Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Spelling to Screen Bilingual Kindergarteners At Risk for Reading Difficulties

For bilingual children, the results of language and literacy screening tools are often hard to interpret. This leads to late referral for specialized assessment or inappropriate interventions. To facilitate the early identification of reading difficulties in English, we developed a method of screening that is theory-driven yet suitable for first-language (L1) and second-language learners of English. We administered five conventional tests (phonological awareness, vocabulary, Wide Range Achievement Test–4 [WRAT-4] spelling, letter identification, rapid naming of digits) to 127 five-year-olds (60 English-L1, 67 Mandarin-L1) about 6 months after they started kindergarten, and used the WRAT-4 word reading score 6 months later as the outcome measure. Consistent with previous research, and with children with reading disabilities defined as below the 25 percentile on the reading outcome, logistic regression revealed that the full set of screening measures predicted reading disability status. However, when each predictor was taken as a single measure, spelling scores provided the best fit in terms of the compromise between sensitivity (.75) and specificity (.73) for an optimal cutoff point. Based on this exploratory study, group-administered spelling tasks could provide an efficient solution to screening difficulties in large classes of bilingual children.
WISC-IV Intellectual Profiles in Italian Children With Specific Learning Disorder and Related Impairments in Reading, Written Expression, and Mathematics

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders grouped specific learning disabilities in the single diagnostic category of specific learning disorder (SLD), with specifiers for impairments in reading, written expression, and mathematics. This study aimed at investigating the intellectual profile, assessed with the fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), of 172 children with a diagnosis of SLD, compared to 74 clinical referral controls. WISC-IV intellectual functioning in children with SLD was characterized by a significant discrepancy between general ability and cognitive proficiency (General Ability Index [GAI] > Cognitive Proficiency Index [CPI]), and worse performances on the Similarities, Digit Span, Letter–Number Sequencing, and Coding subtests, supporting models of multiple cognitive deficits at the basis of neurodevelopmental disorders as SLD. GAI was the best and more conservative measure provided by the WISC-IV to identify intellectual functioning in children with SLD, and the intellectual discrepancy between GAI and CPI could be considered a “cognitive sign” for the presence of SLD in a single diagnostic category. Cognitive deficits differed in subtypes of impairment (reading, written expression, and mathematics), supporting their distinction for empirical, educational, and rehabilitative purposes. These findings need further replication in larger samples and in comparison to typically developing children.
In search of Leonardo: computer-based facial image analysis of Renaissance artworks for identifying Leonardo as subject

One of the enduring mysteries in the history of the Renaissance is the adult appearance of the archetypical "Renaissance Man," Leonardo da Vinci. His only acknowledged self-portrait is from an advanced age, and various candidate images of younger men are difficult to assess given the absence of documentary evidence. One clue about Leonardo's appearance comes from the remark of the contemporary historian, Vasari, that the sculpture of David by Leonardo's master, Andrea del Verrocchio, was based on the appearance of Leonardo when he was an apprentice. Taking a cue from this statement, we suggest that the more mature sculpture of St. Thomas, also by Verrocchio, might also have been a portrait of Leonardo. We tested the possibility Leonardo was the subject for Verrocchio's sculpture by a novel computational technique for the comparison of three-dimensional facial configurations. Based on quantitative measures of similarities, we also assess whether another pair of candidate two-dimensional images are plausibly attributable as being portraits of Leonardo as a young adult. Our results are consistent with the claim Leonardo is indeed the subject in these works, but we need comparisons with images in a larger corpora of candidate artworks before our results achieve statistical significance.
Fraction Intervention for Students With Mathematics Difficulties: Lessons Learned From Five Randomized Controlled Trials

In this article, the authors summarize results from 5 randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of intervention to improve the fraction performance of fourth-grade students at risk for difficulty in learning about fractions. The authors begin by explaining the importance of competence with fractions and why an instructional focus on fractions magnitude understanding may improve learning. They then describe an intervention that relies strongly on this type of understanding about fractions instruction, and they provide an overview of the intervention’s overall effects. This is followed by an overview of 5 intervention components for which the authors isolated effects. They conclude by discussing some of the lessons learned from this research program.
Studies of dual polarized low grazing angle radar sea scatter in nearshore regions

