Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural correlates of categorical linguistic and gradient paralinguistic intonation

Multiple cues interact to signal multiple functions in intonation simultaneously which makes intonation notoriously complex to analyze. The Autosegmental-Metrical model for intonation analysis has proved to be an excellent vehicle for separating the components, but evidence for the phonetics/phonology dichotomy on which it hinges has proved elusive. Advocating a multidisciplinary approach, this paper presents ERP evidence that different types of intonational information – linguistic/phonological and paralinguistic/phonetic – recruit overlapping but distinct neural systems, which differ not only in their neural architecture, but also in the time-course of activation in the subcomponents of the systems. We argue that the findings can be accounted for in a model in which linguistic (phonological) intonation engages a language-specific frontotemporal system which is specialised for processing categorical linguistic information, while paralinguistic intonation, which reflects biological imperatives more directly, engages a distributed bilateral system which supports perceptual and cognitive processing more generally.
Intrinsic and dust-induced polarization in gamma-ray burst afterglows: The case of GRB 021004

Polarization measurements for the optical counterpart to GRB 021004 are presented and discussed. Our observations were performed with the TNG and the VLT-UT3 (Melipal) during the first and fourth night after the gamma-ray burst discovery. We find robust evidence for temporal evolution of the polarization, which is therefore, at least partially, intrinsic to the optical transient. We do not find convincing evidence of wavelength dependence for the intrinsic polarization of the transient, in agreement with current polarization models for optical afterglows. We discuss the role of dust, both in our galaxy and in the host, in modifying the transmitted polarization vector, showing how a sizable fraction of the observed polarized flux is due to Galactic selective extinction, while it is not possible to single out any clear contribution from dust in the host galaxy. We discuss how our data compare to those obtained by dierent groups showing that a two-component model is required to describe the complete dataset. This is not surprising given the complex lightcurve of GRB 021004.
Pass a pointer: Exploring shared virtual memory abstractions in OpenCL tools for FPGAs

Heterogeneous CPU-FPGA systems are gaining momentum in the embedded systems sector and in the data center market. While the programming abstractions for implementing the data transfer between CPU and FPGA (and vice versa) that are available in today's commercial programming tools are well-suited for certain types of applications, the CPU-FPGA communication for applications that share complex pointer-based data structures between the CPU and FPGA remains difficult to implement. This paper focuses on programming environments providing a virtual memory space that is shared between the host CPU and one (or potentially several) FPGA devices. One example of shared virtual memory (SVM) is defined by the recent OpenCL 2.0 standard. SVM allows the software and hardware portion of a hybrid application to share complex data structures seamlessly (and concurrently) by simply passing a pointer, which greatly eases programming heterogeneous systems. We present a framework that automatically adds the physical infrastructure for SVM into a commercial OpenCL tool for FPGAs. This paper explores the design space for these building blocks and studies the performance impact. We show that, due to the ability of SVM-enabled implementations to avoid artificially sizing dynamic data structures and fetching data on-the-fly, up to 2x speed-up over an OpenCL design without SVM support can be achieved. Our framework is open-source and publicly available.
‘The worst abuse against a child is the absence of a parent’: how Japanese unwed mothers evaluate their decision to have a child outside wedlock

Abstract In this article I argue that childrearing norms play a key role in discouraging women from having children outside wedlock in contemporary Japan. I first summarize data which suggest that economic and legal discrimination, the two reasons most commonly used to account for the rarity of unwed mothers, although playing an important role, are insufficient to explain the phenomenon. Then I present evidence of the crucial role childrearing norms play. I proceed to argue that adherence to these norms is strengthened by perceptions of the malleability of children. The article concludes with an explanation of why social norms have a much greater effect on unwed than on divorced mothers.
Biomechanics and tennis

Success in tennis requires a mix of player talent, good coaching, appropriate equipment, and an understanding of those aspects of sport science pertinent to the game. This paper outlines the role that biomechanics plays in player development from sport science and sport medicine perspectives. Biomechanics is a key area in player development because all strokes have a fundamental mechanical structure and sports injuries primarily have a mechanical cause.
Building Energy Assessment and Computer Simulation Applied to Social Housing in Spain

The actual energy consumption and simulated energy performance of a building usually differ. This gap widens in social housing, owing to the characteristics of these buildings and the consumption patterns of economically vulnerable households affected by energy poverty. The aim of this work is to characterise the energy poverty of the households that are representative of those residing in social housing, specifically in blocks of apartments in Southern Europe. The main variables that affect energy consumption and costs are analysed, and the models developed for software energy-performance simulations (which are applied to predict energy consumption in social housing) are validated against actual energy-consumption values. The results demonstrate that this type of household usually lives in surroundings at a temperature below the average thermal comfort level. We have taken into account that a standard thermal comfort level may lead to significant differences between computer-aided energy building simulation and actual consumption data (which are 40–140% lower than simulated consumption). This fact is of integral importance, as we use computer simulation to predict building energy performance in social housing.
Embarrassment's effect on facial processing

