Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning about Spanish dialects through Twitter

We map the large-scale variation of the Spanish language by employing a corpus based on geographically tagged Twitter messages. Lexical dialects are extracted from an analysis of variants of tens of concepts. The resulting maps show linguistic variations on an unprecedented scale across the globe. We discuss the properties of the main dialects within a machine learning approach and find that varieties spoken in urban areas have an international character in contrast to country areas where dialects show a more regional uniformity.
Aspects of linguistic awareness in reading comprehension

Abstract The relation between reading comprehension and linguistic awareness is discussed in terms of a set of processing skills common to both these activities. Two metalinguistic skill components are identified and examined for their relative contribution to reading comprehension. The general hypothesis is that these skill components explain a significant portion of the variance in reading comprehension. The two skill components are operationalized in terms of a battery of metalinguistic tasks, each of which is claimed (by means of task analysis) to rely primarily on one or the other processing component for its solution. A study is reported in which 8-year-old children are tested with these metalinguistic tasks, general measures of intelligence, and a test of reading comprehension. The results show that the relation among performance on the metalinguistic tasks is strongest for those tasks relying on the same processing skill component and that one of these components is most significant in determining the child's level of reading comprehension. These findings are interpreted in terms of the underlying linguistic processes involved in reading.
Learning linearly separable features for speech recognition using convolutional neural networks

Automatic speech recognition systems usually rely on spectral-based features, such as MFCC of PLP. These features are extracted based on prior knowledge such as, speech perception or/and speech production. Recently, convolutional neural networks have been shown to be able to estimate phoneme conditional probabilities in a completely data-driven manner, i.e. using directly temporal raw speech signal as input. This system was shown to yield similar or better performance than HMM/ANN based system on phoneme recognition task and on large scale continuous speech recognition task, using less parameters. Motivated by these studies, we investigate the use of simple linear classifier in the CNN-based framework. Thus, the network learns linearly separable features from raw speech. We show that such system yields similar or better performance than MLP based system using cepstral-based features as input.
Social Movements and Marginalized Rural Youth in Brazil, Egypt and Nepal

This article seeks to highlight the evolving trends in the roles of youth in rural social movements, noting that such movements are critical if authorities and more dominant classes in society are to listen to powerless and propertyless rural population groups. It has been argued that the phenomenon of youth participation in rural social movements has passed largely unnoticed by development theory in general and social movements theory in particular. This lacuna is deleterious, not least because the main victims of globalization are the young of impoverished rural families, for whom the choice to remain in agriculture, either as petty commodity producers or as landless labourers, is in terms of economic livelihood becoming increasingly fraught. Indeed, uprooted in large numbers, rural youth may provoke a significant disintegration of the peasantry while adding to the multiplication of social problems in urban areas. Fortunately, the increasing socio-economic marginality of young people in rural areas manifests itself in contemporary social movements struggling for political rights and a secure livelihood base. The article is based, in large part, on case studies in Brazil, Egypt and Nepal.
The metabolic clearance rate of aldosterone in pregnant and nonpregnant subjects estimated by both single-injection and constant-infusion methods.

Jones and colleagues (1) found that the pattern of urinary metabolites of aldosterone was changed in pregnant compared with nonpregnant subjects. The ratio, however, of the secretion rate to the urinary free aldosterone, which was taken to indicate the over-all metabolic rate, was not appreciably altered. Daughaday (2) and Meyer (3) and their associates found that the binding of aldosterone to plasma proteins other than albumin was the same for nonpregnant and pregnant subjects and for subjects treated with small amounts of estrogens. The unaltered binding, unlike that of cortisol, might suggest that the over-all metabolism of aldosterone is unchanged in pregnancy. Tait and co-workers (4) described methods for the calculation of volumes of distribution and rate constants by measurement of the plasma radioactivity, as aldosterone, as a function of time after a single injection of the tritiated hormone. In addition, the ratio of the secretion rate to the plasma steroid concentration, which is a measure of the over-all metabolic process, could be calculated both after a single injection and after constant infusion of radioactive steroid. This ratio was previously termed a "turnover rate" (4), but as it has the dimensions of volume divided by time, it will henceforward be referred to as the "metabolic clearance rate" (MCR) of the steroid. In the present paper, the singleinjection and constant-infusion methods for estimating MCRare compared for both pregnant and nonpregnant subjects. The MCR
Gender-Segregated Schooling

