Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovative computer technology in music-based interventions for individuals with autism moving beyond traditional interactive music therapy techniques

Abstract Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who exhibit developmental limitations in social-emotional interaction and communication, are widely reported to respond positively to music therapy interventions that incorporate active and improvisational techniques. The fundamental elements of music have been shown to bypass both cognitive and language impairments to help facilitate communication skills, form social relationships and promote cognitive progression. In recent years, computer technologies such as mobile devices and interactive motion capture systems are being developed to provide new approaches to music interaction. When included into new or existing music interventions, digital technology can enhance the music playing experience and motivate children to interact differently with their environment through providing novel and engaging approaches to music interaction and creativity. This review highlights the core symptoms of ASD and presents evidence that supports the use of music therapy techniques within the autistic population, underpinned by neurological studies reporting on benefits of musical intervention. Further to this, it is explained how new technologies such as mobile devices and multi-sensory computer systems can move beyond traditional music instruments to add additional dimensions to music therapy sessions. Finally, suggestions of future research are made alongside considerations in designing new and novel auditory interventions.
Multi-Feature Based Network Revealing the Structural Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is accompanied with impaired social-emotional functioning, such as emotional regulation and recognition, communication, and related behavior. Study of the alternations of the brain networks in ASD may not only help us in understanding this disorder but also inform us the mechanisms of affective computing in the brain. Although morphological features have been used in the diagnosis of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, these features did not show significant discriminative value in identifying patients with ASD, possibly due to the omission of the information related to the changes in structural similarities among cortical regions. In this study, structural images from 66 high-functioning adults with ASD and 66 matched typically-developing controls (TDC) were used to test the hypothesis of cortico-cortical relationships are abnormal in ASD. Seven morphological features of each of the 360 brain regions were extracted and elastic network was used to quantify the similarities between each target region and all other regions. The similarities were then used to construct multi-feature-based networks (MFN), which were then submitted to a support vector machine classifier to classify the individuals of the two groups. Results showed that the classifier with features of MFN significantly improved the accuracy of discriminating patients with ASD from TDCs (78.63 percent) compared to using morphological features only (< 65 percent). The combination of MFN features with morphological features and other high-level MFN properties did not further enhance the classification performance. Our findings demonstrate that the variations in cortico-cortical similarities are important in the etiology of ASD and can be used as biomarkers in the diagnostic process.
The influence of L1 Dutch and L2 English on L3 French: A longitudinal study

This longitudinal study investigates negative transfer from L1 Dutch and L2 English into L3 French in the first three years of French education in a Dutch/English secondary immersion school. We focus on two word order constructions in declarative root clauses where the three languages differ: V-to-C movement (+Dutch, −French) and V-to-T movement (−English, +French). The results of a grammaticality judgement task and a gap-filling task show that the L3 learners transfer a large amount from L1 Dutch in the initial stages of the first year of French education followed by a dramatic decline in the second and third year of French education. At the onset of L3 learning, L2 English is less activated; however, its influence intervenes and stays stable in later years of learning.
Scaling Distributed Machine Learning with In-Network Aggregation

Training complex machine learning models in parallel is an increasingly important workload. We accelerate distributed parallel training by designing a communication primitive that uses a programmable switch dataplane to execute a key step of the training process. Our approach, SwitchML, reduces the volume of exchanged data by aggregating the model updates from multiple workers in the network. We co-design the switch processing with the end-host protocols and ML frameworks to provide a robust, efficient solution that speeds up training by up to 300%, and at least by 20% for a number of real-world benchmark models.
THE EFFECTS OF A SUPPORTIVE AND NONSUPPORTIVE AUDIENCE UPON LEARNING A GROSS MOTOR SKILL

This study tests the social facilitation hypothesis that the mere presence of others is a sufficient condition for the production of audience effects upon learning by controlling the manner in which the subject perceiives theemdience. Seventy-five high-anxious and 75 low-anxious subjects were divided into three groups of 25 and tested under alone, supportive audience, and nonsupportive audience conditions. Results showed that four of six groups improved significantly in balancing ability over 12 trials. There was no significant difference shown for conditions of learning nor for interaction between anxiety level and learning conditions. It was hypothesized that perhaps the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale is inappropriate for motor learning studies and that a learned drive approach should be considered in future studies. (A 15-item bibliography is included.) (Author)
The Bench to Bedside Transition – Exceptional Case Double homozygous missense mutations in DACH 1 and BMP 4 in a patient with bilateral cystic renal dysplasia

