Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noncognitive Factors and Student Long-Run Success: Comparing the Predictive Validity of Observable Academic Behaviors and Social-Emotional Skills

Noncognitive constructs such as self-efficacy, social awareness, and academic engagement are widely acknowledged as critical components of human capital, but systematic data collection on such skills in school systems is complicated by conceptual ambiguities, measurement challenges and resource constraints. This study addresses this issue by comparing the predictive validity of two most widely used metrics on noncogntive outcomes—observable academic behaviors (e.g., absenteeism, suspensions) and student self-reported social and emotional learning (SEL) skills—for the likelihood of high school graduation and postsecondary attainment. Our findings suggest that conditional on student demographics and achievement, academic behaviors are several-fold more predictive than SEL skills for all long-run outcomes, and adding SEL skills to a model with academic behaviors improves the model’s predictive power minimally. In addition, academic behaviors are particularly strong predictors for low-achieving students’ long-run outcomes. Part-day absenteeism (as a result of class skipping) is the largest driver behind the strong predictive power of academic behaviors. Developing more nuanced behavioral measures in existing administrative data systems might be a fruitful strategy for schools whose intended goal centers on predicting students’ educational attainment.
Identification of five novel SCN1A variants

Background Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit 1 (SCN1A) gene are the main monogenic cause of epilepsy. Type and location of variants make a huge difference in the severity of SCN1A disorder, ranging from the mild phenotype (genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, GEFS+) to the severe phenotype (developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, DEEs). Dravet Syndrome (DS) is an infantile-onset DEE, characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy and temperature sensitivity or febrile seizures. Genetic test results reveal SCN1A variants are positive in 80% DS patients and DS is mainly caused by de novo variants. Methods Trio-whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to detect variants which were associated with clinical phenotype of five probands with epilepsy or twitching. Then, Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the five novel SCN1A variants and segregation analysis. After analyzing the location of five SCN1A variants, the pathogenic potential was assessed. Results In this study, we identified five novel SCN1A variants (c.4224G > C, c.3744_3752del, c.209del, c.5727_5734delTTTAAAACinsCTTAAAAAG and c.5776delT) as the causative variants. In the five novel SCN1A variants, four were de novo and the remaining one was inherited. All novel variants would be classified as “pathogenic” or “likely pathogenic. ” Conclusion The five novel SCN1A variants will enrich the SCN1A mutations database and provide the corresponding reference data for the further genetic counseling.
The Effect of Tactor Composition and Vibrotactile Stimulation on Sensory Memory for a Haptic Feedback Display

Previously, a wearable multimodal sensory feedback device (SFD) was developed to communicate proprioceptive information from a robotic gripper onto the operator’s forearm. The SFD showed promise in that it could effectively communicate proprioceptive sensory information and enhance the body’s natural proprioceptive sense. This study delves into the feedback modes implemented into the feedback device by evaluating the effect that increased skin-stretch in combination with vibrotactile stimulation has on the users’ abilities to discern the location of the tactor after time has passed. The SFD used in this study implements a tactor, made of either silicone or foam that translates laterally across the ventral side of the forearm. Subjects were asked to sense the location of the tactor after it had been stationary for a period of time. The experiments’ results indicate that a material that provides increased skin-stretch sensation can benefit the duration of skin-stretch feedback for sensory feedback devices. Additionally, vibrotactile stimulation has shown to be promising though its compatibility with the silicone material was not ideal.
Hybrid distributed online and alternating convex optimization‐based initial value accelerated hybrid precoding for millimeter wave multiple‐input‐multiple‐output

The hybrid precoding problem is considered a Frobenius norm reduction problem for the narrowband channel in a millimeter wave (mmWave) with multiple inputs and outputs (mmWave MIMO). This work proposes a hybrid distributed online and alternating convex optimization (HDO‐ACO) algorithm to improve hybrid precoding (HP), interpreted as a trace minimization problem. HDO‐ACO alternately determines the digital and analog precoders to reduce the trace by keeping the other constant. Initially, HDO‐ACO uses Lagrange's method to determine the digital precoding subproblem. Then, it uses the integrated distributed online convex optimization and alternating minimization algorithm in the analog precoder design. In the HP method, the digital and analog precoders are iteratively updated until the highest number of iterations or convergence is reached. But this hybrid precoding method requires an initial analog precoding matrix input to begin the iteration. The algorithms converge gradually and fall into a suboptimal solution when the initial analog precoding matrix is set randomly. Hence, an initial value acceleration‐based heuristic approach is used in the HDO‐ACO alternating minimization algorithm that calculates the initial feasible value of an alternating minimization method using channel conditions. The simulation results of the proposed HDO‐ACO algorithm are presented under bit error rate (BER), spectral efficiency (SE), and convergence behavior by comparing it with modified block coordinate descent–HP (MBCD‐HP), manifold optimization–alternating minimization (MO‐AltMin), and semi‐definite relaxation‐based alternating optimization (SDR‐AO). The proposed HDO‐ACO attains maximum SE and less BER than other hyper‐precoding designs.
The role of high-resolution ultrasound and MRI in the evaluation of peripheral nerves in the lower extremity

