Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Socioeconomic Status of Ethnic Groups on Educational Inequalities in Switzerland: Which “Hidden” Mechanisms?

Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the major explanatory factors of educational inequalities between ethnic groups. Nevertheless, this relation has rarely been explored in detail, taking into account educational trajectories instead of educational attainment. What is the impact of the SES of ethnic groups on educational trajectories? And by which “hidden mechanisms” SES background concretely influences the educational trajectories of youths? Based on the “Transition from education to employment” (TREE) longitudinal database in Switzerland, we propose a typology of post-compulsory educational pathways and we observe the impact of SES on the odds of taking a given path. Our analysis shows that, compared to other ethnic groups, second-generation from former-Yugoslavia, Portugal and Turkey are overrepresented in vocational and more problematic pathways mainly because of their low SES, but not exclusively. In addition, we conducted 50 biographical interviews with children of Albanianspeaking immigrants. We identified the fact that the SES effect is often nested with other negative factors related to the family, such as a precarious legal status, difficult living conditions, a lack of linguistic and social capital, etc. and related to the educational system that selects students into different tracks, constraints educational opportunities and reproduces educational inequalities.
Africa Beyond 2005: Understanding the Impact of Eliminating NTBs and Tariffs on Textiles and Clothing

A number of recent studies examine the impact on exporting countries of removing NTBs on textiles and clothing. However, no single study explicitly models the effects on the new SubSaharan Africa exporters. With the implementation of AGOA, there has been considerable growth in the textile and clothing industry in the African subcontinent. We examine the welfare implications on Africa of removing all textile and clothing NTBs under the ATC. By incorporating the preferential treatment from AGOA into the GTAP framework, the authors hope to understand to what extent the completion of the ATC will eclipse AGOA. Furthermore, the authors examine post-ATC removal of all tariffs on textiles and clothing. While the completion of the ATC generates some loss for Sub-Saharan Africa, post-ATC tariff liberalization results in additional benefits for SACU and Other Southern Africa countries, resulting in a net benefit for these two groups but losses for the rest of SubSaharan Africa.
Interactive comment on “Mid-Pliocene global climate simulation with MRI-CGCM2.3: set-up and initial results of PlioMIP Experiments 1 and 2” by Y. Kamae and H. Ueda

» This paper documents the implementation of boundary conditions for the midPliocene climate simulation with the MRI model, in the PlioMIP framework. It presents the climate model outputs from three simulations (Experiment 1 with atmospheric model, and two Experiments 2 with the coupled model). In addition, the authors used the vegetation model BIOME4 to simulate the equilibrium vegetation resulting from the three simulated climates. The differences in the simulated vegetation are then used by the authors as an index of the change of surface conditions. It is clear that a great amount of work was necessary to carry out all these simulations. Boundary conditions
A Synergetic Intelligent Fault Prognosis Framework to support Product Life Cycle Considering Environmentally Conscious Production

The recent problems of increased oil prices, global warming, and environmental pollution highlighted the urgent need for cost effective, reliable and environmentally conscious production process. Hence to achieve clean and healthy production, the chemical process industry strives to continually improve their preparedness and awareness through adaptive inference logic by effectively extracting and signaturing cascade clues from past experiences and predicting the possible scenarios of risk and its sources. These sources are usually related to equipment life cycle, starting from suppliers’ evaluation and ending by its salvage or disposal. Methods are thus needed to effectively utilize data collected and knowledge available in order to make the right decision at the right moment. Despite the considerable technological advancement, these decisions still depend heavily on human expertise, which is, although very valuable, are subject to errors, and may be lost due to death, retirement or resignation. Therefore, an integrated equipment health management system that takes into consideration the equipment life cycle, which leads to environmentally conscious production, is proposed. In order to manage and develop environmentally conscious plant operation, it is essential to provide a synergetic intelligent fault diagnosis and prognosis framework embedded in systematic interoperable platform with respect to product life cycle, process safety and environmental measures. The proposed system employs a systematic expert knowledge structure considering operation execution, process safety and control, warranty policies, and environmental issues during equipment life cycle to assist the user in evaluating uncertainties and the process of decision making.
Effect Of Mixing Speed And Solution Temperature On Cathodic Protection Current Density Of Carbon Steel Using Magnesium As Sacrificial Anode

