Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spoken second language words activate native language orthographic information in late second language learners

ABSTRACT This study investigated the time course of activation of orthographic information in spoken word recognition with two visual world eye-tracking experiments in a task where second language (L2) spoken word forms had to be matched with their printed referents. Participants (n = 64) were native Finnish learners of L2 French ranging from beginners to highly proficient. In Experiment 1, L2 targets (e.g., /sidʀ/) were presented with either orthographically overlapping onset competitors (e.g., /sɛ̃tʀ/) or phonologically overlapping onset competitors ( /sikl/). In Experiment 2, L2 targets (e.g., /pom/) were associated with competitors in Finnish, L1 of the participants, in conditions symmetric to Experiment 1 ( /pauhu/ vs. /pom:i/). In the within-language experiment (Experiment 1), the difference in target identification between the experimental conditions was not significant. In the between-language experiment (Experiment 2), orthographic information impacted the mapping more in lower proficiency learners, and this effect was observed 600 ms after the target word onset. The influence of proficiency on the matching was nonlinear: proficiency impacted the mapping significantly more in the lower half of the proficiency scale in both experiments. These results are discussed in terms of coactivation of orthographic and phonological information in L2 spoken word recognition.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Quantified Electroencephalogram Measured During a Continuous Performance Test: A Confirmation of Neurocognitive Systems

In the University of Rhode Island's psychophysiology laboratory we are constructing a quantitative neuropsychological test that could be used in the assessment of human brain dysfunction. To this end we have collected the quantified electroencephalogram (QEEG) of 102 participants while they performed an eyes-closed, auditory, continuous performance test (CPT). Using the principal component procedure and 40 QEEG variables, Weiler (1993) and Arruda et al., (1994) derived two measurement models; suggesting the existence of seven to eight neurocognitive systems, including a theoretically meaningful right hemisphere, "Attention" component that appears fundamental to the brain's performance of a vigilance/attention task. The present study sought to confirm the existence (construct-related validity) of the seven and the eight component measurement models using an independent sample of 106 participants and the confirmatory factor analysis procedure. The results of this study confirmed the existence of a reduced seven component measurement model, strongly suggesting the existence of five neurocognitive brain systems, including the right hemisphere attention system referred to above. Component scores were then derived for each of the five component measures using the QEEG obtained from a subsample of participants while they performed a 23 minute CPT (i.e., attention task). The results of this study suggest that the right hemisphere beta wave component is a measure of a right hemisphere attention system. Changes in task demands were associated with varying levels of both the right hemisphere beta component and attention, as defined by behavioral performance. To the author's knowledge, the five component measurement model represents the first successful confirmation of a QEEG measurement model (i.e., component/factor structure) using an independent sample.
Grandparents’ Parenting on Children’s Internalizing Symptoms: The Serial Mediation of Parents’ Psychological Control and Children’s Emotion Regulation

The current study aimed to investigate the intergenerational transmission of parenting and internalizing problems in children. Serial mediation models were used to assess parental psychological control and child emotion regulation as mediators in linking grandparents’ parenting (care or overprotection) and children’s internalizing problems. The sample consisted of 150 Chinese children (Mage = 8.54, SD = 1.67) and their parents. The parents reported the grandparents’ parenting and children’s internalizing problems, and the children reported on their emotion regulation. Both the children’s ratings and behavioral observations were used to assess the parents’ psychological control. The results showed that grandmothers’ parenting was significantly associated with children’s internalizing problems, and this relationship was mediated by perceived (but not observed) parental psychological control and children’s emotion regulation. These results highlighted the differential role of children’s perceptions of parental control and the observed parental psychological control on internalizing symptoms in children.
Taming the {alpha}-vacuum

An interacting scalar field theory in de Sitter space appears to be nonrenormalizable for a generic {alpha}-vacuum state. This pathology arises since the usual propagator used allows for a constructive interference among propagators in loop corrections, which produces divergences that are not proportional to standard counterterms. This interference can be avoided by defining a new propagator for the {alpha}-vacuum based on a generalized time-ordering prescription. The generating functional associated with this propagator contains a source that couples to the field both at a point and at its antipode. To one loop order, we show that a set of theories with very general antipodal interactions is causal and renormalizable.
Testing Theories of Happiness