Abstract Lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is a commonly encountered neurologic disorder, which can lead to chronic pain, functional disability, and decreased quality of life for a patient. As diagnostic imaging modalities have improved, imaging has started to play an integral role in the detection and characterization of peripheral nerve abnormalities by non-invasively and accurately identifying abnormal nerves as well as potential causes of neuropathy, which ultimately leads to precise and timely treatment. Ultrasound, which has high spatial resolution and can quickly and comfortably characterize peripheral nerves in real time along with associated denervation muscle atrophy, and magnetic resonance neurography, which provides excellent contrast resolution between nerves and other tissues and between pathologic and normal segments of peripheral nerves, in addition to assessing reversible and irreversible muscle denervation changes, are the two mainstay imaging modalities used in peripheral nerve assessment. These two modalities are complimentary, and one may be more useful than the other depending on the nerve and location of pathology. Imaging must be interpreted in the context of available clinical information and other diagnostic studies, such as electrodiagnostic tests. Here, we offer a comprehensive overview of the role of high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography in the evaluation of the peripheral nerves of the lower extremity and their associated neuropathies.
The Evolution of Active Sport Event Travel Careers

Using the event-travel-career concept, this study examined the trajectory of active-sport-event travel careers through stages of development and the corresponding factors and dimensions perceived to influence career progression in the sport of cycling. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 amateur cyclists engaged in lifestyles geared toward active event travel. A grounded theory approach revealed that active event travel careers evolve through a complex progression of 9 core themes and related subthemes. The core themes included the first event, starting out, motivation, temporal, travel style, destination criteria, event types, spatial, and later in life. On the basis of these findings, a 6-stage active-sport-event travel career model is proposed consisting of initiation, introduction, expansion, peak threshold, maintenance, and maturity. From this model, theoretical contributions, suggestions for future research, and practical implications for sport tourism and event management are .
Education and Risk Management in the Czech Healthcare Facilities: Case of Nurses' Education about Patients' Disability

This paper investigates the symbiotic relationship between education and risk management within Czech healthcare facilities, specifically focusing on nurses' education regarding patients' disabilities. On the sample of 1,200 respondents from Czech healthcare facilities, the survey results suggest that education levels significantly shape risk awareness, tool utilization, and risk integration. While positive trends are evident in the healthcare sector, concerns linger around interpreting assessment results, information sufficiency, and the shortening of nurses’ education. This study's broader implications inform ongoing discussions on nursing education and its impact on patient care quality. It underscores the essential role of comprehensive education in cultivating critical thinking, adept risk management, and patient-centered care. The study sets the stage for continued discourse and policy considerations, reinforcing patient safety, staff competence, and healthcare system resilience.
Unraveling Imaginary and Real Motion: A Correlation Indices Study in BCI Data

: The efﬁcient translation of brain signals into an output device is an essential characteristic to establish a Brain-computer Interface (BCI) link. This research investigates the applicability of diverse correlation indices for the differentiation of speciﬁc movements (left, right, both, or none) and states (real or imaginary) in a private BCI dataset, including EEG recordings of 32 participants. As such, the recorded brain activation data were employed to illustrate the differences between visual-and auditory-event-related responses during task performance. Our methodology involved a two-pronged approach. Firstly, EEG data were collected, capturing both the visual-and auditory-event-related signals that corresponded to each of the four movement classes. Secondly, we performed a comparative analysis of the collected dataset using various correlation algorithms, such as Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall, among others, to evaluate their effectiveness in differentiating between movements and states. The results demonstrated distinctive correlation patterns, as the selected indices effectively distinguished between real and imaginary movements, as well as between different lower limp movements in most cases. Moreover, the correlation schemas of certain individuals presented greater sensitivity in discerning nuances within the dataset. In this regard, it can be inferred that the chosen correlation indices can provide valuable insights into the aforementioned differentiation in EEG data. The results open up potential paths for improving BCI interfaces and contributing to more accurate prediction models.
Cambio tecnológico y desigualdad de ingresos en México

