Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lexical ability in L2 Chinese reading comprehension: path analysis comparing higher- and lower-proficiency learners

ABSTRACT Lexical ability, an umbrella term to cover various knowledge and skills pertaining to words in print, is a key component in reading comprehension. Little is known how different facets of lexical ability jointly contribute to L2 reading comprehension and how the contributions may differ between higher- and lower-proficiency L2 learners. This study, based on 201 adults who had studied Chinese in China, explored direct and indirect effects of distinct facets of lexical ability on L2 reading comprehension. The participants completed three paper-pencil tasks that measured three facets of lexical ability, that is, morphological awareness, character knowledge, and vocabulary knowledge. Their short-term memory, grammatical knowledge, and reading comprehension were also measured. Separate sets of path analysis showed that higher- and lower-proficiency learners had distinct patterns of relationships. Whereas higher-proficiency learners relied more on morphological awareness and vocabulary knowledge in L2 Chinese reading comprehension, lower-proficiency learners drew largely upon their character knowledge.
Masers in Massive Star-forming Regions Associated with the Brightest Steep-Spectrum IRAS Point Sources

Twenty-four bright, steep-spectrum far-infrared IRAS point sources, which were originally discussed by Hughes & MacLeod, have been searched for hydroxyl, water, and methanol masers and for formaldehyde absorption features. Distances and spectral types for the stars exciting these masers were estimated using radio continuum, IRAS spectra, and maser velocity data. It is found that 21 of the 24 sources are regions of massive star formation containing stars earlier than type B2. We report the discovery of five new OH masers, one new 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser, and two new 12.2 GHz CH3OH masers toward these IRAS sources. By contrast, no 4.765 GHz excited-OH masers were found toward these sources. This sample contains only star-forming regions; there are no planetary or reflection nebulae or extragalactic sources present, as seen in samples with less extreme IRAS colors.
Neural Output Feedback Control of Automobile Steer-by-Wire System With Predefined Performance and Composite Learning

This article addresses the steering control problem for steer-by-wire (SbW) systems subject to the unknown uncertainty, external disturbance and unavailable variable. Before the controller design, an adaptive neural network-based observer and a disturbance observer are constructed to estimate the angular velocity signal and the compound disturbance, respectively. Then, to guarantee the transient and steady-state performance of steering tracking error within the quantitative boundary, a prescribed performance function is constructed by user-designed tracking accuracy and settling time. Finally, the controller is designed based on the backstepping scheme and the neural network with a composite learning scheme is proposed for the approximation of lumped uncertainty. The Lyapunov stability theory shows that the signals involved in the system are semi-global uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking error converges to a preset range at finite time. Different numerical simulations and experiments are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the developed control scheme.
Entrepreneurial education, government policies and programmes, and entrepreneurial behaviour: A serial moderated mediation model

Objective: The research aims to adopt a serial moderation mediation model to investigate the serial indirect effects of entrepreneurial education and the moderation impacts of entrepreneurial government policies and programmes on entrepreneurial attitude-intention-behaviour links and tighten the attitude-intention-behav-iour gap in the entrepreneurial area. Research Design & Methods: A sample of 802 master students from nine universities/institutions in Vietnam and structural equation modelling (SEM) were employed to test developed hypotheses. Findings: The research demonstrates that attitude towards entrepreneurship played a more important role than entrepreneurial intention in sculpting start-up behaviour. Entrepreneurial education not only has direct effects on entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviours, but it also has serial mediation effects on entrepreneurial behaviour via two mediators, including entrepreneurial attitudes and intention. Moreover, entrepreneurial government policies and programmes were found to significantly reinforce the entrepreneurial attitude-in-tention-behaviour linkages. Implications & Recommendations: The findings of this research offer valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners who wish to encourage individuals’ entrepreneurial activities. Contribution & Value Added: The research is expected to significantly contribute to entrepreneurship literature by indicating the serial mediation effects of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial behaviour, the moderation impacts of entrepreneurial government policies and programmes, and closing the entrepreneurial attitude-intention-behaviour gap.
Personalized Progressive Federated Learning with Leveraging Client-Specific Vertical Features