Gender-segregated (GS) schooling has become popular in the United States despite the fact that every major review has concluded that GS schooling is not superior to coeducational schooling. Moreover, concern has been raised that GS schooling leads to negative effects, including increased gender stereotyping. We argue that these negative effects result from peer influences in gender-segregated peer contexts—including GS schooling. We also contend that educational policy makers need to understand these peer effects so that better decisions can be made about how children are grouped in classrooms and to create coeducational programs that promote tolerance and acceptance between girls and boys.
Survival of patients from South Asian and Black populations starting renal replacement therapy in England and Wales

Background. South Asian and Black ethnic minorities in the UK have higher rates of acceptance onto renal replacement therapy (RRT) than Caucasians. Registry studies in the USA and Canada show better survival; there are few data in the UK. Methods. Renal Association UK Renal Registry data were used to compare the characteristics and survival of patients starting RRT from both groups with those of Caucasians, using incident cases accepted between 1997 and 2006. Survival was analysed by multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression split by haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) due to non-proportionality, and without censoring at transplantation. Results. A total of 2495 (8.2%) were South Asian and 1218 (4.0%) were Black. They were younger and had more diabetic nephropathy. The age-adjusted prevalence of vascular co-morbidity was higher in South Asians and lower in Blacks; other co-morbidities were generally common in Caucasians. Late referral did not differ. They were less likely to receive a transplant or to start PD. South Asians and Blacks had significantly better survival than Caucasians both from RRT start to Day 90 and after Day 90, and for those on HD or PD at Day 90. Fully adjusted hazard ratios after Day 90 on haemodialysis were 0.70 (0.55–0.89) for South Asians and 0.56 (0.41–0.75) for Blacks. Conclusion. South Asian and Black minorities have better survival on dialysis. An understanding of the mechanisms may provide general insights for all patients on RRT.
MinireviewEpisodic Memory in Nonhuman Animals

Episodic memories differ from other types of memory because they represent aspects of the past not present in other memories, such as the time, place, or social context in which the memories were formed. Focus on phenomenal experience in human memory, such as the sense of ‘having been there’, has resulted in conceptualizations of episodic memory that are difficult or impossible to apply to nonhuman species. It is therefore a significant challenge for investigators to agree on objective behavioral criteria that can be applied in nonhuman animals and still capture features of memory thought to be critical in humans. Some investigators have attempted to use neurobiological parallels to bridge this gap; however, defining memory types on the basis of the brain structures involved rather than on identified cognitive mechanisms risks missing crucial functional aspects of episodic memory, which are ultimately behavioral. The most productive way forward is likely a combination of neurobiology and sophisticated cognitive testing that identifies the mental representations present in episodic memory. Investigators that have refined their approach from asking the naı̈ve question ‘‘do nonhuman animals have episodic memory’’ to instead asking ‘‘what aspects of episodic memory are shared by humans and nonhumans’’ are making progress.
Dimensions of Social Dominance Orientation: The Roles of Legitimizing Myths and National Identification

Using a representative sample of Dutch natives, the current study examined the distinction between two dimensions of social dominance orientation [SDO–Dominance (SDO–D) and SDO–Egalitarianism (SDO–E)] and their relation with prejudice towards immigrant groups. Results showed that an empirical distinction between the two dimensions could be made. Furthermore, the relation between SDO and prejudice was fully mediated by hierarchy–enhancing (ethnic citizenship, assimilation) and hierarchy–attenuating myths (civic citizenship, multiculturalism), but in different ways for both SDO dimensions. Moreover, there were distinct paths between the SDO dimensions and ethnic prejudice for higher and lower identifiers. For higher identifiers, the relation between SDO–D and prejudice was fully mediated by the endorsement of hierarchy–enhancing myths. For lower identifiers, there was an association between SDO–E and prejudice that was predominantly mediated by the endorsement of hierarchy–attenuating myths. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Personality Psychology
Screaming in elderly persons with dementia

This article presents a critical review of empirical data to guide knowledge development of screaming in elderly persons with dementia. Many reasons have been identified for why humans and animals scream. Studies on elderly populations have focused mostly on factors associated with screaming. Also, a vast selection of interventions for elderly persons with dementia who scream has been tested, but there is little evidence of their efficacy. Better knowledge of screaming in this population is needed. In particular, the meaning of this behaviour must be determined and stronger evidence of the efficacy of interventions must be acquired. In order to develop helpful clinical interventions, it is suggested that diverse research methods be used and that the perspective of all actors involved be considered, including that of the elderly persons, their families and their professional caregivers.
Nothing So Practical as a Good Justice Theory