Happiness research in economics takes reported subjective well-being as a proxy measure for utility and has already provided many interesting insights about human well-being and its determinants. We argue that future research on happiness in economics has a lot of potential, but that it needs to be guided more by theory. We propose two ways to test theories of happiness, and illustrate them with two applications. First, reported subjective well-being can contribute towards a new understanding of utility in economics. Here, we study the introduction of income aspirations in individuals' utility functions in order to improve our understanding of how income affects individual well-being. Second, happiness data offers a new possibility of discriminating between different models of behavior. This is studied for theories of marriage, which crucially depend on auxiliary assumptions as to what contributes to well-being in marriage. Both applications are empirically tested with panel data for Germany.
Effects of a 12-Week Hatha Yoga Intervention on Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Muscular Strength and Endurance, and Flexibility in Hong Kong Chinese Adults: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective. To examine the effects of a 12-week Hatha yoga intervention on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility in Chinese adults. Methods. 173 adults (aged 52.0 ± 7.5 years) were assigned to either the yoga intervention group (n = 87) or the waitlist control group (n = 86). 19 dropped out from the study. Primary outcomes were changes in cardiorespiratory endurance (resting heart rate (HR) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)), muscular strength and endurance (curl-up and push-up tests), and lower back and hamstring flexibility (the modified back-saver sit-and-reach (MBS) test). Results. Compared to controls, the yoga group achieved significant improvements in VO2max (P < 0.01), curl-up (P < 0.05) and push-up (P < 0.001) tests, and the MBS left and right leg tests (both P < 0.001) in both genders. Significant change was also found for resting HR between groups in women (P < 0.05) but not in men. Further analysis comparing participants between younger and older subgroups yielded similar findings, except that the older participants in the yoga group failed to improve resting HR or the curl-up test versus control. Adherence (89%) and attendance (94%) were high. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion. A 12-week Hatha yoga intervention has favorable effects on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility in Chinese adults.
Design of 2-D channel estimation filters for OFDM systems

The performance of channel estimation can be improved by employing a channel estimation filter (CEF) that can adjust its bandwidth in response to the channel condition. For coherent OFDM receiver, we consider the use of two-dimensional (2-D) moving average (MA) FIR filter with a linear interpolation filter as the CEF that can provide good performance without requiring large implementation complexity. The optimum tap size of 2-D MA FIR CEF is analytically determined in terms of the pilot spacing, the channel spectrum and pilot signal to interference power ratio. The performance of the proposed channel estimator is evaluated by computer simulation.
Small group effectiveness in a Caribbean medical school’s problem-based learning sessions

Purpose: The Tutorial Group Effectiveness Instrument was developed to provide objective information on the effectiveness of small groups. Student perception of small group effectiveness during the problem base learning (PBL) process has not been previously studied in Xavier University School of Medicine (Aruba, Kingdom of the Netherlands); hence, the present study was carried out. Methods: The study was conducted among second and third semester undergraduate medical students during the last week of September 2013, at Xavier University School of Medicine of the Netherlands. Students were informed about the objectives of the study and invited to participate after obtaining written, informed consent. Demographic information like gender, age, nationality, and whether the respondent had been exposed to PBL before joining the institution was noted. Student perception about small group effectiveness was studied by noting their degree of agreement with a set of 19 statements using a Likert-type scale. Results: Thirty-four of the 37 (91.9%) second and third semester medical students participated in the study. The mean cognitive score was 3.76 while the mean motivational and de-motivational scores were 3.65 and 2.51, respectively. The median cognitive category score was 27 (maximum score 35) while the motivation score was 26 (maximum score 35) and the de-motivational score was 12 (maximum score25). There was no significant difference in scores according to respondents’ demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Student perception about small group effectiveness was positive. Since most medical schools worldwide already have or are introducing PBL as a learning modality, the Tutorial Group Effectiveness Instrument can provide valuable information about small group functioning during PBL sessions.
80-Mb/s QPSK and 72-Mb/s 64-QAM flexible and scalable digital OFDM transceiver ASICs for wireless local area networks in the 5-GHz band

With the advent of mobile communications, voice telecommunications became wireless. Future applications, however, target multimedia, messaging, and high-speed Internet access, all expressing the need for a broadband high-speed wireless access technique. Both the domestic multimedia and the wireless local area network (WLANs) business markets are addressed. Established systems deliver 2-11 Mb/s based on spectrally inefficient spread-spectrum techniques, where scalability has reached a limit. The next generation of modems requires spectrally more efficient low-power and highly integrated solutions. We describe here the design of two digital baseband orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) signal processing ASICs, implementing respectively a quaternary phase-shift keying (QPSK)-based 80-Mb/s and a 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)-based 72-Mb/s digital inner transceiver. The latter partially matches the Hiperlan/2 and IEEE 802.11a standards. Joint development of signal processing algorithms and architectures along with on-chip data transfer, control, and partitioning leads to a low-power, yet flexible and scalable implementation. Both ASICs were designed in a unique object-oriented C++ design flow starting from algorithm level. The ASICs were successfully tested in a 5-GHz testbed both for file data transfer and web-cam multimedia transmission.
Fas-Associated Death Domain-Containing Protein-Mediated Antiviral Innate Immune Signaling Involves the Regulation of Irf71

