Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short-Run Externalities of Civic Unrest: Evidence from Ferguson, Missouri

We document externalities of the civic unrest experienced in Ferguson, MO following the police shooting of an unarmed black teenager. Difference-in-differences and synthetic control method estimates compare Ferguson-area schools to neighboring schools in the greater St. Louis area and find that the unrest led to statistically significant, arguably causal declines in students' math and reading achievement. Attendance is one mechanism through which this effect operated, as chronic absence increased by five percent in Ferguson-area schools. Impacts were concentrated in elementary schools and at the bottom of the achievement distribution and spilled over into majority black schools throughout the area.
Comparison of the monthly precipitation derived from the TRMM satellite

A comparison of monthly rainfall derived from the version 5 of TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), Precipitation Radar (PR), TRMM Combined algorithm (TCA) and TMI‐emission algorithm (TMIE) using two years (1998 to 1999) of TRMM data was made. The global (TRMM domain, 40°N∼ 40°S) average rain rates are 3.29, 2.62 and 2.93 mm/day over land and 3.02, 2.47 and 2.54 mm/day over oceans for TMI, PR, and TCA respectively. The TMIE oceanic average is 2.90 mm/day. For both the global and zonal means, the TMI rain rates are the largest and the PR estimates lowest. Regression analyses show the offsets of algorithms are close to zero. According to a paired t‐test, significant differences exist between TMI and PR and between TMI and TCA, especially in oceanic dry regions. However, the difference between PR and TCA was judged to be insignificant. Comparison of PR and TMIE shows that a statistically significant difference is evident in the oceanic dry regions.
SXP 214: AN X-RAY PULSAR IN THE SMALL MAGELLANIC CLOUD, CROSSING THE CIRCUMSTELLAR DISK OF THE COMPANION

Located in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), SXP 214 is an X-ray pulsar in a high mass X-ray binary system with a Be-star companion. A recent survey of the SMC under a Chandra X-ray Visionary program found that the source was in a transition when the X-ray flux was on a steady rise. The Lomb–Scargle periodogram revealed a pulse period of 211.49 ± 0.42 s, which is significantly (>5σ) shorter than the previous measurements made with XMM-Newton and RXTE. This implies that the system has gone through sudden spin-up episodes recently. The pulse profile shows a sharp eclipse-like feature with a modulation amplitude of >95%. The linear rise of the observed X-ray luminosity from ≲2× to erg s−1 is correlated with a steady softening of the X-ray spectrum, which can be described by the changes in the local absorption from NH ∼ 1024 to ≲1020 cm−2 for an absorbed power-law model. The soft X-ray emission below 2 keV was absent in the early part of the observation when only the pulsating hard X-ray component was observed, whereas at later times, both soft and hard X-ray components were observed to be pulsating. A likely explanation is that the neutron star was initially hidden in the circumstellar disk of the companion, and later came out of the disk with the accreted material that continued fueling the observed pulsation.
A comprehensive bifurcation method to analyze the super-harmonic and ultra-harmonic behavior of the acoustically excited bubble oscillator

Acoustically excited bubbles are involved in a wide range of phenomena and applications ranging from oceanography to sonoluminescence; they have applications in chemistry, medical imaging, and therapeutic ultrasound. The complexity of bubble dynamics and the limited understanding of their behavior restricts the exploration of their full potential. The bubble oscillator is a highly nonlinear system, which makes it difficult to generate a comprehensive understanding of its oscillatory behavior. One method used to investigate such complex dynamical systems is the bifurcation analysis. Numerous investigations have employed the method of bifurcation diagrams to study the effect of different control parameters on the bubble behavior. These studies, however, focused mainly on investigating the subharmonic (SH) and chaotic oscillations of the bubbles. Super-harmonic (SuH) and ultra-harmonic (UH) bubble oscillations remain under-investigated. One reason is that the conventional method used for generating bifurcation diagrams cannot reliably identify features that are responsible for the identification of SuH and UH oscillations. Additionally, the conventional method cannot distinguish between the UHs and SHs. We introduce a simple procedure for the generation of bifurcation diagrams to address this shortcoming. This method selects the maxima of the bubble oscillatory response and plots them alongside the traditional bifurcation points for the corresponding control parameter. Through applying this method, the oscillatory behavior of the bubble oscillator is analyzed, and stable SuH and UH bubble oscillations are investigated. Based on this new analysis, the conditions for the generation and amplification of UH and SuH regimes are discussed.
TEACHING PROBLEM-SOLVING TO IMPROVE FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND TO DECREASE SUICIDALITY by Erin Shae Johns