Federated learning (FL) has been used for model building across distributed clients. However, FL cannot leverage vertically partitioned features to increase the model complexity. In this study, we proposed a personalized progressive federated learning (PPFL) model, which is a multimodel PFL approach that allows the leveraging of vertically partitioned client-specific features. The performance of PPFL was evaluated using the Physionet Challenges 2012 dataset. We compared the performance of in-hospital mortality and length of stay prediction between our model and the FedAvg, FedProx, and local models. The PPFL showed an accuracy of 0.849 and AUROC of 0.790 in average in hospital mor-tality prediction, which are the highest scores compared to client-specific algorithm. For length-of-stay prediction, PPFL also showed an AUROC of 0.808 in average which was the highest among all comparators.
Laboratory band strengths of methane and their application to the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Titan. II - The red region 6000-7600 A

We report room-temperature laboratory studies of the red bands of methane at 40 different pressure--path-length combinations, corresponding to column densities between 0.024 and 3.897 km-amagat with pressures ranging between 0.10 and 2.00 atm. Detailed equivalent width measurements were used to determine curves of growth and integrated band strengths for the bands at 6190, 6825, 7050, and 7250 A. These measurements confirm the pressure independence of the methane curves of growth found by Lutz, Owen, and Cess for the blue-green bands and can be described by the same numerical curve of growth.
Nonlinear active vibration damping

A multivariable nonlinear controller is investigated for vibration suppression of flexible structures. The closed-loop gain matrix consists of a varying term added to a constant term. The varying term is proportional to the measured signal, providing rapid cancellation of large deflections and maintaining low noise sensitivity. L/sub 2/-stability is proved, and experimental results show improvement of performance compared to a corresponding linear controller with constant gain. >
Adaptive Optimization of Microwave Devices over a Frequency Band

Abstract Traditional optimization using the finite element method keeps the accuracy of the finite element analysis roughly constant throughout the optimization. Adaptive optimization uses adaptive finite element analysis and increases the accuracy as the optimization proceeds, since a coarse solution is adequate early on, but more accuracy is needed as the optimum is approached. Here, adaptive optimization is extended to cost functions that depend on the performance of the device over a range of frequencies, which changes the criterion used to terminate the adaption. Results are presented for rectangular waveguide components: an E-plane bend, an impedance transformer, and a magic-T.
A Visualized Mortality Prediction Score Model in Hematological Malignancies Patients with Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms Bloodstream Infection

Background Bloodstream infection (BSI) due to carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) has emerged as a worldwide problem associated with high mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with mortality in HM patients with CROs BSI and to establish a scoring model for early mortality prediction. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at our hematological department from January 2018 to December 2021, including all HM patients with CROs BSI. The outcome measured was death within 30-day of BSI onset. Survivor and non-survivor subgroups were compared to identify predictors of mortality. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic risk factors and develop a nomogram. Results In total, 150 HM patients were included in the study showing an overall 30-day mortality rate of 56%. Klebsiella pneumonia was the dominant episode. Cox regression analysis showed that pre-infection length of stay was >14 days (score 41), Pitt score >4 (score 100), mucositis (score 41), CAR (The ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin) >8.8 (score 57), early definitive therapy (score 44), and long-duration (score 78) were positive independent risk predictors associated with 30-day mortality, all of which were selected into the nomogram. Furthermore, all patients were divided into the high-risk group (≥160 points) or the low-risk group based on the prediction score model. The mortality of the high-risk group was 8 times more than the low-risk group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that empirical polymyxin B therapy was associated with a lower 30-day mortality rate, which was identified as a good prognostic factor in the high-risk group. In comparison, empirical carbapenems and tigecycline were poor prognostic factors in a low-risk group. Conclusion Our score model can accurately predict 30-day mortality in HM patients with CROs BSI. Early administration of CROs-targeted therapy in the high-risk group is strongly recommended to decrease mortality.
Regularized solution of the solar Bremsstrahlung inverse problem: model dependence and implementation issues

We address an important inverse problem in solar plasma physics by means of an ‘ad hoc’ implementation of the Tikhonov regularization method. Our approach is validated in the case of different modifications of the mathematical model of the problem based on physical motivations, and for data sets obtained with synthetic experiments. Finally, an application to a real observation recorded by the NASA mission ‘Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI)’ is considered.
The Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Coated Polymeric Nanoparticles against Breast Cancer Metastasis in Female NCr-Nu/Nu Nude Mice

