Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Music Predictability Improve Spatial- Temporal Reasoning?

In 1993, it was found that Mozart’s music temporarily enhanced performance on spatialtemporal reasoning tasks. This effect later became termed the Mozart Effect. Since then, the mechanisms of the Mozart Effect have been hotly debated among the scientific community. Recent research has called for studying the Mozart Effect by analyzing music as a series of components. The present study took the components of music into account by testing if predictable music could enhance spatial-temporal reasoning compared to non-predictable music. Participants were administered a task designed to test spatial-temporal reasoning after listening to either predictable or non-predictable music. Additionally, as a control condition, they performed the same task after listening to a short story. Listening to music did not affect reasoning performance, regardless of the predictability of the music. The results indicate that predictability in music alone may not be a major element of the Mozart Effect.
Object and spatial relational memory in adult rhesus monkeys is impaired by neonatal lesions of the hippocampal formation but not the amygdaloid complex

Adult rhesus monkeys with neonatal aspiration lesions of the hippocampal formation or the amygdaloid complex (including their respective subjacent cortices) and their age‐matched controls were tested on the transverse patterning problem (A+ vs. B−, B+ vs. C− and C+ vs. A−) and a spatial version of the delayed nonmatching‐to‐sample (DNMS) task with delays of 10 s to 30 s, 60 s, 120 s, and 600 s. Monkeys with neonatal damage to the amygdaloid complex learned both tasks and did not differ from controls at any delay of the spatial DNMS task. Monkeys with neonatal hippocampal damage, however, were unable to learn transverse patterning, though they easily transferred to a linear series (A+ vs. B−, B+ vs. C−, and C+ vs. X−). Three of the four were also unable to reach criterion on the spatial DNMS task within the limits of testing, and the performance of all four monkeys deteriorated with increasing choice delays. The data suggest a role of the primate hippocampal region in both object and spatial relational learning. Hippocampus 2002;12:421–433. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of Seismic Vulnerability of a Historical Masonry Building

A multidisciplinary approach for assessing the seismic vulnerability of heritage masonry buildings is described throughout the paper. The procedure is applied to a specific case study that represents a very common typology of masonry building in Italy. The seismic vulnerability of the examined building was assessed after the following: (a) historical investigation about the building and the surrounding area, (b) detailed geometrical relieves, (c) identification of materials by means of surveys and literature indications, (d) dynamic in-situ tests, (e) foundation soil characterization, (f) dynamic identification of the structure by means of a refined Finite Element (FE) model. After these steps, the FE model was used to assess the safety level of the building by means of non-linear static analyses according to the provisions of Eurocode 8 and estimate of the q-factor. Some parametric studies were also carried out by means of both linear dynamic and non-linear static analyses.
An optimized hill climbing algorithm for feature subset selection: evaluation on handwritten character recognition

This paper presents an optimized Hill-Climbing algorithm to select subset of features for handwritten character recognition. The search is conducted taking into account a random mutation strategy and the initial relevance, of each feature in the recognition process. A first set of experiments have shown a reduction in the original number of features used in an MLP-based character recognizer from 132 to 77 features (reduction of 42%) without a significant loss in terms of recognition rates, which are 99.1% for 30,089 digits and 93.0% for 11,941 uppercase characters, both handwritten samples from the NIST SD19 database. Additional experiments have been done by considering some loss in terms of recognition rate during the feature subset selection. A byproduct of these experiments is a cascade classifier based on feature subsets of different sizes, which is used to reduce the complexity of the classification task by 86.54% on the digit recognition experiment. The proposed feature selection method has shown to be an interesting strategy to implement a wrapper approach without the need of complex and expensive hardware architectures.
Concurrent algorithms for real-time memory management

The conflict between the performance demands of real-time systems and the shared-resource needs of high-level languages (Ada in particular) is examined. Shared memory requires carefully designed concurrency control, but the traditional approach, which is to embed the entire allocate-release implementation code in critical sections, is unsuitable for real-time applications because it results in excessively high response time. The design and performance of three memory-management systems for real-time applications are evaluated, and it is shown that one system, an optimized optimistic version, does deliver performance that is acceptable for real-time applications. <<ETX>>
Validity and Reliability of New Agility Test among Elite and Subelite under 14-Soccer Players

