Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Paradox of State-Funded Higher Education: Does the Winner Still Take It All?

Contrary to the overall tendency to increase student participation in the financing of higher education, Estonia abolished student tuition fees in 2013. We study the effects of this reform on the students’ access to and progress in higher education, concentrating mostly on the changes in probabilities of rural and remote students being admitted (extensive margin) and graduating within a nominal time (intensive margin). We distinguish between four different outcomes: admission in general, admission to vocational education, admission to high-rank curricula, and graduation within nominal time. We confirm the tendency that a high socioeconomic status increases the probability of being admitted to high-rank curricula and reduces the probability of choosing an applied curriculum, and the 2013 reform did not change that. While the reform weakly improved rural students’ tendency to graduate on time, it diminished the probability that they were admitted to high-rank curricula. So, paradoxically and contrary to the intention of the reform, higher state involvement in higher education financing has not improved the equity in university admission in Estonia in terms of either socioeconomic background or regional disparities. We claim that part of the explanation of that paradox lies in the conditionality of this reform and the combination of a scarce needs-based and a competitive merit-based student support system in Estonia. We see our broader contribution in emphasising the important role of support systems in the future analysis of the potential to improve students’ access.
Mental Health Status of Incarcerated Women in India: A Perspective from a Social Worker

Women constitute a growing segment of the incarcerated population across the world, presenting unique issues for social workers in correctional settings. In this article, based on a study conducted in Mandoli Jail, New Delhi, India, we address the need to broaden the scope and quality of social work provided for women inmates, specifically highlighting the potential role of social workers in promoting their mental health. Our study revealed that the mean age of women inmates was 39.43 years, indicating that most of the women were in their reproductive age and therefore prone to specific health issues. On an average, they were overweight, with only 42.22% women inmates being active, while remaining were inactive (15.56%), moderately inactive (22.22%) or moderately active (20.00%). Of greater concern were the mental health findings: 87.8% experienced distress (45.57% moderately elevated, 54.43% strongly elevated), 73.3% depression (34.85% moderately elevated, 65.15% strongly elevated), 77.78% anxiety (41.43% moderately elevated, 58.57% strongly elevated) and 82.22% somatisation (43.24% moderately elevated, 56.76% strongly elevated). Our study, consequently, identified the mental health of women inmates as a strategic priority for social workers. In this article, we explore the mutuality of various social work practice principles at different levels of intervention and the roles that social workers, as human rights-based professionals, may engage in to improve the mental health of incarcerated women.
Classification and Regression Tree Analysis for Predicting Morphological Hand Types Based on Radiography Data

Classification and regression tree analysis for predicting of morphological hand types based on radiography data. Int. J. Morphol. , 39(6) :1727-1730, 2021. SUMMARY: Analysis and systematization of the longitudinal dimensions of the phalanges of the index and ring fingers for the classification of morphological types of the hand using classification and regression trees (CART). X-rays of the hands of 50 men and 50 women (mean age 47.16 (10.1) years, range 23-65 years) were studied. Each hand, depending on the ratio of the length of the index and ring fingers, was classified into three types: radial (R, 2d>4d), indefinite (N, 2d=4d), ulnar (U, 2d>4d). Morphometry of radiographs included measurements of the lengths of the proximal (PP), middle (MP), and distal (DP) phalanges. The sex differences of the analyzed indicators are statistically significant. There were no significant bilateral differences between the phalanges of the II and IV fingers in length, regardless of sex (p>0.05). A set of rules for classifying the morphological types of the hand depending on the lengths of the phalanges of the index and ring fingers was created by constructing a binary decision tree. The CART method demonstrates the usefulness of this statistical procedure for developing a scientifically based prediction of the morphological type of the hand. The results of this study can be the basis of an algorithm for determining the morphological type of the hand depending on the length of the phalanges of the fingers.
Transmission characteristics of DFB laser modules for analog applications

In this paper analog transmission characteristics of highly linear 1.3- and 1.55-μm distributed feedback (DFB) laser modules are described. To obtain high-power and high-performance DFB lasers, the bias dependence of distortion characteristics is discussed. The carrier-to-noise ratio, the composite second-order distortion, and the composite triple beat of the DFB laser module which is developed for analog CATV applications are presented. The analog transmission characteristics, such as CNR degradation, after fiber transmission, dispersion-induced distortion, and the influence of reflection, have been made clear. The stable high linearity of the DFB laser also has been confirmed by the composite distortion measurement under an accelerated aging test.
Experiments investigating the use of fiber-optic probes for measuring bubble-size distributions

