Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acoustic correlates of L2 English stress ― Comparison of Japanese English and Korean English

This study compared the relative contributions of intensity, F0, duration and vowel spectra of L2 English lexical stress by Japanese and Korean learners of English. Recordings of Japanese, Korean and native English speakers reading eighteen 2 to 4 syllable words in a carrier sentence were analyzed using multiple regression to investigate the influence of each acoustic correlate in determining whether a vowel was stressed. The relative contribution of each correlate was calculated by converting the coefficients to percentages. The Japanese learner group showed phonological transfer of L1 phonology to L2 lexical prosody and relied mostly on F0 and duration in manifesting L2 English stress. This is consistent with the results of the previous studies. However, advanced Japanese speakers in the group showed less reliance on F0, and more use of intensity, which is another parameter used in native English stress accents. On the other hand, there was little influence of F0 on L2 English stress by the Korean learners, probably due to the transfer of the Korean intonation pattern to L2 English prosody. Hence, this study shows that L1 transfer happens at the prosodic level for Japanese learners of English and at the intonational level for Korean learners.
spatial interactions determine temporal feature integration as revealed by unmasking

Feature integration is one of the most fundamental problems in neuroscience. In a recent contribution, we showed that a trailing grating can diminish the masking effects one vernier exerts on another, preceding vernier. Here, we show that this temporal unmasking depends on neural spatial interactions related to the trailing grating. Hence, our paradigm allows us to study the spatio-temporal interactions underlying feature integration
Signature Estimation and Drop-Out Implications for a Triple Source Marine Seismic Survey

We demonstrate the compatibility of modern far-field signature estimation with triple source acquisition and the resilience of this estimation in the face of drop-outs. Our results are based on data acquired with a two-string, 2965 cubic inch source array, and with a de-tuned 2415 cubic inch variant of that array which exhibits reduced peak amplitude and lower primary-to-bubble ratio. Modelled signatures were compared with those derived by least-squares inversion of near-field hydrophone measurements, according to the method discussed in Hargreaves et al. (2015, 2016) and, after examining different choices of ghosting parameters, we derive de-signature operators and apply these to seismic shot records. We find that the de-tuned 2415 array gives comparable results to the full array after de-signature, which is encouraging for robustness of signature estimation in the face of drop-outs. We note improved de-signature results using a frequency-dependent sea-surface reflection coefficient which is smaller than predicted based on the sea state reported during acquisition. This suggests energy loss mechanisms are significant in the vicinity of the source array.
A Three-Port LLC Resonant DC/DC Converter

This paper proposes a new three-port LLC resonant converter which integrates input port, storage port, and load port in one converter. A pulse-frequency modulation and phase-shift combined control method are adopted for the proposed topology. It has four different operation modes with different gains and different power directions between input port, storage port, and load port, which are attractive for renewable energy with energy storage system applications. The proposed topology operates under resonant frequency, which is easy to implement with digital control, and it can achieve soft switching for almost all the switches and diodes similar to conventional LLC resonant converter. The performance of the proposed converter is validated by the experimental results from a 500-W prototype with 1.25-A maximum output current.
Ants.

According to the Virginia Pesticide Control Act (Section 3.1-249.53), in order to apply ANY pesticide (including Raid , Round-Up , and other over-the-counter pesticides) in public areas of ANY educational institution, the applicator must first be certified by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In other words, it is illegal for uncertified teachers, staff, administrators, or contractors to apply pesticides on school grounds.
The high-pressure stability of Ni2In-type structure of ZrO2 with respect to OII and Fe2P-type phases: A first-principles study

The density-functional theory is used to investigate the stability of the Ni2In-type hexagonal structure with the space group: P63/mmc at high pressures and compared to the orthorhombic OII and Fe2P-type phases of zirconia (ZrO2). The calculations showed that the high-pressure phase transition sequence in ZrO2 is as follows: OII → Fe2P → Ni2In, which is consistent with the recent measurements that are observed in Fe2P as a post-OII phase of ZrO2. We obtained a very small volume change across OII → Fe2P transition, whereas an appreciable volume change is found across the Fe2P → Ni2In transition. The compressibility of Ni2In phase is found to be high as compared to the other two high-pressure phases.
Autonomous Deployment of Heterogeneous Mobile Sensors

In this paper, we address the problem of deploying heterogeneous mobile sensors over a target area. Traditional approaches to mobile sensor deployment are specifically designed for homogeneous networks. Nevertheless, network and device homogeneity is an unrealistic assumption in most practical scenarios, and previous approaches fail when adopted in heterogeneous operative settings. For this reason, we introduce VorLag, a generalization of the Voronoi-based approach which exploits the Laguerre geometry. We theoretically prove the appropriateness of our proposal to the management of heterogeneous networks. In addition, we demonstrate that VorLag can be extended to deal with dynamically generated events or uneven energy depletion due to communications. Finally, by means of simulations, we show that VorLag provides a very stable sensor behavior, with fast and guaranteed termination and moderate energy consumption. We also show that VorLag performs better than its traditional counterpart and other methods based on virtual forces.
Flipping the learning of mathematics: Different enactments of mathematics instruction in secondary classrooms

