Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Under-Resourced or Overloaded? Rethinking Working Memory Deficits in Developmental Language Disorder

Dominant theoretical accounts of developmental language disorder (DLD) commonly invoke working memory capacity limitations. In the current report, we present an alternative view: That working memory in DLD is not under-resourced but overloaded due to operating on speech representations with low discriminability. This account is developed through computational simulations involving deep convolutional neural networks trained on spoken word spectrograms in which information is either retained to mimic typical development or degraded to mimic the auditory processing deficits identified among some children with DLD. We assess not only spoken word recognition accuracy and predictive probability and entropy (i.e., predictive distribution spread), but also use mean-field-theory based manifold analysis to assess; (a) internal speech representation dimensionality and (b) classification capacity, a measure of the networks’ ability to isolate any given internal speech representation that is used as a proxy for attentional control. We show that instantiating a low-level auditory processing deficit results in the formation of internal speech representations with atypically high dimensionality, and that classification capacity is exhausted due to low representation separability. These representation and control deficits underpin not only lower performance accuracy but also greater uncertainty even when making accurate predictions in a simulated spoken word recognition task (i.e., predictive distributions with low maximum probability and high entropy), which replicates the response delays and word finding difficulties often seen in DLD. Overall, these simulations demonstrate a theoretical account of speech representation and processing deficits in DLD in which working memory capacity limitations play no causal role.
Recruiting monomer for dimer formation: resolving the antagonistic mechanisms of novel immune check point inhibitors against Programmed Death Ligand-1 in cancer immunotherapy

ABSTRACT The design of small molecule antagonists against Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) has been the recent highlight of the immune checkpoint blockade therapy. This interventive approach has been potentiated by the development of BMS compounds; BMS-1001 and BMS-1166, which exert their therapeutic activities by inducing dimerisation of PD-L1; a molecular mechanism that has remained unclear. For the first time, we resolve the dynamical events that underlie the antagonistic mechanisms of BMS-1001 and BMS-1166 when bound to PD-L1 using an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations approach and free binding energy Molecular Mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) calculations. Time-scale dynamical findings revealed that upon binding a PD-L1 monomer, the BMS-compounds gradually facilitated the ‘inbound’ motion of another PD-L1 monomer in the same conformational phase space up till dimer formation. Moreover, the non-liganded PD-L1 monomer exhibited the highest structural flexibility and atomistic motions relative to the BMS-liganded monomer as revealed by post-MD trajectory analyses using root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) parameters. Trajectory investigations into ligand motions also revealed that the BMS compounds exhibited mechanistic transitions from the monomeric binding site (monomer A) where they were initially bound, to the second monomeric site (monomer B) where they were strongly bound, followed by eventual high-affinity interactions at the tunnel-like binding cleft formed upon the dimerisation of both PD-L1 monomers. These findings present a model that describes the mechanism by which the BMS compounds induce PD-L1 dimerisation and could further enhance the design of highly selective and novel monomeric recruiters of PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy.
Effect of traffic variability on statistical multiplexing gain in a bufferless continuous traffic model

The effect of traffic variability on statistical multiplexing gain is analyzed in a bufferless continuous fluid-flow traffic model. Two different methods are used to account for traffic loss, namely a method based on overflow probability and another one based on traffic loss ratio. It is shown that for both methods, bandwidth savings due to statistical multiplexing gain (SMG) can be significant and increases with increasing traffic variability. It is also shown that SMG and channel utilization increase as the number of composite traffic streams increases and as traffic loss probability/ratio is lowered.
Efficacy of Coconut Oil in the Control of Tungiasis

Tungiasis is a disease caused by a jigger flea (Tunga penetrans). The flea turns into an ectoparasite once embedded on the host. It is a public health problem in Kenya, particularly in poor rural communities, which has not, been given the due attention it deserves. The World Health Organization has categorized tungiasis among the neglected diseases. Tungiasis control has been, left in the hands of non-governmental organizations and has had no scientific or serious research inputs. There is therefore a need to explore the possibilities of developing innovative local solutions to this problem based on scientific data.This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of coconut oil in the control of tungiasis in a rural setting. A baseline survey was, carried out to assess infestation and severity of the disease. Two severity scores, one for acute disease and the other for chronic disease were, used in the study. A cohort of 39 individuals, with varying degrees of infestation was, recruited for treatment and follow up. The recruited study participants were first examined for a period of 30 days followed by an intervention treatment with coconut oil applied twice daily for a period of ten weeks to prevent re-infestation. The severity scores for both acute and chronic status of the disease were, expected to reduce to zero after the intervention.The spearman rank correlation coefficient was, calculated to assess the significance of the association between the severity scores and infestation rate. The correlation coefficient was strong in both acute and chronic conditions (r = 0.6 and r= 0.8 respectively). To compare findings before and after the intervention, the mean of each variable was determined for each patient during baseline assessment and during the intervention. Significance of differences was assessed using Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. The difference was, found to be significant leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. These results proved that coconut oil is efficacious in controlling tungiasis. The findings of this study indicate that coconut oil can provide a reliable, simple and inexpensive means of controlling the disease.
SITE EFFECTS BY H/V RATIO: COMPARISON OF TWO DIFFERENT PROCEDURES

