Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A normative‐developmental study of executive function: A window on prefrontal function in children

Normative‐developmental performance on a battery of executive function tasks was investigated. Executive function was defined as goal‐directed behavior, including planning, organized search, and impulse control. Measures were drawn from clinical neuropsychology (visual search, verbal fluency, motor sequencing, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Task [WCST]) and from developmental psychology (Tower of Hanoi [TOH] and Matching Familiar Figures Test [MFFT]). A discriminant task, recognition memory, was administered, and IQ scores were available on a subset of the sample. One hundred subjects ranging from 3 to 12 years old participated; an adult group was also studied. Three major results were found: (a) adult‐level performance on different subsets of the executive function tasks was achieved at three different ages—6 years old, 10 years old, and adolescence; (b) the measures clustered into three different factors reflecting speeded responding, set maintenance, and planning; and (c) most of the executive function tas.
The Source of Afterdischarge Activity in Neocortical Tonic–Clonic Epilepsy

Tonic–clonic seizures represent a common pattern of epileptic discharges, yet the relationship between the various phases of the seizure remains obscure. Here we contrast propagation of the ictal wavefront with the propagation of individual discharges in the clonic phase of the event. In an in vitro model of tonic–clonic epilepsy, the afterdischarges (clonic phase) propagate with relative uniform speed and are independent of the speed of the ictal wavefront (tonic phase). For slowly propagating ictal wavefronts, the source of the afterdischarges, relative to a given recording electrode, switched as the wavefront passed by, indicating that afterdischarges are seeded from wavefront itself. In tissue that has experienced repeated ictal events, the wavefront generalizes rapidly, and the afterdischarges in this case show a different “flip–flop” pattern, with frequent switches in their direction of propagation. This same flip–flop pattern is also seen in subdural EEG recordings in patients suffering intractable focal seizures caused by cortical dysplasias. Thus, in both slowly and rapidly generalizing ictal events, there is not a single source of afterdischarge activity: rather, the source is continuously changing. Our data suggest a complex view of seizures in which the ictal event and its constituent discharges originate from distinct locations.
Efficacy of a Dermoxen® lenitiva for pruritus genitalis in a randomized, double blind trial.

BACKGROUND Pruritus can be defined as an unpleasant cutaneous sensation associated with the immediate desire to scratch. In particular external intimate zone could be hit by pruritus genitalis because of several reasons (bacterial infection, fungal infection, stress, bad intimate behavior, synthetic intimate clothes). AIM The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Dermoxen® Lenitiva cream versus a methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% based cream in treating pruritus of the external genitalia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Independent, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in two University affiliated Italian Hospitals. 80 women, affected by aspecific pruritus genitalis with negative vaginal swab for bacterial or fungal infections or other pathogenic causes of itching, were selected and blindly treated by Dermoxen® Lenitiva cream or methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% based cream. The main outcome measures were: the reduction of sensation of pruritus, evaluated by a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and improvement of intimate wellness sensation, and comfort during sexual intercourse, frequency and severity of adverse reactions. RESULTS Significant reduction of itching sensation was verified for each treatment. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, DermoXen® Lenitiva vaginal cream showed efficacy so as methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% based cream for itching treatment on external female genitalia and improved intimate comfort and comfort in sexual intercourse.
Looking for a balance between internal and external evaluation of school quality: evaluation of the SVI model

This article describes the results of a study into the utility of the SVI model, a model in which internal and external evaluation are balanced. The model consists of three phases: school self‐evaluation, visitation and inspection. Under the guidance of school consultants, 27 Dutch primary schools have built up two years of experience with the SVI model. The results show that the school leaders developed a positive attitude towards school self‐evaluation and visitation. They found that both self‐evaluation and visitation have improved their insight into the quality of the school. However, a content analysis of the school self‐evaluation reports shows that the school self‐evaluations are often of low quality. For example, it appeared that most of the self‐evaluation reports do not provide answers to questions the schools have formulated at the beginning of the self‐evaluation. Moreover, the teams of critical friends and the inspectors concluded that the school self‐evaluations do have many shortcomings. Based on these results, we conclude that school self‐evaluation is a very difficult task for most schools. It is therefore crucial that schools receive external support and that they build up experience with school self‐evaluations over a period of years.
NK Cell Proportion and Number Are Influenced by Genetic Loci on Chromosomes 8, 9, and 17