Embarrassment's effect on interpersonal perception, specifically facial processing, was explored. Previous work on social anxiety, which some suggest is similar to embarrassment, finds that socially-anxious individuals tend to avoid negative feedback, such as angry eyes. The current work examined whether embarrassment leads to a similar bias or alternatively whether embarrassed individuals are motivated to look for social feedback in order to reconcile with their audience. Eye movements were recorded while participants looked at four different emotional expressions. Embarrassed participants' fixated proportionally more on the eyes than controls and also fixated proportionally less on other less emotionally informative areas of the face compared to controls. Embarrassment appears to have different effects on facial information processing than social anxiety. The authors suggest this is due to asymmetries in motivational states elicited in social anxiety and embarrassment.
Phytoremediation Using the Influence of Aromatic Crop on Heavy-Metal Polluted Soil , a Review

Today, interests in aromatic crop usage worldwide are increasing. Production of these plants is used in the food, confectionary, condiment, soap, mouthwash, and other industries. Product safety issue has just recently been raised because of the presence of heavy metals. Modern industrial society discharges large quantities of high level of gases and particles, which are harmful for human, plant, and animal lives. Some heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc, can be found in the environment in trace amount. The general presence of these metals in soil, water, air, and biota are increasing. In the current study, the effect of heavy metals on aromatic crops (mint, lavender, Hypericum perforatum L., and Achillea millefolium L.) is reviewed and investigated. In industrial region, result showed that edible crops are contaminated. According to the research work carried out, instead of growing edible crops, growing some aromatic species is possible, in which the final product is free from heavy metals. Studies on soil properties show an advantage in reduced heavy-metal uptake by cultivation of appropriate plants using practical techniques. In addition, some aromatic crops appear to be excellent choice for phytoremediation, such as Hyssopus officinalis L. and Satureja montana L.
Optimization condition for cultivation of Agaricus subrufescens hybrid strains

Agaricus subrufescens is edible mushroom, one of the most important medicinal mushroom with high potential to treat many diseases. Several strains of A. subrufescens have been cultivated throughout the world, especially in Brazil. A. subrufescens hybrid strain in this study has been bred by the INRA, France. This study investigated the optimum conditions for the cultivation of A. subrufescens hybrid strains in Northern Thailand. The suitable conditions for mycelium growth on compost extract agar were established in terms of temperature and pH. The results revealed that the optimum temperature and pH for mycelial growth were 25– 30 ̊C and pH 7–9, respectively. Two hybrid strains of A. subrufescens CA 918–076 x CA 454–4 and CA 918–076 x CA 487–35 were selected and cultivated on compost media. The ingredients of the compost were consisted of rice straw (200 kg), rice bran (10 kg), urea (2 kg), ammonium sulfate (4 kg), calcium carbonate (2 kg), calcium sulfate (6 kg) and water. The result showed that two hybrid strains, could be cultured using this rice straw compost. Fruiting bodies were produced after 2 months with a yield of 56.92 and 42.30 g /kg of compost, respectively.
Advances in Brief Elevated Expression of Phosphatidylserine in the Outer Membrane Leaflet of Human Tumor Cells and Recognition by Activated Human Blood Monocytes 1

We determined whether the presence of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer membrane leaflet of human tumor cells correlated with their recognition by activated human monocytes. Three tumorigenic cell lines, A375 melanoma and A431 and Colo-16 carcinomas, and a normal human epidermal keratinocyte line (NHEK) were incubated with monocytes activated to the tumoricidal state by T-interferon and lipopolysaccharide. Activated human monocytes bound to and lysed all tumorigenic targets, while the nontumorigenic NHEK were neither bound nor killed. Semiquantitative analysis of PS in the outer leaflet of the cells revealed that the tumorigenic cells expressed 3-7-fold more PS than did the nontu morigenic NHEK. To determine whether enhanced PS expression on the tumor cells was responsible for their recognition by activated monocytes, NHEK were supplemented with exogenous! ) supplied analogues of PS and phosphatidylcholine. PS-labeled NHEK but not phosphatidylcholine-labeled nor control NHEK bound to activated human monocytes. These results suggest a role for PS in monocyte recognition of tumor cells.
Simulation of ultra-thin solar cells beyond the semi-classical bulk picture

