Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language Choices at Home and Their Relationship With Educational Outcomes, With a Special Focus on Children With Origins in Former Yugoslavia and Turkey in Six European Countries

Language has been conceptualized as both a measure as well as a predictor of integration among immigrants and their children. However, the relationship between language spoken at home and different educational outcomes remains poorly understood. Many studies indicate that nurturing students' first languages is positively associated with their learning at school. Other research suggests that one of the reasons why children of immigrants tend to perform worse at school is due to speaking a language other than that of instruction at home. In order to shed further light on the role of language choices at home for education, we examine both the correlates of language use at home as well as the relationship between this and reading scores and educational expectations. We differentiate between three language use groups: those who mainly use the language of origin at home, those who only use the language of instruction at home, and those who use both of these. We analyze these relationships using data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). In order to examine country differences, we place a special focus on two immigrant-origin groups that are present in significant numbers in a number of European countries: children with origins in Turkey and former Yugoslavia. These two groups have also been identified as being at major educational disadvantage across Europe. Our results suggest that continuing to (mainly) use the language of origin at home is more prevalent among children from socioeconomically more disadvantaged families, but is supported by more socioeconomically advantaged and more diverse school environments. In the majority of countries studied, switching to the language of instruction is associated with higher reading scores but not with higher educational expectations than continuing to speak mainly the language of origin at home. These relationships are to a large extent confounded (or in some cases potentially mediated) by family factors such as socioeconomic status and school-related factors such as school's socioeconomic composition. We conclude by highlighting the role that linguistically responsive pedagogies and a positive school climate can play for the education of all young people but in particular newly-arrived immigrants.
Effect of Exhaust Gas on Natural Stone Tablets, a Laboratory Experiment

8 different natural stone types were exposed to exhaust gas under laboratory conditions to assess urban stone damage. 3 cm in diameter cylindrical test specimens were made from travertine, non-porous limestone, limestone, rhyolite tuff, sandstone, andesite, granite and marble. The samples were exposed for 1, 2, 4 and 8 hours to exhaust gas that was generated by compression ignition internal combustion engine. The exhaust emission was measured. The operating conditions of the engine were documented and several parameters (weight, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, capillary water absorption, porosity) were measured before and after exhaust gas exposure. The tests indicate that despite the deposition of soot on the surface a significant material loss was recorded at rhyolite tuff (2m%) and at andesite (1m%). The penetration depth of soot was also different for different lithologies. A correlation was found between the ultrasonic pulse velocity and density of tested stones.
Collagen/Polyethylene Oxide Nanofibrous Membranes with Improved Hemostasis and Cytocompatibility for Wound Dressing

As a promising agent for biomedical application, collagen has been used as a nanofiber to architecturally mimic its fibrillar structure in Extracellular Matrix (ECM); however, it has to be modified by techniques, such as crosslinking, to overcome its limitations in structural stability along with potential toxicity. Here, we prepared collagen/polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibrous membranes with varying crosslinking degrees and their properties, such as water stability, mechanical properties, blood clotting capacity and cytocompatibility, were studied systematically. By investigating the relationship between crosslinking degree and their properties, nanofibrous membranes with improved morphology retention, blood clotting capacity and cytocompatibility have been achieved. The result of circular dichroism measurement demonstrated that a triple helical fraction around 60.5% was retained. Moreover, the electrospun collagen/PEO at crosslinking degrees above 60.6% could maintain more than 72% of its original weight and its nanofibrous morphology under physiological conditions could be well preserved for up to 7 days. Furthermore, the crosslinked collagen/PEO membrane could provide a more friendly and suitable environment to promote cell proliferation, and about 70% of the clot can be formed in 5 min. With its superior performance in water stability, hemostasis and cytocompatibility, we anticipate that this nanofibrous membrane has great potential for wound dressing.
El engorde del ganado español en el siglo XX: Los modificadores metabólicos, cara y cruz de una panacea

