Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-language perception of word-final stops in Thai and English

This study examined Australian English (AE) and Thai–English bilingual (TE) speakers' ability to perceive word-final stops in their native and non-native languages. In the perception experiment, the TE listeners were able to discriminate stop contrasts differing only in place of articulation (/p/–/t/, /p/–/k/, /t/–/k/) in both English and Thai accurately, but the AE listeners' discrimination was accurate only for English. The listeners' discrimination accuracy was differentially influenced by the type of stop contrast they heard. The Thai /p/–/t/ contrast was most discriminable for both groups of listeners, in particular, the AE listeners. Acoustic analyses of the Thai stimuli presented in the perception experiment were conducted in order to search for cues that led to different response patterns for the AE and TE listeners. There was a clear effect of the final stop on the formant trajectories of /a/ and /u/, suggesting that these acoustic differences may be audible to the listeners. The results provide further evidence that first language (L1) transfer alone is insufficient to account for listeners' response patterns in cross-language speech perception and that it is necessary to take into account phonetic realization of sounds and/or the amount of acoustic information contained in the speech signal to predict accuracy with which sound contrasts are discriminated.
Guess Who? How Doctors’ Attire Affects Students’ Perceptions of their Speciality

Hippocrates said that a doctor should be “clean in person, well dressed, and anointed with sweet-smelling unguents” [1]. Until the late 19th century, doctors often wore black. Black clothing was considered “formal wear,” not least because calling the doctor was often the last resort prior to death [2]. The dress code changed when, in the latter part of the 19th century, the idea of antiseptic techniques emerged [3] leading to a move towards “cleanliness” and “purity”, reflected in the now iconic white coat.
Plato: Approximate Analytics over Compressed Time Series with Tight Deterministic Error Guarantees

Plato provides fast approximate analytics on time series, by precomputing and storing compressed time series. Plato's key novelty is the delivery of tight deterministic error guarantees for time series analytics. Plato evaluates any time series expression composed by the linear algebra operators over vectors, along with arithmetic operators. This large scope of possible expressions includes common use cases such as correlation and cross-correlation expressions. Each time series is segmented either by fixed-length segmentation or by (a usually more effective) variable-length segmentation. Each segment is compressed by an estimation/compression function that approximates the actual values and is coming from a user-chosen function family, as taught by many prior works. The novelty is that Plato associates to each segment 1 to 3 (depending on the case) precomputed error measures and, using them, Plato computes tight deterministic error guarantees for analytics over the compressions. Importantly, some compression families lead to much better deterministic error guarantees. This work identifies two broad estimation function family groups (Vector Space (VS) and Linear Scalable Family (LSF)), which lead to theoretically and practically high-quality guarantees, even for expressions (eg correlation) that combine multiple time series that have been independently compressed and may, thus, use misaligned segmentations. The theoretical aspect of "high quality" is crisply captured by the Amplitude Independence (AI) property: An AI guarantee does not depend on the amplitude of the involved time series, even when we combine multiple time series. The experiments on four real-life datasets showed that when the novel AI guarantees were applicable, the approximate query results were certified to be very close (typically 1%) to the true results.
Lentiviral vectors encoding shRNAs efficiently transduce and knockdown LINGO-1 but induce an interferon response and cytotoxicity in CNS neurons Lentiviral vectors and shRNAs induce an interferon response in neurons

Background: Knocking down neuronal LINGO-1 using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) might enhance axon regeneration in the CNS. Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors have great potential as a therapeutic delivery system for CNS injuries. However, recent studies have revealed that shRNAs can induce an interferon response resulting in off-target effects and cytotoxicity. Methods: CNS neurons were transduced with integration-deficient lentiviral vectors in vitro. The transcriptional effect of shRNA expression was analysed using qRT-PCR and northern blots were used to assess shRNA production. Results: Integration-deficient lentiviral vectors efficiently transduced CNS neurons and knocked down LINGO-1 mRNA in vitro. However, an increase in cell death was observed when lentiviral vectors encoding an shRNA were applied or when high vector concentrations were used. We demonstrate that high doses of vector or the use of vectors encoding shRNAs can induce an up-regulation of interferon stimulated genes (OAS1 and PKR) and a down-regulation of off-target genes (including p75 NTR and NgR1). Furthermore, the northern blot demonstrated that these negative consequences occur even when lentiviral vectors express low levels of shRNAs. Together, these results may explain why neurite outgrowth was not enhanced on an inhibitory substrate after transduction with lentiviral vectors encoding an shRNA targeting LINGO-1. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of including appropriate controls to verify silencing specificity and the requirement to check for an interferon response when conducting RNA interference experiments. However, the potential benefits that RNA interference and viral vectors offer to gene-based therapies to CNS injuries cannot be overlooked and demand further investigation.
Adaptation of the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS-Plus) for the Portuguese Population