In present work, The corrosion behavior of carbon steel in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution with different concentrations was studied . Effects of mixing speed (0 to 2220) r.p.m and the solution temperature (25, 35, 45, 55, 65) 0 c on cathodic protection current density were studied, that would provide a full cathodic protection for tube metal specimen of carbon steel immersed in 3.5% NaCl solution by sacrificial anode method using magnesium (Mg) as sacrificial anode. The results show that the concentration of sodium chloride in the electrolyte is an important factor in determining corrosion rate, 3.5 % concentration of sodium chloride gives maximum rate of corrosion. In addition, it has been found that the cathodic protection current density showed sharp increasing with mixing speed. The results have showed also that the cathodic protection current density increased with increasing the solution temperature and shifts the protection potential to high negative value.
1 Multivariate Images , Hyperspectral Imaging : Background and Equipment

This chapter introduces the concepts of digital image, multivariate image and hyperspectral image and gives an overview of some of the image generation techniques for producing multivariate and hyperspectral images. The emphasis is on imaging in the laboratory or hospital on a scale going from macroscopic to microscopic. Images describing very large scenes are not mentioned. Therefore, the specialized research fields of satellite and airborne imaging and also astronomy are left out. A color image is used to introduce the multivariate interactive visualization principles that will play a major role in further chapters.
Entropy-based hierarchization of relational data structures

The problem of incompatibility between relational data structures (usually a structured, non-hierarchical and non-redundant) and hierarchical structures (usually XML, which may be redundant and arbitrarily structured) may cause problems in data transformations. A common example of such incompatible transformation is RDBS data to HTML. Such transformation often increases redundancy. This paper studies aspects of the conceptual (entity-relationship) model that break the hierarchical structure and can be mapped into a relational model. The most common example of such aspect is presented - the problem of hierarchy convergence and the M:N relation cardinality usage. To assess the quality of final XML document and schema, a calculation method derived from Shannon's average amount of information is proposed. This method compares two possible directions of problematic data hierarchization. The assessment is based on specific data, helping to validate its own schema.
The contribution of soil biogenic NO and HONO emissions from a managedhyperarid ecosystem to the regional NO x emissions during growingseason

Abstract. A study was carried out to understand the contributions of soil biogenic NO emissions from managed (fertilized and irrigated) hyperarid ecosystems in NW China to the regional NOx emissions during the growing season. Soil biogenic net potential NO fluxes were quantified by laboratory incubation of soil samples from the three dominating ecosystems (desert, cotton, and grape fields). Regional biogenic NO emissions were calculated bottom-up hourly for the entire growing season (April–September 2010) by considering corresponding land use, hourly data of soil temperature, gravimetric soil moisture, and fertilizer enhancement factors. The regional HONO emissions were estimated using the ratio of the optimum condition ((FN,opt(HONO) to FN,opt (NO)). Regional anthropogenic NOx emissions were calculated bottom-up from annual statistical data provided by regional and local government bureaus which have been downscaled to monthly value. Regional top-down emission estimates of NOx were derived on the monthly basis from satellite observations (OMI) of tropospheric vertical NO2 column densities and prescribed values of the tropospheric NOx lifetime. In order to compare the top-down and bottom-up emission estimates, all emission estimates were expressed in terms of mass of atomic nitrogen. Consequently, monthly top-down NOx emissions (total) were compared with monthly bottom-up NOx emissions (biogenic + anthropogenic) for the time of the satellite overpass (around 13:00 LT) with the consideration of the diurnal cycle of bottom-up estimates. Annual variation in total Tohsun Oasis NOx emissions is characterized by a strong peak in winter (December–February) and a secondary peak in summer (June–August). During summer, soil biogenic emissions were from equal to double that of related anthropogenic emissions, and grape soils were the main contributor to soil biogenic emissions, followed by cotton soils, while emissions from the desert were negligible. The top-down and bottom-up emission estimates were shown to be useful methods to estimate the monthly/seasonal cycle of the total regional NOx emissions. The resulting total NOx emissions show a strong peak in winter and a secondary peak in summer, and the second maximum in summer was only found if the soil emissions were taken into account, which provides confidence in both completely independent methods. Despite the regional character of these findings, particularly the second maximum in summer provides substantial evidence to hypothesize that biogenic emissions from soils of managed drylands (irrigated and fertilized) in the growing period may be much more important contributors to regional NOx budgets of dryland regions than thought before.
On the binary properties and the spatial and kinematical distribution of young stars