Among the factors that have influenced livestock industrialization in the 20th century, the implications of substances that promote fattening and animal growth (growth promoters) have not been thoroughly addressed. Their role in the transformation of Spanish farming is the key question of this article. A wide range of these substances became available in the mid-twentieth century and use peaked in the 1970s and 1980s. We compared veterinary, livestock, and specialized sources to analyze market penetration and use of the main growth promoters as well as the consequences on global trade policies and agreements. Complex links between public health effects and impacts on trade policies led to their prohibition as protectionist agri-food measures were introduced in the European Union. This analysis reveals how growth promoters played an important role in promoting industrial livestock, but their misuse and the food surpluses they have generated add weight to the trend that calls for critique and revision of the intensive production model.
Coverage Analysis for Cell-Free Massive MIMO High-Speed Railway Communication Systems

In traditional cellular framework, the frequent handoff is one of the main factors that affect the performance of high-speed railway (HSR) communication systems. The cell-free massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) is proposed as a promising technique for the antenna point (AP) deployment of HSR communication systems. This paper investigates the coverage performance of the cell-free massive MIMO HSR communication systems with multiple APs and multiple users. Initially, the system and channel models are proposed. Based on the established models, the uplink training, uplink data transmission and downlink data transmission are analyzed, respectively. By using the deterministic equivalent analysis, we derive a deterministic signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio expression for downlink transmission. Then, a tight upper bound on the coverage probability is derived. In the high power regime, the asymptotic coverage performance is also analyzed. Numerical results verify the correctness of the derived theoretical expressions. Moreover, the effects of the downlink transmit power, AP’s antenna number, AP’s density, user number, and channel fading parameter on coverage performance are also discussed.
The Association Between FGF21 and Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction: Evidence from Clinical and Animal Studies

Erectile dysfunction (ED), a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), affects 50–75% of men with diabetes. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a liver-derived metabolic regulator which plays a role in insulin-independent glucose uptake in adipocytes. We designed a clinical study and an animal experiment to investigate the relationship between FGF21 and DM-induced ED. The clinical study enrolled 93 participants aged > 18 years (61 patients with type 2 DM and 32 healthy controls) from Taian City Central Hospital (TCCH) in Shandong Province, China, amongst whom the association between serum FGF21 and diabetic ED was analyzed. To further validate this association, we developed animal model of diabetic ED using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Serum FGF21 concentration and FGF21 mRNA expression in penile samples of the rats were determined with Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Among the 93 participants, the level of serum FGF21 was negatively correlated with the IIEF-5 score (r = -0.74, P < 0.001). The analysis on the performance of FGF21 for ED diagnosis showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.875 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.803 to 0.946). In the animal experiment, the levels of serum FGF21, 2-Δ Δ Ct values of FGF21 mRNA expression, and relative levels of FGF21 in penile samples were higher in the ED group compared to the DM and control groups. Our findings demonstrated an association between the FGF21 level and diabetic ED, indicating the potential of this cytokine in predicting diabetic ED.
A novel multi-dimensional absolute distance measurement system using a basic frequency modulated continuous wave radar and an external cavity laser with trilateration metrology

We propose and describe a novel multi-dimensional absolute distance measurement system. This system incorporates a basic frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar and an second external cavity laser (ECL). Through the use of trilateration, the system in our paper can provide 3D resolution inherently range. However, the measured optical path length differences (OPD) is often variable in industrial environments and this will causes Doppler effect, which has greatly impact on the measurement result. With using the second ECL, the system can correct the Doppler effect to ensure the precision of absolute distance measurement. Result of the simulation will prove the influence of Doppler effect.
Temporal Changes of Fish Diversity and Driver Factors in a National Nature Reserve, China

Simple Summary Freshwater-fish diversity declined rapidly due to multiple anthropogenic disturbances. The loss of fish diversity often manifested itself in taxonomic homogenization over time. Knowledge of multi-faceted diversity (i.e., species, functional, and phylogenetic diversity) perspectives is important for biodiversity assessment and conservation planning. The results showed that the diversity of fish has declined from 2008 to 2021, with five species lost over time. We found an overall homogenization trend in the fish fauna of the study area, with a 4% increase in the taxonomic similarity among the rivers. Additionally, we found that the community structure of fish was significantly different among the rivers, and environmental filtering was the main contributor to the phylogenetic diversity of fish in 2008 and 2021. This study provides new insight into the patterns and drivers of fish-biodiversity change in the broader Yangtze River basin and informs management efforts. Abstract Freshwater-fish diversity declined rapidly due to multiple anthropogenic disturbances. The loss of fish diversity often manifested itself in taxonomic homogenization over time. Knowledge of multi-faceted diversity (i.e., species, functional, and phylogenetic diversity) perspectives is important for biodiversity assessment and conservation planning. Here, we analyzed the change of the species diversity and phylogenetic diversity of fish in 2008 and 2021 as well as explored the driver factors of the biodiversity patterns in the Lushan National Nature Reserve. The results showed that the species diversity and phylogenetic diversity of fish have declined from 2008 to 2021, with five species lost over time. We found an overall homogenization trend in the fish fauna of the study area, with a 4% increase in taxonomic similarity among the rivers. Additionally, we found that community structure of fish was significantly different among the rivers, and environmental filtering was the main contributor to the phylogenetic diversity of fish in 2008 and 2021. This study provides new insight into the patterns and drivers of fish-biodiversity change in the broader Yangtze River basin and informs management efforts.
Innovation of Tin Oxide Ceramic Manufacturing Process Based on WSN and Remote Visualization Technology