Athletic Identity may be defined as being the degree of importance, strength and exclusivity that is attached to the athlete's role which is maintained by him/herself and his/her context (Cieslak, 2004). In this study, using a confirmatory factor analysis, the measure of Athletic Identity (AIMS-plus) was examined. A total of 650 athletes completed the AIMS-plus. The psychometric features of the original scale were replicated to the Portuguese population. Validity and reliability were positive. AIMS-plus and AIMS were high correlated suggesting that both scales derive from similar athletic identity concepts. These results suggest that AIMS-plus seems to be an acceptable psychometric instrument and a good measure to be explored in research and intervention for athletic identity. It's also recommended further studies of the psychometric characteristics.
Changes in Hormones, Melatonin and Cortisol, Related to the Psychological and Sleep States of High School Students

Background: Emotionally and physically unstable high school students in adolescence tend to experience psychological and sleep disturbances in their uniform and stereotyped life. Hence, we investigated the actual condition of the depressive mood and sleep disturbances of high school students. In addition, we made a study on the correlation of cortisol and melatonin hormone concentration to their depression and sleep disturbances. Methods: We used a questionnaire on depressive moods and a questionnaire on sleep quality respectively to conduct a survey on psychological and sleep states. Melatonin and cortisol concentration in saliva sampled at 7 am and 11 pm were measured by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay), and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS-version 21. Results: According to the survey of 39 first-year and second-year high school students, there were 38.5% of the students with a depressive mood and 69.2% of students with sleep disturbance. Sleepdisturbances students suffered from depressive moods more than normal-sleep student and depressivemood students showed a significant increase in cortisol at 7 am (wake-up time). In addition, students with depressive moods and students with sleep disturbances have showed a significant increase in melatonin at 11 pm. There was no grade-specific difference. Conclusion: In conclusion, Korean high school students frequently suffer from depressive moods and sleep disturbances, and these students also showed changes in the concentration of related hormones, cortisol and melatonin. In particular, students with depressive moods experience a "phase delayed" phenomenon in which their normal circadian rhythms are delayed. This suggests that high school students' psychological and sleep disturbances may also affect hormones in their bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce psychological and sleep disturbances.
3D printable geomaterials

One of the many attributes of three-dimensional (3D) printing is the ability to produce particles with independent control of morphology and material properties, parameters that are inexorably entwined in naturally occurring geomaterials. In this paper the 3D printing of surrogate granular materials is described, with examples of the particles produced, and results are presented showing their ability to capture real soil behaviour. Three approaches are demonstrated for the 3D generation of model grains. The first method involves the superimposition of a fractal surface with higher level stochastic features on the face of a closed volume, such as a geodesic spheroid. The second method involves the use of Fourier descriptors or fractal geometry generated from two-dimensional (2D) cross-sections and their interpolation to produce simulated geomaterial particles in three dimensions. The third method involves the generation of complex particles by the aggregation of polyhedral elements such as cubes or octahed.
Plant community composition affects the species biogeochemical niche

Nutrients are essential for plant development, and their availability and stoichiometric ratios can influence the composition of plant communities. We investigated the possibility of the reverse influence: whether the conditions of contrasting species coexistence determine foliar element concentrations and plant stoichiometry, that is, species biogeochemical niche (BN). The experiment was conducted at the Ecological-Botanical Garden of the University of Bayreuth, Germany. We analyzed foliar element concentrations of two dwarf shrubs (Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus) and two grasses (Holcus lanatus and Arrhenatherum elatius) growing in different community compositions (monocultures and various mixed stands). Foliar nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry (taken as a proxy of species BN) were species specific; each species showed its own BN in all communities. Furthermore, V. myrtillus and H. lanatus species shifted their BN in response to changes in their community, accomplishing the “biogeochemical niche displacement” hypothesis. We conclude that plants can readjust their foliar element concentration if they grow in communities with contrasting plant composition, suggesting a differential use of element resources when the patterns of species coexistence change. These results also support the complementary niche hypothesis.
Improving paramedic distance education through mobile mixed reality simulation