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer treatment are biocompatible, nonimmunogenic and accumulate in tumour sites due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent but cardiotoxic anticancer agent. Hyaluronic acid (HA) occurs naturally in the extra-cellar matrix and binds to CD44 receptors which are overexpressed in cancer metastasis, proven to be characteristic of cancer stem cells and responsible for multidrug resistance. In this study, an athymic mice model of breast cancer metastasis was developed using red fluorescent protein (RFP)-labelled triple negative cancer cells. The animals were divided into four treatment groups (Control, HA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles, PEG-PLGA nanoparticles, and Free DOX). The tumour size growth was assessed until day 25 when animals were sacrificed. Mice treated with HA-PEG-PLGA NPs inhibited tumour growth. The tumour growth at day 25 (118% ± 13.0) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than PEG-PLGA NPs (376% ± 590 and control (826% ± 970). Fluorescent microscopy revealed that HA-PEG-PLGA NPs had significantly (p < 0.05) less metastasis in liver, spleen, colon, and lungs as compared to control and to Free DOX groups. The efficacy of HA-PEG-PLGA NPs was proven in vivo. Further pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies are required for this formulation to be ready for clinical research.
Computer Simulation of Liquids

Introduction Statistical mechanics Molecular dynamics Monte Carlo methods Some tricks of the trade How to analyse the results Advanced simulation techniques Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics Brownian dynamics Quantum simulations Some applications Appendix A: Computers and computer simulation Appendix B: Reduced units Appendix C: Calculation of forces and torques Appendix D: Fourier transforms Appendix E: The gear predictor - corrector Appendix F: Programs on microfiche Appendix G: Random numbers References Index.
The Improvement of the Region Homogeneity Measure Operator and Its Noise Disposed

Based on the analysis of the characteristic of the image texture, we extend the region homogeneity measure operator (RHMO) to a more reasonable case, thus avoiding some omission situation. Moreover, we compare the RHMO with the convolution function to find out the more rational range of region homogeneity measure (RHM). At the end of this paper, we use the improved RHM method for some images in a new Partial Differential Equation (PDE); the results indicate that the improved concept has achieved a good result.
A New Stochastic Model-Based Image Segmentation Technique For X-Ray CT Image

This manuscript demonstrates that X-ray CT image can be modeled by a finite normal mixture. The number of image classes in the observed image is detected by the information criteria (AIC or MDL). Parameters of the model are estimated by a modified K-mean algorithm and Bayesian decision criterion is the basis for this image segmentation approach. The use of simulated and real image data demonstrate the very promising results of this proposed technique.
The Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Family Psychoeducation Intervention for the Caregivers of Young Adults with First-Episode Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: In this study, we investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation (MBFPE) program on the mental-health outcomes of both caregivers and young adults with first-episode psychosis with an onset in the past three years through a multi-site randomized controlled trial. We also studied the outcomes of three potential mediating effects of interpersonal mindfulness, expressed emotions, and non-attachment on the program. Method: We randomly assigned 65 caregivers of young adults with psychosis to MBFPE (n = 33) or an ordinary family psychoeducation (FPE) program (n = 32); among them, 18 young adults in recovery also participated in the evaluation of outcomes. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted. No significant time × group interaction effects of MBFPE and FPE programs were found in any of the caregivers’ outcomes. However, the young adults with psychosis reported higher levels of recovery after the MBFPE program than after the ordinary FPE program (F = 8.268, p = 0.012, d = 1.484). They also reported a larger reduction in over-involvement of their caregivers (F = 4.846, p = 0.044, d = 1.136), showing that MBFPE had a superior effect to FPE in promoting recovery and reducing over-involvement. Conclusions: A brief psychoeducation program may not reduce the burden on or improve the mental-health outcome of caregivers of individuals with recent-onset psychosis. However, integrating mindfulness into a conventional family psychoeducation program may reduce the expressed emotions of caregivers, especially over-involvement. Further studies should explore how psychoeducation programs can reduce the impact of psychosis on family through sustainable effects in terms of reducing their burden and expressed emotions, using a rigorous study and adequate sample size.
Centimeter-wave spectroscopy of highly excited rubidium atoms

One- and two-photon transitions between neighboring Rydberg states of rubidium with principal quantum numbers ranging from n = 50 to n = 63 have been studied. From these transition frequencies, corresponding to wavelengths in the centimeter domain, new values for quantum defects and fine- and hyperfine-structure splittings were obtained. The hyperfine structure of the 2S1/2 states was resolved up to n = 59. The data are compared with optically determined spectroscopic parameters, and fair agreement is found in most cases.
Somaclonal Variation for Genetic Improvement of Starch Accumulation in Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Tubers