A wireless sensor network (WSN) collects information from small sensors, processes the information effectively through a built-in computing system, forms a dynamic network topology in a self-organizing method, and sends it to the base station through wireless communication. At the same time, the scale of data generated by high-performance scientific computing has rapidly increased from GB and TB to EB. The traditional scientific vision postprocessing model that initially saved the data and then performed the vision processing became a very time-consuming and troublesome process due to the limitation of disk I/O efficiency, which seriously affected the development of technology, and the accuracy was relatively low. The development of high-performance computer parallel processing technology has promoted parallel visualization, and the expansion of Internet bandwidth has accelerated remote visualization. SnO2, or tin oxide, is a kind of N-type semiconductor material with a rutile structure. The crystal structure is stable, the corrosion resistance is good, the melting point is high, the resistance after doping is low, and the sinterability is good. Materials that are sensitive to optics, electrodes, and gases have a wide range of uses. This paper proposes a new data fusion algorithm based on BP neural network and studies the key technologies for the design and implementation of a web-based multiuser remote interactive vision system. In this paper, the effects of ZnO, MnO2, Nb2O5, CuO, and Li2CO3 doping on the conductivity and bulk density of SnO2 semiconductor ceramics were studied by means of ceramic preparation method, using intelligent resistance meter, bulk density tester, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscope, thus promoting the innovation of tin oxide ceramic preparation process.
Integrated knowledge-based hierarchical modelling of manufacturing organizations

The objective of this thesis is to research into an integrated knowledge-based simulation method, which combines the capability of knowledge based simulation and a structured analysis method, for the design and analysis of complex and hierarchical manufacturing organizations. This means manufacturing organizations analysed according to this methodology can manage the tactical and operational planning as well as the direct operation of shop floor. [Continues. ]
Infants' Prefrontal Hemodynamic Responses and Functional Connectivity During Joint Attention in an Interactive-Live Setting

The present study examined cerebral hemodynamic responses and functional connectivity during joint attention either initiated by infants (Initiating Joint Attention, IJA condition) or by their partner (Responding to Joint Attention, RJA condition). To capture responses to natural social cues in infants aged 7–12 months using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we employed an interactive-live paradigm for IJA and RJA. During the measurement, an adult sat facing an infant, and objects, such as small stuffed animals, paired with sound toys were presented to the right or left side of the screen. In the RJA condition, the adult gazed at the infants' eyes and then to the objects to encourage the infants to follow the adult's gaze. On the other hand, in the IJA condition, the adult followed the infant's gaze as it shifted to the presented object. Our results indicate that the concentration of oxy-Hb in the bilateral ventral prefrontal region had significantly decreased, then followed by an increase in the right dorsal prefrontal region in the RJA. In addition, a selective activation in the bilateral dorsal prefrontal region was seen in the IJA condition. Moreover, the infants exhibited increased functional connectivity especially within the right ventral prefrontal region during RJA condition when compared with IJA conditions. These findings suggest that RJA and IJA recruit specific brain networks localized in the prefrontal cortex of infants.
Assessing Project Management Maturity

The principal goal of this study was to determine the financial and organizational impacts of project management. This study began with the development of a project management maturity model and an analysis methodology to assess the maturity of project management processes. The project management maturity analysis methodology consists of 148 multiple-choice questions that measure project management maturity, and cover 8 knowledge areas and 6 project phases. The maturity model and methodology were then applied by benchmarking 38 different companies and government agencies in 4 different industries. This assessment methodology provides solid and comparative studies on project management practices across industries and companies within an industry. It also provides a set of tools for organizations to use in identifying key areas of opportunity for improvement in project management.
A regret-based route choice model with asymmetric preference in a stochastic network