Background Agility is a determinant component in soccer performance. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of a “Modified Illinois change of direction test” (MICODT) in ninety-five U-14 soccer players. Methods A total of 95 U-14 soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 13.61±1.04 years; body mass: 30.52±4.54 kg; height: 1.57±0.1 m) from a professional and semi-professional soccer academy, participated to this study. Sixty of them took part in reliability analysis and thirty-two in sensitivity analysis. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) that aims to assess relative reliability of the MICODT was of 0.99, and its standard error of measurement (SEM) for absolute reliability was <5% (1.24%). The MICODT’s capacity to detect change is “good”, it’s SEM (0.10 s) was ≤ SWC (0.33 s). The MICODT is significantly correlated to the Illinois change of direction speed test (ICODT) (r = 0.77; p<0.0001). The ICODT’s MDC95 (0.64 s) was twice about the MICODT’s MDC95 (0.28 s), indicating that MICODT presents better ability to detect true changes than ICODT. The MICODT provided good sensitivity since elite U-14 soccer players were better than non-elite one on MICODT (p = 0.005; dz = 1.01 [large]). This was supported by an area under the ROC curve of 0.77 (CI 95%, 0.59 to 0.89, p<0.0008). The difference observed in these two groups in ICODT was not statistically significant (p = 0.14; dz = 0.51 [small]), showing poor discriminant ability. Conclusion MICODT can be considered as more suitable protocol for assessing agility performance level than ICODT in U-14 soccer players.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri Terbimbing Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Dan Hasil Belajar IPA Siswa Kelas VII SMP

Rancangan penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuasi eksperimen dengan Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh siswa kelas VII SMPN 2 Turen. Penentuan sampel dengan teknik sampling acak. Instrumen pengukuran divalidasi oleh ahli, dilanjutkan dengan uji coba ke siswa. Koefisien reliabilitas tes hasil belajar kognitif 0,752, dan tes kemampuan berpikir kritis 0,774. Uji hipotesis menggunakan uji anakova. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa yang dibelajarkan menggunakan model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing (65,96) berbeda nyata sengan siswa yang dibelajarkan menggunakan model pembelajaran konvensional (58,23), dan hasil belajar sains kelas eksperimen 50,8 berbeda nyata dengan kelas kontrol (39,5).
Exposure to Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and Interventions Among Pregnant Women in China: A Systematic Review

Introduction Smoking prevalence is high among men in China. One result is that a large number of nonsmoking Chinese women may be exposed daily to secondhand smoke (SHS). Exposure is particularly problematic for pregnant women because of potential adverse reproductive effects. To determine the extent of this exposure and to summarize existing intervention studies designed to reduce SHS exposure in China, a systematic review of the literature published from 1995 through 2012 was conducted. Methods We searched the PubMed and Wanfang databases for studies published from 1995 through 2012 using various search terms including SHS, pregnant women, and China. Only articles on prevalence of SHS exposure and interventions to reduce exposure to SHS were selected. Results We identified 132 studies during the initial searches. Eight of 13 eligible studies reported the prevalence of SHS exposure among pregnant women; estimates ranged from 38.9% to 75.1%. Few SHS prevention interventions among pregnant women in China have been studied; we found only 5 such studies. The interventions primarily focused on changing husbands’ smoking behaviors; some interventions focused on women’s avoidance behaviors. Conclusion Prevalence of exposure to SHS among pregnant women is high in China. Information is limited on effective interventions to protect pregnant women from exposure. The results of this review can provide the basis for the design and evaluation of interventions to help pregnant women avoid SHS exposure.
The impact of language skills and social competence on play behaviour in toddlers

ABSTRACTIn this study, the relationship between play, language skills and social competence is explored in a sample (n = 1005) of 33-month-old toddlers in a Norwegian early childhood education setting – Barnehages – based on two observational materials (Tras and Alle med). The study has two aims: (1) to investigate whether there is a relationship between social functioning and language proficiency at an early age; and (2) to identify the unique contributions made by language skills and social competence, respectively, to toddlers’ functioning in play. Toddlers with very low language-skill scores were compared with toddlers with very high scores. Each child had been assessed independently by two staff members, familiar with the child in informal situations at Barnehages, over a period of three months. It was found that there is a relationship between toddlers’ functioning in play and their language proficiency, but that toddlers’ functioning in play is better explained by their social competence than by th.
'Double modules', double categories and groupoids, and a new homotopical double groupoid

We give a rather general construction of double categories and so, under further conditions, double groupoids, from a structure we call a ‘double module’. We also give a homotopical construction of a double groupoid from a triad consisting of a space, two subspaces, and a set of base points, under a condition which also implies that this double groupoid contains two second relative homotopy groups. 1
Differential Decoder for MAC Based Two-User Communication Systems