Renal hypodysplasia (RHD) is characterized by small and/or disorganized kidneys following abnormal organogenesis. Mutations in several genes have been identified recently to be associated with RHD in humans, including BMP4, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family of growth factors. DACH1 has been proposed as a candidate gene for RHD because of its involvement in the EYA-SIX-DACH network of renal developmental genes. Here, we present a patient with renal dysplasia carrying homozygous missense mutations in both BMP4 (p.N150K) and DACH1 (p.R684C). The genotype–phenotype correlation in the family hints at an oligogenic mode of inheritance of the disease in this kindred. Functional analyses of the identified DACH1 mutation in HEK293T cells demonstrated enhanced suppression of the TGF-β pathway suggesting that both mutations could act synergistically in the development of the phenotype in this patient. This finding provides a model for RHD as an oligo-/polygenic disorder and supports a role for DACH1 in the development of RHD in humans.
Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Hospitalized Patients in Lahore , Pakistan

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that can be isolated from various clinical specimens. In the present study, specimens were collected from different tertiary care hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. Among them, pus showed highest frequency of A. baumannii (31.25%) followed by CSF (25%), blood (17.5%), CVP tips (13.75%), wound swabs (5%), whereas one isolate each was observed in pleural fluid, urine, HVS, sputum, throat and tracheostomy secretions (1.25%). Routine microbiological procedures were employed to isolate and biochemically characterize A. baumannii. It was confirmed by API testing system. The multidrug resistance pattern showed maximum resistance to cephalosporins i.e., 98.75% for ceftazidime and cefepime, 97.5% for cefotaxime), 96.25% for trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, 88.75% for aztreonam, 86.25% for gentamicin, 77.5% for imipenem, 72.5% for piperacillintazobactam and 72.05% for doxycycline. In short, A. baumannii has achieved resistance against cephalosporin third and fourth generations, monobactam antibiotic, aminoglycoside, carbapenem, β-lactam antibiotic and tetracycline. It showed sensitivity to tetracycline derivative i.e., tigeycycline (52.5%). A. baumannii has attained multidrug resistance; tigecycline can be administered to avoid A. baumannii infections. It is concluded that antibiotic administration should be administered only under expert opinion in order to avoid multidrug resistance.
NGC 2782: a merger remnant with young stars in its gaseous tidal tail

We have searched for young star-forming regions around the merger remnant NGC 2782. By using GALEX FUV and NUV imaging and HI data we found seven UV sources, located at distances greater than 26 kpc from the center of NGG 2782, and coinciding with its western HI tidal tail. These regions were resolved in several smaller systems when Gemini/GMOS r-band images were used. We compared the observed colors to stellar population synthesis models and we found that these objects have ages of ~l to ll11yr and masses ranging from 10(exp 3.9) to l0(exp 4.6) Solar Mass. By using Gemini/GMOS spectroscopic data we confirm memberships and derive high metallicities for three of the young regions in the tail (12+log(O/H)=8.74+/-0.20, 8.81+/-0.20 and 8.78+/-0.20). These metallicities are similar to the value presented by the nuclear region of NGG 2782 and also similar to the value presented for an object located close to the main body of NGG 2782. The high metallicities measured for the star-forming regions in the gaseous tidal tail of NGG 2782 could be explained if they were formed out of highly enriched gas which was once expelled from the center of the merging galaxies when the system collided. An additional possibility is that the tail has been a nursery of a few generations of young stellar systems which ultimately polluted this medium with metals, further enriching the already pre-enriched gas ejected to the tail when the galaxies collided.
Metabolic adaptations in models of fatty liver disease Hijmans

The liver is generally considered a relatively homogeneous organ containing four different cell types. It is however well-known that the liver is not homogeneous and consists of clearly demarcated metabolic zones. Hepatocytes from different zones show phenotypical heterogeneity in metabolic features, leading to zonation of metabolic processes across the liver acinus. Zonation of processes involved in glucose and fatty acid metabolism is rather flexible and therefore prone to change under (patho)physiological conditions. Hepatic zonation appears to play an important role in the segregation of different metabolic pathways in the liver. As a consequence, perturbations in metabolic zonation may be a part of metabolic liver disease. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by the inability of insulin to adequately suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, leading to hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and eventually to type II diabetes. As insulin promotes lipogenesis through the transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c, one would expect that lipogenesis should also be impaired in insulin-resistant states. In the metabolic syndrome however, hepatic de novo lipogenesis is increased, leading to hyperlipidemia and hepatosteatosis, primarily in the pericentral zone. These observations suggest the co-existence of insulin resistant glucose metabolism and insulin sensitive lipid metabolism in the metabolic syndrome. Here we provide a theoretical framework to explain this so-called insulin signaling paradox in the context of metabolic zonation of the liver. Hepatic zonation and insulin resistance 105
Robustness of the whole Jomon femur shaft assessed by cross-sectional geometry