viii CHAPTER I: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM . 10 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE . 12 Cultural Considerations . 13 Theories of Suicide . 17 Warning Signs and Risk Factors . 21 Impulsive Suicide Acts . 22 Access to Firearms . 23 Risk-Taking Behaviors . 24 Legal Difficulties . 25 School Problems . 25 Family Dysfunction . 26 Poor Problem-Solving Skills . 28 Hypotheses . 30 Hypothesis One . 30 Hypothesis Two . 30 Hypothesis Three . 31 CHAPTER III: METHODS . 32 Facilitators . 32 Groups . 33 Measures . 35 Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior Version (SIQ-Jr.) . 36 Health Risk-Taking Assessment (HRTA) . 36 Problem-Solving Skills Test (PSST) . 36 Family Functioning Question . 36 Analyses . 37 Hypothesis One . 37 Hypothesis Two . 37 Hypothesis Three . 37 Institutional Review Board Requirements . 38 CHAPTER IV: RESULTS . 39 Preliminary Analyses . 39 Participants . 39 Demographics . 40 Demographics for 285 Adolescents . 40 Demographics of SUN Groups . 40 v Demographics of the 88 Completers . 41 Hypothesis One . 41 Hypothesis Two . 44 Correlations Between the Outcome Variables . 44 At Pre-test . 44 At Post-test . 45 Correlations Between the Outcome Variables and Risk Factors . 46 At Pre-test . 46 At Post-test . 47 Across Pre-test and Post-test . 49 Hypothesis Three . 51 Analysis 1 . 51 Analysis 2 . 52 Analysis 3 . 53 Analysis 4 . 54 CHAPTER V: DISCUSSION . 56 Hypothesis One . 57 Hypothesis Two . 60 Hypothesis Three . 64 Limitations and Future Research . 65 Internal Validity Considerations . 66 External Validity . 67 Future Research . 68 Conclusion . 70 REFERENCES . 71 APPENDICES . 81 A. Florida Initiative for Solving Problems Facilitator Job Description . 81 B. Sample Icebreakers/Activities . 82 C. FISP SUN Session Implementation Protocol . 83 D. FISP SUN Program Research ID Number Rubric . 84 E. SUN Program Report Protocol and Report Forms . 85 F. SUN Group Facilitator Session Report . 86 G. Facilitator Protocol for Suicidal Alert Signs Shown by SUN Group Participants . 89 H. SUN Group Member Survey . 90
Serious child and adolescent behaviour disorders

Background: In child and youth care, quantitative estimates of the impact of serious behaviour problems have not yet been made. Such input is needed to support decision making on investments in treatment. The aim of this paper was to elicit valuations of social and conduct disorders in children and adolescents from three different perspectives: professionals, youth, and parents. Methods: We obtained valuations from 25 youth care professionals, 50 children (age 9–10) without serious behaviour problems and 36 adolescents (age 16–17) with and without serious behaviour disorders, and 46 parents with children in the aforementioned age categories. Valuations were estimated from 18 descriptions of behaviour disorders in youth aged 9 and 15 years. Descriptions included Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD), and Disruptive Behaviour Disorder (DBD). Comorbid conditions were Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and substance abuse. Valuations were obtained with the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D-3 L) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Valuations were generally severe; problems were by and large reported to worsen quality of life by 50% compared to being fully healthy. Professionals regarded DBD with substance abuse as most severe (VAS values 0.41 for children, and 0.43 for adolescents, i.e. less than half of normal). They rated ODD as least severe (VAS values 0.58 for children, 0.59 for adolescents). Children, adolescents and parents gave lower valuations than professionals, and had a wider range of scores, particularly at the lower end of the scale. Conclusions: Behaviour disorders pose a formidable burden from the perspectives of professionals as well as children, adolescents and parents. These results may support medical decision making to set priorities with regard to prevention and treatment based on perceived severity.
Facile synthesis of IrO 2 nanoclusters and their application as catalysts in the degradation of azo dyes