There is growing evidence that the use of simulation in teaching is a key means of improving learning, skills, and outcomes, particularly for practical skills. In the health sciences, the use of high-fidelity task trainers has been shown to be ideal for reducing cognitive load and leading to enhanced learning outcomes. However, how do we make these task trainers available to students studying at a distance? To answer this question, this paper presents results from the implementation and sustained testing of a mobile mixed reality intervention in an Australian distance paramedic science classroom. The context of this mobile mixed reality simulation study, provided through a user-supplied mobile phone incorporating 3D printing, virtual reality, and augmented reality, is skills acquisition in airways management, focusing on direct laryngoscopy with foreign body removal. The intervention aims to assist distance education learners in practising skills prior to attending mandatory residential schools, building a baseline equality between those students who study face to face and those at a distance. Outcomes from the study showed statistically significant improvements in the use of the simulation across several key performance indicators in the distance learners, but also demonstrated problems to overcome in the pedagogical method.
Clove Oil as an Anaesthetic for Different Freshwater Fish Species

HAMACKOVA, J., J. KOURIL, P. KOZAK and Z. STUPKA, 2006. Clove oil as an anaesthetic for different freshwater fish species. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 12: 185-194 Results of experiments with clove oil utilization as an anaesthetic for fish realized in the University of South Bohemia Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology at Vodтany are described. A series of observations was performed to evaluate the anaesthetic effects of clove oil on a broad spectrum of fish species. In selected fish species, the effect of fish size, temperature of aquatic environment, anaesthetics concentration and exposure time upon the anaesthetic effects were studied. Within the realized experiments, concentration of 0.03 - 0.05 ml.l -1 can be generally recommended for fish. The only exception are salmonids and sturgeons which need lower (0.02 - 0.03 ml.l -1 ) and higher (0.07 ml.l -1 ) concentrations, respectively. Exposure period between 2 and 4 min. is sufficient for full anaesthesia and is strongly dependent on water temperature. Кey words: anaesthesia, clove oil, anaesthesia phases, recovery, fish
Study on the development of frontal sinuses by morphometric analysis of the skull - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v35i2.13334

The frontal sinuses are cranial areas of clinical, forensic and pathology importance whose development mechanisms are still poorly defined. Nasal airflow and brain development are two of the main theories. Current analysis debates whether they are the real determinants of frontal sinuses growth, which may be proved by the skull's morphometric analysis. Four groups of measures related to the external cranial architecture, the pyriform aperture, orbital cavities and frontal sinuses were defined. Thirty-three skulls of individuals, mean age 68 years, from the Laboratory of Anatomy of the Academic Centre of Victoria - UFPE - Brazil, were used. Statistical analysis showed total agenesis of the frontal sinus in 18.2% of the skulls. There was significant correlation between the development of the right frontal sinus and the pyriform aperture, and between the left frontal sinus and two cranial measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Significant differences between mean of pyriform aperture areas of the skulls with or without sinuses were also reported (p ≤ 0.01). Results supported the fact that there was a modulation activity by nasal aeration and brain formation in the development of frontal sinuses.
Study the Anti-Anxiety Effect of Acute Injection of Lavandula Angustifolia Extract in Elevated Plus-Maze Test in Male Rat *

With respect to anxiety prevalence and the fact some available anxiolytic drug remain side effect, design of suitable drugs, without unwanted side effects is necessary. Lavandula angustifolia (LA) is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of anxiety. Present study investigated the acute effects of hydro-alcoholic extracts of LA on anxiety-like behavior in Elevated plus-maze (EPM) test. The EPM is one of the most widely used animal models of anxiety. Four different groups of male Wistar rats intraperitoneally received LA extract (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), or saline (as control group) 30 min before submitting into EPM test. The statistical analysis of data was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc analysis. The results showed that compared to the control group, LA (50, 100 mg/kg) increased the percentage of entries in open arms (P<0.01) and time spent in open arms (P<0.01, P<0.05; respectively). LA extract has no effects on the total distance covered by animals and number of closed arm entries. The locomotor activity was not significantly changed by LA. The LA appears to be an anxiolytic influence effect. Future investigations are essential for pharmacological providing of LA and better understanding of anxiolytic properties and neurobiological mechanisms of LA extract.
Transcriptomics and comparative analysis of three Juglans species; J. regia, J. sigillata and J. cathayensis.

