Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frequency discrimination and non-lexical reading in children with auditory processing disorders: a preliminary study

ABSTRACT Purpose: To explore the potential differential effect of auditory frequency discrimination (FD) difficulty on a range of reading and cognitive processes in children with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD). Methods: Sixteen children with APD (aged 7;5 to 10;2), eight with FD difficulty (FD-POOR group), and eight with age-appropriate FD (FD-TYPICAL group) were tested on measures of non-lexical and lexical reading, phonological processing (phonological awareness, phonological memory and rapid automatized naming), receptive language, auditory sustained attention, and executive function. Results: The results showed that children with poor FD experienced difficulty with tasks associated with non-lexical reading and phonological awareness. There were no significant differences between the groups on lexical reading, phonological memory and rapid automatized naming. Children with FD difficulty also showed poorer executive function. Specifically, they showed greater lag in reaction times (slower reaction times) on incongruent verses congruent trials on a modified Simon Task, indicating a larger Simon Effect. This suggests that these children were more affected by incongruency and showed poorer attention control. This finding was in the absence of significant differences in receptive language and auditory sustained attention. Conclusion: These findings support the notion that FD difficulty often co-exists with reading difficulty in children with APD. Extending the previous findings, the present results suggest that FD pertained largely with specific aspects of reading, namely the non-lexical reading process and phonological awareness. These findings are consistent with the current models of reading that non-lexical reading and phonological awareness are more dependent on AP abilities. Additionally, poorer executive function in children with poor FD support further investigation into the association between executive function, FD, and reading in children with APD.
PDE: a Pareto-frontier differential evolution approach for multi-objective optimization problems

The use of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to solve problems with multiple objectives (known as multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs)) has attracted much attention. Being population based approaches, EAs offer a means to find a group of Pareto-optimal solutions in a single run. Differential evolution (DE) is an EA that was developed to handle optimization problems over continuous domains. The objective of this paper is to introduce a novel Pareto-frontier differential evolution (PDE) algorithm to solve MOPs. The solutions provided by the proposed algorithm for two standard test problems, outperform the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm, one of the state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms for solving MOPs.
Exploring notions of control across cultures: a narrative approach

It can be argued that the concept of control is one of the most important and yet complex notions of management accounting theory and practice. Despite its importance, it is not fully understood in terms of its significance in an international context. Using an interpretive approach and against the background of structuration theory, this paper explores and identifies differences in notions of control across European cultures. The empirical research is based on samples of narratives of personal experiences taken from respondents in four European countries: Austria, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The results indicate that control is influenced by, and deeply embedded in, the cultural context of the respective countries. This has implications for the transfer of management accounting and control knowledge across different European countries and suggests that one has to be aware of the existence, meaning and significance of the differences and characteristics of the regional culture. In an era of internationalization and standardization, this paper responds to calls (Hopwood, 1999) for research, which emphasizes the importance of attempts to understand how the practices of management accounting and control are differentiated in relation to regional cultures.
Quantitative Analysis of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins A and B in Food Matrices Using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)

A method that uses mass spectrometry (MS) for identification and quantification of protein toxins, staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB), in milk and shrimp is described. The analysis was performed using a tryptic peptide, from each of the toxins, as the target analyte together with the corresponding 13C-labeled synthetic internal standard peptide. The performance of the method was evaluated by analyzing spiked samples in the quantification range 2.5–30 ng/g (R2 = 0.92–0.99). The limit of quantification (LOQ) in milk and the limit of detection (LOD) in shrimp was 2.5 ng/g, for both SEA and SEB toxins. The in-house reproducibility (RSD) was 8%–30% and 5%–41% at different concentrations for milk and shrimp, respectively. The method was compared to the ELISA method, used at the EU-RL (France), for milk samples spiked with SEA at low levels, in the quantification range of 2.5 to 5 ng/g. The comparison showed good coherence for the two methods: 2.9 (MS)/1.8 (ELISA) and 3.6 (MS)/3.8 (ELISA) ng/g. The major advantage of the developed method is that it allows direct confirmation of the molecular identity and quantitative analysis of SEA and SEB at low nanogram levels using a label and antibody free approach. Therefore, this method is an important step in the development of alternatives to the immune-assay tests currently used for staphylococcal enterotoxin analysis.
Assigning Resources to Budget-Constrained Agents