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar la desigualdad de ingresos en México durante el tercer trimestre de 2018 y 2021 con información de la Encuesta Nacional de Ocupación y Empleo (ENOE) del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI). Se examina el vínculo entre los ingresos de los trabajadores y una variable de tecnología, construida a partir de las probabilidades de automatización que estiman Frey y Osborne (2017). Se consideran variables de control como el sexo, escolaridad, tipo de empleo, estructura regional y sectorial de la economía mexicana. Se instrumenta un procedimiento para corregir el problema de sesgo por autoselección muestral. Las estimaciones indican que quienes desempeñan ocupaciones con nivel medio y alto de automatización, ganan menos con respecto a quienes exhiben un bajo nivel de automatización. Durante 2018 los porcentajes fueron de menos 25% y 30% y durante 2021, de menos 23% y 28% respectivamente.
Ecuadorian Amazonian Fruits: A Proposal to Value Biodiversity and Promote Food Sovereignty

Fruits are characterized as a source of vitamins and minerals, recognized as an important part of a healthy eating pattern that reduces the risk of some chronic diseases. The Ecuadorian flora in the Amazon region is rich in edible fruits, but little is known about their characteristics and nutritional importance. At the same time, over the years, traditional knowledge about them has been lost. With this implication, this work pretends to describe a research proposal that values the biodiversity of edible fruits in the Ecuadorian Amazon, so that these underutilized products are conceived as more than merchandise. For this purpose, a narrative bibliographic review and a participatory observation were carried out. The research proposal included three stages i) the characterization of fruits traded in local markets; ii) an ethnobotanical study to identify the use and preference of the fruits; and iii) the analysis of bioactive compounds of at least 5 fruits prioritized according to the characterization and ethnobotanical study. The proposal stages generated research that converges the valuation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and nutritional potential of Ecuadorian Amazonian fruits. Keywords: edibles, characterization, bioactives, Ecuador, ethnobotany. Resumen Las frutas se caracterizan por ser una fuente de vitaminas y minerales, reconocidas como una parte importante de un patrón de alimentación saludable que reducen el riesgo de algunas enfermedades crónicas. La flora ecuatoriana en la región amazónica es rica en frutas comestibles, pero muy poco se conoce sobre sus características e importancia nutricional. A su vez, con el pasar de los años se está perdiendo el conocimiento tradicional sobre estas. Con esta implicación, este trabajo busca describir una propuesta de investigación que valore la biodiversidad de las frutas comestibles presentes en la Amazonía ecuatoriana para que estos productos infrautilizados sean concebidos como algo más que mercancías. Para esto se realizó una revisión bibliográfica narrativa y una observación participativa. La propuesta resultante incluyó tres etapas i) la caracterización de las frutas comercializadas en los mercados locales ii) un estudio etnobotánico que identifique el uso y preferencia de las frutas y iii) el análisis de compuestos bioactivos de al menos 5 frutas priorizadas de acuerdo con la caracterización y estudio etnobotánico. Las etapas de la propuesta generaron una investigación que converge la valoración de la biodiversidad, el conocimiento tradicional y el potencial nutricional de las frutas amazónicas ecuatorianas. Palabras Clave: comestibles, caracterización, bioactivos, Ecuador, etnobotánica.
Influence of Madden-Julian Oscillation on winter persistent cold events in China

Persistent cold events( PCEs) are picked out from winter daily mean temperature datasets of 522 stations in China from 1959- 2011. The frequency of PCEs occurrence was calculated when MJO was in different phases and the influence of MJO on winter PCEs in China was investigated from viewpoints of vertical motion and meridional circulation anomaly. Statistical result shows that PCEs occur more frequently in most regions of China when MJO is in phase 2 and 3. When MJO moves to phase 5 and 6,PCEs occurrence regions are confined to northern China and when MJO is in phase 7,southern China has a higher probability of PCEs occurrence. Furthermore,the possible mechanisms was investigated and indicated that MJO can lead to the local Hadley cell anomaly through exciting Rossby wave,then it is possible to affect the significant vertical motion anomalies in east Asia,finally MIO can change the paths or regions of cold air movement because of evolution of atmospheric circulation there.
Calcium uptake by developing apple fruits. I. Seasonal changes in calcium content of fruits

SummaryTrends in calcium uptake by developing fruits of four apple cultivars were followed during three seasons. Calcium uptake continued from flowering to harvest, though there was a tendency for the uptake rate to decline in the last two months of fruit growth. An attempt was made to predict Ca uptake rates on the basis of the product of sap Ca concentration and the water flow into the fruit. The water flow was estimated as the sum of the net water uptake for fruit growth and that lost in evaporation from the fruit, and the Ca concentration was assumed to be equal to that of xylem sap extracted from shoots with a pressure chamber. Using these values the mass flow hypothesis consistently underestimated Ca uptake rates by developing fruits early in the season and markedly overestimated them in the month or so prior to harvest. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.
Photochemistry of OIO: Laboratory study and atmospheric implications