NK cells play a crucial role in innate immunity due to their direct cytotoxicity toward tumors, virally infected cells, and stressed cells, and they also contribute to the orchestration of the adaptive response by their ability to produce immunoregulatory cytokines. In secondary lymphoid organs, NK cells compose the third most abundant lymphocyte subset after T cells and B cells. In this study, we perform an unbiased linkage analysis to determine the genetic loci that may limit the size of the NK cell compartment. Specifically, we exploit differences in NK cell proportion and absolute number between the C57BL/6 and the NOD mice. In addition to the previously identified linkage to chromosome 8, we find that a locus on chromosome 17, which encompasses the MHC locus, impacts NK cell number. Moreover, we identify a locus on mouse chromosome 9 that is strongly linked to the proportion and absolute number of NK cells. Using NOD congenic mice, we validate that both the MHC and the chromosome 9 loci influence the proportion and absolute number of NK cells. We have thus identified additional loci specifically linked to the proportion of NK cells and present some of the potential candidate genes comprised within these loci.
Red cell alloimmunization in a transfused patient population: a study from a tertiary care hospital in north India

Abstract Background: Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunization results from genetic disparity of RBC antigens between donor and recipients. There is a paucity of data on the incidence of RBC alloimmunization in transfused recipients from the region studied, as pre-transfusion antibody screening is not routinely performed. Aim: To assess the incidence of RBC alloimmunization in a transfused patient population at a tertiary care hospital in north India. Materials and methods: Antibody screening was carried out in 531 multi-transfused patients prior to crossmatching with a commercially available three-cell panel (Diacell; Diamed AG, Cressier-sur-Morat, Switzerland) by the tube method, using a saline indirect antiglobulin test. Antibody screen-positive samples were analyzed for the specificity of the alloantibody with an 11-cell identification panel (Diapanel; Diamed AG). Antigen-negative crossmatch-compatible blood was transfused if the antibody was clinically significant, whereas for clinically insignificant antibodies, crossmatch-compatible blood at anti-human globulin phase was issued for transfusion. Results: The overall incidence of RBC alloimmunization in transfused patients was 3·4% (18/531), with anti-c being the most common specificity (38·8%), followed by anti-E (22·2%), anti-M (11·1%), anti-Lea (11·1%), anti-D (5·6%), anti-Jka (5·6%) and anti-Leb (5·6%). The highest incidence of alloimmunization was observed in gastroenterology patients (4·5%), followed by hematology patients (3·5%). Of the antibodies detected, 16·7% (3/18) were clinically insignificant with Lea, Leb and M specificities. Conclusions: The majority of alloantibodies detected in the current study were clinically significant. Thus, pre-transfusion antibody screening on patients' samples prior to crossmatching needs to be initiated in India to ensure safe transfusion practice.
The Convicted Rapist

The issue addressed in this article concerns the characteristics of “official rapists,” that is, males who have been processed by the criminal justice system. Presently available research findings are inadequate for developing a definitive portrait of the rapist since the study populations most often consist of rapists only. In the research for this article, incarcerated rapists were compared with other sex offenders, and with other serious property and violent offenders. A sample of 965 males was drawn from a national survey of inmates in correctional facilities. While a few differences were found (most notably rapists were more likely to be black than other offenders), in general, rapists were most often similar to both serious property and violent offenders. Rapists differed most often from other sex offenders. However, both rapists and other sex offenders were less likely to have previously served time than other serious offenders.
Historically Black vs. White Institutions: Academic Development among Black Students

Using national longitudinal data, this study compares the academic development among African American students attending historically Black and White institutions of higher education. It also compares and contrasts African American student characteristics and institutional resources. The analyses of hierarchical linear modeling demonstrate no significant differences on self-reported academic ability, writing, and mathematics. However, students at Black institutions tend to be more socio-economically disadvantaged. White institutions tend to have better and more academic resources.
Closing the (nuclear) envelope on the genome: How nuclear lamins interact with promoters and modulate gene expression

The nuclear envelope shapes the functional organization of the nucleus. Increasing evidence indicates that one of its main components, the nuclear lamina, dynamically interacts with the genome, including the promoter region of specific genes. This seems to occur in a manner that accords developmental significance to these interactions. This essay addresses key issues raised by recent data on the association of nuclear lamins with the genome. We discuss how lamins interact with large chromatin domains and with spatially restricted regions on gene promoters. We address the relationship between these interactions, chromatin modifications and gene expression outcomes. Lamin‐genome contacts are redistributed after cell division and during stem cell differentiation, with evidence of lineage specificity. Thus, we also speculate on a developmental role of lamin interactions with specific genes. Finally, we highlight how concepts arising from this recent work lay the foundations of future challenges and investigations.
Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods

