Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attention and Inhibitory Control in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury: Outcomes and Prediction Using Biomarkers

Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a range of cognitive problems, notably in the domain of executive functioning and attention. Previous studies have attempted to relate performance on measures of executive function and attention in groups of children with TBI to pre-injury variables and measures of TBI severity, to predict outcome, but clear relations have not emerged. This is likely due to variability in both patient and injury characteristics. Prior studies also have not found consistent results as to why these cognitive difficulties are so frequently seen as sequelae to TBI in children. This thesis evaluated a variety of patient variables, along with serum biomarkers (proposed objective measures of brain injury), as predictors of long-term (one to six years) attention and executive function outcome in children following TBI. A secondary aim of this thesis was to investigate performance monitoring through the use of the stop signal task (SST) in children following TBI compared to age-matched controls. Significant relations were found between serum biomarkers (such as neuron specific enolase [NSE] and soluble neuron cell adhesion molecule [sNCAM]), pre-injury functioning, and persistent attention and executive function difficulties at long-term follow-up time points. Other
Color Invariance

This paper presents the measurement of colored object reflectance, under different, general assumptions regarding the imaging conditions. We exploit the Gaussian scale-space paradigm for color images to define a framework for the robust measurement of object reflectance from color images. Object reflectance is derived from a physical reflectance model based on the Kubelka-Munk theory for colorant layers. Illumination and geometrical invariant properties are derived from the reflectance model. Invariance and discriminative power of the color invariants is experimentally investigated, showing the invariants to be successful in discounting shadow, illumination, highlights, and noise. Extensive experiments show the different invariants to be highly discriminative, while maintaining invariance properties. The presented framework for color measurement is well-founded in the physics of color as well as in measurement science. Hence, the proposed invariants are considered more adequate for the measurement of invariant color features than existing methods.
Self-esteem as a moderator and mediator of the relationship between the personality traits and nonverbal social skills

U istraživanju u kojem je sudjelovalo 303 studenta zagrebackog sveucilista provjerava se kakvu ulogu ima samopostovanje u odnosu temeljnih crta licnosti operacionaliziranih unutar Big five modela i neverbalnih socijalnih vjestina: emocionalne kontrole, emocionalne osjetljivosti i emocionalne izražajnosti. Dobiveni rezultati svjedoce kako crte licnosti imaju znacajan prediktivni doprinos objasnjenju navedenih neverbalnih socijalnih vjestina te da samopostovanje ima ulogu moderatora i djelomicnog medijatora u tom odnosu. Pokazalo se prije svega kako samopostovanje ima znacajnu ulogu u utjecaju i djelovanju neuroticizma na iskazivanje neverbalnih socijalnih vjestina.
Accelerating on a Treadmill: ADF/Cofilin Promotes Rapid Actin Filament Turnover in the Dynamic Cytoskeleton

Actin is among the most thoroughly studied of proteins. It was first identified half a century ago as the major component of thin filaments in muscle. Work in the 1960s and 1970s showed that actin is also present in nonmuscle cells as well as in plants and protozoa. The actin-based cytoskeleton appears to be ubiquitous among eukaryotes, and indeed the invention of the actin cytoskeleton may have been a key step in the earliest history of the eukaryotic lineage. A densely written summary of the most important known properties of actin fills a good-sized volume (23). But there are major discrepancies between the well-characterized in vitro behavior of purified actin and the apparent behavior of actin filaments inside of intact, living cells.
Motives of volunteering and values of work among higher education students

In this article, the motives for voluntary work and work values in higher education contexts are examined in a cross-border region in Central Eastern Europe. Our goal is to find out what kind of relationship exists between different types of volunteering and work values among young people. In the theoretical section, we deal with the definition of volunteering in the education system, the types of and motives for students’ volunteering, and finally, the relationship between the work values and voluntary work of students. In the empirical section, we created cluster groups based on students’ motives for volunteering, and we examined differences among countries. Then we revealed the factor structure of the work values of students and analyzed the relationship between cluster groups and factors with variance analysis. Five cluster groups were identified: “careerists with postmodern features,” “unmotivated,” “highly motivated,” “volunteers in an anti-volunteering climate,” and a “helping new type volunteers” group. There were only slight differences among countries, as most respondents are characterized by mixed motivations. An interesting result is that the most frequent group is “the volunteers in an anti-volunteering climate” in all the countries examined, especially in Ukraine, so the culture of volunteering is not popular enough in this region of Central Eastern Europe. Regarding the relationship between work values and volunteering, we have found that these two fields (work values and volunteering) are closely related.
The role of Christian religious beliefs on students' attitudes and reasoning towards Biotechnology issues in Victorian Christian schools

III ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . V TABLE OF CONTENTS . VIII LIST OF TABLES . XV LIST OF FIGURES . XVII LIST OF APPENDICIES . XVIII CHAPTER 1 . 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE RESEARCH STUDY . 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY . 1 1.2.1 Socioscientific Issues . 2 1.2.2 Biotechnology Advances and Social Challenges . 3 1.2. 3 Attitudes towards Biotechnology . 4 1.2. 4 Moral Reasoning . 5 1.2. 5 Christian Worldviews and Attitudes Towards Biotechnology . 7 1.2. 6 Informal Reasoning . 7 1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES . 8 1.4 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK . 8 1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS . 9 1.6 CONTEXT OF THE STUDY . 10 1.7 PERSONAL VIEWS AND PERSPECTIVES . 11 1.8 SUMMARY OF THESIS . 12 CHAPTER 2 . 14 LITERATURE REVIEW . 14 2.1 INTRODUCTION . 14 2.2 SOCIOSCIENTIFIC ISSUES . 15 2.2.1 Historical Development and Scope of SSI . 16 2.2.2 Educational Benefits of SSI . 18
Printed in Great Britain

1. Calcium currents were recorded with whole-cell voltage-clamp procedures in relay neurones of the rat thalamus which had been acutely isolated by an enzymatic dissociation procedure. 2. Low-threshold and high-threshold Ca2+ currents were elicited by depolarizing voltage steps from holding potentials more negative than -60 mV. A transient current, analogous to the T-current in sensory neurones, was activated at low threshold near -65 mV and was completely inactivating at command steps up to -35 mV. Voltage steps to more depolarized levels activated a high-threshold current that inactivated slowly and incompletely during a 200 ms step depolarization. 3. The high-threshold current contained both non-inactivating and slowly inactivating components which were insensitive and sensitive to holding potential, respectively. 4. A 'T-type' current was prominent in relay neurones, in both absolute terms (350 pA peak current average) and in relation to high-threshold currents. The average ratio of maximum transient to maximum sustained current was greater than 2. 5. T-current could be modelled in a manner analogous to that employed for the fast Na+ current underlying action potential generation, using the m3h format. The rate of activation of T-current was voltage dependent, with a time constant (T.) varying between 8 and 2 ms at command potentials of -60 to -10 mV at 23 'C. The rate of inactivation was also voltage dependent, and the time constant Th varied between 50 and 20 ms over the same voltage range. With command potentials more positive than -35 mV, the inactivation of Ca2+ current could no longer be fitted by a single exponential. 6. Steady-state inactivation of T-current could be well fitted by a Boltzman equation with slope factor of 6-3 and half-inactivated voltage of 83-5 mV. 7. Recovery from inactivation of T-current was not exponential. The major component of recovery (70-80% of total) was not very voltage sensitive at potentials more negative than -90 mV, with Tr of 251 ms at -92 mV and 23 'C, compared to
An ERP Study of the Object Preference in Processing Chinese Relative Clauses

Through an event-related potential (ERP) study, we examined the processing mechanisms of four types of Chinese (Mandarin) relative clauses (RCs), namely subject subject-extracted relative clause (SSR), subject object-extracted relative clause (SOR), object subject-extracted relative clause (OSR), and object object-extracted relative clause (OOR) to test the universality and language specificity of RC comprehension processes. The results of this study support a preference for object-extracted RCs modifying both the subject and object of a sentence, i.e., SORs and OORs. In particular, ERP results showed stronger P600 effects in the RC region for SSRs compared with SORs, which we argue reflects a canonical word order theory. Stronger N400 effects were observed for verbs compared with nouns, reflecting easier understanding for nouns. ERP results from the matrix clause object and the relativizer ' de” showed stronger P600 effects in SSRs compared with SORs, suggesting thematic structure effects on syntactic construction and the processing preference of the whole sentence.
Determinants and Consequences of Proxy Voting by Mutual Funds on Shareholder Proposals

We analyze mutual funds' proxy voting records on shareholder proposals and investigate the following three issues. First, we study the determinants of mutual funds' voting policies across firms. Next, we examine the incentive structure of mutual funds that could act as a motivational force for them to undertake an activist role in their proxy voting behavior. Last, we investigate the trading behavior of mutual funds surrounding proposal meeting date and voting record release date and investigate whether mutual funds engage in "Wall Street Walk," that is, sell off their shares when dissatisfied with firms' management. Our results indicate that mutual funds support shareholder proposals and vote against management for proposals that are likely to increase shareholders' wealth and rights, in firms with weaker external monitoring mechanisms and in firms with entrenched management. The level of insider voting rights and the internal governance mechanism through blockholder ownership also influence funds' voting decisions. Moreover, mutual funds' motivation to take on an activist role does not come from their ownership concentration, but rather from their long-term investment goal. The results further indicate that there is a positive reputational effect for the funds undertaking a monitoring role in their voting strategies. The trading behavior of mutual funds suggests that funds reduce holdings when they disapprove of managements' policy, but before doing so they take on an activist role by supporting shareholder proposals.
On the use of transition diagrams in the design of a user interface for an interactive computer system