A robust synthesis of iridium oxide (IrO 2 ) " role="presentation"> 2 ) 2 ) _{2}) nanoclusters using methanol as a reducing agent via the chemical reduction method is reported in this article. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyoxyethylene(23) lauryl ether (POLE) were used as stabilizers. The formation of IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters was confirmed by the appearance of new absorption peak at 230 nm in UV-vis spectra. XRD and TEM were used to determine the degree of crystallinity and size of nanoclusters, respectively. Further characterization studies were carried out by FT-IR spectroscopy to investigate the coordination between IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters and stabilizers. The size of the nanoclusters was found to be a factor of the ratio of solvent to reductant and precursor to stabilizer. It was found that PVP-stabilized IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters are smaller in size with narrow distribution in contrast to POLE-stabilized IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters. The catalytic activity of these nanoclusters was examined in the degradation of some azo dyes, acid orange 10 (AO 10), acid red 14 (AR 14), and acid red 26 (AR 26), in aqueous medium. PVP-stabilized IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters are catalytically more efficient than POLE-stabilized IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters, which was supported by the calculation of turnover frequencies. Thus, IrO 2 " role="presentation"> 2 2 _{2} nanoclusters are expected to play an imperative role in the field of catalysis and environmental remediation.
Behavioural Alterations in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders : A Step Forward Towards the Discovery of New Therapeutic Approaches

Historically, research in non-human beings, primarily rodents, has played a fundamental role in understanding neural dysfunctions underlying pathological conditions and how they can be treated. To date, several animal models have been proposed to recapitulate autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We can never fully recapitulate human neuropsychiatric symptomatology in non-human beings; some symptoms, such as low self-esteem and suicidal ideation, are impossible to model in mice. Moreover, brain anatomy between humans and mice is considerably different (i.e. the cerebral cortex is highly elaborated in humans). However, the brains of vertebrates have a common structural organization in which the cerebral cortex is intimately interconnected with subcortical structures that are well conserved across mammals (Tecott, 2003). Furthermore, many fundamental physiological and behavioural responses have been evolutionarily conserved between species. The study of these responses in lower species can therefore provide a better understanding of the neural circuits and the genetic factors subserving them and, through inference, of human behaviour and disease. One of the criteria that are commonly used to validate an animal model (McKinney, 1984) is based on a conceptual analogy of the proposed model to the causes of the human disease (construct validity). Mutant mice with a targeted mutation in a gene implicated in a given neuropsychiatric disorder, neuroanatomical lesions, prenatal drug exposures, and environmental toxins offer examples of putative causes of human diseases that can be replicated in animal models. The etiopathogenesis of autism however has not been clearly elucidated so far and diagnosis of ASD is mainly based on presentation of three core symptoms: profound alterations in social interaction, communication deficits and stereotyped behaviours (i.e. repetitive behaviours and restricted interests). Different approaches have therefore been adopted to model these pathologies in rodents. Table 1 provides a schematic view of currently available mouse models of ASD-like symptomatology.
Optimal configuration of a planet-finding mission consisting of a telescope and a constellation of occulters