This article studies different methods of assigning a good to budget-constrained agents. Schemes that assign the good randomly and allow resale may outperform the competitive market in terms of Utilitarian efficiency. The socially optimal mechanism involves random assignment at a discount--an in-kind subsidy--and a cash incentive to discourage low-valuation individuals from claiming the good. Copyright , Oxford University Press.
Cylindrical elastic crawler mechanism for pipe inspection inspired by amoeba locomotion

The diverse pipe installations used today include pipelines in chemical plants, water pipes, and gas pipes. Severe accidents at such pipe installations must be prevented by regular pipe inspection and repair. As described herein, a novel tracked crawler mechanism is proposed for pipe inspection. This simple and compact cylindrical elastic tracked crawler has multiple crawler belts in axial symmetry to a cylindrical frame, driven solely by a single motor via a single worm. It is suitable for propulsion through a narrow pipe. It can propel itself upward in a pipe using elastic force generated by deforming the crawler belt passively. Moreover, the proposed tracked crawler can cross over a level difference and pass an elbow by deforming the crawler belt passively along the pipe shape. For a prototype tracked crawler, running performance experiments conducted in various pipe conditions yielded good results. This study clarified the relation between belt rigidity and traction force in theory and experiment respectively.
Anti‐CD22 and anti‐CD79b antibody‐drug conjugates preferentially target proliferating B cells

CD22 and CD79b are cell‐surface receptors expressed on B‐cell‐derived malignancies such as non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). An anti‐mitotic agent, monomethyl auristatin E, was conjugated to anti‐CD22 and anti‐CD79b antibodies to develop target‐specific therapies for NHL. The mechanism of action (MOA) and pharmacological and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of these antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) were investigated in cynomolgus monkeys.
PERCEIVED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES AND SOCIAL NETWORK: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA

n this study we argue that the knowledge and networking relationship are related with growth, efficiency, and effectiveness among the Malaysian Bumiputera small and medium agro-based enterprises (SMAEs) and even more positive relationship established in appropriate environment. The study on 615 agro-based industries ascertained some direct impact of knowledge and network, moreover in the presence of appropriate perceived environmental factors as moderators on the relationship, all knowledge and network variables showed more positive relationship. Interaction effects of perceived environmental factors capitalizing in their interaction terms on the knowledge, network and growth, efficiency, effectiveness relationship were also strongly evidenced. Strategic alliance and social network explains higher firms growth, efficiency and effectiveness when dynamic product market environment is also high. On the other hand, tacit knowledge explains higher effectiveness when munificent environment and product market environmental dynamism are also high. The study lends support to knowledgebased view, network and contingency theory. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*Corresponding Author. Email: amranawang@yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RESEARCH (JEIBR) ISSN: 2328-4617 VOL. 1(1), pp. 6-34, JULY 2013 REF NUMBER: 0520130702 ONLINE: http://www.projournals. org/JEIBR
The “task approach” to labor markets: an overview