The effects which star cluster concentration and binarity have on observable parameters, that characterise the dynamical state of a population of stars after their birth aggregate dissolves, are investigated. To this end, the correlations between ejection velocity, binary proportion, mean system mass, binary orbital period and mass ratio are quantified for simulated aggregates. These consist of a few hundred low-mass binary and single stars, and have half-mass radii in the range 2.5 to 0.08 pc. The primordial binary-star population has a period distribution similar to that observed in Taurus-Auriga for pre-main sequence binaries. The findings presented here are useful for interpreting correlations between relative locations and proper motions, binary properties and masses of young stellar systems within and surrounding star forming regions, and of stellar systems escaping from Galactic clusters. (shortened)
Preliminary Results of Performing the Tenotomy Procedure on Adults with Congenital Nystagmus ( CN )-A Gift from " Man ' s Best Friend "

We determined the effectiveness of the tenotomy procedure in de­ creasing the nystagmus of 5 selected adult subjects with CN. The pri­ mary outcome measure was the "eXpanded Nystagmus Acuity Function" (NAFX), calculated in masked fashion from eye-movement data. During binocular viewing, all subjects had postoperative (6 weeks) increases in the NAFX of their fixing (preferred) eye (19.7%, 42.9%, 57.9%, 60. 6%, and 62.7%; average = 48.8%). Visual acuity increased in 3 subjects (including 1 albino) and was unaffected in the other 2 albinos. However, the NEI-VFQ showed an improvement in vision-specific mental health in 4 subjects (including 2 albinos). There were no adverse reactions. Tenotomy caused significant damping of their CN, including APAN; it also changed the APAN cycle. The lack of measurable Snellen-acuity changes in 2 subjects with albinism, reflects the significant effect of their sensory deficit.
The impact of production and infrastructure shocks: A non-linear input-output programming approach, tested on an hypothetical economy

This paper develops a methodology to predict the wider interregional and interindustry economic impacts of major catastrophes, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Short-run impacts are determined by the attempts of economic actors to continue their familiar activities and established trade patterns, as closely as possible. We propose to model these behavioural reactions by minimizing the information gain between the pre- and the post-catastrophe pattern of economic transactions in the economy at hand. The basic non-linear program reproduces the short-run equilibrium described by the base year interregional input-output table (IRIOT) of a hypothetical open, two regions, two industries economy. The proposed methodology is further tested by means of a comparison of the base scenario with two scenarios with regional production shocks and two scenarios with interregional infrastructure shocks. We conclude that the outcomes are reasonable and become more plausible when the positive foreign trade balance limitation is dropped.
Technological diversity: an investigation of students’ technology use in everyday life and academic study

Generational generalisations regarding how students interact with technology have been used in recent times to prompt calls for radical changes to the delivery of teaching in higher education. This article reports on a study aimed to investigate first‐year students’ technology access and usage in two contexts of use: everyday life and academic study. A survey was delivered to first‐year students across seven faculties of an Australian university during the second semester of the 2008 academic year. A total of 470 respondents met the criteria for this study. The findings suggest a wide diversity of usage of technologies with the usage rates of technology in academic study being generally lower than those in everyday life. These findings indicated that generational generalisations are not useful in informing the design of learning and teaching in higher education. However, there are questions regarding reliability of current survey‐based methods to examine students’ technology use and the level of diversity discovered across both contexts of use. This suggests that further in‐depth research into how students shape technology to suit their lives is required to gain a greater understanding of how technology can effectively support teaching and learning.
Intraplate seismicity in SE Brazil: stress concentration in lithospheric thin spots

SUMMARY Intraplate seismicity has generally poor correlation with surface geological patterns. Except for major extensional features, such as aborted continental rifts, which may act as weak zones, it is usually difficult to find simple geology based models to explain differences in seismic activity in stable continental regions. Seismicity in Brazil is clearly not uniform and a few areas of higher activity have been identified. However, the seismic areas show almost no correlation with the main geological provinces, which is typical of other intraplate settings. A recent uppermantle tomography study in SE and central Brazil, using approximately 8500 P-wave and 2000 PKP-wave arrivals recorded in 59 sites since 1992, has mapped P-wave velocity anomalies from lithospheric depths down to 1300 km. In this region, higher seismic activity occurs preferentially in areas with low P-wave velocities at 150‐250 km depth. The low P-wave velocities are interpreted as shallower asthenosphere. In such areas, a hotter geotherm will reduce the strength of the lithospheric upper mantle causing most of the intraplate forces to be concentrated in the brittle upper crust. The low-velocity anomalies coincide with Late Cretaceous provinces of alkaline intrusions. The proposed ponding of the Trindade plume head beneath lithospheric thin spots is consistent with our tomography results, suggesting that plume effects may have helped to preserve lithosphere/asthenosphere topography. Although other factors are also important, the present data show that stress concentrations resulting from lithosphere/asthenosphere topography should play an important role in explaining the intraplate seismicity in the Brazilian platform.
Rheumatoid arthritis and dynamic exercises: A case study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful and progressive condition. It leads to progressive joint damage which may lead to difficulties in the activity of daily living (ADL) and reduced quality of life (QoL). The aim of this case report, of a 50-year-old RA patient, was to see the improvements in ADLs, pain, aerobic capacity, and QoL. Dynamic exercises in form of resisted and aerobic exercises were given to the patient for 9 months and patient was evaluated at the end of 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. QoL was measured using health assessment questionnaire, pain was measured using visual analog scale and 6-min walk test was used to measure peak VO2. Improvement was seen in pain, QoL, and aerobic capacity in all measurements.
The Role of Perceived Environmental Uncertainty and Strategic Agility on the Performance of Selected Banks in Oyo State of Nigeria