We are more sanguine about the state of research and the applicability of justice theories than Greenberg (2009) seems to be. In fact, we think several emerging justice theories offer useful advice to managers and align with practice in ways not previously envisioned by industrial–organizational (I–O) psychologists. We begin our response to Greenberg by referencing Kurt Lewin (1951) who famously observed that there is ‘‘nothing so practical as a good theory’’ (p. 169). A central theme of our commentary is that if justice researchers employ a broader brush to the study of justice, their findings would not only appeal to a larger community of scholars but could also offer more systematic guidance for managers about how organizations can structure themselves to promote fairness as both a core competency and a strategic advantage.
A configurational analysis of ethnic protest in Europe

This article analyzes the conditions under which ethnic minorities intensify or moderate their protest behavior. While this question has been previously asked, we find that prior studies tend to generalize explanations across a varied set of ethnic groups and assume that causal conditions can independently explain whether groups are more or less mobilized. By contrast, this study employs a technique – fuzzy-set analysis – that is geared toward matching comparable groups to specific analytical configurations of causal factors to explain the choice for strong and weak protest. The analysis draws on a sample of 29 ethnic minorities in Europe and uses three group and two contextual conditions inspired by Gurr’s ethnopolitical conflict model to understand why some ethnic minorities protest more frequently than others. We find that two group-related factors have the strongest claim to being generalizable: while territorial concentration is a necessary condition for strong protest, national pride is a necessary condition for weak protest. The contextual factors of level of democracy and ethnic fractionalization, which are often emphasized in the literature, and the perceived political discrimination of a group, are neither necessary nor individually sufficient conditions for either strong or weak protest. Hence, they help understanding some cases, but not all, and only in combination with other conditions. Such causal complexity, inherent in the phenomenon of ethnic protest, underscores the need for a case-sensitive, yet comparative, approach.
Movement Pattern and Parameter Learning in Children

Reduced feedback during practice has been shown to be detrimental to movement accuracy in children but not in young adults. We hypothesized that the reduced accuracy is attributable to reduced movement parameter learning, but not pattern learning, in children. A rapid arm movement task that required the acquisition of a motor pattern scaled to specific spatial and temporal parameters was used to investigate the effects of feedback (FB) frequency (100% vs. 62% faded) on motor learning differences between 19 school-age children and 19 young adults. Adults and children practiced the task for 200 trials under the 100% or faded FB condition on Day 1 and returned on Day 2 for a no-FB retention test. On the retention test, children who practiced with reduced feedback performed with greater temporal parameter errors, but not pattern error, than children who received frequent feedback. Motor skill learning in children is influenced by feedback frequency during practice that affects parameter learning but not pattern learning.
Schools, social capital and space

This paper reports on the significance of social capital in relation to education, exploring its relevance to teachers and other professionals as well as among young people. It draws on aspects of five case studies undertaken by the Schools and Social Capital Network, within the Applied Educational Research Scheme in Scotland. These case studies focused on: an Inclusive Learning Network of teachers and parents of disabled children and young people concerned with inclusion; students from refugee families in one primary and one secondary school, working in association with Asylum Seekers Support Project units; young participants in a local authority youth club; independent (private) schools and a Get Ready for Work Programme. A framework for accounting for bonding, bridging and linking social capital as practices was developed and space was an emergent theme from these case studies.
Selection of Parameters of Stabilizers in Multimachine Power Systems

This paper presents a technique for selecting the parameters of stabilizers in multimachine power systems. The technique enables the selection of the parameters of stabilizers such that specified improvements in the damping ratios of the poorly damped modes of oscillation are realized approximately. A numerical example of a multimachine system is presented to illustrate the proposed technique.
The modified Misgav-Ladach versus the Pfannenstiel-Kerr technique for cesarean section: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Modifications to the classic cesarean section technique described by Pfannenstiel and Kerr have been proposed in the last few years. The objective of this trial was to compare intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes between the Pfannenstiel-Kerr and the modified Misgav-Ladach (MML) techniques for cesarean section. METHODS This prospective randomized trial involved 162 patients undergoing transverse lower uterine segment cesarean section. Patients were allocated to one of the two arms: 88 to the MML technique and 74 to the Pfannenstiel-Kerr technique. Main outcome measures were defined as the duration of surgery, analgesic requirements, and bowel restitution by the second postoperative day. Additional outcomes evaluated were febrile morbidity, postoperative antibiotic use, postpartum endometritis, and wound complications. Student's t, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis of the results, and a p < 0.05 was considered as the probability level reflecting significant differences. RESULTS No differences between groups were noted in the incidence of analgesic requirements, bowel restitution by the second postoperative day, febrile morbidity, antibiotic requirements, endometritis, or wound complications. The MML technique took on average 12 min less to complete (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The MML technique is faster to perform and similar in terms of febrile morbidity, time to bowel restitution, or need for postoperative medications. It is likely to be more cost-effective.
Travel patterns and environmental effects now and in the future : implications of differences in energy consumption among socio-economic groups