This paper deals with what might be called the top level design of an interactive computer system. It examines some problems which arise in trying to specify what the user interface of such a system should be. It proposes a concept—the terminal state—and a notation—the terminal state transition diagram—which make the design of the top level somewhat easier. It also proposes a user interface in which the notion of terminal state is explicit. This user interface seems to provide a great improvement in flexibility and case of adding subsystems to a general purpose system.
Spectroscopy and Imaging with Diffusing Light

Visually opaque media are ubiquitous in nature. While some materials are opaque because they strongly absorb visible light, others, such as loam, white paint, biological tissue and milk, are opaque because photons traveling within them are predominantly scattered rather than absorbed. A vanishingly small number of photons travel straight through such substances. Instead, light is transported through these materials in a process similar to heat diffusion (figure 1).
Differences in EEG Dynamics between the use of Allocentric and Egocentric reference frames during VR based Spatial Navigation

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences of brain dynamics between the use of allocentric reference frames and egocentric reference frames during spatial navigation. A tunnel task was designed to classify subjects into allocentric or egocentric spatial representation users. Despite of the differences of mental spatial representation, behavioral performance in general were compatible between the two strategies subjects in the tunnel task. Task-related EEG dynamics in both tonic and phasic power changes were analyzed using independent component analysis (ICA), time-frequency and non-parametric static test. Results supported the dissociation brain activities between the uses of allocentric and egocentric reference frames. Both tonic and phasic power changes were significantly different between the navigation strategy groups. Subjects who preferred to use the allocentric spatial representation showed stronger activation in occipital area during path integration whereas subjects using the egocentric reference frames showed stronger activation in parietal area during path integration. The distinct brain regions involved in the navigation process suggested that encodings of allocentric and egocentric reference frames were via the ventral and dorsal neural network respectively. Keyword: spatial navigation, allocentric, egocentric, reference frame, electroencephalograph (EEG), independent component analysis (ICA)
Virtual scan chains: a means for reducing scan length in cores

A novel design-for-test (DFT) technique is presented for designing a core with a "virtual scan chain" which looks (to the system integrator) like it is shorter than the real scan chain inside the core. The I/O pins of a core with a virtual scan chain are identical to the I/O pins of a core with a normal scan chain. For the system integrator, testing a core with a virtual scan chain is identical to testing a core with a normal scan chain. The only difference is that the virtual scan chain is much shorter so the size of the scan vectors and output response is smaller resulting in less test data and fewer scan shift cycles. The process of mapping the virtual scan vectors to real scan vectors is handled inside the core and is completely transparent to the system integrator. It is done by using LFSRs to "expand" the shorter virtual test vector into a full test vector. Results indicate that virtual scan chains can be designed which are several times shorter than the real scan chains inside the core.
The educational needs of and barriers faced by Syrian refugee students in Turkey: a qualitative case study

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the educational status of Syrian refugees in Turkish schools, and the perspectives of teachers and school principals regarding the needs of Syrian refugee students in two inner‐city elementary schools in Istanbul, Turkey. A qualitative interpretive case study method was employed. Eight participants (seven teachers and one school principal), who had Syrian refugee students in their classes and wider school environment, participated in the study. The findings of the study show that Turkish public schools provide many Syrian children in Istanbul with an access to education, and a welcoming and secure learning environment. However, poor school conditions, linked to the potentially limited capacity of teachers and the shortage of sufficiently trained teachers able to instruct refugees, inadequate resources and inappropriate curriculum planning impede the provision of high-quality education.
Psychosocial Functioning after Discontinuation of Long-Term Growth Hormone Treatment in Girls with Turner Syndrome