The induction of type I (αβ) IFN following virus infection is necessary for the stimulation of effective antiviral host defense. In fibroblasts, a subset of primary genes (including those encoding IFN-β and IFN-α4) are induced directly by intracellular dsRNA generated by the virus during its replication. These primary type I IFNs induce expression of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-7, required for production of a second cascade of IFN-α subtypes and the further establishment of a complete antiviral state. Previously, we had reported on a role for Fas-associated death domain-containing protein (FADD) in the control of TLR-independent innate immune responses to virus infection. Our data in this study demonstrate that FADD is not only required for efficient primary gene induction, but is also essential for induction of Irf7 and effective expression of secondary IFN-αs and other antiviral genes. Ectopic overexpression of IRF-7 partially rescued dsRNA responsiveness and IFN-α production, and a constitutively active variant of IRF-7 displayed normal activity in Fadd−/− murine embryonic fibroblasts. MC159, a FADD-interacting viral protein encoded by the molluscum contagiosum poxvirus was found to inhibit dsRNA-activated signaling events upstream of IRF-7. These data indicate that FADD’s antiviral activity involves regulation of IRF-7-dependent production of IFN-α subtypes and consequent induction of secondary antiviral genes.
Podcasting, student learning and expectations

This paper presents prelminary results of a trial of podcasting in six law units involving 1244 students during Semester 1, 2006. The data revealed a rapid uptake and acceptance of podcasting with few difficulties. The vast majority of students perceived podcasting as having excellent value, particularly lectures and to a lesser extent, tutorials. Podcasting altered study habits, with students spending moretime reading primiary materials, and a minority of students spending time transcribing podcasts. Podcasts did not reduce participation WebCT dicussion forums. Podcasts were expected by students to be delivered within three days with students prepared to accept lengthier downloads for improved quality. The paper discusses the main advantages and disadvantages of pdocasting as revealed by student users. There is no doubt that audio podcasting has now become an essential requirement for teaching tertiary students within the law units. The challenge will be for UNE to create workflows to meet the expectations of students as to quality and service delivery.
Economic Analysis of Alemtuzumab (MabCampath®) in FludarabinerefractoryChronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Objective: The objective of this economic analysis is to determine the cost-effectiveness of alemtuzumab in the treatment of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) patients who have progressed despite fludarabine therapy. Method: This model was developed according to the Canadian public payer health system considering only direct medical costs. Effectiveness information was obtained from the published literature. Resource utilization was based on guidelines, literature and expert opinion. Cost information was obtained from provincial costing sources and presented in 2008 Canadian dollars. The primary comparators for this analysis were alemtuzumab, Various Treatments (VT) (combination of agents), fludarabine+cyclophosphamide (FC), fludarabine+cyclophosphamide+rituximab (FCR) and best supportive care (BSC). Results: Estimated mean survival for alemtuzumab was 22.68 months (1.89 years). Mean survival for VT was estimated from the literature at 16.32 months (1.36 years). The mean survival for FC was 17.44 months (1.45 years) and FCR 20.06 months (1.67 years). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for alemtuzumab vs VT was $43,615/life year gained (LYG); $52,536/LYG for the alemtuzumab vs FC; $21,818/LYG vs FCR; and less costly and more effective vs BSC. ICERs were sensitive to three variables: treatment duration of alemtuzumab; treatment duration of FCR; and additional survival due to rituximab for FCR patients compared to FC. Conclusion: The results showed that the ICERs for alemtuzumab in B-CLL patients who have failed fludarabine ranged from $21,818/LYG to $52,536/LYG compared to active treatment, and was less costly and more efficacious compared to BSC.
In vitro import of cytochrome c peroxidase into the intermembrane space: release of the processed form by intact mitochondria

Cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP) is a nuclearly encoded hemoprotein located in the intermembrane space (IMS) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondria. Wild-type preCCP synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysates, however, was inefficiently translocated into isolated mitochondria and was inherently resistant to externally added proteases. To test whether premature heme addition to the apoprecursor was responsible for the protease resistance and the inability to import preCCP, site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace the axial heme ligand (His175) involved in forming a pseudo-covalent link between the heme iron and CCP. Mutant proteins containing Leu, Arg, Met, or Pro at residue 175 of mature CCP were sensitive to proteolysis and were imported into isolated mitochondria as judged by proteolytic processing of the precursor. The inhibition of wild-type CCP translocation across the outer membrane may result from the inability of the heme-containing protein to unfold during the translocation process. Although the protease responsible for cleaving preCCP to its mature form is believed to be located in the IMS, most of the processed CCP was located in the supernatant rather than the mitochondrial pellet. Since the outer membranes were shown to be intact, the anomalous localization indicated that preCCP may not have been completely translocated into the IMS before proteolytic processing or that conformationally labile proteins may not be retained by the outer membrane. Proteolytic maturation of preCCP also occurred in the presence of valinomycin, suggesting that the precursor may be completely or partially translocated across the outer mitochondrial membrane independent of a potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Image haze removal: Status, challenges and prospects