We discuss the photovoltaic characteristics of ultra-thin GaAs solar cells as simulated using the standard semi-classical drift-diffusion-Poisson model and an advanced microscopic quantum-kinetic approach based on the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. In the case where the semi-classical model relies on the conventional assumption of flat-band bulk absorption coefficients, substantial qualitative and quantitative discrepancies are found. The agreement between classical and quantum kinetic approaches is improved by consideration of field-dependent absorption and emission coefficients in the semi-classical approach, which underlines the strong impact of the large built-in potential gradients on absorption and emission in ultra-thin solar cell architectures. In addition, our findings concerning the effects of non-classical regions induced by blocking layers at carrier selective contacts are briefly summarized.
EFFECT OF ANKLE STABILIZERS ON SIDE SHUFFLE PERFORMANCE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle stabilizers on side shuffle performance. Eight healthy and active college students randomly performed six side shuffle trials in both directions; three without and three with an ankle stabilizer. Two dimensional (2D) kinematic and kinetic data were collected. The only significant difference was found in ankle ROM during braking and propulsive phases while traveling in both directions. All the kinetic data (impulses and peak forces in vertical and horizontal directions) were similar between conditions during braking and propulsive phases. Although the average horizontal velocity was slightly lower in the ankle stabilizer condition, the statistical significance was not met (P=0.06). The results suggested that semi-rigid ankle stabilizer had no significant effect on the side shuffle performance.
Alternation and interchange of e/4 and e/2 period interference oscillations as evidence for filling factor 5/2 non-Abelian quasiparticles

It is a theoretical conjecture that 5/2 fractional quantum Hall state charge e/4 excitations may obey exotic non-Abelian statistics. In edge state interference these purported non-Abelian quasiparticles should display period e/4 Aharonov-Bohm oscillations if the interfering quasiparticle encircles an even number of localized e/4 charges, but suppression of oscillations if an odd number is encircled. To test this hypothesis, here we perform swept area interference measurements at 5/2. We observe an alternating pattern of e/4 and e/2 period oscillations in resistance. This aperiodic alternation is consistent with proposed non-Abelian properties: the e/4 oscillations occur for encircling an even number of localized quasiparticles, e/2 oscillations are expressed when encircling an odd number. Aperiodic alternation corresponds to the expected area sweep sampling the localized quasiparticles. Importantly, adding localized quasiparticles to the encircled area by changing magnetic field induces interchange of the e/4 and e/2 oscillation periods, specifically consistent with non-Abelian e/4 quasiparticles.
TPL Service Level and Pricing Models in Manufacturer-Retailer Supply Chains

Cooperation between members plays a vital role in the supply chain. Research on the method to strengthen the cooperation between members to achieve win-win result is an important subject in supply chain management. Nevertheless, most studies to date on supply chain pricing have only assumed that the market demand is only influenced by retail price but not in any way by logistics service level. That is why our work is concerned with logistics service and product pricing strategies in supply chain consisting of a manufacturer, a retailer and a TPL provider. Two different models are discussed which are based on Stackelberg games and cooperative game. Comparisons are then made about various outcomes, especially the profits, for all cases. This leads to consider more specifically the cooperation case in which profits are the highest for both the retailer and the manufacturer, and how they should share the extra joint profits achieved by moving to cooperation. We solve this bargain problem using the Nash bargaining model.
Conceptual framework for performance assessment: Competency, competence and performance in the context of assessments in healthcare – Deciphering the terminology

Background: The definitions of performance, competence and competency are not very clear in the literature. The assessment of performance and the selection of tools for this purpose depend upon a deep understanding of each of the above terms and the factors influencing performance. Aim: In this article, we distinguish between competence and competency and explain the relationship of competence and performance in the light of the Dreyfus model of skills acquisition. We briefly critique the application of the principles described by Miller to the modern assessment tools and distinguish between assessment of actual performance in workplace settings and the observed performance, demonstrated by the candidates in the workplace or simulated settings. Results: We describe a modification of the Dreyfus model applicable to assessments in healthcare and propose a new model for the assessment of performance and performance rating scale (PRS) based on this model. Conclusion: We propose that the use of adapted versions of this PRS will result in benchmarking of performance and allowing the candidates to track their progression of skills in various areas of clinical practice.
Behavior of Geogrid-Sand Interface in Direct Shear Mode