Walnut (Juglans) has been globally cultivated for its valuable nut, which has abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids and proteins. In China, only the Persian or English walnut (J. regia) and Yunnan or iron walnut (J. sigillata) are commercially cultivated for nut production, and Chinese butternut (J. cathayensis) is commonly used as rootstock and potential breeding material. Only few genomic resources are available for these non-model plants, particularly the last two species. Hence, we present the sequencing, de novo assembly and annotation of transcriptomes from fresh leaves of the three Juglans species by RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics analysis to discover a collection of SSR and SNP markers, to be used by researchers for further genetic improvements. In total, 59035134 (7.38 G bp), 43949544 (5.5 G bp) and 58609226 (7.32 G bp) high quality clean reads were generated from cDNA libraries of J. regia, J. sigillata and J. cathayensis, respectively. A total of 192360 unigenes longer than 200 bp were de novo assembled, 92858 (48.20%) unigenes were annotated, and 32110 CDSs (16.70%) were deduced. The potential function of each unigene was classified based on COG and GO database. 5683 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in KEGG pathways. A total of 41141 SSRs and 206355 SNPs were identified as potential molecular markers. The raw reads of transcriptome from J. regia (accession number SRR1767234), J. sigillata (accession number SRR1767236) and J. cathayensis (accession number SRR1767237) were deposited in NCBI database. Our transcriptome data enrich the genomic resource of Juglans species and will be essential to accelerate the process of molecular research and breeding. Keyword: Walnut; Juglans; Transcriptome; High-throughput sequencing; Differential expression genes. Abbreviations: BLAST_Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; CDS_Coding Region Sequence; COG_Cluster of Orthologous Groups of proteins; GO_Gene Ontology; KEGG_Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes; DEGs_differentially expressed genes; SSR_simple sequence repeat; SNP_single nucleotide polymorphism
Primipara Mother’s Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breastfeeding

To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of primipara mothers regarding breastfeeding, the study was conducted in Elite Mission Hospital, Thrissur among 50 primipara mothers who were breastfeeding their newborns. The sample was collected by nonprobability convenient sampling. The knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed by using breastfeeding knowledge questionnaire, IOWA infant feeding attitude scale and breast feeding practice checklist respectively. The study revealed that the knowledge of primipara mothers regarding breastfeeding was not adequate and that was reflected on their practice of breastfeeding. They had favourable to very favourable attitude towards breastfeeding. The primary care givers need to implement strategies to educate primimothers about breastfeeding to enhance good breastfeeding practice thereby reducing infant mortality and morbidity.
IMPLICIT AND EXPLICIT CORRECTIVE FEEDBACK AND THE ACQUISITION OF L 2 GRAMMAR

This article reviews previous studies of the effects of implicit and explicit corrective feedback on SLA, pointing out a number of methodological problems. It then reports on a new study of the effects of these two types of corrective feedback on the acquisition of past tense -ed. In an experimental design (two experimental groups and a control group), low-intermediate learners of second language English completed two communicative tasks during which they received either recasts (implicit feedback) or metalinguistic explanation (explicit feedback) in response to any utterance that contained an error in the target structure. Acquisition was measured by means of an oral imitation test (designed to measure implicit knowledge) and both an untimed grammaticality judgment test and a metalinguistic knowledge test (both designed to measure explicit knowledge). The tests were administered prior to the instruction, 1 day after the instruction, and again 2 weeks later. Statistical comparisons of the learners’ performance on the posttests showed a clear advantage for explicit feedback over implicit feedback for both the delayed imitation and grammaticality judgment posttests. Thus, the results indicate that metalinguistic explanation benefited implicit as well as explicit knowledge and point to the importance of including measures of both types of knowledge in experimental studies.
Convective and Stratiform Precipitation Processes and their Relationship to Latent Heating

The global hydrological cycle is central to the Earth's climate system, with rainfall and the physics of its formation acting as the key links in the cycle. Two-thirds of global rainfall occurs in the Tropics. Associated with this rainfall is a vast amount of heat, which is known as latent heat. It arises mainly due to the phase change of water vapor condensing into liquid droplets; three-fourths of the total heat energy available to the Earth's atmosphere comes from tropical rainfall. In addition, fresh water provided by tropical rainfall and its variability exerts a large impact upon the structure and motions of the upper ocean layer. An improved convective -stratiform heating (CSH) algorithm has been developed to obtain the 3D structure of cloud heating over the Tropics based on two sources of information: 1) rainfall information, namely its amount and the fraction due to light rain intensity, observed directly from the Precipitation Radar (PR) on board the TRMM satellite and 2) synthetic cloud physics information obtained from cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations of cloud systems. The cloud simulations provide details on cloud processes, specifically latent heating, eddy heat flux convergence and radiative heating/cooling, that. are not directly observable by satellite. The new CSH algorithm-derived heating has a noticeably different heating structure over both ocean and land regions compared to the previous CSH algorithm. One of the major differences between new and old algorithms is that the level of maximum cloud heating occurs 1 to 1.5 km lower in the atmosphere in the new algorithm. This can effect the structure of the implied air currents associated with the general circulation of the atmosphere in the Tropics. The new CSH algorithm will be used provide retrieved heating data to other heating algorithms to supplement their performance.