respectively). The range of intra and inter-cluster distance was 3.53 to 6.49 units and 12.16 to 43.16 units, respectively. Hence, the high genetic distance exhibited within and among clusters has to be exploited through the crossing and selection of the most divergent parents for future mung bean breeding programs.
Evaluation of Heat Treatment Parameters’ Effect on Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Poplar Wood with Multi-criteria Decision Making Techniques

Effects of the heat treatment parameters were evaluated relative to some physical and mechanical properties of poplar wood (Populus alba L.) with use of two of the prominent multi criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques: Entropy and The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). To meet this objective, the test samples were heat-treated at 120, 150, 180, and 210 °C for 2 and 4 h in a laboratory-scale oven. With increasing temperature and duration, the shrinkage and swelling ratios of heat-treated samples were improved. However, the bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and compression strength generally decreased with increasing process temperature and duration. According to (MCDM) analyses, thermal modification definitely improved the physical properties of wood up to a point. Bending strength was found to be the most important determinant of heat treatment success. The other determinants were identified as swelling, compression strength, shrinkage, and modulus of elasticity, respectively. Also, the best results were obtained at 120 °C for 2 h. In general, heat treatment above 150 °C or 4 h is not recommended.
Maternal and Cord Blood Saturated Fatty Acid Level and Infant Adiposity

This study aimed to assess SFAs profiles in the maternal and cord blood, and the relationship of both SFAs levels with infant adiposity. As many as 99 mothers with singleton pregnancy and pre-pregnancy BMI . 18.5 agreed to join the research and completed the data collection process. Maternal and cord blood erythrocyte SFAs profile was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionized Detector. Infant birth weight was measured at birth, while infant skinfolds were at 5.7 days postpartum. We used Aris et al. (2013) equation to assess the infant fat mass. The average maternal age was 29.62}5.84 years old, while the pre-pregnancy BMI was 22.87}3.90 kg/m2. Infant birth weight was 3168.83}341.64 g, and fat mass was 9.39}3.52 %. Maternal total SFAs and palmitic acid (C16:0) concentration were higher than cord blood, while lignoceric acid (C24:0) was lower (p<0.05). Increased maternal caproic (C6:0), capric (C10:0), and lauric acids (C12:0) were associated with higher infant adiposity (p<0.05). Total SFAs, palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), and behenic acids (C22:0) in cord blood were negatively associated with infant adiposity (p<0.05). Elevated lauric (C12:0) and myristic (C14:0) acids in cord blood were associated with greater adiposity. In conclusion, we found a different SFAs profile between maternal blood during the third trimester of pregnancy and cord blood. Increased maternal caproic, capric, and lauric acids as well as cord bloodfs lauric and palmitic acids contribute to greater infant adiposity.
Effect of Irrigation Intervals under Different Sources of Potassium on Growth and Productivity of Garlic تأثير فترات الرى تحت مصادر بوتاسيوم مختلفة على نمو وإنتاجية الثوم

Two field experiments were carried out at the Vegetable Crops Farm in Baramoon Research Station, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, during the two winter seasons, to investigate the effect of irrigation intervals under different sources of potassium combined with foliar application nano-K fertilizer on plant growth and productivity of garlic cv.Sids 40. The experiment includes 42 treatments which arranged in strip-split block design, as the interactions between three irrigation intervals (14, 21 and 28 days) as vertical plots, seven sources of potassium fertilization (100% K-mineral (150 kg Potassium Sulphate/fed.), 100% K-biofertilizer (2 L/fed., PSDB, Bacillus circulans), 100 % K-natural (700 kg Feldspar/fed.), 50 % K- mineral (75 kg/fed.) +50 % K-natural (350 kg/fed.), 50 % K- mineral (75 kg/fed.)+inoculated by PSDB, 50 % K-natural (350 kg/fed.)+inoculated by PSDB, and 33% K- mineral (50 kg/fed.)+33% K-natural (235 kg/fed.)+inoculated by PSDB as horizontal plots and two foliar applications (with nano-K and without) as split plots. Obtained results indicated that, the fertilization of plants with different sources of potassium as 33% K-mineral (50kg/fed.)+33% K-natural (235 kg/fed.) combined with inoculated by PSDB (2 L/fed), showed the best vegetative growth parameters and the highest yield productivity followed by the treatment of 50% K- mineral+50 % K-natural combined with foliar application by 3000 ppm nano-K particles under irrigation every 21 days Therefore, we recommend this treatment because it saves in the amount of mineral potassium and the amount of irrigation water and thus reduces the costs of garlic production and environmental pollution under the same conditions.
Determinants of Insurance Penetration in West African Countries: A Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag Approach