The contribution of transverse ribs to the soil-geogrids interaction under pullout mode has been well documented. However, the contribution of transverse ribs to the soil-geogrid interaction under direct shear mode is, at best, unclear. Consequently, this paper presents the results of a comprehensive direct shear testing program aimed at evaluating the contribution of transverse ribs to the interface shear. The direct shear tests involved Ottawa sand and several polyester geogrids with a variety of material tensile strength, percent open area, and aperture pattern. The test results show that the shear strength of sand-geogrid interfaces under direct shear mode is significantly higher than that of sand-geotextile interfaces. Analysis of shear displacement-strength response of the interfaces indicates that, in addition to interface shear components due to sand-rib friction and sand-sand shear at the location of the openings, the transverse ribs provide additional contribution to the overall sand-geogrid interface resistance. Specifically, analysis of the results reveals that the transverse ribs of the geogrid used in this study provide approximately 10% of interface shear resistance. This contribution is positively correlated with the tensile strength and the stiffness of geogrid ribs, but is negatively correlated with the percent open area of the geogrid. A simple model is proposed to quantify the contribution of transverse ribs to the interface shear strength under direct shear mode.
Algorithms for Old Master painting canvas thread counting from x-rays

The task of determining the weave density in the canvas support of Old Master paintings is introduced as a period extraction problem. Because of the way paintings were commonly prepared and preserved, the threads in the horizontal and vertical directions in the canvas support can be counted from x-ray images of the painting. Current procedures are tedious, time-consuming, and (usually) insufficiently documented. This paper describes the design of an algorithm for counting threads from x-rays that uses the Fourier Transform of the Radon Transform of a portion of the image with some crude, but appropriate, decision-making. The algorithm is presented as a sequence of refinements based on a simple mathematical model of the available image data: high resolution x-rays of paintings by Vincent van Gogh from the collection of the Van Gogh Museum. Over 900 spot counts were performed manually by a student team at Cornell using a graphical user interface created for this project. These manual counts provide a dataset for evaluating performance of the algorithm. A major goal is to convince art historians of the viability of automated (and semi-automated) counting procedures.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Brazilian Adolescents

Background/Aims: Cutaneous sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake are important determinants of vitamin D status. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the vitamin D status of a group of healthy adolescent students living in Brazil. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six adolescents, 64 boys and 72 girls, aged 16–20 years old, living in a rural town in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. Results: The mean dietary vitamin D intake was 140 (120–156) IU/day [3.5 (3.0–3.9) μg/day]. Only 14.9% of the students met the daily adequate intake recommendation of vitamin D. Only 27.9% practice physical activity outdoors and 17.6% of the adolescents apply sunscreen daily. The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 73.0 (22.0) nmol/l [29.2 (8.8) ng/ml]. Vitamin D insufficiency was observed in 60% of adolescents. Conclusions: The present study suggests that even in a sunny climate like Brazil the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in adolescents is high. Most likely this is due to low intakes of vitamin D in this group. Due to the limited extent of natural dietary sources of vitamin D, a policy of vitamin D food fortification should be considered in the future, and in the meantime greater use of vitamin D supplements in this population group should be encouraged to provide the increased amounts of this essential nutrient for optimal health.
Anti-Diabetic Effect of Artemisia Annua ( Kaysom ) in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background and Objective: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Nowadays, herbal drugs are gaining popularity in the treatment of diabetes and its complications. The current study was aimed at evaluating the significance of supplementation of Artemisia annua (Kaysom) extract in reducing the metabolic abnormalities accompanied with alloxaninduced diabetes in male albino rats. Material and Methods: Thirty male albino rats were divided equally into three groups including control, diabetic and diabetic treated with Kaysom extract . A single dose of alloxan(120 mg/kg body weight) was used to induce diabetes in rats. Diabetic rats were administered Kaysom extract orally twice daily for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, level of serum fasting insulin and glucose in addition to serum lipids profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins(VLDL); serum proteins including total proteins, albumin and globulin; renal markers (creatinine, urea and uric acid) and activity of certain enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) was determined for all groups. In. addition, estimation of % change of body weight, values of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and ratios of albumin:globulin (A:G), TC/HDL, LDL/HDL (risk ratios 1 and2) were calculated for each group. Results: Diabetic rats showed a marked decline (p<0.01) in the level of; serum insulin, body weight (4.98 %),total proteins, albumin, globulin and HDL accompanied with marked elevation (p<0.01) in level of; fasting blood glucose, HOMA_IR, ASAT, ALAT ,GGT, urea, creatinine, uric acid, serum TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and ratios of TC/HDL and LDL/HDL (risk factors) as compared to the corresponding of controls. Supplementation of diabetic rats with Kaysom extract significantly ameliorated most of the estimated biochemical parameters. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that Kaysom extract may be of advantage in inhibiting hyperglycemia and ameliorating metabolic abnormalities induced by diabetes.
Chapter 2 Gram-Negative Bacteria : The cell Membranes

This chapter presents a brief outline of our current knowledge of the structures of the bounding membranes (the inner and the outer membranes and the intermediate periplasmic layer) of a Gram-negative bacterial cell. Also the structure and chemical composition of the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) originating from the surface of these bacteria including their proteomic profile, as obtained mainly by mass spectroscopic and related studies, have been presented in brief.