The concept of flipping the classroom and flipped learning is becoming increasingly more popular in secondary schools. Although more prevalent in tertiary teaching, flipped learning has a number of affordances that may address the challenging demands of teaching secondary mathematics. While enactments of the approach vary, flipped learning requires a reconceptualization of traditional secondary mathematics instruction in that instructional content is assigned as homework before class, providing for more targeted in-class teaching. This paper reports on a study which investigated the enactment of the flipped classroom in ten different secondary mathematics classes. Findings indicated that there were essentially three different ways in which the approach was enacted, yet all enactments appeared to offer similar affordances. The study adds to the limited research which documents flipped learning in secondary mathematics classes and contributes to current understandings of teachers' and students' perceptions of their experiences of such an approach and the affordances it offers. The study has implications for secondary students and teachers of mathematics, particularly those who are teaching within the constraints of prescribed textbooks and externally imposed assessment measures.
Rationnement alimentaire de l'oie avant et pendant la ponte

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Rationnement alimentaire de l’oie avant et pendant la ponte N. Sellier, D. Rousselot-Pailley, B. Sauveur
Öğretmen Adaylarının Bilgi Okuryazarlık Düzeyleri ile Bilgi ve İletişim Teknolojilerine Yönelik Tutumları

Bu çalışmanın amacı, fen bilimleri ve ilköğretim matematik öğretmen adaylarının bilgi okuryazarlık düzeyleri ile bilgi ve iletişim teknolojilerine yönelik tutumlarını bazı değişkenler açısından incelemektir. Çalışmanın verileri, 2016-2017 öğretim yılı bahar yarıyılında Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi’ndeki bir üniversitede öğrenim gören 173 fen bilimleri ve 156 matematik olmak üzere toplamda 329 öğretmen adayından toplanmıştır. Çalışmada, betimsel yaklaşımın ilişkisel tarama modeli tercih edilmiştir. Veriler; Kurbanoğlu, Akkoyunlu ve Umay (2006) tarafından geliştirilen Bilgi Okuryazar Ölçeği ve Günbatar (2014) tarafından geliştirilen Bilgi ve İletişim Teknolojileri Tutum Ölçeği (BİT) ile toplanmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde MANOVA ve ANOVA testleri kullanılmıştır. Çoklu karşılaştırma testi olarak da Bonferroni kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucunda; öğretmen adaylarının bilgi okuryazarlığı ile BİT’e yönelik tutum puanları arasında orta düzeyde olumlu yönde ve anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Fen bilimleri öğretmen adaylarının bilgi okuryazarlık düzeylerinin matematik öğretmen adaylarına göre anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek olduğu fakat BİT’e yönelik tutumları arasında anlamlı farklılığın olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
A Validation of Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument for Biology Teachers

The state of Texas assumes certification tests with low and high biology contents yield teachers with equal teaching efficacy if candidates did not obtain an undergraduate degree in a teaching subject. But, the sense of efficacy of the generalist-certified teachers who took the test with only 30 percent life science contents may be impacted. Studies have used personal efficacy and outcome expectancy subscales in Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI) to measure teacher effectiveness. Few scales exist specifically for subject teachers teaching science in high schools. Hence, STEBI was adapted. This study assessed the validity and reliability of modified STEBI using data from 562 in-service biology teachers in public high schools. Principal Component Analysis supported the validity of the instrument, Confirmatory Factor Analysis failed. The reliability was established with Cronbach’s alpha. The subscales were reliable; alpha was . 81 and . 81. STEBI could be adapted to study teaching efficacy beliefs of biology teachers.
Profiling Immune Escape in Hodgkin’s and Diffuse large B-Cell Lymphomas Using the Transcriptome and Immunostaining

Therapeutic blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 shows promising results in Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and in some diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, but biomarkers predicting such responses are still lacking. To this end, we recently developed a transcriptional scoring of immune escape (IE) in cancer biopsies. Using this method in DLBCL, we identified four stages of IE correlated with overall survival, but whether Hodgkin’s lymphomas (HL) also display this partition was unknown. Thus, we explored the transcriptomic profiles of ~1000 HL and DLBCL using a comparative meta-analysis of their bulk microarrays. Relative to DLBCL, the HL co-clustered at the advanced stage of immune escape, displaying significant enrichment of both IE and T-cell activation genes. Analyses via transcriptome deconvolution and immunohistochemistry showed more CD3+ and CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in HL than DLBCL. Both HL and non-GCB DLBCL shared a high abundance of infiltrating CD8+ T-cells, but HL had less CD68+CD163+ macrophages. The same cellular distribution of PD-1 and TIM-3 was observed in HL and DLBCL, though HL had more PD-L1 tumor cells and LAG-3 ME cells. This study illuminates the advanced stage of immune activation and escape in HL, consistent with the response to checkpoint blockade therapies for this type of lymphoma.
Use of Yarrowia lipolytica Lipase Immobilized in Cell Debris for the Production of Lipolyzed Milk Fat (LMF)