This study analyses the long- and short-term dynamics of the determinants of insurance penetration for the period 1999Q1 to 2019Q4 in 15 West African countries. The panel auto regressive distributed lag model was used on the quarterly data gathered. A cointegrating and short-run momentous connection was discovered between insurance penetration along with the independent variables, which were education, productivity, dependency, inflation and income. The error correction term’s significance and negative sign demonstrate that all variables are heading towards long-run equilibrium at a moderate speed of 56.4%. This further affirms that education, productivity, dependency, inflation and income determine insurance penetration in West Africa in the long run. In addition, the short-run causality revealed that all the pairs of regressors could jointly cause insurance penetration. The findings of this study recommend that the economy-wide policies by the government and the regulators of insurance markets in these economies should be informed by these significant factors. The restructuring of the education sector to ensure finance-related modules cut across every faculty in the higher education sector is also recommended. Furthermore, Bancassurance is also recommended to boost the easy penetration of the insurance sector using the relationship with the banking sector as a pathway.
Multi-Channel Opportunistic Access for Heterogeneous Networks Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning

This paper investigates a new medium access control (MAC) protocol for multi-channel heterogeneous networks (HetNets) based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL), referred to as multi-channel deep-reinforcement learning multiple access (MC-DLMA). Specifically, we consider a HetNet where different radio networks adopt different MAC protocols to transmit data packets to a common access point on different wireless channels. Three key challenges for the MC-DLMA node are (i) no environmental knowledge is known in advance; (ii) the channels in HetNets are allocated to nodes using different MAC protocols; (iii) the capacities of different channels may be different. The main goal of MC-DLMA is to find an optimal access policy to transmit on those pre-allocated channels and expedite more efficient spectrum utilization. Due to the complex temporal correlation of spectrum states in HetNets, the traditional DRL technique, e.g., original deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm, is no longer applicable to our problem. In our MC-DLMA design, an advanced class of recurrent neural network, termed as Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), is embedded into the original DQN technique to aggregate observations over time and reason the underlying temporal feature in multi-channel HetNets. Furthermore, we analytically give the optimal spectrum access patterns and derive the optimal throughputs in various HetNet scenarios. With judicious definitions of the state, action, and reward function in the parlance of the DRL framework, simulation results show that MC-DLMA can (i) find the optimal spectrum access strategies in various HetNets, (ii) outperform the random access policy, the whittle index policy, and the original DQN, (iii) perform cooperative transmission in a fully distributed manner in the presence of multiple agents, and (iv) adapt well to the environmental changes.
The rate effect on fracture mechanics of dam concrete based on DIC and AE techniques

In order to study the effect of loading rate on fracture behavior of dam concrete, wedge splitting tests of various loading rates (0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 mm/s) are carried out on two kinds of full-graded dam concrete notched cubes with side lengths of 300 and 450 mm, respectively. Digital image correlation and acoustic emission technique are used to measure the deformation and acoustic emission parameters of the dam concrete. Test results show that: the peak load and fracture energy of dam concrete specimens increases with the increase of loading rate. And the higher the loading rate is, the fracture of concrete shows more obvious brittleness. Influenced by the boundary effect, the CTOD increases with the increasing of loading rate, however, the length of crack decreases as loading rate increases. With the loading rate increases, the energy mutation area is more obvious, while the accumulated acoustic emission energy is affected by both the loading rate and the maximum aggregate size. The number of acoustic emission three-dimensional locating points and the shear signal decrease with the increase of loading rate, which is attributed to that the faster the loading rate is, the less sufficient the development of micro cracks in concrete is. The test results can supply experimental data to the fracture mechanics of dam concrete.
Joint Optimization Method of Spare Parts Stocks and Level of Repair Analysis Considering the Multiple Failure Modes