The optimal configuration of satellite formations consisting of a telescope and multiple occulters around Sun-Earth L2 Halo orbits is studied. Focusing on the Quasi-Halo orbits, which are of interest for occulter placement, the phase space around L2 is examined. Trajectory optimization of the occulter motion between imaging sessions of different stars is performed. This enables the transformation of the global optimization problem into a Time-Dependent Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). First, the TSP is solved for a simpler formation consisting of a telescope and a single occulter. Using dynamical insight around L2, approximate initialization regions of the occulter formation are identified. Combining the initialization and the methods developed for single occulter formation, a solution to the full TSP is obtained, which will enable a trade-off study of multiple occulters in terms of cost and scientific achievement.
Do financial constraints threat the innovation process? Evidence from Portuguese firms

This paper broadly addresses the financing problems of the innovation process, by analysing the extent to which financial constraints hinder firms’ investment in R&D and innovation, as well as investigating the role of public financial support in alleviating such constraints. In order to overcome the problems associated with measuring financial constraints, we make use of both indirect and direct measures of constraints. Our findings suggest that while financial constraints have a perverse effect upon R&D investment and innovation, there is no evidence that subsidies mitigate such constraints. Accordingly, we raise a number of questions regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of subsidies in alleviating firms’ financial constraints.
Adjustment Problems among School Students

Good (1959) sates that adjustment is the process of finding and adopting modes of behaviour suitable to the environment or the changes in the environment. Shafer (1961) emphasized that adjustment is the process by which a living organism maintains a balance between its needs and the circumstances that influence the satisfaction of these needs. Kulshrestha (1979) explained that the adjustment process is a way in which the individual attempts to deal with stress, Adjustment Problems among School Students
In-situ fabrication of gold nanoparticle functionalized probes for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy by dielectrophoresis

We report the use of dielectrophoresis to fabricate in-situ probes for tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) based on Au nanoparticles. A typical conductive atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to functionalize iridium-coated conductive silicon probes with Au nanoparticles of 10-nm diameter. Suitable TERS probes can be rapidly produced (30 to 120 s) by applying a voltage of 10 Vpp at a frequency of 1 MHz. The technique has the advantage that the Au-based probes are ready for immediate use for TERS measurements, minimizing the risks of tip contamination and damage during handling. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to confirm the quality of the probes, and used samples of p-ATP monolayers on silver substrates were used to demonstrate experimentally TERS measurements.
Tıbbi ve Aromatik Amaçlı Kullanılan Bitkilerde Tüketici Davranışlarının İncelenm

Medicinal and aromatic plants have been used as drugs for preventing diseases, maintaining health, and healing diseases. The demand for these plants in the world market is increasing every other day. The emergence of the side effects of drugs with synthetic and chemical content has particularly increased the use of medicinal plants. This study aimed to determine the behaviors of consumers living in Kahramanmaraş central county and rural areas towards plants used for medicinal and aromatic purposes. Proportional sampling method, 95 % confidence interval, and 5 % error margin were used in the study. Hence, a questionnaire was administered to 762 households. It was determined as a result of the analysis of the findings that among the most frequently used medicinal and aromatic plants were red pepper, mint, garlic, thyme, and basil. The Majority of the consumers (96.06 %) were found to obtain medicinal and aromatic plants without paying any fees using their own possibilities. 47.38 % of the consumers were determined to get the plants they used for medicinal and aromatic purposes when they run out of them. According to the findings obtained from the study, family members and immediate environment were observed to have an influence on the use of medicinal and aromatic plants by consumers. In addition, the study found at the end of the investigations that consumers in rural and urban areas used these plants when it was necessary.
Rhetorical Transfer among Young EFL Learners: The First Experience of Paragraph Writing Investigated