Image haze removal has become an important researching direction in computer vision because of the development of computer vision system and its increasing demand. Images acquired in bad weather, such as haze and fog, are seriously degraded by the scatting of the atmosphere, which makes the image color gray, reduces the contrast and make the object features difficult to identify. The bad weather not only lead to the variation of the visual effect of the image, but also to the disadvantage of the post processing to the image, as well as the inconvenience of all kinds of instruments which rely on optical imaging, such as satellite remote sensing system, aerial photo system, outdoor monitoring system and object identification system. That's the reason why they need enhancement and restoration for the improvement of the visual effects and convenience of post processing. This paper sums up the status of image haze removal methods. After that, quantitative and qualitative evaluations of these techniques are presented and the challenges of the existing haze removal method are summarized. Finally, we proposed some expectations to the future research in the field of image haze removal.
An analysis of voters perception of visual advertisements with respect to neuromarketing approach

PurposeThe study aims to offer better understanding of individuals’ perceptions in term of their eye gazes and fixations toward printed advertisements’ design in political marketing context. It is targeted to investigate both ‘focus selection’ -what the voter chooses to gaze atand ‘focus engagement’ -the time a voter spends gazing at the components of the advertisement-. MethodologyThe study uses eye-tracking techniques in gaze plots’ measurement as novel methods that may radically change tendencies in the political advertising field mainly when designing the logo, claim, and photo of printed advertisements. FindingsThe findings highlight that voters have significant difference in their visual attention on areas of interests (AOI) as claim, logo, and photo of the printed political advertisements based on their gender. ConclusionThe participants have a clear tendency to quickly gaze at the claim of the visual stimuli, then at the photo of the leader and lastly to the logo of the party. Also, it is found that the participants have a tendency to focus their gazes at the claim of the visual stimuli more than the photo and logo.
Outlier Detection and Trend Detection: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Outlier detection is commonly defined as the process of finding unusual, rare observations in a large data set, without prior knowledge of which objects to look for. Trend detection is the task of finding some unexpected change in some quantity, such as the occurrence of certain topics in a textual data stream. Many established outlier detection methods are designed to search for low-density objects in a static data set of vectors in Euclidean space. For trend detection, high volume events are of interest and the data set is constantly changing. These two problems appear to be very different at first. However, they also have obvious similarities. For example, trends and outliers likewise are supposed to be rare occurrences. In this paper, we discuss the close relationship of these tasks. We call to action to investigate this further, to carry over insights, ideas, and algorithms from one domain to the other.
An Advanced 405-nm Laser Diode Crystallization Method of a-Si Film for Fabricating Microcrystalline-Si TFTs

This report describes a crystallization method we developed for amorphous (a)-Si film by using 405-nm laser diodes (LDs). The proposed method has been used to fabricate bottom gate (BG) microcrystalline (µc)-Si TFTs for the first time. A µc-Si film with high crystallinity was produced and high-performance BG µc-Si TFTs with a field effect mobility of 3.6cm2/Vs and a current on/off ratio exceeding 108 were successfully demonstrated. To determine the advantages of a 405-nm wavelength, a heat flow simulation was performed with full consideration of light interference effects. Among commercially available solid-state lasers and LDs with wavelengths having relatively high optical absorption coefficients for a-Si, three (405, 445, and 532nm) were used in the simulation for comparison. Results demonstrated that wavelength is a crucial factor for the uniformity, efficiency, and process margin in a-Si crystallization for BG µc-Si TFTs. The 405-nm wavelength had the best simulation results. In addition, the maximum temperature profile on the gate electrode through the simulation well explained the actual crystallinity distributions of the µc-Si films.
Applying Control Theory to Computing Systems

LIMITED DISTRIBUTION NOTICE: This report has been submitted for publication outside of IBM and will probably be copyrighted if accepted for publication. It has been issued as a Research Report for early dissemination of its contents. In view of the transfer of copyright to the outside publisher, its distribution outside of IBM prior to publication should be limited to peer communications and specific requests. After outside publication, requests should be filled only by reprints or legally obtained copies of the article (e.g. , payment of royalties). Copies may be requested from IBM T. J.