For the repair level and spare parts stocking problems, generally METRIC type methods and Level of repair analysis (LORA) are used separately. Since LORA does not consider the availability of capital goods, solving LORA and spare parts stocking problems sequentially may lead to suboptimal solutions. On these considerations, this study presents a joint optimization method to minimize the service logistics cost under the constraints of system availability. Maintenance capability factor and maintenance decisions are introduced into the joint optimization model to express the influence of multiple failure modes on repair level and spare parts stocking. Thus, we establish the bridge relationship between LORA and METRIC models. The joint optimization model is solved by an improved iterative algorithm, and a typical fleet system is taken as an example to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the model and the algorithm. Compared with the optimization of spare parts inventory and maintenance level independently, the joint optimization method could effectively reduce the service logistic system cost.
L2 PROCESSING OF LINGUISTIC AND NONLINGUISTIC INFORMATION

Abstract This study investigates how linguistic and nonlinguistic information interacts in second language (L2) sentence processing. Previous studies argued that L2 behaviors might stem from how L2 speakers rely more on one type of information over another. However, direct attempts have not been made to test the (dis)agreement of different information types. To fill this gap, the present study explored the integration of definiteness and real-world knowledge. Experiment 1 showed that both first language (L1) speakers (n = 34) and advanced L2 speakers (n = 49) could use definiteness to predict unmentioned referents, but intermediate L2 speakers could not (n = 35). After confirming that L1 and L2 speakers shared the same real-world knowledge, Experiment 2 (n (L1) = 36, n (L2) = 43) showed that the two groups’ behaviors differed when linguistic and nonlinguistic information had to be processed simultaneously. The findings suggest that L2 speakers can process linguistic information in a targetlike manner only in the absence of usable nonlinguistic information.
Semi‐Coupling of a Field‐Scale Resolving Land‐Surface Model and WRF‐LES to Investigate the Influence of Land‐Surface Heterogeneity on Cloud Development

Contemporary Earth system models mostly ignore the sub‐grid scale (SGS) heterogeneous coupling between the land surface and atmosphere. To aid in the development of coupled land and atmosphere SGS parameterizations for global models, we present a study of different aspects of highly realistic sub‐100 km scale land‐surface heterogeneity. The primary experiment is a set of simulations of September 24, 2017 over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with 100‐m horizontal resolution. The overall impact of land‐surface heterogeneity is evaluated by comparing cloud and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) production in large‐eddy simulations (LESs) using heterogeneous and homogeneous surface fields (namely sensible and latent heat fluxes) specified by an offline field‐scale resolving land‐surface model (LSM). The heterogeneous land surface leads to significantly more cloud and TKE production. We then isolate specific sources of heterogeneity by using selectively domain‐wide averaged fields in the LSM. It is found that heterogeneity in the land surface created by precipitation is effectively responsible for the increases in cloud and TKE production, while rivers and soil type have a negligible impact and land cover has only a small impact. Additional experiments modify the Bowen ratio in the surface fields and the initial wind profile of the heterogeneous case to clarify the results seen. Finally two additional days at the SGP site are simulated showing a similar increase in cloud production in heterogeneous cases.
Does misery love company? An experimental investigation

The conventional wisdom summarized in the adage ‘misery loves company’ suggests that suffering can be made easier to bear if it is also shared by others. Given increasing interest in subjective well-being and happiness as constituents of national wealth and priorities in policy-making and organizational management, we empirically investigate the validity of this phenomenon in order to explore whether it may be possible to mitigate decreases in subjective well-being simply by leveraging social comparison. We implement an experimental survey designed to gauge the suitability of this strategy on a representative sample of approximately 2,000 US residents. Our results indicate that, while this hypothesis is indeed borne out among certain populations within the sample, we find stronger and more widespread support for the opposite phenomenon, suggesting rather that ‘happiness hates company’. These novel findings can inform policy interventions aiming to enhance well-being and point to promising avenues for further work.
Shifting the Delivery but Keeping the Focus: A Reflection on Ensuring Quality Teacher Preparation during a Pandemic

