Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Unimodal and Multimodal Cues About Threat Locations on Target Acquisition and Workload

Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of unimodal and multimodal cueing techniques for indicating the location of threats on target acquisition, the recall of information from concurrent communications, and perceived workload. One visual, two auditory (i.e., nonspatial speech and spatial tones [3-D]), and one tactile cue were assessed in Experiment 1. Experiment 2 examined the effects of combinations of the cues assessed in the first investigation: visual + nonspatial speech, visual + spatial tones, visual + tactile, and nonspatial speech + tactile. A unimodal, “visual only” condition was included as a baseline to determine the extent to which a supplementary cue might influence changes in performance and workload. The results of the studies indicated that time to first shot and the percentage of hits can be improved and workload reduced by providing cues about target location. The multimodal cues did not yield significant improvements in performance or workload beyond that achieved by the unimodal visual cue.
Persepsi Pelajar Terhadap Penggunaan Animasi dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab

Implementasi animasi sebagai bahan bantu mengajar (BBM) dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab merupakan satu inovasi dalam mewujudkan suasana yang mampu mempengaruhi minat pelajar. Artikel ini membincangkan persepsi pelajar terhadap penggunaan animasi sebagai bahan bantu mengajar (BBM) dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab. Satu set soal selidik kuantitatif dibentuk bagi mendapatkan data. Data dianalisis secara deskriptif bagi mencari taburan kekerapan, peratusan dan min. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa pelajar mempunyai persepsi yang tinggi dan memberi respon positif terhadap penggunaan animasi dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab dengan nilai purata 4.34. Kesimpulannya, animasi sesuai dipraktikkan sebagai bahan bantu mengajar bahasa Arab dan mampu menarik minat pelajar untuk menguasainya.
Effects of Science and Engineering Practices on Science Achievement and Attitudes of Diverse Students including ELLs

Abstract This study examines diverse elementary students including English Language Learners (ELLs)’ science achievements and attitude changes following inquiry-based activity experiences. Thirty seventh-grade students explored the harmful and helpful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the human environment using scientific methods to define problems, develop models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze/interpret data, use mathematics and computational thinking, construct explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering), engage in evidence-based arguments, and evaluate/communicate obtained information. These processes are known as inquiry-oriented approaches (NRC, 2000) and have been deepened and redefined as a set of eight science and engineering practices in the Next Generation of Science Standards (NRC, 2012). Individuals designed their own experiments by choosing different materials to test for the best protector of UV light. The Science exploration sheet (SES), which measured the scientific achievement, showed that 92% of students answered their own questions using their individual scientific models. However, pre- and post-attitude surveys revealed that there was no significant change in students’ attitudes about science/scientists following the inquiry intervention (p< .05). Particularly participating teachers’ views of inquiry teaching experiences to their ELLs were discussed.
Computer vs. Workbook Instruction in Second Language Acquisition

Many studies have failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of CALI (Computer Assisted Language Instruction) as compared to non-CALI instruction, and the pedagogical significance of CALI programs has been questioned. This study employs an intelligent CALI program, called Nihongo-CALI (Japanese Computer Assisted Language Instruction), which uses natural language processing to provide more sophisticated error analysis and feedback than conventional CALI programs. The study compares the effectiveness of Nihongo-CALI with non-CALI workbook instruction, in the form of self-study lessons. The results of the study show that given the same grammar notes and exercises, ongoing intelligent computer feedback is more effective than simple workbook answer sheets for developing learners' grammatical skill in producing Japanese particles and sentences. The results emphasize the importance of providing an intelligent level of feedback to the learner, a task for which natural language processing is well suited.
Mathematical models of social evolution: A guide for the perplexed

Over the last several decades, mathematical models have become central to the study of social evolution, both in biology and the social sciences. But students in these disciplines often seriously lack the tools to understand them. A primer on behavioral modeling that includes both mathematics and evolutionary theory, "Mathematical Models of Social Evolution" aims to make the student and professional researcher in biology and the social sciences fully conversant in the language of the field. Teaching biological concepts from which models can be developed, Richard McElreath and Robert Boyd introduce readers to many of the typical mathematical tools that are used to analyze evolutionary models and end each chapter with a set of problems that draw upon these techniques. "Mathematical Models of Social Evolution" equips behaviorists and evolutionary biologists with the mathematical knowledge to truly understand the models on which their research depends. Ultimately, McElreath and Boyd's goal is to impart the fundamental concepts that underlie modern biological understandings of the evolution of behavior so that readers will be able to more fully appreciate journal articles and scientific literature and start building models of their own.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING YOUTUBE VIDEO IN TEACHING ENGLISH GRAMMAR VIEWED FROM STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE

Abstract The research aims at investigating the effect of using YouTube video in teaching English grammar. The research was conducted at the English Education Program in Lampung in 2012. The population was all of the first semester students of English Education Program. The sample of the study consisted of 72 students distributed randomly on one experimental class who was taught by using YouTube video and one class as control class who was taught by using textbooks. The instruments for collecting the data were a questionnaire on students’ attitude to find out the students who have positive and and negative attitude, and a grammar test to find out the students’ achievement in learning grammar. Analysing data using ANOVA or analysis of variance and Tukey test leads to the conclusion that: (1) YouTube video as media ( = 27.75) is more effective than textbooks (=24.41) to teach grammar; (2) the students who have positive attitude have higher achievement (=29.11) than those who have negative attitude (=23.05); and (3) there is an interaction between teaching media and students’ attitude. Key word: YouTube video, textbook, attitude, grammar, experimental study.
Estimation of token bucket parameters of VoIP traffic

We present a procedure to evaluate the parameters of the LEAP (linear bounded arrival processes) traffic characterisation when a stochastic model of considered traffic flow is available. The procedure, based on an equivalent queuing system, has been applied to a VoIP (voice over IP) scenario in a DiffServ (differentiated services) network architecture. In particular, we consider the characterisation of a traffic flow composed by the aggregation of telephone sources with VAD (voice activity detection), where each one has been modelled by a fluidic on-off process with exponentially distributed sojourn times in each state. For testing the goodness of our approach we have carried out discrete events simulations, which have highlighted the accuracy of the proposed procedure in the considered scenario.
Demand Models in Road Evacuation: A Synopsis of Recent Contributions

Following 9/11, the Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, the amount of papers related to mobility simulation in evacuation conditions has significantly increased. Several topics have been developed, but in most cases these are implemented considering an isolated and non-system approach. This paper presents the major contributions that consider evacuation conditions. The paper shows how the contributions are classified in respect of simulated user decisions and the paper highlights the necessity of a system framework.
A Software Framework For Task Based Performance Evaluation

It is difficult to objectively measure performance of complex tasks such as a surgical operation and surgical simulators require the ability to evaluate performance whether to predict surgical outcome, determine competence, provide learning feedback, etc. With no standard software framework for collecting, analyzing and evaluating performance data for complex tasks in simulations, it is investigated whether a solution can be implemented that allows for custom data collection schemes, all while being general enough to be used across many simulation platforms and can be used in a simple simulator. It is also investigated whether the implemented framework can perform its functionality while leaving a small performance footprint on the simulator. Hierarchical task analysis is investigated as a means to decompose complex tasks into their simpler sub-tasks, where data can be collected for each task and evaluated. The framework is based on hierarchical task representation to allow robust performance data of a complex task to be collected and evaluated for any type of application. A client application is developed and allows for the generation of custom scenario parameters for the task, robust performance data collection and the ability to playback previous performances for evaluation purposes. It is shown that the implemented framework has a small peformance footprint and does not affect the performance of the simulator that is using the framework for performance data collection and evaluation.
Performance of NAT64 versus NAT44 in the Context of IPv6 Migration

IPv4 address exhaustion is now upon us. Yet, we still live with uncertainty on what to do with the situation. This paper aims to pave the way for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) migration in the Philippines and similar countries using Network Address Translation (NAT) technology. This is achieved by showing service providers that there is already a clear and easy path to migration by using a similar NAT technology, NAT Ipv6 to IPv4 (NAT64). This was done through experimental and live laboratory network tests using NAT44 and NAT64 technologies to show that NAT64s performance is comparable to current NAT44 networks. The setup was implemented using Linux based software and systems to be cost-effective in the translation. Throughput and Round Trip Time (RTT) were used to compare the experimental networks. Results showed that NAT64 has a slight improvement over NAT44 networks in terms of throughput. The Live laboratory networks focused on RTT, CPU and Memory utilization. These results validated the slight improvement brought about by NAT64 in terms of RTT and showed that NAT64 has a lower CPU and Memory utilization. In conclusion, NAT64 as a transition mechanism can be implemented easily and clearly has benefits for current NAT44 networks. Full IPv6 implementation is still in its early stages and more research will be beneficial to the future Internet. This makes prolongation strategies like these more important.
CircRNAs Are Here to Stay: A Perspective on the MLL Recombinome