Travel patterns among different socio-economic groups in Sweden are investigated. It is shown that elderly persons, persons with low incomes and women in general do not travel extensively. Middle-aged persons, persons with high incomes and men travel much farther. Cars are the dominant transportation mode for all population groups. Aeroplanes are used mostly by high-income earners and men, while public transportation is mostly used by young people and women. Energy consumption for the different travel patterns differs substantially. Men with high incomes consume the most energy, with 94 000 MJ during one year, while elderly women consume 12 000 MJ. When compared to a calculated sustainable level of energy consumption for travel, most population groups are in excess. The level for sustainable energy consumption is calculated based on an assumed global potential for renewable energy of 360 EJ per year, divided equally among the global population. A certain share of this energy potential is supposed to be used for travelling. A scenario for 2020 is presented in which vehicle energy efficiency has increased and travel patterns have changed from what they are today. Sustainability can only be reached when both travel patterns and vehicle technology have changed radically. Differences in energy consumption for travel due to age and gender are likely to remain in the future. Scientific knowledge from the social domains seems to be important for devising efficient strategies for a sustainable society. Current focus on policy measures has been mainly on technical issues. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A study of the ionic nature of the pace‐maker current in calf Purkinje fibres.

1. Properties of the pace‐maker current (if) in Purkinje fibres were studied in the presence of Ba, which by partially blocking the iK1 channel reduces K depletion during hyperpolarizing voltage‐clamp pulses, and eliminates the main cause of distortion in the current time course. 2. On raising the external potassium concentration (Kb), the if fully activated current‐‐voltage relation (if(E)) increases in the inward direction. In the range 3‐‐36 mM‐‐Kb and negative to ‐50 mV the current is inward, and no cross‐over is observed. 3. In normal conditions, the reversal potential (Ef) for if lies in the voltage region positive to ‐50 mV, and can be observed on lowering the external sodium concentration (Nab). Ef shifts to the negative direction when Nab is decreased. Slopes ranging between 29 and 35 mV/decade are found for Nernst plots of Ef against Nab. Changing Nab in the range 140‐‐4.4 mM causes the if(E) relation to undergo a simple shift along the voltage axis, without significant change in its slope. 4. Ef also depends on Kb, as can be observed in low Nab (35 mM), and shifts to the positive direction by about 26 mV for every 10‐fold change in Kb. The fully activated slope conductance increases when Kb is increased. 5. It is concluded that Na and K both participate in carrying if. The slope of the fully activated if(E) relation increases with Kb, but is unchanged in different Nab, indicating that the channel conductance depends on Kb, but not appreciably on Nab.
Object-Based Visual Selection: Evidence From Perceptual Completion

A large body of evidence suggests that visual attention selects objects as well as spatial locations. If attention is to be regarded as truly object based, then it should operate not only on object representations that are explicit in the image, but also on representations that are the result of earlier perceptual completion processes. Reporting the results of two experiments, we show that when attention is directed to part of a perceptual object, other parts of that object enjoy an attentional advantage as well. In particular, we show that this object-specific attentional advantage accrues to partly occluded objects and to objects defined by subjective contours. The results corroborate the claim that perceptual completion precedes object-based attentional selection.
Rotavirus vaccination in a Medicaid infant population from four US states: compliance, vaccination completion rate, and predictors of compliance

ABSTRACT A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using Medicaid administrative claims data from four states in the United States (US) to analyze overall and state-specific compliance and completion rates for rotavirus (RV) vaccines. Compliance was based on an infant receiving the recommended number of doses each within the appropriate time frame, and completion was based on an infant receiving the recommended number of doses over a recommended time period. Compliance and completion were defined separately for RV vaccines by package insert (PI) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines. Infants born between 1 May 2008 and 31 October 2011 in Florida, 31 July 2012 in Iowa and Kansas, and 30 April 2013 in Mississippi, and continuously enrolled in Medicaid with medical and pharmacy benefits for ≥8 months from birth were included. Study participants were assigned to cohorts based on type of RV vaccinations received within recommended vaccination windows. Using the PI guidelines, there were 658,219 eligible infants; 40% received no RV vaccines. The RV1 cohort had a significantly higher proportion of compliant infants compared to the RV5 cohort (54% vs. 25%; p <0.001). For infants initiating RV1, 55% completed both doses; for infants initiating RV5, 44% completed all three doses (p<0.001). Analysis by state and by ACIP guidelines yielded similar trends. Major predictors of compliance to RV vaccination were use of RV1 vaccine and DTaP vaccination completion. Increased awareness to the importance and timeliness of vaccination is needed.