Reports on experiments featuring horizontally (HH) and vertically (VV) polarized X-band marine radar sea scatter imagery in the coastal environments of Bermuda and La Jolla, under light to moderate winds and the absence of long gravity waves. These conditions allowed the study of fundamental scattering mechanisms from small scale roughness and short waves of a few meters wavelength or less, shorter than the radar pulse. While a large fraction of radar data collected revealed the presence of slick bands, the authors analyze the radar echo of ambient background outside of the slicks. Sea scatter data were digitally recorded for 360/spl deg/ azimuthal coverage for grazing angles between 1-3.5/spl deg/, and were converted to normalized radar cross section (NRCS or /spl sigma//spl deg/) images. The HH and VV polarizations show quite different spatial texture, with HH exhibiting a discrete character and VV being more nearly spatially homogeneous. Grazing angle dependencies are different for HH and VV: upwind-downwind differences of mean NRCS show ratios of just 4-6 dB for VV, but are equal or greater than the 16-dB noise-imposed limit for HH for the low wind conditions. HH NRCS grazing angle characteristics are shown to correlate with biological activity indicators of the coastal waters, with a fourth power dependence in relatively unproductive waters, to a nearly quadratic in productive waters. Arguments are presented that suggest different scattering mechanisms for the two polarizations: evenly distributed Bragg scatter patches for VV and scatter from small asymmetric bore features for HH. A multipath illumination model for small bore features is outlined, and scale sizes for the small scale breakers inferred from the experimental results presented are between 2 and 4 cm in height, with crest widths between 24 and 48 cm.
Learning Disabilities and Low Social Status: The Role of Peer Academic Reputation and Peer Reputation of Teacher Liking

Although many studies have found that children with learning disabilities (LD) are less liked by peers than children without LD, the results are not unequivocal. In the present study, we investigated the social status (in terms of likeability and popularity) of children with LD by considering peer academic reputation and peer reputation of teacher liking. These variables are potentially important alternative factors for differences in social status between children with and without LD. Fifth-grade students (n = 1,453; Mage = 10.60) in 58 classes in the Netherlands completed peer nominations for academic reputation, teacher liking, and social status. The data were analyzed with Bayesian structural equation modeling. The associations between LD and social status were completely mediated by the lower peer academic reputation of children with LD. As expected, peer reputation of teacher liking served as a protective factor against low social status for children with low peer academic reputation in general but not specifically for children with LD. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Effect of Working Memory Updating Training on Retrieving Symptoms of Children With Learning Disabilities

Working memory (WM) deficiency is a primary reason for the poor academic performance of children with learning disabilities (LDs). Studies have shown that the WM of typical children could be improved through training, and WM training contributes to improving their fluid intelligence and academic achievement. However, few studies have investigated WM training for children with LDs, and results have been inconsistent. The present study examined the long-term effects of WM updating training and whether it can mitigate LD symptoms. Fifty-four children with LDs were recruited and divided randomly into a training or control group. The training group underwent adaptive running WM training for 20 days. Before and after training, the 2 groups completed a 2-back task, a digit span task (forward and backward), Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices test, and a scholastic attainment test (Chinese and math). The tests were repeated 6 months later. The results showed that, as compared with the controls, the training group exhibited significant improvements in the digit backward span task, 2-back task, and Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. The math scores of the training group improved significantly by 6 months after the training. The results of this study suggest that WM updating training could mitigate the cognitive deficits of LDs and improve the WM capacity, fluid intelligence, and math scores of children with LDs. Moreover, the training effects could be maintained for at least 6 months.
An efficient service oriented architecture for heterogeneous and dynamic wireless sensor networks

The purpose of this work is to bridge the gap between high-end networked devices and wireless networks of ubiquituous and resource-constrained sensors and actuators by extensively applying Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) patterns. We present a multi-level approach that implements existing SOA standards on higher tiers, and propose a novel protocol stack, WSN-SOA, which brings the benefits of SOA to low capacity nodes without the overhead of XML-based technologies. This solution fully supports network dynamicity, auto-configuration, service discovery, device heterogeneity and interoperability with legacy architectures. As a proof-of-concept, we have studied a surveillance scenario in which the detection of an intruder, conducted within the range of a network of wireless sensors (e.g., MICAz from Crossbow), leads to the automatic triggering of tracking activities by a Linux-powered network camera and of alerts and video streams toward a control room.
Causes of maternal mortality in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background: Maternal mortality remains a major problem in many parts of the world including Nigeria.Understanding the causes of maternal mortality is crucial in confronting the challenge of unyielding high rates. The aim of this study was to determine the direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality in Lagos State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The study population consisted of adults residing in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample size used for this study was 29,988. The respondents were selected by multistage sampling from all the local government areas in the state. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data entry, cleaning, validation and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15.0. Results: Among the 29,988 respondents, 306 (1.0%) gave a history of married sisters who died during pregnancy, childbirth or during the postpartum period. Of the 306, 138 (45.1%) died during pregnancy; 107 (34.9%) died during childbirth, and 61 (19.9%) died during the postpartum period. Abortion, ectopic pregnancies and hypertension were the most commonly mentioned cause of death during pregnancy, while anemia, prolonged labor and obstructed labor were the common causes during childbirth. Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , infection and malaria were the common causes of maternal death during the 6 weeks after end of pregnancy/childbirth. Conclusions and Recommendation: Over half of the maternal deaths in Lagos State occurred during labor and immediately postpartum. Community education on the importance of having skilled attendants at delivery must be provided. Emergency obstetric care should be available, accessible and affordable at health facilities, and efforts must be made to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions by increasing contraceptive use. The malaria control efforts should be intensified.
A novel timing estimation method for OFDM systems

