Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Linguistic Word Recognition Development Among Chinese Children: A Multilevel Linear Mixed-Effects Modeling Approach

The effects of psycholinguistic variables on reading development are critical to the evaluation of theories about the reading system. Although we know that the development of reading depends on both individual differences (endogenous) and item-level effects (exogenous), developmental research has focused mostly on average-level performance, ignoring individual differences. We investigated how the development of word recognition in Chinese children in both Chinese and English is affected by (a) item-level, exogenous effects (word frequency, radical consistency, and curricular grade level); (b) subject-level, endogenous individual differences (orthographic awareness and phonological awareness); and (c) their interactive effect. We tested native Chinese (Putonghua)-speaking children (n = 763) in grades 1 to 6 with both Chinese character and English word identification (lexical) decision tasks. Our findings show that (a) there were effects of both word frequency and age of acquisition in both Chinese and English, but these item-level effects generally weakened with increasing age; (b) individual differences in phonological and orthographic awareness each contributed to successful performance; and (c) in Chinese, item-level effects were weaker for more proficient readers. We contend that our findings can be explained by theoretical models that incorporate cumulative learning as the basis for development of item-level effects in the reading system.
LysM Proteins Regulate Fungal Development and Contribute to Hyphal Protection and Biocontrol Traits in Clonostachys rosea

Lysin motif (LysM) modules are approximately 50 amino acids long and bind to peptidoglycan, chitin and its derivatives. Certain LysM proteins in plant pathogenic and entomopathogenic fungi are shown to scavenge chitin oligosaccharides and thereby dampen host defense reactions. Other LysM proteins can protect the fungal cell wall against hydrolytic enzymes. In this study, we investigated the biological function of LysM proteins in the mycoparasitic fungus Clonostachys rosea. The C. rosea genome contained three genes coding for LysM-containing proteins and gene expression analysis revealed that lysm1 and lysm2 were induced during mycoparasitic interaction with Fusarium graminearum and during colonization of wheat roots. Lysm1 was suppressed in germinating conidia, while lysm2 was induced during growth in chitin or peptidoglycan-containing medium. Deletion of lysm1 and lysm2 resulted in mutants with increased levels of conidiation and conidial germination, but reduced ability to control plant diseases caused by F. graminearum and Botrytis cinerea. The Δlysm2 strain showed a distinct, accelerated mycelial disintegration phenotype accompanied by reduced biomass production and hyphal protection against hydrolytic enzymes including chitinases, suggesting a role of LYSM2 in hyphal protection against chitinases. The Δlysm2 and Δlysm1Δlysm2 strains displayed reduced ability to colonize wheat roots, while only Δlysm1Δlysm2 failed to suppress expression of the wheat defense response genes PR1 and PR4. Based on our data, we propose a role of LYSM1 as a regulator of fungal development and of LYSM2 in cell wall protection against endogenous hydrolytic enzymes, while both are required to suppress plant defense responses. Our findings expand the understanding of the role of LysM proteins in fungal-fungal interactions and biocontrol.
Design of a Monte Carlo model based on dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) scanners for dose and image quality assessment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) code

Abstract The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a Monte Carlo model for a Dual Source Computed Tomography (DSCT) scanner based on the Monte Carlo N-particle radiation transport computer code (MCNP5). The geometry of the Siemens Somatom Definition CT scanner was modeled, taking into consideration the x-ray spectrum, bowtie filter, collimator, and detector system. The accuracy of the simulation from the dosimetry point of view was tested by calculating the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) values. Furthermore, typical quality assurance phantoms were modeled in order to assess the imaging aspects of the simulation. Simulated projection data were processed, using the MATLAB software, in order to reconstruct slices, using a Filtered Back Projection algorithm. CTDI, image noise, CT-number linearity, spatial and low contrast resolution were calculated using the simulated test phantoms. The results were compared using several published values including IMPACT, NIST and actual measurements. Bowtie filter shapes are in agreement with those theoretically expected. Results show that low contrast and spatial resolution are comparable with expected ones, taking into consideration the relatively limited number of events used for the simulation. The differences between simulated and nominal CT-number values were small. The present attempt to simulate a DSCT scanner could provide a powerful tool for dose assessment and support the training of clinical scientists in the imaging performance characteristics of Computed Tomography scanners.
A Micro-Level Investigation of Optimum Lime-Content Stabilized Expansive Soil Amended with Organic Coconut Shell Powder