An experimental investigation was conducted in the laboratory in order to evaluate the use of fiber-optic probes for measuring the size distribution of large transient bubbles entrained beneath breaking ocean waves. Measurements were made in a unidirectional flow cell using two-fiber Optoflow fiber-optic probes (Photonetics Inc.). It was found that the rise times of the signal pulses created when bubbles crossed the probe tip were closely correlated with the bubble velocities. Therefore, bubble velocities and hence bubble sizes could be estimated using a single probe. It was observed that the correlation between the rise time and the bubble velocity varied significantly between probes but was only a weak function of water type (i.e., freshwater or seawater) and the bubble impaction angle. Estimates of the bubble-size distributions and void fraction made using the fiber-optic probes and video image data were compared. It was found that the fiber-optic probes could be used to obtain fairly accurate estimates of the void fraction. The bubble-size distributions estimated from the probe signals compared favorably with those estimated from video images. It was concluded that the probes could be used to make reasonably accurate measurements of the bubble-size distributions beneath breaking ocean waves.
Generation of Induced Nephron Progenitor-like Cells from Human Urine-Derived Cells

Background: Regenerative medicine strategies employing nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) are a viable approach that is worthy of substantial consideration as a promising cell source for kidney diseases. However, the generation of induced nephron progenitor-like cells (iNPCs) from human somatic cells remains a major challenge. Here, we describe a novel method for generating NPCs from human urine-derived cells (UCs) that can undergo long-term expansion in a serum-free condition. Results: Here, we generated iNPCs from human urine-derived cells by forced expression of the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, c-MYC, and SLUG, followed by exposure to a cocktail of defined small molecules. These iNPCs resembled human embryonic stem cell-derived NPCs in terms of their morphology, biological characteristics, differentiation potential, and global gene expression and underwent a long-term expansion in serum-free conditions. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that human iNPCs can be readily generated and expanded, which will facilitate their broad applicability in a rapid, efficient, and patient-specific manner, particularly holding the potential as a transplantable cell source for patients with kidney disease.
Transient thermal response of power semiconductors to short power pulses

Thermal response curves used to calculate the peak junction temperature of power semiconductors are normally derived by experimental identification of the parameters of a known model. Unfortunately the model, developed many years ago, is inappropriate for large surges of short time duration, as they are encountered in present day power conditioning systems. An alternative model is derived, the limits of its accuracy are estimated, and a correction factor is described. A verification of the accuracy of the two methods is also presented. For pulse widths shorter than the thermal transit time, which is in the order of 300 mu s, the peak junction temperature can be more accurately calculated with an expression derived in the present work, which takes into consideration the active volume in which the heat is generated, than with the transient thermal response curve. A correction factor, a function of the width of the pulse, inserted in this equation, further improves its accuracy. >
A Self-Compassion Intervention Program for Children in Greece

The current study investigates the effectiveness of an online four-week Self-Compassion Program designed for enhancing self-compassion, positive emotion and mental resilience while reducing isolation, over-identification, self-judgment, trait anxiety, and state anxiety. Sixteen Greek children, aged 8 - 11 years old, were recruited and randomly assigned to a control and an intervention group (N = 16, M age = 9.63). The participants completed online batte-ries one week before and one after the intervention to measure the desired variables. The results showed that the program strengthened self-compassion levels, increased positive emotions and mental resilience rates, and reduced isolation, over-identification, self-judgment, trait anxiety, and state anxiety levels. Overall, the results provided clear evidence of the benefits of self-compassion and proved that self-compassion can be taught and used as a tool for promoting and enhancing children’s mental health.
Fabry Disease and the Effectiveness of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) Improvement: A Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Fabry disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disease affecting multiple organs with complications, including cardiomyopathy such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been the main treatment for Fabry patients since 2001. However, the indications of ERT are not clearly defined. We performed a meta-analysis according to previous studies to review the benefit of ERT for LVH improvement in Fabry patients. Methods: We performed a literature search from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and PubMed database without restriction of years for systematic review purposes. We performed a systematic review of clinical cohort studies and trials using a pooled analysis of proportions. We calculated the pooled proportions and the confidence intervals (CI) for left ventricular mass index (LVMI) for both ERT treatment and ERT treatment-naïve groups. The results for before ERT treatment and after ERT treatment are also investigated. Results: A total of 5 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving a total of 552 participants (267 on ERT treatment versus 285 on naïve treatment), met the inclusion criteria. The pooled proportions analysis showed that the difference in means of LVMI between the ERT treatment group and the ERT treatment-naïve group was -0.149 [95% CI: -0.431, 0.132]. Effect differences favored the ERT treatment group over the ERT treatment-naïve group (p = 0.034). Another analysis included 3 cohort studies and 1 RCT with 442 participants (228 on before ERT and 214 on 4 years after ERT). The pooled proportions analysis showed that the difference in means of LVMI between the before ERT treatment group and the after ERT treatment group was -0.448 [95% CI: -0.787, -0.108]. It favored the 4 years after ERT group over the before ERT group (p = 0.037). Conclusions: Based on the currently available data, our meta-analysis showed that there are beneficial effects on LVH improvement with ERT in Fabry disease patients. It is better to start ERT as soon as we have diagnoses in female carriers and atypically affected males. Further research is needed to investigate the role of ERT in LVH improvement.
VENTILATION AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN FINNISH DETACHED HOUSES