Chromosomal translocations harbored by cancer genomes are important oncogenic drivers. In MLL rearranged acute leukemia (MLLre) MLL/KMT2A fuses with over 90 partner genes. Mechanistic studies provided clues of MLL fusion protein leukemogenic potential, but models failed to fully recapitulate the disease. Recently, expression of oncogenic fusion circular RNAs (f-circ) by MLL-AF9 fusion was proven. This discovery, together with emerging data on the importance and diversity of circRNAs formed the incentive to study the circRNAs of the MLL recombinome. Through interactions with other RNAs, such as microRNAs, and with proteins, circRNAs regulate cellular processes also related to cancer development. CircRNAs can translate into functional peptides too. MLL and most of the 90 MLL translocation partners do express circRNAs and exploration of our RNA-seq dataset of sorted blood cell populations provided new data on alternative circular isoform generation and expression variability of circRNAs of the MLL recombinome. Further, we provided evidence that rearrangements of MLL and three of the main translocation partner genes can impact circRNA expression, supported also by preliminary observations in leukemic cells. The emerging picture underpins the view that circRNAs are worthwhile to be considered when studying MLLre leukemias and provides a new perspective on the impact of chromosomal translocations in cancer cells at large.
Scaling Limits of Wide Neural Networks with Weight Sharing: Gaussian Process Behavior, Gradient Independence, and Neural Tangent Kernel Derivation

Several recent trends in machine learning theory and practice, from the design of state-of-the-art Gaussian Process to the convergence analysis of deep neural nets (DNNs) under stochastic gradient descent (SGD), have found it fruitful to study wide random neural networks. Central to these approaches are certain scaling limits of such networks. We unify these results by introducing a notion of a straightline \emph{tensor program} that can express most neural network computations, and we characterize its scaling limit when its tensors are large and randomized. From our framework follows (1) the convergence of random neural networks to Gaussian processes for architectures such as recurrent neural networks, convolutional neural networks, residual networks, attention, and any combination thereof, with or without batch normalization; (2) conditions under which the \emph{gradient independence assumption} -- that weights in backpropagation can be assumed to be independent from weights in the forward pass -- leads to correct computation of gradient dynamics, and corrections when it does not; (3) the convergence of the Neural Tangent Kernel, a recently proposed kernel used to predict training dynamics of neural networks under gradient descent, at initialization for all architectures in (1) without batch normalization. Mathematically, our framework is general enough to rederive classical random matrix results such as the semicircle and the Marchenko-Pastur laws, as well as recent results in neural network Jacobian singular values. We hope our work opens a way toward design of even stronger Gaussian Processes, initialization schemes to avoid gradient explosion/vanishing, and deeper understanding of SGD dynamics in modern architectures.
Automated ROI-Based Labeling for Multi-Voxel Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Data Using FreeSurfer

Purpose: Advanced analysis methods for multi-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are crucial for neurotransmitter quantification, especially for neurotransmitters showing different distributions across tissue types. So far, only a handful of studies have used region of interest (ROI)-based labeling approaches for multi-voxel MRS data. Hence, this study aims to provide an automated ROI-based labeling tool for 3D-multi-voxel MRS data. Methods: MRS data, for automated ROI-based labeling, was acquired in two different spatial resolutions using a spiral-encoded, LASER-localized 3D-MRS imaging sequence with and without MEGA-editing. To calculate the mean metabolite distribution within selected ROIs, masks of individual brain regions were extracted from structural T1-weighted images using FreeSurfer. For reliability testing of automated labeling a comparison to manual labeling and single voxel selection approaches was performed for six different subcortical regions. Results: Automated ROI-based labeling showed high consistency [intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.8] for all regions compared to manual labeling. Higher variation was shown when selected voxels, chosen from a multi-voxel grid, uncorrected for voxel composition, were compared to labeling methods using spatial averaging based on anatomical features within gray matter (GM) volumes. Conclusion: We provide an automated ROI-based analysis approach for various types of 3D-multi-voxel MRS data, which dramatically reduces hands-on time compared to manual labeling without any possible inter-rater bias.
Deep-Sea Biofilms, Historic Shipwreck Preservation and the Deepwater Horizon Spill