We present a novel timing offset estimation method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems. The estimator proposed here is designed to avoid the ambiguity which occurs in Schmidl's (1997) timing offset estimation method. The performance of the proposed scheme is presented in terms of mean and mean-square error (MSE) obtained by simulations. The simulation results show that the proposed estimator has a significantly smaller MSE than the other estimators.
From post-distortion to pre-distortion for power amplifiers linearization

This letter presents a new method of digital adaptive pre-distortion for linearization of power amplifiers (PA). The method is derived from a post-distortion approach which identifies the PA inverse function. This approach leads to the minimization of a quadratic function of the polynomial coefficients in the case of a polynomial predistorter form and a least square criterion. We have compared our solution to a method previously proposed by Ghaderi (1996) that was also based on the transformation of a post-distortion into a pre-distortion system. We have tested our predistorter (along with a baseband adaptation of Ghaderi's) on OFDM Hiperlan signals. Both methods significantly reduced the signal distortion and the spectral regrowth. Our less complex approach proved to be even better for small peak back off values.
The knowledge of staff in day nurseries about some basic measures which promote child health

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the knowledge that staff in day nurseries in Brazil had of basic measures to promote child health which are connected with high child mortality. These measures included breastfeeding, oral rehydration therapy, child growth follow‐up, immunization and the identification of signs that indicate that the child must be referred to a health facility.Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐sectional study was performed in day nurseries in the state of Bahia, Brazil, involving 194 care staff from 77 different establishments. Questionnaires, the observation of practical exercises and documentary evidence were used to assess knowledge.Findings – Seventeen percent of professionals were able to use growth charts correctly, 37.1 percent were able to prepare an oral rehydration solution adequately, 77.8 percent were able to provide appropriate breastfeeding counseling, 65.0 percent were able to identify children who showed respiratory danger signs and refer them to a health facility.
Ketamine alone or combined with midazolam or dexmedetomidine does not affect anxiety-like behaviours and memory in adult Wistar rats

Ketamine administration has been associated with controversial behavioural impairments and psychotic episodes. Even though ketamine alone and in combination with midazolam or dexmedetomidine are frequently used in laboratory animals, the side-effects of such protocols are not well known. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the effects of ketamine alone and in combination with midazolam or dexmedetomidine on emotional reactivity, as well as the effects on learning and memory in adult rats at least 48 h after anaesthesia. The evaluation of the potential influence of 100 mg/kg ketamine administered alone and in combination with midazolam (5 mg/kg), or dexmedetomidine (0.25 mg/kg) on spatial learning and recognition memory was studied in adult Wistar rats using the radial maze as well as object recognition and location tests. The influence of these combinations on emotional reactivity was investigated using the new exploration test and the elevated plus maze. Results showed that ketamine alone or in combination with midazolam or dexmedetomidine affected neither spatial and recognition memory, nor emotional reactivity. These results reinforce the safe clinical use of ketamine and its combinations in rats in a research context since the administration of these anaesthetic combinations did not produce significant changes with regard to spatial and recognition memory or emotional reactivity. Furthermore, these results indicate that the quality of scientific data produced in adult rat neurobehavioural research is not jeopardized by the use of these anaesthetic protocols.
A temperature and emissivity separation algorithm for Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images