This study examined the impact of perceived environmental uncertainty and strategic agility on the perceived performance of selected banks in Oyo State of Nigeria. The study aimed at determining the main and interactive effect of perceived market turbulence, competitive intensity, strategic sensitivity, leadership unity and resource fluidity on organizational performance. It also looked at the connection between perceived environmental uncertainty variables(perceived market turbulence and competitive intensity) as well as strategic agility variables(strategic sensitivity, leadership unity and resource fluidity) and organizational performance. Four hypotheses were formulated and tested using Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), Canonical Correlation and Multiple Regression. The findings showed that the independent variables (perceived market turbulence, competitive intensity, strategic sensitivity, leadership unity and resource fluidity) were predictors of organizational performance. The study also established a significant positive relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty variables as well as strategic agility variables and organizational performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there is a need for organizations especially banks to understand the dimensions and nature of environmental uncertainty and evolve appropriate strategies to deal or cope with the uncertainty. Organizations should also be strategically agile by making concerted efforts to deploy resources to achieve objectives, strategically sensitive to the environment and leaders should support and implement strategic decisions that can bring about improved organizational performance and sustainable competitive advantage. Keywords : Perceived environmental uncertainty, strategic agility, strategic management, resource based view, organizational performance
Interactive comment on “A few prospective ideas on climate reconstruction: from a statistical single proxy approach towards a multi-proxy and dynamical approach” by J. Guiot et al

We have tried to take into account the comments of the three reviewers, which have been very useful to improve the paper. Two of them have focalized on the statistics behind the paper and the third on ecological and paleoecological problems raised by it. It is not possible to write a paper with a full description of the statistics in a journal like Climate of the Past. It was not our objective and we think that it is not useful. Our objective is to present a concept, and we have rewritten the paper more clearly in that mind. In other words, we aim to excite the curiosity of paleoclimatologists on the possibilities opened by vegetation modeling in climate reconstruction purpose. For
Quantitative Analysis of Central Nervous System Tissues (CNST) in Beef By-Products in Retail Market

This study was carried out to investigate the applicability of the detection of central nervous system tissues (CNST) in beef by-products in retail market. Beef by-products including large intestine, brain, spinal cord, liver, lung, spleen and heart were purchased and tested for the presence of CNST using an ELISA method. The ELISA test was evaluated and showed a high correlation coefficient by a standard curve (R value = 0.999). Based on the analytical instruction, the positive indication of the CNST contamination of brain and spinal cord was detected above 0.1% but large intestine, liver, lung, spleen, and heart was negative. Result suggests that the ELISA method is applicable to a real meat system and may provide a method to ensure confidence for consumer against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
DETECTION OF TEXT STRING FROM NATURAL SCENE IMAGES BY IMAGE PARTITION AND GROUPING

Text detection in natural scene images is important task for applications such as assistive navigation, auxiliary reading, image retrieval, scene understanding, etc.This paper explores a new framework to detect text strings in complex natural scene images which consists of two steps: A) image partition to find text character candidates based on local gradient features and color uniformity of character components and 2) character candidate grouping to detect text strings based on joint structural features of text characters. In Boundary Clustering a new bigram-color-uniformity-based method is developed to model both text and attachment surface, and cluster edge pixels based on color pairs and spatial positions into boundary layers which is given as input tor the entire framework The given framework outperforms the state-of-the-art results on the public RRD which contains text only in horizontal orientation. and more effective on MSRA-TD500 which contains text in arbitrary orientations