Abstract The experimental investigation involved stabilizing an expansive soil using lime, amending the stabilization process with varying doses of coconut shell powder (CSP), and studying the effects of the amendment on the strength, index properties, mineralogy, and microstructure of the stabilized soil. The optimum lime content (OLC) for the maximum strength gain of the stabilized soil was determined by performing unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The stabilization process was amended with four different proportions of CSP, and the UCSs of the amended specimens were evaluated and compared. The spent UCS samples were crushed and pulverized to perform index property tests as well as mineralogical (XRD) and micro-structural (SEM) tests. The results of the investigation revealed that amending the lime stabilization process with CSP yielded positive results only at a low dosage of 0.25%. It is concluded that materials of an organic origin such as CSP need to be adopted in low dosages to reap beneficial effects in the stabilization process.
On the place of Phrygian among the Indo-European languages

The aim of this paper is to gather together certain relevant features of Phrygian based on our current knowledge of the language in order to determine its dialectal position inside the Indo-European family. The relatively large number of features shared with Greek is consistent with prior views about the close relation between the two languages, which may have formed a common proto-language. The relations proposed with certain other languages, such as Armenian, are not so strong despite sharing some features.
Reproductive Disorders in Male Rats Induced by High-fructose Consumption from Juvenile Age to Puberty

Abstract There is compelling evidence that a hypercaloric, high-fructose diet can cause metabolic syndrome (MetS) and a whole range of other metabolic changes. In the context of androgen deficiency, MetS in boys merits special attention, but the effects of fructose-rich diet in youth on future male reproductive function are still poorly evidenced. The aim of this study was to address this issue and analyse the effects of high-fructose intake starting from weaning to puberty (postnatal day 23 up to 83) on the reproductive function of male rats. For this purpose juvenile male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: control and the group receiving 10 % fructose solution instead of drinking water. Reproductive function was evaluated in terms of fertility, sperm count, testes/epididymis morphology, and serum sex hormones. The fructose-treated group showed a decrease in testosterone and twofold increase in luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the serum. This was accompanied with lower testis/epididymis weights, sperm count, and changed testis/epididymis morphology. Their fertility remained unchanged, but the fertility of females mating with these males diminished. In addition, pre-implantation and post-implantation embryonic death rate rose in these females. Our results have confirmed that high fructose consumption from early age until puberty can impair the reproductive function of male rats, and call for further animal and epidemiological investigation.
The Effects of Employees’ Education Degree on the Correlation Between Job Satisfaction and Personality Dimensions

Abstract Employees’ job satisfaction is an important factor of shaping the organizational business performances. However, job satisfaction might depend on employees’ personality dimensions, such as: extraversion, negative affectivity, conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness to new experiences. Besides that, the employees’ job satisfaction, but also their personality dimensions, might be affected by the employees’ education degree. In respect to that, this research was oriented towards determining the effects of the employees’ education degree on the correlation between the employees’ job satisfaction and their personality dimensions. The survey research sample consisted of 116 respondents, employed within a large public monopolistic organization, oriented towards the energy sector, operating in transitional society. The research results indicated that employees’ education degree shaped the correlation between all personality dimensions, on the one hand, and the pay, benefits, relation between coworkers, supervision and nature of the work facets of job satisfaction, on the other. Beside theoretical contribution, the research results might have practical implication through providing the information necessary for improving human resource management in Serbia, a transitional economy with general business conditions different from those in developed countries.
The socioeconomic performance of small and mediumsized industrial towns: Slovenian perspectives

Abstract The socioeconomic performance of industrial small and medium-sized towns (SMSTs) in comparison to that of non-industrial SMSTs, is subject to evaluation in this paper, to see if the presence of industry has adverse effects on socioeconomic factors. We studied 32 variables accounting for dimensions of socioeconomic performance in Slovenian SMSTs and conducted various statistical tests. We found only minor differences between the two groups, pertaining mainly to some elements of economic structure and demography, and some mixed relations of industrial employment and socioeconomic performance. The results demonstrate that industrial SMSTs should not be labelled automatically as ‘disadvantaged’. We discuss why our results differ from general research expectations in the literature: in the local context, we outline the “egalitarian syndrome” and policies of polycentric spatial development; in the global context, we discuss the “failed tertiarisation effect” and the differences between post-socialist and “Western” countries. We conclude by proposing that research should be re-oriented towards the more place-sensitive issues of industrial towns across Europe.
Current Swine Respiratory Diseases Morphology in Intensive Swine Production in Serbia