We derive a decoder for differential data of two multiple access channel (MAC) based uplink users. Both users utilize differential modulation for transmitting their data. It is assumed that the users cannot exchange their information. In addition, it is assumed that the users transmit data over multiple access uplink channels simultaneously in the same frequency band and without any orthogonal signatures (no CDMA). Their transmissions are assumed to be perfectly synchronized in time, phase, and frequency. The decoder is obtained by maximizing the joint probability distribution function (p.d.f.) of consecutively received data samples. We first obtain a partially differential decoder which avoids the knowledge of channel of one user at the base-station. Then we derive a heuristic differential decoder which completely avoids the knowledge of the channels of both users. For the heuristic differential decoder to work properly, both users must use rotated constellations. Optimized values of rotation angles for different M-PSK constellations are numerically obtained. It is further shown by simulations that the proposed differential decoders perform better than a same rate existing TDMA based two-user transmission scheme.
Religiosity among Muslims: A Scale Development and Validation Study

While religiosity as a field of inquiry has been gaining research interest in recent years, a central issue about its conceptualisation, measurement, and relationships with work outcomes remains unresolved. The aims of this paper are: (1) to introduce a new scale designed to measure religiosity among Muslims, based on an Islamic perspective that centres on the bodily action or human activity (islam), the mind or understanding of God (iman), and the spirit or actualisation of virtue and goodness (ihsan); and (2) to demonstrate how religiosity relates to various work outcomes. We followed a rigorous multi-steps scale development procedure using four empirical studies involving 703 participants. The final scale yielded one factor with 10 underlying items. Our results showed that religiosity was positively correlated with job satisfaction, positive work behaviour, workplace integrity, and organisational commitment, but negatively correlated with antagonistic work behaviour. This new scale also showed incremental validity over an existing Muslim attitude scale in predicting organisational commitment and integrity. Overall, this new scale demonstrates good psychometric properties and is a promising tool for the measurement of religiosity among Muslims in organisational settings.
Recent Biotechnological Applications Using Oleosins

Oleosins are naturally occurring, small (15-24 kDa), amphipathic, plant proteins that prevent the coalescence of oil bodies (OBs) during seed and pollen maturation. The physiochemical properties of oleosins and their association with OBs have led to a broad array of potential applications in biotechnology utilizing native or recombinant forms of oleosin or oleosin-fused polypeptides. This review begins by briefly outlining the current understanding of oleosin topology, oil body assembly and potential health issues. A schematic model is given to potentially explain the apparent simultaneous existence of parallel and anti-parallel ￻ sheets and a figure summarizing the process of oleosin translation through to oil body formation in vivo is also presented. The applications for oleosins, the associated modes of action and their relevant patents are then discussed in six areas: recombinant protein purification; generating protein complexes; in planta delivery; emulsification; artificial oil bodies; and modifications to the properties of oleosin itself by creating polyoleosin. Flowering plants store triacylglycerol (TAG) in their seeds as an energy source for germination. The TAG is con- tained within discreet structures called oil bodies (OBs), which are 0.5-2μm in diameter and consist of a TAG core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer embedded with proteinaceous emulsifiers - predominantly oleosins (1). OBs consist of 0.5-3.5% protein; of this 80-90% is oleosin with the majority of the remainder consisting of the proteins caleosin (calcium binding) and steroleosin (sterol binding) (2). The role of the oleosins is to stop the OBs coalescing as the cells dehydrate; thus maintaining the appropriate surface area/volume ratio of each OB and ensuring the rapid avail- ability of TAG during germination. Oleosins have also been reported in pollen (3-5) and the female gametophyte of gym- nosperms (6). The unique properties of oleosins form the basis of a number of applications including: purifying proteins; forma- tion of multimeric protein complexes; emulsification; deliv- ery of bioactives; generation of multivalent bioactives and even as a potential flavour enhancer. In order to more fully understand the principals of these applications it is necessary to understand the properties of oleosins; it is the purpose of this review to discuss their properties and applications. 1.1. Oleosin Topology
Chondroradionecrosis of the Larynx: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Measures for Saving the Organ from Radiotherapy Sequelae

Objectives Chondroradionecrosis (CRN) of the larynx is a rare but fatal complication of radiotherapy. We determined the optimal diagnostic methodology and management of laryngeal CRN in six patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of six patients with Chandler grade IV laryngeal CRN who had received prior radiotherapy (mean total radiation dose, 66.7±4.5 Gy) at a tertiary care hospital. Two patients underwent transoral laser microresection of their laryngeal carcinoma plus postoperative radiotherapy. All patients underwent endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), removal of necrotic tissue, biopsy under suspension laryngoscopy, administration of antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). Their diagnostic and therapeutic results were assessed. Results CT showed CRN of the anterior larynx in three patients and CRN of the posterior larynx in three patients, with one patient having a false-positive result on PET. HBO consisted of a mean of 36±6 dives. After early debridement and HBO, five patients showed CRN improvement, but one had aggravation and subsequently underwent total laryngectomy. None of these patients showed local tumor recurrence on pathologic examination or during a mean follow-up of 24 months. Conclusion Although CRN of the larynx may be detected by endoscopic and imaging work-ups, detection may require pathologic examination. Early debridement and HBO may effectively treat CRN, saving the functional larynx.
A microanalysis of autonomic activity during human speech.