In this article, H/V ratio are evaluated using different spectral techiniques applied to both earthquake and microtremor data (Nakamura technique). In particular, in order to avoid numerical instability, two different numerical techiniques are taken into account: (a) a smoothing procedure applied to the spectra of the seismogram components and (b) a regularization method applied to the H/V ratio (Landweber scheme). The data set consists of more than 70 earthquake events recorded by three component sensors displaced in the town of Fabriano (Central Italy) during the Umbria-Marche sequence started on September 1997. The local magnitudes range between 2.7 and 4.4, while the epicentral distances range between nearly 30 and 60 km. The stations were set to continuous recording so that a huge amount of microtremors was stored. The results are compared in terms of predominant frequencies and amplification levels in order to point out the influence of the adopted methods. The H/V ratio provides similar results if applied to a smoothed version of both earthquake and microtremor spectra, confirming that Nakamura technique is a cheap and a fast method to collect information on the site amplification effects. Moreover, the results relevant to earthquake data seem not to depend on the method used to stabilize the H/V ratio, whereas those relevant to microtremor data does. The explanation of this fact is suggested by the behaviour of the Landweber filter showing that the predominant frequency detected by means of microtremor data lies in a high instability region of the spectra.
Review of Technology to Prevent Alcohol-Impaired Crashes (TOPIC)

This report summarizes the results of an evaluation of vehicular technology alternatives to detect driver blood alcohol concentration and alcohol-impaired driving. Taking an international perspective, this report references relevant literature, incorporates input from stakeholders, and includes a concept of operations to describe how to implement technology-based countermeasures that addresses concerns such as privacy, public acceptance, and legal issues.
Helping Sufferers to Cope with Noise Using Distance Learning Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Unresolved noise complaints cause considerable distress to sufferers, and a deterioration in quality of life as a consequence of failure to cope with the noise stress. The environmental noise control structure is directed towards higher frequency noises, which can be assessed by use of A-weighted measurements and this results in some low frequency noise problems receiving an inadequate evaluation. A number of countries now have limits for low frequency noise, but these are not yet well known or widely used. (Leventhall, 2009). Is there a solution to the problem of what can be done to help the small number of people who are adversely affected by perception of a low frequency noise, which it has not been possible to control? This paper describes how Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can be a solution.
Technological Competencies and Firm Performance: Analyzing the Importance of Internal and External Competencies

In this paper, we analyze the relationship between technological competencies (TC) and firm performance. Theoretically, the importance of TC is well established and widely accepted. Therefore, it is surprising that a number of empirical studies have been unable to confirm a substantial positive relationship between TC and firm performance. We identify two major reasons for this: [i] affected by the availability and choice of indicators existing studies are often biased towards large firms; and [ii] they frequently do not consider both internal and potential access to firm-external TC. This paper discusses conceptually the interplay between firm-internal and firm-external TC as well as the mediating effect of firm size. These relationships are then analyzed empirically using Swedish micro data on 15,682 firms in 290 Swedish municipalities. Novel indicators based on occupational statistics are combined with measures of time-distance accessibility to study internal and external TC. The results provide evidence for a positive relationship between firm growth and TC. In particular, the combination of firm-internal and firm-external competencies seems to be conducive for growth. Lastly, our study suggests that firm size is an important factor to further our understanding about these relationships. Based on this we identify a number of future research questions to be addressed.
Auditory and Visual Sensations