An emerging literature argues that changes in the allocation of workplace “tasks” between capital and labor, and between domestic and foreign workers, has altered the structure of labor demand in industrialized countries and fostered employment polarization—that is, rising employment in the highest and lowest paid occupations. Analyzing this phenomenon within the canonical production function framework is challenging, however, because the assignment of tasks to labor and capital in the canonical model is essentially static. This essay sketches an alternative model of the assignment of skills to tasks based upon comparative advantage, reviews key conceptual and practical challenges that researchers face in bringing the “task approach” to the data, and cautions against two common pitfalls that pervade the growing task literature. I conclude with a cautiously optimistic forecast for the potential of the task approach to illuminate the interactions among skill supplies, technological capabilities, and trade and offshoring opportunities, in shaping the aggregate demand for skills, the assignment of skills to tasks, and the evolution of wages.ZusammenfassungIn einer wachsenden Literatur wird die Auffassung vertreten, dass Veränderungen in der Zuweisung von Arbeitsplatzaufgaben (tasks) zwischen Kapital und Arbeit und zwischen in- und ausländischen Arbeitskräften die Struktur der Arbeitskräftenachfrage in den Industrieländern verändert und eine Polarisierung von Beschäftigung gefördert hat – d.h. steigende Beschäftigungszahlen in den best- und schlechtestbezahlten Berufen. Eine Analyse dieses Phänomens im Rahmen der gängigen Produktionsfunktion ist jedoch schwierig, da die Zuweisung von Aufgaben zu Arbeit und Kapital in diesem Modell im Wesentlichen statisch ist. Dieses Essay skizziert ein Alternativmodell zur Zuweisung von Kompetenzen zu Aufgaben basierend auf dem komparativem Vorteil, bespricht wichtige konzeptionelle und praktische Schwierigkeiten, vor denen Forscher stehen, wenn sie den „TASKS-Ansatz“ in Daten übertragen wollen und warnt vor zwei gängigen Fallstricken, die die immer stärker wachsende Literatur zu diesem Thema durchziehen. Ich schließe mit einer vorsichtig optimistischen Vorhersage für die Möglichkeiten des TASKS-Ansatzes zur Erläuterung der Interaktionen zwischen Angebot an Kompetenzen, technologischem Potenzial und Handels- und Offshoringmöglichkeiten in der Gestaltung der aggregierten Nachfrage nach Kompetenzen, der Zuweisung von Kompetenzen zu Aufgaben und der Entwicklung von Löhnen.
Identifying the Determinants of Knowledge Transfer within University and Industry Alliance

This working paper is aimed to propose a conceptual model of university to industry knowledge transfer by identifying the determinant factors of knowledge transfer within university and industry alliance. Transaction cost economics, resource-based theory, and knowledge-based theory are used to explain the relationships between antecedents (knowledge attributes, organizational attributes, network attributes) and consequent of university to industry knowledge transfer and the role of uncertainties as moderating variable that might affect the relationship between university to industry knowledge transfer and the alliance performance. The study is expected to fill the gap in the study of university to industry knowledge transfer within university and industry alliance and to contribute the strategic management literature to support the development of intellectual capabilities and professional knowledge for researchers in the field of management through the application of theory in the industry. This study is also expected to support the efforts to develop "research partnership" between academics and practitioners. Cooperation to develop the research, information, capabilities between the two parties will be a platform for resolving the problems in the real sector of the industry so that practical solutions can be created through the formulation of appropriate policies and strategies based on real problems faced in industry.
Causes of Deviations of Inflation from CNB Targets: An Empirical Analysis

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the causes of deviations of inflation from the CNB targets. In the short term, shocks relating to prices of agricultural producers represent the most important factor. In the medium-term horizon, foreign exchange shocks form the most important factor. At the same time, it could not be proved that monetary policy would create any major shocks contributing to the non-fulfilment of inflation targets, although its certain role cannot be excluded either.
Dimensions of social sensitivity in two types of learning-disabled children.