Abstract Swine respiratory diseases represent one of the most frequent health issues in pig production worldwide. Despite the great progress that has been made in the field of diagnostics, control and prophylaxis, respiratory diseases still remain the most challenging health problem in modern commercial pig production. The list of infectious agents that cause respiratory diseases in swine is extensive and includes both, bacterial and viral pathogens. In Serbia, more than fifteen years after the introduction of modern vaccines, the list of bacterial pathogens related to swine respiratory infections still include Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida. On the other hand, most commonly involved viral pathogens are Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Swine influenza virus, Porcine circovirus type 2 and Pseudorabies virus. The morphological features of pneumonia where several agents are involved, depend on the predominant etiological agent. Expanding knowledge of the main pathogens associated with swine respiratory diseases and the effects of their interactions on the disease outcome is important for further investigations of lung diseases and implementation of control strategies in commercial pig populations in Serbia. This review discusses the latest findings on swine respiratory disease and current trends in Serbian pig production.
Curve Skeleton Extraction Via K–Nearest–Neighbors Based Contraction

Abstract We propose a skeletonization algorithm that is based on an iterative points contraction. We make an observation that the local center that is obtained via optimizing the sum of the distance to k nearest neighbors possesses good properties of robustness to noise and incomplete data. Based on such an observation, we devise a skeletonization algorithm that mainly consists of two stages: points contraction and skeleton nodes connection. Extensive experiments show that our method can work on raw scans of real-world objects and exhibits better robustness than the previous results in terms of extracting topology-preserving curve skeletons.
A Cross Sectional Survey of Chicken Astroviruses Antibody in Broiler and Sonali (Cross-Bred) Chickens in Selected Areas in Bangladesh

Abstract Chicken astroviruses (CAstV) are enteric viruses of poultry causing gastroenteritis, malabsorption, gout and white chick disease commonly known as runting-stunting syndrome (RSS). It can affect the wide range of poultry birds, especially chicken, turkey and duck worldwide. To our best knowledge there is no published report on presence of antibodies against CAstV in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study aimed to detect the presence of CAstV antibodies in broilers and sonali chickens (a cross-bread) in Bangladesh through a cross-sectional survey. A total of 454 blood samples from 66 flocks of broiler (n=343) and sonali chickens (n=111) of different ages were obtained during 2017 from four districts. The birds were healthy but were not vaccinated against CAstV. The samples were tested for specific antibodies against CAstV Group B by using commercially available ELISA kit. Overall, 16.74% (76/454) samples and 34.84% (23/66) flocks were positive for CAstV antibodies. The seroprevalence of CAstV was significantly (p=0.001) higher in sonali chickens (36.96%) than broiler (10.20%), while it was significantly higher (p=0.001) in birds of Bogura district (36.94%) than the other three districts. Regarding the age groups, seroprevalence was insignificantly (p=0.192) higher in sonali chicken before laying age (45%) than during laying age (27.45%). Regarding the seasons, CAstV infection was prevalent significantly (p=0.001) higher in winter season. Thus, the present study indicated the presence of CAstV in poultry in Bangladesh, so further studies are required to find out the magnitude of the problem in the country.
An Experimental Comparison of Approaches to Training Insight

Abstract The purpose of the research was to investigate different types of training in insight problem solving. In doing so, we reviewed the literature on experimental tests of procedures for training insight problem solving. The results revealed that most procedures focused either on restructuring or divergent thinking, and provided some evidence for the effectiveness of both approaches. However, we found no studies that compared the effects of the two approaches. The article reports two experiments that compared different training procedures based on restructuring and divergent thinking. For the latter, the methods focused separately on fluency, flexibility and originality training. The first experiment compared a restructuring approach with fluency training and a placebo control condition. The results indicated that the restructuring training was significantly more effective than the others, but only when instructions were verbal, not in script form. The second experiment compared restructuring training with flexibility, fluency and originality training, all presented in script form, and the results indicated that the restructuring training was significantly more effective than both fluency training and flexibility training. Implications for future research are discussed.
Finding Robust Transfer Features for Unsupervised Domain Adaptation