I Temporal and Spatial Sensations in the human auditory system. - Temporal and Spatial Aspects of Sounds and Sound Fields. - Subjective Preferences for Sound Fields. - Electrical and Magnetic Responses in the Central Auditory System. - Model of Temporal and Spatial Factors in the Central Auditory System. - Temporal Sensations of the Sound Signal. - Spatial Sensations of Binaural Signals. - Applications (I) - Music and Concert Hall Acoustics. - Applications (II) - Speech Reception in Sound Fields. - Applications (III) - Noise Measurement. - Applications (IV) - Noise Annoyance. - II Temporal and Spatial Sensations in the Human Visual System. - to Visual Sensations. - Temporal and Spatial Sensations in Vision. - Subjective Preferences in Vision. - EEG and MEG Correlates of Visual Subjective Preferences. - Summary of Auditory and Visual Sensations.
RECENT EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS OF THE ELECTRICOIL SYSTEM

Theoretical and experimental studies have indicated that fractions of O 2 ( 1 Δ) can be produced in an electrical discharge that may permit lasing of an electric discharge oxygen-iodine laser (ElectriCOIL) system, possibly in conjunction with the injection of predissociated iodine. Results of those studies along with more recent experimental results show that electric excitation is a complex process that must be investigated with advanced diagnostics along with modeling to better understand this highly complex system. In this paper, recent detailed experimental measurements of the RF discharge region in the ElectriCOIL system are presented, including E/N and temperature measurements. Diagnostics play a critical role in developing an understanding of the ElectriCOIL system; and, as such, a great deal of care has been taken to implement high quality diagnostics for evaluating the flow properties emerging from the discharge region. Spectroscopic temperature measurements are taken from the O 2 ( 1 Σ) emission data.
Summer mesozooplankton assemblages in relation to environmental parameters in Kavala Gulf, northern Aegean Sea

Shallow coastal areas are ecosystems with high productivity. Although the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea is oligotrophic, the shallow coastal waters of the northern Aegean, such as Kavala Gulf, are productive due to the influence of the Black Sea water and the presence of freshwater input from three rivers. The aim of this work was to determine the structure of zooplankton communities in Kavala Gulf in the summer of 2002 and 2003 and to investigate their relation to environmental variables. Zooplankton communities were characterized by the presence of common coastal Cladocera, such as Penilia avirostris, small pelagic Copepoda, such as the calanoida Acartia clausi and the cyclopoida Oithona plumifera, and Tunicata, such as Oikopleura, Fritillaria and Doliolidae. The abundances corresponded to the peak of the warm period and were significantly greater in 2002 because of a P. avirostris bloom, which seemed to have better exploited the environmental sources favouring its dominance in the area. Overall, the structure of summer mesozooplankton communities in Kavala Gulf follows the pattern exhibited by mesozooplankton communities in other Greek coastal areas of the northern Aegean Sea.
When and why leaders put themselves first: leader behaviour in resource allocations as a function of feeling entitled

In this article, we examine how being assigned the role of leader affects behaviour in resource sharing tasks. Previous research has shown that group members anchor their decision on the equal division rule prescribing that resources should be distributed equally. Following notions of equity theory and the literature on role schemas, we expected that adherence to the equal division rule would be moderated by role assignment. In particular, we expected leaders to take more than followers from a common resource and that this effect would be explained in terms of feelings of entitlement. The results of two experimental studies corroborate this reasoning. Study 1 demonstrated that leaders took more than followers and that leaders deviated more strongly from the equal division rule. In Study 2, it was found that legitimate leaders took more from the resource and deviated more strongly from the equal division rule than non-legitimate leaders. Additional analyses suggest that the leaders' tendency to make higher allocations to the self can be explained by feelings of entitlement.
Acute Mountain Sickness in the Pyrenees: an observational cross-sectional study