Lipase immobilized on Yarrowia lipolytica cell debris after sonication of yeast cells (LipImDebri) was used in hydrolysis reaction as a novel strategy to produce lipolyzed milk fat (LMF). Extracellular (4732.1 U/L), intracellular (130.0 U/g), and cell debris (181.0 U/g) lipases were obtained in a 4 L bioreactor using residual frying oil as inducer in 24 h fermentation process. LipImDebri showed a good operational stability retaining 70% of lipolytic activity after the second cycle and 40% after the fourth. The highest degree of hydrolysis (28%) was obtained with 500 mg LipImDebri for 6 h of lipolysis of anhydrous milk fat. LMF produced with LipImDebri presented high contents of oleic (35.2%), palmitic (25.0%), and stearic (15.4%) acids and considerable amounts of odor-active short and medium chain fatty acids (C:4–C:10) (8.13%).
Implementation of Creating Start up Used Waste of Agroindustry Company

This study aims to create new entrepreneurs by utilizing agroindustry waste companies so as to create business opportunities for communities around the agroindustry company's location and improve the company's rating in environmental management and protection (PROPER) with corporate social responsibility and community empowerment program.This research was conducted survey on agroindustry company in Indonesia. The sample in this study was conducted 40 respondents involved in the utilization of waste into added value company. Data collection methods are interview, observation, documentation, questionnaire and focus group discussion. Analysis technique used is spider net analysis.The results of this study indicate that creating new entrepreneurs can be done by utilizing waste agroindustry companies so as to provide employment opportunities and reduce unemployment, while agroindustry companies can benefit in the form of improved performance ratings in the protection and environmental management (Proper) so that a positive impact on reputation companies, ease of access to credit and sustainability of the company in the future.
Sincronização de estro e superovulação em ovinos e caprinos.

O objetivo desta revisao foi apresentar os principios das tecnicas de sincronizacao de estro e superovulacao e como podem ser implantadas em sistemas de producao de pequenos ruminantes ou para a multiplicacao acelerada de animais com caracteristicas desejaveis.
Optimizing Game Engagement Via Nonparametric Models and Manipulations of Difficulty, Tension, and Perceived Performance

Khajah, Mohammad M. (Ph.D, Computer Science) Optimizing Game Engagement via Nonparametric Models and Manipulations of Difficulty, Tension, and Perceived performance Thesis directed by Professor Michael C. Mozer I study the impact of novel game manipulations on user engagement using principled computational methods. Maximizing user engagement is important because it results in more profitable games in the commercial arena and better learning outcomes in the educational arena. It is then perhaps unsurprising that the study of user engagement is well established. Most work uses a classical A/B paradigm, in which a few, often binary (on/off), design decisions are manipulated. Recently, optimization studies have begun to explore a range of discrete or continuous levels. The majority of work in both types of studies is concerned with manipulations such as aesthetics, rewards, and difficulty. While many of these manipulations are found to increase engagement, little work has been done on utilizing theories of engagement from other domains, such as gambling and storytelling, to improve user game engagement. For instance, the tension-and-release manipulation, a common technique in storytelling and music composition for controlling event progression, is usually discussed within the gaming context only qualitatively as a way of controlling difficulty over time. The near-win effect—an increase in motivation due to almost winning a game—comes from gambling psychology. Another understudied manipulation is the perception of difficulty, where the user’s perception of the challenge is controlled independently from actual challenge or vice versa. Undoubtedly, game designers are using these manipulations—near-win, tension-release and perception of difficulty—in their games but I am not aware of work that systematically explores how different levels of these manipulations influence user engagement. In this thesis I study these manipulations systematically using Gaussian processes, neural network, and preference learning models. Results from multiple Bayesian optimization experiments show that maximum engagement occurs when the user’s perception of difficulty is manipulated moderately, suggesting the critical role of a user’s self-perception of competence. A/B and random assignment studies show that engagement in a web-based memory training game can be modulated via tension-and-release difficulty curves.
The effect of tutorial feedback type on the choice of feedback type in pre-service teachers’ development of learning objects