Insects have been proposed as a high-quality, efficient and sustainable dietary protein source. The present study evaluated the protein quality of a selection of insect species. Insect substrates were housefly pupae, adult house cricket, yellow mealworm larvae, lesser mealworm larvae, Morio worm larvae, black soldier fly larvae and pupae, six spot roach, death's head cockroach and Argentinean cockroach. Reference substrates were poultry meat meal, fish meal and soyabean meal. Substrates were analysed for DM, N, crude fat, ash and amino acid (AA) contents and for in vitro digestibility of organic matter (OM) and N. The nutrient composition, AA scores as well as in vitro OM and N digestibility varied considerably between insect substrates. For the AA score, the first limiting AA for most substrates was the combined requirement for Met and Cys. The pupae of the housefly and black soldier fly were high in protein and had high AA scores but were less digestible than other insect substrates. The protein content and AA score of house crickets were high and similar to that of fish meal; however, in vitro N digestibility was higher. The cockroaches were relatively high in protein but the indispensable AA contents, AA scores and the in vitro digestibility values were relatively low. In addition to the indices of protein quality, other aspects such as efficiency of conversion of organic side streams, feasibility of mass-production, product safety and pet owner perception are important for future dog and cat food application of insects as alternative protein source.
Blind quality assessment system for multimedia communications using tracing watermarking

This paper presents a novel method to blindly estimate the quality of a multimedia communication link by means of an unconventional use of digital fragile watermarking. Data hiding by digital watermarking is usually employed for multimedia copyright protection, authenticity verification, or similar purposes. However, watermarking is here adopted as a technique to provide a blind measure of the quality of service in multimedia communications. Specifically, a fragile watermark is hidden in an MPEG-like host data video transport stream using a spread-spectrum approach. Like a tracing signal, the watermark tracks the data, where it is embedded, since both the watermark and the host data follow the same communication link. The estimation of the tracing watermark allows dynamically evaluating the effective quality of the provided video services. This depends on the whole physical layer, including the employed video co/decoder. The performed method is based on the evaluation of the mean-square-error between the estimated and the actual watermarks. The proposed technique has been designed for application to wireless multimedia communication systems. According to the results obtained, the sensitivity of the detected tracing watermark on the quality of service (QoS) indices provides for some useful capabilities for analyzing future mobile Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) services.
Quantization resolution and limit cycling in digitally controlled PWM converters

This paper discusses the presence of steady-state limit cycles in digitally controlled pulse-width modulation (PWM) converters, and suggests conditions on the control law and the quantization resolution for their elimination. It then introduces single-phase and multi-phase controlled digital dither as a means of increasing the effective resolution of digital PWM (DPWM) modules, allowing for the use of low resolution DPWM units in high regulation accuracy applications. Bounds on the number of bits of dither that can be used in a particular converter are derived.
Intention Seekers: Conspiracist Ideation and Biased Attributions of Intentionality

Conspiracist beliefs are widespread and potentially hazardous. A growing body of research suggests that cognitive biases may play a role in endorsement of conspiracy theories. The current research examines the novel hypothesis that individuals who are biased towards inferring intentional explanations for ambiguous actions are more likely to endorse conspiracy theories, which portray events as the exclusive product of intentional agency. Study 1 replicated a previously observed relationship between conspiracist ideation and individual differences in anthropomorphisation. Studies 2 and 3 report a relationship between conspiracism and inferences of intentionality for imagined ambiguous events. Additionally, Study 3 again found conspiracist ideation to be predicted by individual differences in anthropomorphism. Contrary to expectations, however, the relationship was not mediated by the intentionality bias. The findings are discussed in terms of a domain-general intentionality bias making conspiracy theories appear particularly plausible. Alternative explanations are suggested for the association between conspiracism and anthropomorphism.
Voice Conversion Using Deep Neural Networks With Layer-Wise Generative Training

This paper presents a new spectral envelope conversion method using deep neural networks (DNNs). The conventional joint density Gaussian mixture model (JDGMM) based spectral conversion methods perform stably and effectively. However, the speech generated by these methods suffer severe quality degradation due to the following two factors: 1) inadequacy of JDGMM in modeling the distribution of spectral features as well as the non-linear mapping relationship between the source and target speakers, 2) spectral detail loss caused by the use of high-level spectral features such as mel-cepstra. Previously, we have proposed to use the mixture of restricted Boltzmann machines (MoRBM) and the mixture of Gaussian bidirectional associative memories (MoGBAM) to cope with these problems. In this paper, we propose to use a DNN to construct a global non-linear mapping relationship between the spectral envelopes of two speakers. The proposed DNN is generatively trained by cascading two RBMs, which model the distributions of spectral envelopes of source and target speakers respectively, using a Bernoulli BAM (BBAM). Therefore, the proposed training method takes the advantage of the strong modeling ability of RBMs in modeling the distribution of spectral envelopes and the superiority of BAMs in deriving the conditional distributions for conversion. Careful comparisons and analysis among the proposed method and some conventional methods are presented in this paper. The subjective results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the performance in terms of both similarity and naturalness compared to conventional methods.
Crisis Discourse in Physical Education and the Laugh of Michel Foucault