Background The prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) ranges between 15% and 80% depending on the absolute altitude reached, speed of ascent, and individual susceptibility. However, there is a lack of information regarding AMS at moderate to high altitudes (2,500-3,500 m) and, even less, in the Pyrenees. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and risk factor of AMS in the Pyrenees. Methods A cross-sectional study including mountaineers who climbed a mountain with a height greater than 2,500 m in the Pyrenees region during July and August 2019. Sociodemographic data, medical history and activity information were collected using a questionnaire. The diagnosis of AMS was based on the 2018 modified Lake Louise Score. A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association of different variables (risk factors) and AMS. Results From 437 participants, 117 met diagnostic criteria of AMS, establishing a prevalence of 26.7% (95% confidence interval: 22.6%-30.9%). Individuals affected by AMS had mild (88%) or moderate (12%) affection. The most common symptoms (in addition to headache which is mandatory for AMS diagnosis) were fatigue or weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms and dizziness. In an adjusted multivariate analysis, heavy perceived exertion, bad physical condition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use and previous history of altitude illness were independent risk factors for developing AMS. Conclusions One fourth of climbers in the Pyrenees experienced mild or moderate AMS. Previous history of AMS, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use and other modifiable risk factors such as physical exertion and physical condition were strong and independent predictors of AMS. These findings suggest that educational/informational programs for individuals planning to climb to moderate-high altitudes in the Pyrenees may contribute to prevent AMS.
Role of First Trimester Sex Hormone-Binding Globuline and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Predicting Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the role of sex hormone-binding protein and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for predicting gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 99 pregnant women between 6th and 14th gestational weeks who were admitted to our obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic between February 2017 and July 2017 were included. Age, gestational week, last menstrual date, gravida, parity, height, weight, history of gestational diabetes mellitus, macrosomia and polyhydramnios, tobacco use, delivery mode, delivery weight, sex hormone-binding protein, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were recorded. Results: No difference between gestational diabetes and control group with regard to age, gravida, parity, gestational age at delivery and tobacco use (p>0.05) was noted. Body mass index, history of gestational diabetes, macrosomia and polyhydramnios, birth weight and cesarean rates were significantly higher in gestational diabetes group. Sex hormone-binding protein levels were 213.4±111.33 nmol/L in gestational diabetes and 251.64±137.94 nmol/L in control group, which were not significatly different between two groups (p=0.325). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were 10.12±11.36 mg/L in gestational diabetes and 5.18±5.91 mg/L in control group and statistically significant difference was noted between two groups (p=0.004). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein >3.25 mg/L was found to be a predictor for gestational diabetes with a sensitivity of 78% and specifity of 62%. Conclusion: First trimester high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was found to be a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus in which early diagnosis has a critical role for reducing maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.
Workload, Stress, and Situation Awareness of Soldiers Who are Controlling Unmanned Vehicles in Future Urban Operations

Abstract : This research describes the workload, stress, and situation awareness of operators of robotic reconnaissance platforms who are conducting future full spectrum operations in an urban setting. The participants controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned ground sensors in a virtual reality simulation as part of a combined arms battalion using Future Combat Systems. Results suggested that robotic controllers supporting infantry units had higher workloads and stress than controllers supporting non-line-of-sight cannon units, mounted combat system units, or reconnaissance units, perhaps because infantry units are more vulnerable and require closer surveillance. Also, individuals controlling all three sensor types had higher workloads and stress than those controlling other combinations of assets. Human factors recommendations for the interface included an ability to automatically track a target, switch to teleoperation to make slight adjustments, an auto-scan function on the sensor, and the ability for the platform to automatically plot a route to a grid location. Some potential limitations of this study include the fact that the workload may have been affected by other factors such as experience or training; the robotic platforms may have been operated simultaneously or sequentially; and the interface used in this study may or may not mirror the (to be determined) future interfaces.
Game-Changers for Gender Equality in Germany’s Labour Market? Corporate Board Quotas, Pay Transparency and Temporary Part-Time Work

With a women’s employment rate of 76.6 per cent, Germany now ranks among the top EU countries regarding equal labour market participation. However, substantial differences in the employment patterns of women and men persist in the form of ‘typical’ women’s and men’s jobs, women’s underrepresentation in higher management, a high women’s part-time rate and a considerable gender pay gap. Since 2005, four CDU-led governments have adopted various labour laws, with the most recent of these potentially transforming gendered inequalities. The 2016 corporate board quota law addressed vertical segregation, the 2017 pay transparency act is seen as a means of tackling the enormous gender pay gap and the legal entitlement to temporary part-time work, which came into force in 2019, may tackle the so-called ‘part-time trap’ many women fall victim to. The article examines the implementation impact of the latest labour market reforms and discusses the ways in which they are potential game-changers in transforming the German gendered labour market.
Investigation of Various Pavement Repairs in Low-Volume Roads over Expansive Soil

AbstractExpansive soil is one of the most common causes of pavement distress. Expansive soils undergo changes in volume due to moisture fluctuations from seasonal variations. These changes are reflected in the stability and performance of pavement layers. The objective of this research is to evaluate existing repair projects on selected farm-to-market (FM) roadways. Those roadways experienced failures in the form of fatigue and rutting along the wheel path, and longitudinal (faulted) cracking, including edge cracking. Those failures are due to high-plasticity expansive soil and narrow pavement lanes. This research study implemented visual survey, field and laboratory testing, ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, and structural design evaluations for three project sites to evaluate existing pavement treatment options. Using up to 14 years of performance records, this study suggested that geogrid reinforcement combined with lime-treatment is an effective repair at areas with low to moderate plasticity s.