Cross-sectional geometry of ancient Jomon femora were analyzed along the whole shaft by means of computed tomography. Comparisons were made with modern Japanese (from the same geographical area as the Jomon people) and recent Germans (of larger body size and from a geographical area distant from Japan). Jomon male femora were significantly larger than those of modern Japanese males along the whole shaft length in cross-sectional area (A), polar second moment of area (Ip), second moment of area around the mediolateral direction (Ix), maximum second moment of area (Imax), and cross-sectional index of radii of gyration (kx/ky). These parameters were about the same magnitude in the Jomon males, as in the German males whose size was large, except for the second moment of area around the anteroposterior direction (Iy), which was smaller in the Jomon bones. Female Jomon femora showed the same tendency but only at the middle part of the shaft. There were allometric correlations between bone length and the geometrical properties. In order to eliminate the influence of size, relative dimensionless properties were calculated by dividing each parameter by an analogue of length, namely A was divided by maximum length squared, and Ip, Ix, Iy, Imax, and Imin were divided by the fourth power of the maximum length. The German femora of both sexes were smaller than those of the Jomon in relative area, relative Ix, and relative Ip. Male Jomon femora contained a large volume of bone substance and were robust against bending moments especially in the anteroposterior direction along the whole shaft when comparison was made with other modern or recent groups. These characteristics are less definitive with female bones. They were caused as a functional adaptation for sedentary gatherer-hunters.
Changes in malondialdehyde content and in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities in sunflower seeds as related to deterioration during accelerated aging

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds progressively lost their ability to germinate at 25°C, the optimal temperature for germination, after accelerated aging was carried out at 45°C (a temperature too high to permit germination) in water or at 76 or 100% relative humidity (RH). The deleterious effects of the high-temperature treatment increased with increasing seed moisture content. Incubation of seeds at 45°C in water resulted in electrolyte leakage, which indicated a loss of membrane integrity. A relationship between leakage and loss of seed viability could not be assumed, since no increase in electrolyte efflux occurred after aging al 100% RH. Accelerated aging induced accumulation of malondialdehyde, suggesting that seed deterioration was associated with lipid peroxidation. However, there was no direct relationship between lipid peroxidation and deterioration in membrane integrity. Loss of seed viability was also associated with a decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities. Finally, the results obtained suggest that sunflower seed deterioration during accelerated aging is closely related to a decrease in the activities of detoxifying enzymes and to lipid peroxidation.
Food Preferences in Finland: Sustainable Diets and their Differences between Groups

The world is facing the great challenge of how to feed the increasing and wealthier population sustainably in the future, with already limited natural resources. The existing literature reveals the negative impacts of animal-based diets, and thus global diet changes are required to ensure future food availability. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that food consumption is more than caloric intake—it is based on personal preferences. We assessed how sustainable food choices vary among Finnish citizens. The respondents (n = 2052) answered nine statements about their consumption behavior. We applied quantitative and qualitative methods, and our results indicate that favoring plant-based diets was the highest among people under 30 and above 60 years old. Middle-aged men with high incomes was the most reluctant group to adopt sustainable diets. Health-related issues and origin of food were the most preferred reasons for food choices, while environmental awareness was ranked lower. The key to mainstream sustainable diets lies in the co-benefits —transition towards more sustainable diets among Finns could be possible, if people felt that they can combine the selfish, hedonistic factors (e.g., health, weight loss) and altruistic factors (e.g., ecological benefits) in their everyday diets.
posterior malleolar fracture : A parachute injury not o be overlooked

Introduction: Isolated posterior tibial malleolar fracture, which concerns parachutists in particular, is rare and often overlooked. The present study sought to identify clinical and paraclinical factors able to improve diagnosis and treatment. Hypothesis: Marginal posterior malleolar fracture is under-diagnosed due to lack of awareness and difficulty of diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis may impair functional prognosis. Material and method: A multicenter retrospective study included 12 cases of isolated marginal posterior malleolar fracture in military parachutists between 2006 and 2011. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected from medical files and a questionnaire administered in consultation or by telephone. Results: Diagnosis was initially overlooked in 75% of cases due to non-specific clinical presentation and the low sensitivity of plain radiographs. Diagnostic delay impaired functional outcome. Discussion: Symptomatology, other than medial retromalleolar pain, is misleading. The Ottawa Ankle Rules should not be used in this particular form of trauma. X-ray should include a lateral view in 50◦ external rotation. CT provides a useful complement. Delayed diagnosis puts the patient at risk of impaired functional prognosis. Level of evidence: IV (retrospective study). © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
EDDE: A framework to Explore, Design, Develop and Evaluate Technology-Assisted Instruction for Construction Engineering and Management