The central argument in this paper is that talk of crisis functions as an important shaper of contemporary understandings of Physical Education, and in this sense becomes a means for intervention by 'experts' into the form and function of the institutional practices and understandings that work to define the field; in other words, talk of crisis is properly understood as crisis discourse. This argument carries an important implication in that when we attempt to intervene via the activities of 'expertise' in our institutional practices, especially when we do so within crisis discourse, we need to recognise that notions of control over where this intervention will lead are little more than illusory. Implicit here is a recognition that the current field of Physical Education, as it has historically emerged, is not given to us outside of our own construction of it and, yet, that field, though contingent on our thought and actions, possesses a certain objective density which imposes itself on us. Recognising this, we need to commit ourselves to practices which seek to change this field, while at the same time understanding that our change-oriented practices, too, will be dense with effects we may not comprehend until they have betrayed us. This attitude was called by Michel de Certeau ' the laugh of Michel Foucault '. By examining this phenomenon qua an examination of the way multiple, often conflicting discourses found their way into the popularly identified crisis in Australian Physical Education during the first half of the 1990s, this paper focuses on how crisis discourse that was invoked strategically (particularly by the socially critical 'left') as a catalyst for change tended to produce conservative outcomes due to the way particular historical themes tended to colonise the discursive spaces created. This historical case raises important questions about the relations we presently take up within and toward Physical Education whenever we wish to speak its 'truths', and provides a standpoint from which both existing understandings of the field and future emergences of crisis discourse may analysed.
Customer lifetime value: Marketing models and applications

Customer lifetime value has been a mainstay concept in direct response marketing for many years, and has been increasingly considered in the field of general marketing. However, the vast majority of literature on the topic (a) has been dedicated to extolling its use as a decision-making criterion; (b) has presented isolated numerical examples of its calculation/determination; and (c) has considered it as part of the general discussions of profitability and discussed its role in customer acquisition decisions and customer acquisition/retention trade-offs. There has been a dearth of general modeling of the topic. This paper presents a series of mathematical models for determination of customer lifetime value. The choice of the models is based on a systematic theoretical taxonomy and on assumptions grounded in customer behavior. In addition, selected managerial applications of these general models of customer lifetime value are offered.
Effects of Justice Theory on Service Recovery Satisfaction on Metro Manila Dine-in Experiences

Service failure happens, but as studies have shown, the recovery efforts performed by the frontline employees can turn these negative experiences to satisfying ones. This empirical study investigated how these recovery efforts affect customer satisfaction. The primary objective of the study was to determine how justice theory affects recovery satisfaction. Using confirmatory factor analysis, results showed that distributive and interactional justices have significant effects on recovery satisfaction, while results provided weak support for procedural justice. The effect of distributive justice on recovery satisfaction was stronger than interactional justice. Results also showed that satisfaction with the recovery efforts positively and significantly affect the customer’s behavioral intentions of repurchase and word-of-mouth communications.
Juvenile Diversion: Results of a 3-Year Experimental Study

In a 3-year longitudinal study of first-time juvenile status offenders assigned at random to three treatment groups and a control group, no significant differences were found in recidivism rates among the groups. A total of 398 juveniles in this study were cited for offenses of tobacco or alcohol in a medium-sized metropolitan northwest city. The offenders were assigned at random to four groups: a traditional magistrate court, a traditional youth court diversion program, a new nonjudicial-diversion program, and a control group. None of the groups, including the control group, showed a significant difference in recidivism rates. It was determined from the evaluation of all groups that the diversion program offered the most cost-effective program intervention to provide more services to potentially troubled teens.
Tensions between validity and outcomes: teacher assessment of written work of recently arrived immigrant ESL students

This article reports on a collaborative study involving ESL1 teachers in an Australian English Language Centre as they work through some of their concerns about reliability and validity in their assessment practices. The focus of this article is on how teachers work with the Curriculum Standards Framework (CSF) as an assessment tool. The discussion focuses on issues relating to the limitations of the CSF and the way in which teachers engage with the CSF to produce a meaningful and accurate assessment reflective of their students’ progress. The teachers’ stories highlight how state-mandated assessment policies are translated into teacher assessment carried out in local educational contexts. Harré’s positioning theory (1999) is used as the framework for interpreting the epistemological authority of the teachers within the assessment exigencies of the education system.