Iodine chemistry influences the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere, principally by depleting ozone, and induces the formation of new particles in the marine boundary layer. The photochemistry of iodine dioxide (OIO) plays a key role in both these processes. Here we report that OIO photolyses in the visible (480–650 nm), yielding iodine atoms with a quantum efficiency of unity (1.07 ± 0.15). As a result, much smaller sources of iodine precursors are required to cause significant ozone depletion, which has important implications for the marine boundary layer ozone budget.
Green Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Podophyllotoxin from Juniperus scopulorum Needles

Background—Podophyllotoxin, a polyphenolic compound with major applications in cancer treatment, is in short supply, as its source is now an endangered plant species. It is therefore essential to find another available plant that produces high levels of podophyllotoxin. Some Juniperus species are known to contain podophyllotoxin, more exactly within their needles, but are still unused in this regard. Objective—The aim is to develop an efficient green ultrasound-assisted extraction protocol for podophyllotoxin from commercially available Juniperus scopulorum varieties. Methodology—To highlight optimal extraction conditions, a single-factor experiment was performed to identify the parameters (extraction duration, frequency, temperature extraction, preliminary grinding, and plant material concentration) influencing extraction. A multifactorial approach using the Box–Behnken design was then applied to determine the exact optimal extraction conditions. Results—The conditions for extracting the maximum amount of podophyllotoxin consist of 51.5 min of extraction time, in ethanol at 69.3%, and at 58.8 °C. This is the highest podophyllotoxin extraction yield ever obtained from Juniperus scopulorum needles. Compared with the reference protocol for the extracting of podophyllotoxin from Juniperus, ultrasonic extraction is an eco-friendly protocol, safe for humans, and the podophyllotoxin extracted by this method has much greater stability, allowing its purification. The analyses also indicate a variation in the podophyllotoxin content of Juniperus scopulorum needles, (from 7.02 to 10.34 mg/g DW) depending on the variety and year of purchase. Conclusion—Extraction in ethanol at 69.3% and at 58.8 °C for 51.5 min allows the extraction of up to 10.34 mg podophyllotoxin/g from freeze-dried Juniperus scopulorum needles.
Estimando un Modelo de 2 Factores del Tipo "Exponential-affine" para la Tasa de InterÃ©s Chilena

In this article we estimate a two-factor model for the risk-free term structure yield in Chile. These factors are the short rate and the central tendency that are not directly estimable. Both factors follow an Ito stochastic process. In the solution of the model we follow the Balduzzi et al. (1996) specification, which provides an estimation procedure that do not depend on the parametric specification of the second factor and an "exponential affine" solution type that allows to estimate the model by mean of only one equation. The data used in this study is the average weekly yields of the bonds "Bonos de Reconocimiento" (BR) of the Chilean stock exchange during May 1993 and December 1997. The results show that when we use a stochastic level for the long term rates the yields adjust better than the case when this level is constant. Also, the speed of the reversion process increases due to the better performance of the short term rate. In addition, using an ARCH specification for the rate volatility we found additional evidence that the variance of the rates.
Determining the Size of Centrality in Social Networks

Social network theory is becoming more and more significant in social science, and the centrality measure is underlying this burgeoning theory. In perspective of social network, individuals, organizations, companies etc. are like nodes in the network, and centrality is used to measure these nodes’ power, activity, communication convenience and so on. Meanwhile, degree centrality, betweenness centrality and closeness centrality are the popular detailed measurements. This paper presents these 3 centrality in-depth, from principle to algorithm, and prospect good in the future use.
Trends in urban storm water quality in Tallinn and influences from stormflow and baseflow

Temporal trends provide a good interpretation of change in stormwater quality over time. This study aimed to analyse trends and influences due to stormflow and baseflow. Grab samples of 18-19 years from 1995 to 2014 recorded at outlets of 7 Tallinn watersheds were analysed for monotonic trend through seasonal Mann Kendall test for long-term, short-term, baseflow and stormflow. Statistically significant downward trends ( P -value ( p ) 0.05 and < 0.2) for 3 – SS, 1 – BOD, 1 – TN and 1 – TP were identified. Statistically significant long-term upward trends of pH were revealed in 5 basins, which reduced to 2 with 5 less significant upward trends over the 10 year period, indicating improvements in pH reduction. Harjapea has the highest pH without trend but it includes an upward trend of TN at p = 0.051. The highly possible causes for downward trends are street sweeping, sewer network improvement, decline in sub-urban agricultural areas, etc. The upward trend results of pH are related to increased alkalinisation due to acidic rain, weathering of carbonate rocks, sewage discharge and alkaline road dust. In most of the basins, stormflow has more influence on trends than baseflow.