The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) scanner on NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS)-AM1 satellite (launch scheduled for 1998) will collect five bands of thermal infrared (TIR) data with a noise equivalent temperature difference (NE/spl Delta/T) of /spl les/0.3 K to estimate surface temperatures and emissivity spectra, especially over land, where emissivities are not known in advance. Temperature/emissivity separation (TES) is difficult because there are five measurements but six unknowns. Various approaches have been used to constrain the extra degree of freedom. ASTER's TES algorithm hybridizes three established algorithms, first estimating the normalized emissivities and then calculating emissivity band ratios. An empirical relationship predicts the minimum emissivity from the spectral contrast of the ratioed values, permitting recovery of the emissivity spectrum. TES uses an iterative approach to remove reflected sky irradiance. Based on numerical simulation, TES should be able to recover temperatures within about /spl plusmn/1.5 K and emissivities within about /spl plusmn/0.015. Validation using airborne simulator images taken over playas and ponds in central Nevada demonstrates that, with proper atmospheric compensation, it is possible to meet the theoretical expectations. The main sources of uncertainty in the output temperature and emissivity images are the empirical relationship between emissivity values and spectral contrast, compensation for reflected sky irradiance, and ASTER's precision, calibration, and atmospheric compensation.
Polarimetric SAR interferometry

The authors examine the role of polarimetry in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry. They first propose a general formulation for vector wave interferometry that includes conventional scalar interferometry as a special case. Then, they show how polarimetric basis transformations can be introduced into SAR interferometry and applied to form interferograms between all possible linear combinations of polarization states. This allows them to reveal the strong polarization dependency of the interferometric coherence. They then solve the coherence optimization problem involving maximization of interferometric coherence and formulate a new coherent decomposition for polarimetric SAR interferometry that allows the separation of the effective phase centers of different scattering mechanisms. A simplified stochastic scattering model for an elevated forest canopy is introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. In this way, they demonstrate the importance of wave polarization for the physical interpretation of SAR interferograms. They investigate the potential of polarimetric SAR interferometry using results from the evaluation of fully polarimetric interferometric shuttle imaging radar (SIR)-C/X-SAR data collected during October 8-9, 1994, over the SE Baikal Lake Selenga delta region of Buriatia, Southeast Siberia, Russia.
Synergistic inhibitory effect of sulforaphane and 5‐fluorouracil in high and low metastasis cell lines of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma

The present study aimed to evaluate the growth‐inhibitory effect of sulforaphane (SFN) and a traditional chemotherapy agent, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu), against the proliferation of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma high metastatic cell line (ACC‐M) and low metastasis cell line (ACC‐2). Furthermore, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) which induces resistance to anticancer chemotherapeutic agents was also detected. The combination effect of SFN and 5‐Fu was quantitatively determined using the method of median effect principle and the combination index. The nuclear NF‐κB p65 expression after treatment with the SFN‐5‐Fu combination was also evaluated by western blot analysis. The ACC‐M and ACC‐2 cells exhibited relative resistant to 5‐Fu. Treatment ACCs cells with SFN and 5‐Fu in combination, led to synergistic inhibition on cell growth and a decreased expression in nuclear NF‐κB p65 protein. This synergistic inhibitory effect was more significant in ACC‐M cells, which is associated with the greatly decreased expression of NF‐κB p65 (almost 5‐fold) after the combination treatment. Our results demonstrate synergism between SFN and 5‐Fu at higher doses against the ACC‐M and ACC‐2 cells, which was associated with the decreased expression of nuclear NF‐κB p65 protein. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second Language Perception of Mandarin Vowels and Tones

This study examines the discrimination of Mandarin vowels and tones by native English speakers with varying amounts of Mandarin experience, aiming to investigate the relative difficulty of these two types of sounds for English speakers at different learning stages, and the source of their difficulty. Seventeen advanced learners of Mandarin (Ex group), eighteen beginning learners (InEx group), and eighteen English speakers naïve to Mandarin (Naïve group) participated in an AXB discrimination task. The stimuli were two Mandarin vowel contrasts, /li–ly/ and /lu–ly/, and two tonal contrasts, T1–T4 and T2–T3. The predicted difficulty for each contrast was hypothesized based on the assimilation of these sounds to English reported in previous work. The results showed that the Naïve group was more accurate with vowel contrasts than with tones, suggesting that non-tonal language speakers without any Mandarin training are less sensitive to tonal distinction than to vowels. The two learner groups, on the other hand, were highly accurate with all contrasts except for the T2–T3 pair, and achieved significantly higher accuracy than the Naïve group on /li–ly/ and T1–T4. This lends support to the view that experience in Mandarin improves English speakers’ sensitivity to tonal distinction, helping them discriminate some tones as accurately as vowels. However, all three groups achieved low accuracy in discriminating T2 and T3, suggesting that this contrast may be inherently difficult and resistant to improvement. This study shows that various factors in addition to the native language experience may affect the perception of non-native vowels and tones.