The principal purpose of this study was to investigate whether two groups of learning-disabled children, classified according to their pattern of neuropsychological a b i l i t ie s , would d iffe r in their performance on five exploratory tasks of social sensitivity. Seven children with primarily auditory-perceptual d iff icu lties (Group 2) were compared to 7 children with primarily visual-spatial d iff icu lties (Group 3) on their recognition of facial expressions and nonverbal gestures, and on their verbal labelling and explanations of feelings. The children ranged in age from 8 to 11 years, and their performances on these tasks were compared to a group of average-achieving children (Group 1). S ta tis tica lly significant differences between groups were found for the combination of dependent variables (MANOVA £ = 2.20, £ < .0 5 ) as well as for the two tasks requiring verbal responses. The pattern of group performance was in the hypothesized direction on four of the five tasks. Discussion of the results f i r s t considered the limitations of the exploratory tasks, followed by comments regarding the composition of the two sub-types of learning-disabled children.
Underperformance in Social Studies in Grades 5–7 in Namibian primary schools: A case study

CITATION: Carl, A. E. & Negumbo, T. A. N. 2017. Underperformance in social studies in grades 5–7 in Namibian primary schools : a case study. Yesterday and Today, 17:92-120, doi:10.17159/2223-0386/2017/n17a5.
Afterglow Observations Shed New Light on the Nature of X-Ray Flashes

X-ray flashes (XRFs) and X-ray-rich gamma-ray bursts (XRGRBs) share many observational characteristics with long-duration (≳2 s) GRBs, but the reason for which the spectral energy distribution of their prompt emission peaks at lower photon energies Ep is still a subject of debate. Although many different models have been invoked in order to explain the lower values of Ep, their implications for the afterglow emission were not considered in most cases, mainly because observations of XRF afterglows have become available only recently. Here we examine the predictions of the various XRF models for the afterglow emission and test them against the observations of XRF 030723 and XRGRB 041006, the events with the best monitored afterglow light curves in their respective classes. We show that most existing XRF models are hard to reconcile with the observed afterglow light curves, which are very flat at early times. Such light curves are, however, naturally produced by a roughly uniform jet with relatively sharp edges that is viewed off-axis (i.e., from outside of the jet aperture). This type of model self-consistently accommodates both the observed prompt emission and the afterglow light curves of XRGRB 041006 and XRF 030723, implying viewing angles θobs from the jet axis of (θobs - θ0) ~ 0. 15θ0 and (θobs - θ0) ~ θ0, respectively, where θ0 ~ 3° is the half-opening angle of the jet. This suggests that GRBs, XRGRBs, and XRFs are intrinsically similar relativistic jets viewed from different angles. It is then natural to identify GRBs with γ(θobs - θ0) ≲ 1, XRGRBs with 1 ≲ γ(θobs - θ0) ≲ a few, and XRFs with γ(θobs - θ0) ≳ a few, where γ is the Lorentz factor of the outflow near the edge of the jet, from which most of the observed prompt emission arises. Future observations with HETE-2 and Swift could help test this unification scheme in which GRBs, XRGRBs, and XRFs share the same basic physics and differ only by their orientation relative to our line of sight.
The photospheric abundances of active binaries. III. Abundance peculiarities at high activity levels

We report the determination from high-resolution spectra of the atmospheric parameters and abundances of 13 chem- ical species (among which lithium) in 8 single-lined active binaries. These data are combined with our previous results for 6 other RS CVn systems to examine a possible relationship between the photospheric abundance patterns and the stellar activ- ity level. The stars analyzed are generally found to exhibit peculiar abundance ratios compared to inactive, Galactic disk stars of similar metallicities. We argue that this behaviour is unlikely to be an artefact of errors in the determination of the atmospheric parameters or non-standard mixing processes along the red giant branch, but diagnoses instead the combined action of various physical processes related to activity. The most promising candidates are cool spot groups covering a very substantial fraction of the stellar photosphere or NLTE effects arising from nonthermal excitation. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that more general shortcomings in our understanding of K-type stars (e.g. inadequacies in the atmospheric models) also play a significant role. Lastly, we call attention to the unreliability of the (V − R )a nd (V − I) colour indices as temperature indicators in chromospherically active stars.
DIVISION OF THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY PASADENA , CALIFORNIA 91125 SEQUENTIAL ENTRY IN MANY-TOONE MATCHING MARKETS