This paper presents a framework for developing technology-assisted instruction in construction engineering and management. A compilation of instructional principles, as well as interface features, is used to provide a structure for the process of developing instructional tools, and generating recommendations throughout this process. The framework is operationalized through a computer program named EDDEaid. This tool guides and supports users, both theoretically and rhetorically, through the process of designing instruction and generating interface design concepts. This tool is evaluated by application of recommended features for an actual instructional tool, and also by intended users’ assessment of the framework’s capacity to aid the design of instruction. Results from these evaluations suggest that the tool—and the resulting recommendations—are both useful and usable in the context of construction education
Optimizing I/O Performance of HPC Applications with Autotuning

Parallel Input output is an essential component of modern high-performance computing (HPC). Obtaining good I/O performance for a broad range of applications on diverse HPC platforms is a major challenge, in part, because of complex inter dependencies between I/O middleware and hardware. The parallel file system and I/O middleware layers all offer optimization parameters that can, in theory, result in better I/O performance. Unfortunately, the right combination of parameters is highly dependent on the application, HPC platform, problem size, and concurrency. Scientific application developers do not have the time or expertise to take on the substantial burden of identifying good parameters for each problem configuration. They resort to using system defaults, a choice that frequently results in poor I/O performance. We expect this problem to be compounded on exascale-class machines, which will likely have a deeper software stack with hierarchically arranged hardware resources. We present as a solution to this problem an autotuning system for optimizing I/O performance, I/O performance modeling, I/O tuning, and I/O patterns. We demonstrate the value of this framework across several HPC platforms and applications at scale.
The pace of technological innovation in architecture, engineering, and construction education: integrating recent trends into the curricula

The U.S. AEC industry is faced with the ever-increasing challenge of managing the public and private facilities and infrastructure to support the accomplishment of its economy. The increasing global emphasis on sustainable approaches and the need to increase efficiency and improve cost over the lifecycle of projects, demand new approaches to architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) education. This study was initiated to look for insight into the current educational environment and to provide a baseline for possible solutions to cope with the complexity of the challenge. This paper examined 101 U.S. AEC programs focusing on emerging subject areas of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainability, and reviewed how educational innovations of distance learning, multidisciplinary collaboration, industry collaborations, are incorporated to develop core competencies in those two subject areas. The researchers reviewed and categorized the AEC disciplines based on the respective accrediting bodies of ABET, NAAB, and ACCE, and surveyed the internal factors (e.g., program resources, expertise, etc.) and external factors (e.g., accreditation requirements, sustainability initiatives, etc.) that affect the pedagogical approaches. This study illustrates the challenges incorporating new knowledge areas into constrained curricula and the various approaches that the university programs are undertaking. A comparative analysis also reveals the similarities and differences and specific advantages and disadvantages of particular approaches across the AEC programs. The findings reinforce the notion that there are disparities in these educational programs, which need realignment to develop the workforce of the future that will lead the AEC industry transformations.
How to evaluate the performance of gradual type systems

Abstract A sound gradual type system ensures that untyped components of a program can never break the guarantees of statically typed components. This assurance relies on runtime checks, which in turn impose performance overhead in proportion to the frequency and nature of interaction between typed and untyped components. The literature on gradual typing lacks rigorous descriptions of methods for measuring the performance of gradual type systems. This gap has consequences for the implementors of gradual type systems and developers who use such systems. Without systematic evaluation of mixed-typed programs, implementors cannot precisely determine how improvements to a gradual type system affect performance. Developers cannot predict whether adding types to part of a program will significantly degrade (or improve) its performance. This paper presents the first method for evaluating the performance of sound gradual type systems. The method quantifies both the absolute performance of a gradual type system and the relative performance of two implementations of the same gradual type system. To validate the method, the paper reports on its application to 20 programs and 3 implementations of Typed Racket. Video Abstract A video abstract can be found at: https://youtu.be/7d6iJdSRFtQ