The process of language production among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners is a multifaceted phenomenon which has engaged EFL researchers and practitioners’ interest for a long time. For many EFL learners, producing language through writing is considered a difficult and challenging task, making it a favoured research area. However, there seems to be a dire need to investigate the way writing is mastered among young EFL learners. The present study attempted to investigate language transfer from L1 to L2 or vice versa among young EFL learners when experiencing paragraph writing for the first time. In addition, the researchers attempted to see whether the preliminary paragraph writing instruction can affect young EFL learners’ paragraph writing. A further goal was to find out whether the type of writing task can influence the paragraph organization among young EFL learners. In order to address these concerns, 34young EFL learners participated in this study. The data were gathered through full-term observation, collecting L1 and L2 writing samples, and conducting written interviews. The results revealed a negative transfer from L1 in rhetoric and paragraph development which was weakened after teaching L2 paragraph structure. It was also uncovered that the type of writing task and its topic affected the paragraph development. The study concludes with a discussion on the findings followed by suggesting some avenues for further research.
Expression and characterization of the prtV gene encoding a collagenase from Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Escherichia coli

Graduate Institute of Agricultural Chemistry, Na t iona I Taiwan University, 1 Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei, Taiwan 106, Taiwan The prtV gene, encoding a collagenase of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The transformant E. coli BL2l (DE3)(pPRT2) secreted the recombinant Prtv, and the highest enzyme activity was detected in the culture supernatant after 5 h IPTG induction. The molecular mass of purified PrtV was 62 kDa as determined by gel filtration, which was similar to that obtained by SDS-PAGE (64 kDa). This suggested that PrtV was a monomer protein having no subunit structure. The isoelectric point of PrtV was 852. In addition, PrtV contained a 27 amino acid signal peptide, and the amino acid composition of the PrtV showed satisfactory agreement with that predicted from the DNA sequence. The optimum temperature and pH of PrtV were 40 OC and pH 7.5, respectively. The activity of PrtV was inhibited by chelators such as EDTA, EGTA and 1,lOphenanthroline; however, its activity was restored by the addition of various metal ions (Co2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+), indicating that PrtV is a metalloprotease. PrtV degraded both type I collagen and synthetic substrate FALGPA well, showing that PrtV is indeed a collagenase.
A Review on Text Detection Techniques

Text detection in image is an important field. Reading text is challenging because of the variations in images. Text detection is useful for many navigational purposes e.g. text on google API’s and traffic panels etc. This paper analyzes the work done on text detection by many researchers and critically evaluates the techniques designed for text detection and states the limitation of each approach. We have integrated the work of many researchers for getting a brief over view of multiple available techniques and their strengths and limitations are also discussed to give readers a clear picture. The major dataset discussed in all these papers are ICDAR 2003, 2005, 2011, 2013 and SVT(street view text).
Using Automated Digital Recording Systems as Effective Tools for the Monitoring of Birds and Amphibians

Abstract There is a need to improve the quantity and quality of data in biodiversity monitoring projects. We compared an automated digital recording system (ADRS) with traditional methods (point-counts and transects) for the assessment of birds and amphibians. The ADRS proved to produce better quantity and quality of data. This new method has 3 additional advantages: permanent record of a census, 24 h/d data collection and the possibility of automated species identification.
Athens Institute for Education and Research ATINER ATINER ' s Conference Paper Series EDU 2017-2219

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) allows a person to transfer commands to a computer directly. Instead of using a keyboard, mouse or other input device, the user of this interface simply sends commands via brain waves and the computer responds to them. This paper aims to present a game developed to assist the process of educational inclusion of people with motor coordination problems, especially cerebral palsy. The school inclusion process has been widely discussed in all fields and it has been observed that behind the discourse of teachers not feeling prepared, lack of accessibility and training in digital inclusion area is still incipient. One solution is to partner with groups and research projects of universities that can collaborate in this process. This project aims to design Digital Learning Constructs (DLC) as a model implemented by use of BCI. A DLC is any entity or device devised or built in a multidisciplinary way in the form of an educational game, helping players to build their knowledge. To develop this research, we chose a case study with qualitative research approach. In this game, the player takes the figure of an elder, who aims to get to the other side of town to disable a mechanism, and thus, to free his people from machines that brought destruction to his once thriving kingdom. To progress in the game, players use concentration and eye blinking, allowing them to interact with objects in the scene. The study (BCI) seeks to improve the interaction between humans and machines and allow people with motor coordination problems to benefit in the inclusive education process.