&NA; The objective of the current study was to untangle the effects of a number of variables likely to affect autonomic activation during human speech. Thirty‐one young adults completed four tasks: 1) talking aloud with an experimenter about a personally relevant topic; 2) counting aloud with the experimenter present; 3) counting aloud while alone; and 4) counting subvocally while alone. Cardiovascular activity was monitored with a digitized, real‐time microcomputer‐based signal‐processing system. Measures included systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, blood volume pulse, T‐wave amplitude monitoring of ECG signals, as well as respiration rate and amplitude. Overall, the measures consistently indicated that 1) the motor efforts required for speech production in a truly low‐distress situation were associated with a low level of autonomic activation that exceeded baseline levels only on blood volume pulse and respiration amplitude; 2) experimenter presence significantly enhanced the blood volume pulse response but did not affect any other autonomic index; and 3) talking about personally relevant material triggered dramatically larger responses on nearly all autonomic indices. It is concluded that the motor efforts required for speech production are of minor importance in predicting autonomic responses to tasks involving speech. Speech content (i.e., affect related vs. neutral) has, however, significant impact on autonomic activation during speech.
Self-Protective Behaviors and Injury in Domestic Violence Situations

Research examining the impact of self-protective behaviors on outcomes in nonsexual assaults involving intimates has focused solely on one mainstream sample (National Crime Victimization Survey) in which violence is a relatively rare event. Using the Women’s Experience of Violence (WEV) project which collects data from a sample of incarcerated women, we explored the phenomenon of self-protective behaviors to assess whether their use impacts the probability and severity of subsequent injury during a domestic violence incident. In addition to utilizing a unique sample, we considered an alternative operationalization of self-protective behaviors that separates physical and verbal responses to include whether the behavior involved an element of force. Results suggest some similarities between a mainstream sample and our marginalized sample. Namely, the frequency in which they utilize countermeasures and the effect of “fighting back” appear to be consistent with previous research. However, the more nuanced categorization of self-protective behaviors demonstrates the importance of considering whether the strategy was forceful when examining women’s responses to violence.
The emotional experience of being internationally adopted: A qualitative study with Nepalese children adopted in Spain

Research in inter-country adoption is usually focused on being able to determine whether adopted children have more or fewer behavioral problems than non-adopted children. However, there is not enough to enable us to understand the feelings and bonds of the often complex life situations of being an internationally adopted child. This qualitative study with Nepalese child adoptees in Spain explores their inner world with projective methods. The results show that assessment with projective methods reveals dynamics and feelings experienced by adopted children. This can be a useful tool to better understand their psychological needs and properly design professional interventions.
Unionisation Structures and Heterogeneous Firms

The effects of unions on productivity and firm performance have been the topic of extensive research. Existing studies have, however, primarily focused on firm-level bargaining and on markets that are characterised by a small and fixed number of identical firms. This paper studies how different unionisation structures affect firm productivity and firm performance in a monopolistic competition model with heterogeneous firms and free entry. While centralised bargaining induces tougher selection among heterogeneous producers and thus increases average productivity, firm-level bargaining allows less productive entrants to remain in the market. Centralised bargaining also results in higher average output and profit levels than either decentralised bargaining or a competitive labour market. From the perspective of consumers, the choice between centralised and decentralised bargaining involves a potential trade-off between product variety and product prices.
Learning Bayesian Tracking for Motion Estimation

A common computer vision problem is to track a physical object through an image sequence. In general, the observations that are made in a single image determine the actual state only partially and information from several views has to be merged. A principled and well- established way of fusing information is the Bayesian framework. In this paper, we propose a novel way of doing Bayesian tracking called channel- based tracking. The method is related to grid-based tracking methods, but diers in two aspects: The applied sampling functions, i.e., the bins, are smooth and overlapping and the system and measurement models are learned from a training set. The results from the channel-based tracker are compared to state-of-the-art tracking methods based on particle fil- ters, using a standard dataset from the literature. A simple computer vision experiment is shown to illustrate possible applications.