Starch content is one of the major quality criteria targeted by potato breeding programs. Traditional potato breeding is a laborious duty due to the tetraploid nature and immense heterozygosity of potato genomes. In addition, screening for functional genetic variations in wild relatives is slow and strenuous. Moreover, genetic diversity, which is the raw material for breeding programs, is limited due to vegetative propagation used in the potato industry. Somaclonal variation provides a time-efficient tool to breeders for obtaining genetic variability, which is essential for breeding programs, at a reasonable cost and independent of sophisticated technology. The present investigation aimed to create potato somaclones with an improved potential for starch accumulation. Based on the weight and starch content of tubers, the somaclonal variant Ros 119, among 105 callus-sourced clones, recorded a higher tuberization potential than the parent cv Lady Rosetta in a field experiment. Although this somaclone was similar to the parent in the number of tubers produced, it exhibited tubers with 42 and 61% higher fresh and dry weights, respectively. Additionally, this clone recorded 10 and 75% increases in starch content based on the dry weight and average content per plant, respectively. The enhanced starch accumulation was associated with the upregulation of six starch-synthesis-related genes, namely, the AGPase, GBSS I, SBE I, SBE II, SS II and SS III genes. AGPase affords the glycosyl moieties required for the synthesis of amylose and amylopectin. GBSS is required for amylose elongation, while SBE I, SBE II, SS II and SS III are responsible for amylopectin.
Surgical Excision of Intramuscular Sarcomas: Description of Three Cases in Dogs

Simple Summary Local control of intramuscular sarcomas of the limbs may include limb amputation or marginal excision plus radiotherapy. In human medicine, compartmental excision for local control of muscular sarcomas has been widely reported. This procedure is effective when a specific tissue, such as the fascia, acts as a barrier to the neoplastic invasion. The barriers define a compartment, i.e., an anatomo-functional region having the same origin. The aim of this study was to describe this surgical procedure in three dogs affected by intramuscular sarcomas with no signs of fascial invasion at imaging. No major complications were observed in any of the patients, and all experienced a rapid recovery. Tumours treated via compartmental surgery were: chondrosarcoma, a perivascular wall tumour and a hemangiosarcoma. Accurate preoperative tumour staging, including advanced imaging techniques, are necessary in order to perform this procedure successfully. Abstract Compartmental excision consists of the complete resection of an anatomic district in which specific structures act as a barrier to local tumour invasion. It is a well-established procedure in human medicine, while only a few reports are available in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to describe complete muscle resection in 3 dogs affected by different intramuscular sarcomas. The clinical outcome was also reported. Medical records were searched, including preoperative diagnostic findings, compartmental excision, histologic diagnosis, and outcome. Three dogs fit the inclusion criteria, which had a sarcoma confined to a single muscular belly (semitendinosus, biceps, and splenius capitis muscles). Complete excision of the affected muscle was performed in all cases. One dog showed moderate lameness in the immediate postoperative period, resulting from the dorsal lifting of the scapula due to serratus ventralis tenotomy performed to remove the caudal insertion of the splenius capitis muscle. All the dogs recovered fully within one month, experiencing good clinical function. Histopathology showed complete tumour removal with no neoplastic fascial disruption in all cases. Compartmental excision provides effective local tumour control, representing an alternative to limb amputation or more radical excision if adjuvant radiotherapy is not an option for owners.
A model for characterizing the frequency-dependent variation in sensitivity with temperature of underwater acoustic transducers from historical calibration data

The performance of underwater electroacoustic transducers often depends on water temperature and, for accurate calibrations, it is necessary to take account of this influence on measurement data. Doing so is particularly important for open-water calibration facilities where the environmental conditions cannot be controlled and seasonal variations in temperature can contribute significant measurement uncertainty. This paper describes the characterization of the sensitivity of underwater electroacoustic transducers in terms of their variation with water temperature. A model containing adjustable parameters is developed for providing frequency-dependent temperature coefficients whose use enables measurement data to be corrected for temperature. Estimates of these coefficients are determined by applying the model to the time history of measurement data obtained over a period of several years. The influence of seasonal temperature variation can then be separated from the slow temporal drift in the transducer sensitivity. The uncertainties associated with the corrected sensitivity values are evaluated.
Combination of Enzymes and Deep Eutectic Solvents as Powerful Toolbox for Organic Synthesis

During the last decade, a wide spectrum of applications and advantages in the use of deep eutectic solvents for promoting organic reactions has been well established among the scientific community. Among these synthetic methodologies, in recent years, various examples of biocatalyzed processes have been reported, making use of eutectic mixtures as reaction media, as an improvement in terms of selectivity and sustainability. This review aims to show the newly reported protocols in the field, subdivided by reaction class as a ‘toolbox’ guide for organic synthesis.