We study sequential bargaining in many-to-one matching markets. We show that there is an advantage to entering late in the market, and that the last agent to enter the market will receive his or her best partner in a stable matching, extending the results of Blum and Rothblum (2002) and Cechlárová (2002) for the marriage model. We also discuss the relation between sequential bargaining and a possible alternative formulation based on the NTU Shapley value. JEL classification numbers: C71,C78
Structural characteristics of mesoscale convective systems over southeast Brazil related to cold frontal and non-frontal incursions

Southeast Brazil is a region frequently influenced by meteorological systems that cause intense rainfall throughout the year and especially in austral summer, autumn and spring. The majority of these systems are known as ‘mesoscale convective systems (MCSs)’. The MCSs are responsible for most tropical precipitation and are characterised by severe weather conditions (Zipser 1977; Maddox 1983; Houze 2004; Zipser et al. 2006; Durkee and Mote 2009; Durkee et al. 2009). The monitoring of MCSs over southeast Brazil is important not only for the improvement of weather forecast models in national weather forecast centres and civil defense institutions, but also for agriculture, hydroelectricity, and particularly for oil production companies located in Bacia de Campos, Bacia de Santos, Bacia do Espirito Santo, and Bacia de Mucuri, as shown in Fig. 1. These companies need continuous information about severe weather conditions Structural characteristics of mesoscale convective systems over southeast Brazil related to cold frontal and non-frontal incursions
MODELING REITS DYNAMICS UNDER STRUCTURAL CHANGE WITH UNKNOWN BREAKPOINTS

Dynamic behaviors of returns on real estate and equity markets, along with measures on related macroeconomic variables are studied. Using monthly data measured over the period 1971-2004, we find a single structural break in a multivariate time series model of returns on REITS, returns on stock equities, industrial production, aggregate price inflation, default risk, the term spread, and short term interest rates. The break date is October 1980. A distinct difference in contemporaneous causal structure before and after the break is found. Results from application of directed acyclic graphs and new algorithms on inductive causation show that REITs take the role of a causal parent after the break.
Pressure relieving support surfaces (PRESSURE) trial: cost effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective To assess the cost effectiveness of alternating pressure mattresses compared with alternating pressure overlays for the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients admitted to hospital. Design Cost effectiveness analysis carried out alongside the pressure relieving support surfaces (PRESSURE) trial; a multicentre UK based pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Setting 11 hospitals in six UK NHS trusts. Participants Intention to treat population comprising 1971 participants. Main outcome measures Kaplan Meier estimates of restricted mean time to development of pressure ulcers and total costs for treatment in hospital. Results Alternating pressure mattresses were associated with lower overall costs (£283.6 per patient on average, 95% confidence interval - £377.59 to £976.79) mainly due to reduced length of stay in hospital, and greater benefits (a delay in time to ulceration of 10.64 days on average, - 24.40 to 3.09). The differences in health benefits and total costs for hospital stay between alternating pressure mattresses and alternating pressure overlays were not statistically significant; however, a cost effectiveness acceptability curve indicated that on average alternating pressure mattresses compared with alternating pressure overlays were associated with an 80% probability of being cost saving. Conclusion Alternating pressure mattresses for the prevention of pressure ulcers are more likely to be cost effective and are more acceptable to patients than alternating pressure overlays.
Maximising Happiness?

The measurement of individual happiness challenges the notion that revealed preferences only reliably and empirically reflect individual utility. Reported subjective well-being is a broader concept than traditional decision utility; it also includes concepts like experience and procedural utility. Micro- and macroeconometric happiness functions offer new insights on determinants of life satisfaction. However, one should not leap to the conclusion that happiness should be maximised, as was suggested for social welfare function maximisation. In contrast, happiness research strengthens the validity of an institutional approach, such as reflected in the theory of democratic economic policy.