Timber-framed buildings have been studied in Finland in a large-scale study by Tampere University of Technology and Helsinki University of Technology. In this paper the results of ventilation rate measurements (both anemometer and tracer gas measurements) and ventilation sound pressure level measurements are presented. Also, the total energy consumption of the houses and the overall fulfilment of given regulations and recommendation values in different areas are discussed. Measured ventilation rate of the houses was about 0.4 1/h. Bedroom supply ventilation did not in most of the houses reach the recommended values. The recirculation airflow, between the bedroom and the rest of the dwelling, improved bedroom ventilation. The mean value of ventilation sound pressure level in the bedrooms was 22 dB(A). The energy consumption of the houses varied a lot. The explanation to this seems to be the different life styles and living habits of the inhabitants.
Doping challenges in exploratory devices for high performance logic

This paper presents an outlook for doping processes in high performance logic as new device structures and materials are introduced with the hope of continuing CMOS device performance improvements into the 10-20 nm channel length regime. Materials and structures that are considered interesting in this scaling work are strained silicon and strained silicon grown on silicon germanium, ultra thin silicon on insulator (SOI) materials, high-k dielectrics and metal gates, and double gated MOSFETs. Ramifications of using these materials on implant and doping technologies will be discussed.
PNoC: a flexible circuit-switched NoC for FPGA-based systems

Increases in chip density due to Moore's law allow for the implementation of ever larger and more complex systems on a single chip (SoCs). The communication mechanisms employed in such SoCs are an important contribution to their overall performance. Networks on chip (NoCs) promise to overcome the scalability problems found in bus-based interconnect. To date, most work has focused on packet-switched NoCs. Circuit-switched networks are an intriguing alternative, which promise high communication rates and predictable communication latencies. A new lightweight circuit-switched architecture called programmable NoC (PNoC) is described. PNoC is a flexible architecture that is suitable for use in FPGA-based systems. Implementation results on a Virtex-II Pro device are given using an image binarisation demonstration which resulted in as much as a 23/spl times/ speedup compared with a shared bus implementation.
Using personal statements in college admissions: An investigation of gender bias and the effects of increased structure

Abstract Personal statements are among the most commonly used instruments in college admissions procedures. Yet, little research on their reliability, validity, and fairness exists. The first aim of this paper was to investigate hypotheses about adverse impact and underprediction for female applicants, which could result from lower tendencies to use agentic language compared to male applicants. Second, we examined if rating personal statements in a more structured manner would increase reliability and validity. Using personal statements (250 words) from a large cohort of applicants to an undergraduate psychology program at a Dutch University, we found no evidence for adverse impact for female applicants or more agentic language use by male applicants, and no relationship between agentic language use and personal statement ratings. In contrast, we found that personal statements of female applicants were rated slightly more positively than those of males. Exploratory analyses suggest that female applicants’ better writing skills might explain this difference. A more structured approach to rating personal statements yielded higher, but still only ‘moderate’ inter-rater reliability, and virtually identical, negligible predictive validity for first year GPA and dropout.
Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score as a Biomarker for Vascular Damage Assessment in Patients with Takayasu Arteritis—A Pilot Study