In this study, a stochastic user equilibrium model on the modified random regret minimization is proposed by incorporating the asymmetric preference for gains and losses to describe its effects on the regret degree of travelers. Travelers are considered to be capable of perceiving the gains and losses of attributes separately when comparing between the alternatives. Compared to the stochastic user equilibrium model on the random regret minimization model, the potential difference of emotion experienced induced by the loss and gain in the equal size is jointly caused by the taste parameter and loss aversion of travelers in the proposed model. And travelers always tend to use the routes with the minimum perceived regret in the travel decision processes. In addition, the variational inequality problem of the stochastic user equilibrium model on the modified random regret minimization model is given, and the characteristics of its solution are discussed. A route-based solution algorithm is used to resolve the problem. Numerical results given by a three-route network show that the loss aversion produces a great impact on travelers’ choice decisions and the model can more flexibly capture the choice behavior than the existing models.
A methodological proposal to define supplier development programs

One of the Concerns of Multinational Companies (MNC) when they decide to produce in low-cost countries is to have a reliable domestic supplier base that guarantees a continuous flow of high-quality products from the region of production to the consumption markets. MNC may elect to strength its supplier base by a) asking current international suppliers to open facilities in a new sourcing region or b) investing in supplier’s development programs. The objective of this work was to propose a methodology to identify those suppliers with the highest opportunity to attain acceptable levels of competitiveness and then define the contents of the more suitable development program. The selection of potential suppliers is based on the key criteria and indicators used in the automotive industrial sector in Mexico and with the support of the quantitative techniques of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP) and Multidimensional Scaling (MDS). After a root-cause analysis, a series of development activities are defined for each supplier and those that will lead to the largest improvement given time and cost restrictions are selected through Goal Programming. The applicability of the proposed methodology is demonstrated for the case of the automotive sector, one of the most important sectors for the Mexican economy.
Physiological and Pathophysiological Effects of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide on the Heart

Simple Summary C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the third member of the natriuretic peptide family. Unlike atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), CNP was not previously regarded as an important cardiac modulator. However, recent studies have revealed the physiological and pathophysiological importance of CNP in the heart; in concert with its cognate natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B), CNP has come to be regarded as the major heart-protective natriuretic peptide in the failed heart. In this review, I introduce the history of research on CNP in the cardiac field. Abstract C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the third member of the natriuretic peptide family. Unlike other members, i.e., atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), which are cardiac hormones secreted from the atrium and ventricle of the heart, respectively, CNP is regarded as an autocrine/paracrine regulator with broad expression in the body. Because of its low expression levels compared to ANP and BNP, early studies failed to show its existence and role in the heart. However, recent studies have revealed the physiological and pathophysiological importance of CNP in the heart; in concert with the distribution of its specific natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B), CNP has come to be regarded as the major heart-protective natriuretic peptide in the failed heart. NPR-B generates intracellular cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) upon CNP binding, followed by various molecular effects including the activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinases, which generates diverse cytoprotective actions in cardiomyocytes, as well as in cardiac fibroblasts. CNP exerts negative inotropic and positive lusitropic responses in both normal and failing heart models. Furthermore, osteocrin, the intrinsic and specific ligand for the clearance receptor for natriuretic peptides, can augment the effects of CNP and may supply a novel therapeutic strategy for cardiac protection.
Improving the Gate-Induced Drain Leakage and On-State Current of Fin-Like Thin Film Transistors with a Wide Drain

Polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin film transistors (TFT) with a tri-gate fin-like structure and wide drain were designed and simulated to improve gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL), ON-state current, and breakdown voltage. The GIDL of fin-like TFTs (FinTFTs) examined in this study was dominated by longitudinal band-to-band tunneling (L-BTBT). Extending the wide drain can effectively suppress the longitudinal electric field near the drain and improve L-BTBT GIDL and breakdown. In addition, a wider drain can lead to a large cross section in the current path and improve the ON-state current. FinTFTs with wide drain exhibit a low GIDL, a high ON-state current, and high breakdown voltage, while maintaining favorable gate controllability.