This study investigates the effect of feedback types presented in learning object (LO) development tutorials on the quality of pre-service teachers ’ LOs and their choices of feedback types in authoring LOs . Results indicate that video feedback presented in the tutorials is the most effective feedback representation type, based on overall scores on the learning object review instrument and feedback quali ty of the LOs developed by the pre -service teachers. However, interaction between feedback types presented in the tutorial and pre -service teachers ’ actual use of feedback in authoring LOs was not meaningful . The implications are discussed.
β-Amyloid Immunoreactivity in Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Biopsies: An Electron Microscope Study

Abstract The deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) protein plays a central role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it constitutes the core of classical senile plaques. However, little is known about its intracellular distribution. An immunogold electron microscope study was therefore carried out on biopsies of brain tissue from patients with AD using a monoclonal antibody raised against residues 8 to 17 of the Aβ protein. Specific Aβ immunogold labeling was observed over extracellular amyloid fibrils associated with senile plaques. In addition, widespread intracellular Aβ immunolabeling was observed adjacent to granular structures (30–40 nm in diameter) within membrane-bound processes. Pretreatment of some sections with amylase or omission of lead citrate staining from others strongly suggests that the electron-dense granular structures associated with Aβ immunoreactivity are glycogen. Some of the Aβ-immunolabeled processes contained gliofilaments and immunolabeling of alternate sections for glial fibrillary acidic protein confirmed that the Aβ-immunolabeled processes were astrocytic. Aβ immunolabeling was not observed over neuronal or microglial processes. Whether the presence of Aβ protein in astrocytes is the result of synthetic or degradation processes requires further investigation.
Naturopathic Medicine for the Management of Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea, and Menorrhagia: A Content Analysis.

OBJECTIVES To explore the recommendations of naturopathic medicine for the management of endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia, drawing on traditional and contemporary sources. DESIGN Content analysis. SETTING Australia, Canada, and the United States of America (USA). SUBJECTS Contemporary sources were identified from reviewing naturopathic higher education institutions' recommended texts, while traditional sources were identified from libraries which hold collections of naturopathic sources. Sources were included if they were published from 1800 to 2016, were in English, published in Australia, Canada, or the USA, and reported on the topic. Included sources were as follows: 37 traditional texts; 47 contemporary texts; and 83 articles from naturopathic periodicals. RESULTS Across included sources, the most reported disciplines were herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, mineral medicines, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and chemical-based medicines. Herbal medicines were extensively reported from all sources for the management of endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia. Clinical nutrition was only recommended from contemporary sources for all three conditions. Mineral medicines were mentioned in both traditional and contemporary sources, but were only recommended for dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. There were limited recommendations for homeopathy and hydrotherapy treatments in all conditions across all sources. Chemical-based medicines were only mentioned for dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and recommendations ceased after 1922. Recommendations for endometriosis were not present in any of the traditional sources, across all reported disciplines. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this article provide insights into the documented historical and contemporary treatments within naturopathic medicine for endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia. While philosophical principles remain the core of naturopathic practice, the therapeutic armamentarium appears to have changed over time, and a number of the original naturopathic treatments appear to have been retained as key elements of treatment for these conditions. Such insights into naturopathic treatments will be of particular interest to clinicians providing care to women, educators designing and delivering naturopathic training, and researchers conducting clinical and health service naturopathic research.
Are vegetarians Better Runners? An Evolutionary Perspective

Current evidence seems to be relatively straight forward that neither a beneficial nor a detrimental effect of a vegetarian diet on physical performance capacity exists, especially when carbohydrate intake is controlled. Although, from an evolutionary point of view some conflicting hints exist for running yielding to the aim of the study to analyze effects of meat versus vegetarian diet on running performance. Humans have exceptional capabilities to run long distances in hot, arid conditions which are unique among primates. Human endurance running performance capabilities compare favorably with those of other mammals emerged sometime around 2 million years ago in order to help meat-eating hominids competing with other carnivores implying that meat eating was important for the development of humans. However, recent past showed that vegetarian diet might be an advantage for running performance and for example the best German Marathon Runner Arne Gabius is vegetarian since years. Effects of meat intake on general health are relatively broadly discussed: vegetarian diets are typically lower in vitamin B12, protein, creatine, and carnitine. Furthermore iron and zinc from plant sources are less bio available than from meat sources. However, vegetarian diets are typically higher in carbohydrate and antioxidants, which may be advantageous for endurance activities. Even for the three main classes of nutrition substrates fat, protein and carbohydrates hints exist, that there is no effect on running performance. However, some protective effects of vegetarian diet e.g. in hard training periods might occur due to the fact that during hard exercises more free radicals are produced and therefore higher concentrations of antioxidants might be favorable. As general recommendation it can be concluded that due to menstrual bleeding woman have a higher risk to develop iron deficiency anemia and when performance deficit occur in woman runners, iron status should be controlled. Furthermore, some hints exist that for Ultra running races vegetarian diet might be more a problem than for shorter distances.