There is a strong focus to connect theory with practice in initial teacher education (ITE). This discussion paper explores how we shifted teaching modes and assessment tasks in light of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) when digital technologies were unexpectedly catapulted to the main delivery mode for the preparation of future teachers. During this time, connecting theory to authentic practice became a complicated issue. Globally, teacher educators were faced with the challenge of providing authentic learning opportunities for ITE without the ability to be physically present in school and classroom environments. Tertiary institutions were swiftly and unprecedently required to re-think and re-imagine their pedagogical practices. This change affected the self-efficacy and confidence of many academics who were underprepared for this major shift in teaching as they created, transitioned and implemented online material for their students under strict timelines. Our reflections in this paper present a guide and example for others to follow.
Superluminality and Finite Potential Light-Barrier Crossing

Superluminal movements are subject of discussion since many decades. The present work investigates how an electrical charged real matter particle can traverse the energy barrier at the speed of light in vacuum. Here, parity reflexion takes place with respect to space, time, and mass. It is postulated this traversal can occur by a jump-over supported by electrical attraction between the subluminal particle and its virtual superluminal co-particle producing an electrical field opposite in sign. The jump over the light barrier implies a zero in time and here the particle becomes undetectable in position and mass. The result of the calculation shows two exclusive speeds where light-barrier crossing can occur from a sub- to a superluminal state or reverse. This leads to three different kinds of objects, where the first is denoted a subluminal mono-particle Bradyon, the second a superluminal mono-particle Tachyon, and the third a luminal twin Luxon consisting of two parts absolutely complementary in their states alternating between the both speeds, those touch the light-barrier, and traveling with an average of light-speed. A relation between the distance of a subluminal particle to its superluminal co-particle and the wave-length of the system can be manifested. The constant in speed of light is discussed.
Environmental conflict management: a comparative cross-cultural perspective of China and Russia

ABSTRACT How are environmental conflicts managed in China and Russia? Both states are territorially large non-democracies affected by environmental degradation due to industrialisation and economic growth, and both are characterised by collectivist culture resulting from pronounced historical legacies and Communism. Our analysis of China indicates the important role played by local governments often supporting local people; and role of the negotiation between the central and the local governments. In contrast, in Russia local governments ally with businesses involved in environmental conflicts; or tend to support central government view on the conflict. However, the environmentalists’ movements in Russia are better connected to external (international) support. In contrast, China exhibits more isolation of environmental movements that are less influenced by Western environmentalism, if at all. The paper aspires to bring further insights in understanding of the public environmentalism and management of environmental conflicts in Eurasia.
The Development of E-Book Based on Project Based Learning on the Plant Anatomy Structure Material

Problem solving skills are needed by students to solve problems that arise in everyday life. Innovation in learning is needed so that students can achieve the basic competencies and apply 21st-century skills, in the form of interactive, collaborative learning models. One of the innovations is using the Project-Based Learning learning model with the E-book of plant anatomy structures. This study aims to develop an E-book of PjBL-based plant anatomy structures to practice problem-solving skills which are declared valid in terms of theoretical and empirical aspects. The theoretical aspect is viewed from the results of the validity. Empirical aspects in terms of learning outcomes, student responses, and readability. The development model used is 4D. The research was carried out at the UNESA Postgraduate Program in June-August 2020. The target of this research was an online E-book on the structure of plant anatomy based on Project Based Learning which was tested on ten students of Muhammadiyah 1 Gresik senior high school in February 2021. The instruments used were validation sheets, student response sheets, and fry chart sheets. The data were analyzed descriptively quantitatively. The results showed that the PjBL-based E-book of plant anatomical structures was theoretically feasible based on the validation results obtained an categories very valid and empirically feasible based on student learning outcomes (N-gain of moderate categories). Based on this description, a PjBL E-book of plant anatomy structures to train students' problem-solving skills is feasible theoretically and empirically.
Purification and Characterization of Arginase from Serum of Healthy and Type II Diabetic Iraqi Patients

Arginase was purified from human serum of healthy and patient with type II Diabetes mellitus subjects.The purification steps included, DEAE-cellulose chromatography and gel filtration on Sepharoe6B.Themolecular weight of native arginase was find to be (94 Kd), by gel filtration. The purified human serumarginase is characterized by optimum pH of (9.5), optimum pH of stability is between (9-10), optimumtemperature (350C), temperature of stability is between (30-500C) in both healthy and patient subjects.