Takayasu Arteritis (TA) is characterized by granulomatous panarteritis, vessel wall fibrosis, and irreversible vascular impairment. The aim of this study is to explore the usefulness of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF), procollagen-III aminoterminal propeptide (PIIINP), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and hyaluronic acid (HA) in assessing vascular damage in TA patients. ELF, PIIINP, TIMP-1, and HA were measured in 24 TA patients, and the results were correlated with the clinical damage indexes (VDI and TADS), an imaging damage score (CARDS), and disease activity scores (NIH and ITAS2010). A mean ELF score 8.42 (±1.12) and values higher than 7.7 (cut-off for liver fibrosis) in 21/24 (87.5%) of patients were detected. The VDI and TADS correlated significantly to ELF (p < 0.01). Additionally, a strong association across ELF and CARDS (p < 0.0001), PIIINP and CARDS (p < 0.001), and HA and CARDS (p < 0.001) was observed. No correlations of the tested biomarkers with inflammatory parameters, NIH, and ITAS2010 scores were found. To our knowledge, this is the first study that suggests the association of the serum biomarkers PIIINP, HA, and ELF score with damage but not with disease activity in TA patients. The ELF score and PIIINP may be useful biomarkers reflecting an ongoing fibrotic process and quantifying vascular damage.
Effects of passive smoking on pulmonary functions of individuals in an urban area

Background: Passive smoking is a world health problem and part of the tobacco epidemic which victimizes mostly adolescents. Research articles have addressed the relation between passive smoking and respiratory efficiency in adult population and escalated the hazard of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer among adult passive smokers. The present study was conducted to analyze the effects of exposure to passive smoke on pulmonary functions among nonsmoking individuals. Aim and Objectives: The study was determined to assess the effects of passive smoking on pulmonary functions among individuals in urban region. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on smokers, passive smokers, and nonsmokers (control), aged between 17 and 25 years. Ninety healthy individuals were placed in three different groups on the basis of questionnaire (Group A: active smoker, Group B: passive smoker, Group C: control). Study was done with the help of spirometer and pulse oximeter. Results: Forced expiratory flow25–75%, Forced expiratory volume in 1 second/Forced vital capacity % values were significantly reduced in passive smokers as compared to control individuals (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). SpO2 level was decreased in passive smokers and active smokers, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The present study showed a strong association between passive smoking and pulmonary abnormalities in individuals exposed to passive smoke. Health hazards caused by passive smoking should be controlled by creating awareness and regular health check-ups among people.
Can barely winning lead to losing? Evidence for a substantial gender gap in psychological momentum

We use data from professional tennis to measure the causal effect of past on current performance for women and men. Identification relies on exogenous shocks to the probability of facing a contested game, which is a previous stage of competition with strong resistance. We find fundamental gender differences: whereas men’s performance is unaffected by previously facing and winning a contested game, women experience a sizeable deterioration of performance after barely winning the previous stage. This result is linked to gender differences in psychological momentum. Detailed analysis reveals heterogeneous effects by experience, ability and contest progression. JEL Classification: J16, M52
Understanding drivers and barriers affecting tourists’ engagement in digitally mediated pro-sustainability boycotts

Abstract Despite the growing body of research on consumer activism, little is understood about tourists’ digitally mediated boycott consumption behaviours in relation to pro-sustainability concerns. Drawing upon research grounded in political consumerism and consumer sustainability behaviour and through a constructivist grounded theory lens via a series of semi-structured interviews, this study set out to fill this gap. Two main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: drivers of boycott participation (including self-enhancement, perceived egregiousness, creating change, awareness and personal proximity to the boycott cause) and the barriers to boycott participation (which include counterarguments, ineffectiveness and free-riding). The findings elucidate the vital role of digitally mediated activism in contemporary ethical tourism discourses and reveal that different digital media technologies act as both information sources and mediators of boycott decision-making when it comes to targeting perceived unethical practices. Furthermore, in contrast to how tourists’ boycotts are traditionally viewed, the results of this study suggest that participation in sustainability-related boycotting occurs as a process-based continuous practice instead of a one-time boycott participation. Overall, this study provides a deeper understanding of tourists’ boycott behavior in the digital age and offers implications for tourism destinations and businesses subjected to boycott targets and upstream social marketing. As a result the article provides significant avenues for further research.
An Optimal Neural Network Design Methodology for Fast Convergence and Vibration Suppression

An optimal neural network design is to select the network configuration and the learning rule for fast convergence and best system performance. This paper develops a network design methodology so that the optimal design can be determined in a systematic way. The methodology combines the Taguchi method of quality engineering and the back-propagation network with an adaptive learning rate for their advantages in implementation feasibility and performance robustness. Vibration suppression experiments of a composite smart structure with embedded piezoelectric sensor/actuator validate that the methodology provides an efficient neural controller design, including the plant order, the number of hidden layer neurons, the number of training patterns, and the coefficients of adaptive learning rate.