Exposure to oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill may have lasting impacts on preservation of historic shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico. Submerged steel structures, including shipwrecks, serve as artificial reefs and become hotspots of biodiversity in the deep-sea. Marine biofilms on submerged structures support settlement of micro- and macrobiota and may enhance and protect against corrosion. Disruptions in the local environment, including oil spills, may impact the role that biofilms play in reef preservation. To determine how the Deepwater Horizon spill potentially impacted shipwreck biofilms and the functional roles of the biofilm microbiome, experiments containing carbon steels disks (CSDs) were placed at five historic shipwreck sites located within, and external to the benthic footprint of the Deepwater Horizon spill. The CSDs were incubated for 16 weeks to enable colonization by biofilm-forming microorganisms and to provide time for in situ corrosion to occur. Biofilms from the CSDs, as well as sediment and water microbiomes, were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing to describe community composition and determine the source of taxa colonizing biofilms. Biofilm metagenomes were sequenced to compare differential gene abundances at spill-impacted and reference sites. Biofilms were dominated by Zeta-, Alpha-, Epsilon and Gammaproteobacteria. Sequences affiliated with the Mariprofundus and Sulfurimonas genera were prolific, and Roseobacter, and Colwellia genera were also abundant. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequences from sediment, water, and biofilms revealed sediment to be the main known source of taxa to biofilms at impacted sites. Differential gene abundance analysis revealed the two-component response regulator CreC, a gene involved in environmental stress response, to be elevated at reference sites compared to impacted sites within the spill plume fallout area on the seafloor. Genes for chemotaxis, motility, and alcohol dehydrogenases were differentially abundant at reference vs. impacted sites. Metal loss on CSDs was elevated at sites within the spill fallout plume. Time series images reveal that metal loss at a heavily impacted site, the German Submarine U-166, has accelerated since the spill in 2010. This study provides evidence that spill residues on the seafloor may impact biofilm communities and the preservation of historic steel shipwrecks.
After 50 Years of Heart Transplants: What Does the Next 50 Years Hold for Cardiovascular Medicine? A Perspective From the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology

The first successful heart transplant 50 years ago by Dr.Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa revolutionized cardiovascular medicine and research. Following this procedure, numerous other advances have reduced many contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; yet, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally. Various unmet needs in cardiovascular medicine affect developing and underserved communities, where access to state-of-the-art advances remain out of reach. Addressing the remaining challenges in cardiovascular medicine in both developed and developing nations will require collaborative efforts from basic science researchers, engineers, industry, and clinicians. In this perspective, we discuss the advancements made in cardiovascular medicine since Dr. Barnard's groundbreaking procedure and ongoing research efforts to address these medical issues. Particular focus is given to the mission of the International Society for Applied Cardiovascular Biology (ISACB), which was founded in Cape Town during the 20th celebration of the first heart transplant in order to promote collaborative and translational research in the field of cardiovascular medicine.
Expertise, Automation and Trust in X-Ray Screening of Cabin Baggage

X-ray screening of passenger baggage is a key component in aviation security. The current study investigated how experts and novices performed in an X-ray baggage screening task while being assisted by an adaptable diagnostic aid. Furthermore, it examined how both groups operated and trusted this automated system. 30 experts (certified screeners) and 31 novices (students) had to indicate whether a target item (either a knife or a gun) was present in a series of X-ray images of cabin baggage. Half of the participants could choose between three different support levels of the diagnostic aid (DA): (1) no support, (2) a cue indicating the presence of a potential target without locating it, or (3) a cue indicating the presence of a potential target by surrounding it with a red frame. As expected, experts achieved higher detection performance (d’), were more self-confident and felt more competent in achieving the task than novices. Furthermore, experts experienced less time pressure and fatigue. Although both groups used the DA in a comparable way (in terms of support level used and frequency of level switches), results showed a performance increase for novices working with the DA compared to novices without support. This benefit of DA was not observed for experts. Interestingly, despite no difference in perceived trust ratings, experts were more compliant (i.e., following DA recommendations when it indicated the presence of a target) and reliant (i.e., following DA recommendations when it indicated the absence of a target) than novices. Altogether, the results of the present study suggested that novices benefited more from a DA than experts. Furthermore, compliance and reliance on DA seemed to depend on expertise with the task. Since experts should be better at assessing the reliability of the DA than novices, they may have used the DA as ‘back-up’ to confirm their decisions based on expertise (confirmatory function), while novices may have used it as a guide to base their decisions on (support function). Finally, trust towards a DA was associated with the degree to which participants found the DA useful.