Abstract An insufficient number or lack of training samples is a bottleneck in traditional machine learning and object recognition. Recently, unsupervised domain adaptation has been proposed and then widely applied for cross-domain object recognition, which can utilize the labeled samples from a source domain to improve the classification performance in a target domain where no labeled sample is available. The two domains have the same feature and label spaces but different distributions. Most existing approaches aim to learn new representations of samples in source and target domains by reducing the distribution discrepancy between domains while maximizing the covariance of all samples. However, they ignore subspace discrimination, which is essential for classification. Recently, some approaches have incorporated discriminative information of source samples, but the learned space tends to be overfitted on these samples, because they do not consider the structure information of target samples. Therefore, we propose a feature reduction approach to learn robust transfer features for reducing the distribution discrepancy between domains and preserving discriminative information of the source domain and the local structure of the target domain. Experimental results on several well-known cross-domain datasets show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art techniques in most cases.
Gender Differences in Competitiveness and Risk-Taking Among Children, Teenagers, and College Students: Evidence from Jeopardy!

Studying competitiveness and risk-taking among Jeopardy! contestants in the US, this paper analyzes whether and how gender differences emerge with age and by gender of opponent. Our samples contain 186 children (aged 10–12), 310 teenagers (aged 13–17), and 299 undergraduate college students. We measure competitiveness via the likelihood of (i) winning an episode, (ii) responding to a clue (i.e., 'buzzing' in), and (iii) responding correctly to a clue. Risk-taking is assessed via Daily Double wagering decisions. We identify no noticeable gender differences in our competitive measures throughout all three samples, but this result changes when considering risk-taking. Although we identify no gender differences in wagering for children, males begin to wager substantially more as they become teenagers, leading to the emergence of the gender gap. In terms of magnitude, teenage girls wager 7.3 percentage points less of their maximum wager than teenage boys, equivalent to approximately $451. This gap persists for college students, albeit with a somewhat smaller magnitude of $297. Finally, male teenagers and college students wager substantially less when competing against females. In turn, the gender of opponents does not influence female competitive behavior and risk-taking.
Reducing multipath effect of low-cost GNSS receivers for monitoring by considering temporal correlations

Abstract The investigations on low-cost single frequency GNSS receivers at the Institute of Engineering Geodesy (IIGS) show that u-blox GNSS receivers combined with low-cost antennas and self-constructed L1-optimized choke rings can reach an accuracy which almost meets the requirements of geodetic applications (see Zhang and Schwieger [25]). However, the quality (accuracy and reliability) of low-cost GNSS receiver data should still be improved, particularly in environments with obstructions. The multipath effects are a major error source for the short baselines. The ground plate or the choke ring ground plane can reduce the multipath signals from the horizontal reflector (e. g. ground). However, the shieldings cannot reduce the multipath signals from the vertical reflectors (e. g. walls). Because multipath effects are spatially and temporally correlated, an algorithm is developed for reducing the multipath effect by considering the spatial correlations of the adjoined stations (see Zhang and Schwieger [24]). In this paper, an algorithm based on the temporal correlations will be introduced. The developed algorithm is based on the periodic behavior of the estimated coordinates and not on carrier phase raw data, which is easy to use. Because, for the users, coordinates are more accessible than the raw data. The multipath effect can cause periodic oscillations but the periods change over time. Besides this, the multipath effect’s influence on the coordinates is a mixture of different multipath signals from different satellites and different reflectors. These two properties will be used to reduce the multipath effect. The algorithm runs in two steps and iteratively. Test measurements were carried out in a multipath intensive environment; the accuracies of the measurements are improved by about 50 % and the results can be delivered in near-real-time (in ca. 30 minutes), therefore the algorithm is suitable for structural health monitoring applications.
First data on breeding success of Croatian inland colonies of Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Abstract In 2018 and 2019, the breeding success of two Common Tern colonies on artificial lakes near the River Sava in Zagreb, Croatia, was studied. The colonies were visited weekly from May to July and we collected data on phenology, number of breeding pairs, clutch size as well as egg and chick survival. We also conducted a comparison between early and late breeders. Hatching and fledging success was within previously observed ranges, apart from a low hatching success on Siromaja in 2019. The smaller colony on Siromaja had a higher productivity in both years than the colony on Rakitje, although in 2018 an avian pox virus killed much of the late chicks on Rakitje. Early breeders seem to have had higher hatching success and average clutch size. Furthermore, a greater proportion of them managed to hatch all their eggs compared to late breeders, but the differences were not statistically significant. Our study provided baseline data for future monitoring of phenology and breeding success with regard to the management of breeding colonies.