It is common practice in the case of Turner syndrome (TS) to treat short stature with GH treatment and to induce puberty with estrogens at an age as close to normal puberty as possible. This approach in most cases leads to a height in the normal range in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in TS. Little data is available, however, on its effect on psychosocial functioning. In the present study, we evaluated psychosocial functioning in a group of 50 women with TS, after reaching final height in two multicenter GH trials. Thirty-six girls participated in a randomized dose-response study from mean (SEM) age 6.8 (0.4) years, and 14 girls participated in a frequency-response study from age 13.2 (0.4) years. After discontinuation of long-term GH treatment, these 50 girls were evaluated for psychosocial functioning at a mean age of 18.8 (0.3) years. GH was given in a dosage of 4 IU/m2/day (∼0.045 mg/kg/day), 6 IU/m2/day, or 8 IU/m2/day. After a mean GH treatment duration of 7.1 (0.4) years, mean final height (ref. normal girls) was FH1.2 (0.2) SD score. Behavioral problem scores (Achenbach) of the TS women were comparable to normal Dutch peers. Although self-perception (Harter total scale: p < 0.01), and bodily attitude (Baardman: p < 0.05) was significantly less positive than for their normal Dutch peers, we found no evidence of depression. TS women rated their family functioning higher than their Dutch peers (p < 0.0001), and had a slightly different coping pattern. These results show that even after reaching a height in most cases within the normal range and puberty induction at a pubertal age, some women with TS still experience psychosocial problems. It is likely, however, that GH and estrogen treatment improved psychosocial functioning. Long-term follow-up of these GH-treated patients will allow an evaluation of their life achievements.
Relativistic Outflow of Electron-Positron Pair Plasma from a Wien Equilibrium State

We investigate a novel mechanism of bulk acceleration of relativistic outflows of pure electron-positron pairs both analytically and numerically. The steady and spherically symmetric flow is assumed to start from a Wien equilibrium state between pure pairs and photons in a compact region that is optically thick to electron scattering at a relativistic temperature. Inside the photosphere where the optical thickness becomes unity, pairs and photons behave as a single fuid and are thermally accelerated. Outside the photosphere, pairs and photons behave separately, and we assume the free-streaming approximation for photons, which are emitted from the relativistically moving photosphere. Pairs are shown to be thermally accelerated further even outside the photosphere because the photospheric temperature is at least mildly relativistic. It is to be noted that the mean energy of photons is higher than that of pairs in the comoving frame of pairs and that Compton interaction leads to additional heating and radiative acceleration of pairs. For a reasonable range of the boundary temperature and optical thickness, the terminal Lorentz factor of pair outflows turns out be more than 10 and the terminal kinetic power accounts for more than of the total luminosity. While the total luminosity should be at least larger than the Eddington luminosity, the real luminosity can be modest if the outflow is collimated by some unknown mechanism. This mechanism successfully avoids the difficulties of pair annihilation and radiation drag owing to pair production by accompanying high-energy photons and the strong beaming of the radiation field. It is seen that most pairs injected at the boundary survive to infinity. The radiation from the photosphere should be observed as MeV peaked emission at infinity with an order of kinetic power of jets.
Developing discerning consumers: an intervention to increase skepticism toward advertisements in 4- to 5-year-olds in the US

Abstract This study examined whether an instructional intervention could increase skepticism toward advertisements in a sample of 4- to 5-year-olds (N = 44, Mage = 4.46) from the US. Children in an intervention group observed toy commercials and had the opportunity to play with the advertised toy while they were told about advertisers’ motives and the tactics they use to persuade consumers to want products. In a control condition, children were shown these same commercials and allowed to play with the advertised toy but were not instructed about the persuasive tactics used by advertisers. The intervention led to significantly higher rates of skepticism toward commercials more than a week after the training. These results have practical implications concerning ongoing debates about the efficacy of early media literacy interventions and theoretical implications regarding the mechanisms that underlie the development of skepticism.
Quantification of optical pulsed-plane-wave-shaping by chiral sculptured thin films

The durations and average speeds of ultrashort optical pulses transmitted through chiral sculptured thin films (STFs) were calculated using a finite-difference time-domain algorithm. Chiral STFs are a class of nanoengineered materials whose microstructure comprises parallel helicoidal nanowires grown normal to a substrate. The nanowires are ∼10–300 nm in diameter and ∼1–10 µm in length. Durations of transmitted pulses tend to increase with decreasing (free-space) wavelength of the carrier plane wave, while average speeds tend to increase with increasing wavelength. An increase in nonlinearity, as manifested by an intensity-dependent refractive index in the frequency domain, tends to increase durations of transmitted pulses and decrease average speeds. The circular Bragg phenomenon exhibited by a chiral STF manifests itself in the frequency domain as high reflectivity for normally incident carrier plane waves whose circular polarization state is matched to the structural handedness of the film and whose wavelength falls in a range known as the Bragg regime; films of the opposite structural handedness reflect such plane waves little. This effect tends to distort the shapes of transmitted pulses with respect to the incident pulses, and such shaping can cause sharp changes in some measures of average speed with respect to carrier wavelength. A local maximum in the variation of one measure of the pulse duration with respect to wavelength is noted and attributed to the circular Bragg phenomenon. Several of these effects are explained via frequency-domain arguments. The presented results serve as a foundation for future theoretical and experimental studies of optical pulse propagation through causal, nonlinear, nonhomogeneous, and anisotropic materials.