Higher-Order Functions for Parsing

In combinator parsing, the text of parsers resembles BNF notation. We present the basic method, and a number of extensions. We address the special problems presented by white-space, and parsers with separate lexical and syntactic phases. In particular, a combining form for handling the offside rule is given. Other extensions to the basic method include an $quot;into$quot; combining form with many useful applications, and a simple means by which combinator parsers can produce more informative error messages.

Ordinal Arithmetic: A Case Study for Rippling in a Higher Order Domain

This paper reports a case study in the use of proof planning in the context of higher order syntax. Rippling is a heuristic for guiding rewriting steps in induction that has been used successfully in proof planning inductive proofs using first order representations. Ordinal arithmetic provides a natural set of higher order examples on which transfinite induction may be attempted using rippling. Previously Boyer-Moore style automation could not be applied to such domains. We demonstrate that a higher-order extension of the rippling heuristic is sufficient to plan such proofs automatically. Accordingly, ordinal arithmetic has been implemented in lambda-clam, a higher order proof planning system for induction, and standard undergraduate text book problems have been successfully planned. We show the synthesis of a fixpoint for normal ordinal functions which demonstrates how our automation could be extended to produce more interesting results than the textbook examples tried so far.

Airframe sound simulation based on staggered-grid higher order schemes and finite volume CFD methods

Abstract not available

Higher-order variational problems of Herglotz type

We obtain a generalized Euler–Lagrange differential equation and transversality optimality conditions for Herglotz-type higher-order variational problems. Illustrative examples of the new results are given.

Efeitos do exercício moderado prévio com oclusão vascular sobre a cinética da oferta e utilização do oxigênio em um exercício subsequente de alta intensidade

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Educação Física, Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto-Sensu em Educação Física, 2015.

TRANSFORMATIONS OF TASK-DEPENDENT PLASTICITY FROM A1 TO HIGHER-ORDER AUDITORY CORTEX

Everyday, humans and animals navigate complex acoustic environments, where multiple sound sources overlap. Somehow, they effortlessly perform an acoustic scene analysis and extract relevant signals from background noise. Constant updating of the behavioral relevance of ambient sounds requires the representation and integration of incoming acoustical information with internal representations such as behavioral goals, expectations and memories of previous sound-meaning associations. Rapid plasticity of auditory representations may contribute to our ability to attend and focus on relevant sounds. In order to better understand how auditory representations are transformed in the brain to incorporate behavioral contextual information, we explored task-dependent plasticity in neural responses recorded at four levels of the auditory cortical processing hierarchy of ferrets: the primary auditory cortex (A1), two higher-order auditory areas (dorsal PEG and ventral-anterior PEG) and dorso-lateral frontal cortex. In one study we explored the laminar profile of rapid-task related plasticity in A1 and found that plasticity occurred at all depths, but was greatest in supragranular layers. This result suggests that rapid task-related plasticity in A1 derives primarily from intracortical modulation of neural selectivity. In two other studies we explored task-dependent plasticity in two higher-order areas of the ferret auditory cortex that may correspond to belt (secondary) and parabelt (tertiary) auditory areas. We found that representations of behaviorally-relevant sounds are progressively enhanced during performance of auditory tasks. These selective enhancement effects became progressively larger as you ascend the auditory cortical hierarchy. We also observed neuronal responses to non-auditory, task-related information (reward timing, expectations) in the parabelt area that were very similar to responses previously described in frontal cortex. These results suggests that auditory representations in the brain are transformed from the more veridical spectrotemporal information encoded in earlier auditory stages to a more abstract representation encoding sound behavioral meaning in higher-order auditory areas and dorso-lateral frontal cortex.

THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATION ON EMOTION REGULATION AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE: EXAMINATION OF A NEURO-AFFECTIVE MODEL

Mental stress is known to disrupt the execution of motor performance and can lead to decrements in the quality of performance, however, individuals have shown significant differences regarding how fast and well they can perform a skilled task according to how well they can manage stress and emotion. The purpose of this study was to advance our understanding of how the brain modulates emotional reactivity under different motivational states to achieve differential performance in a target shooting task that requires precision visuomotor coordination. In order to study the interactions in emotion regulatory brain areas (i.e. the ventral striatum, amygdala, prefrontal cortex) and the autonomic nervous system, reward and punishment interventions were employed and the resulting behavioral and physiological responses contrasted to observe the changes in shooting performance (i.e. shooting accuracy and stability of aim) and neuro-cognitive processes (i.e. cognitive load and reserve) during the shooting task. Thirty-five participants, aged 18 to 38 years, from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) at the University of Maryland were recruited to take 30 shots at a bullseye target in three different experimental conditions. In the reward condition, $1 was added to their total balance for every 10-point shot. In the punishment condition, $1 was deducted from their total balance if they did not hit the 10-point area. In the neutral condition, no money was added or deducted from their total balance. When in the reward condition, which was reportedly most enjoyable and least stressful of the conditions, heart rate variability was found to be positively related to shooting scores, inversely related to variability in shooting performance and positively related to alpha power (i.e. less activation) in the left temporal region. In the punishment (and most stressful) condition, an increase in sympathetic response (i.e. increased LF/HF ratio) was positively related to jerking movements as well as variability of placement (on the target) in the shots taken. This, coupled with error monitoring activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, suggests evaluation of self-efficacy might be driving arousal regulation, thus affecting shooting performance. Better performers showed variable, increasing high-alpha power in the temporal region during the aiming period towards taking the shot which could indicate an adaptive strategy of engagement. They also showed lower coherence during hit shots than missed shots which was coupled with reduced jerking movements and better precision and accuracy. Frontal asymmetry measures revealed possible influence of the prefrontal lobe in driving this effect in reward and neutral conditions. The possible interactions, reasons behind these findings and implications are discussed.

The role of information literacy competence and higher order thinking skills to develop academic writing in science and engineering students

This article discusses a study organized to develop academic writing skills in undergraduate students pursuing engineering courses. The target group consisted of 30 students pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in their third year. The classroom observations regarding teaching writing revealed that writing proficiency for most of the students was at a very low level. Followed by this, an intervention program was organized in one college, where the researcher taught academic writing to the students. Units comprising tasks that focused on raising awareness of the academic texts and involving the students in the cognitive processes of writing were designed. The study focused on raising student awareness regarding the nature and characteristics of academic texts in order to develop academic writing skills. The study also emphasized that involving the students in the cognitive processes of writing (e.g., defining the rhetorical problem, identifying the rhetorical situation, determining the audience, setting goals for writing, planning for the text by generating, and organizing ideas) is necessary. The study further suggests that discussions between students and teachers regarding the construction of a text and the way language works in various text types facilitates better writing.

Collaborative technologies, higher order thinking and self-sufficient learning: A case study of adult learners

The inclusion of online elements in learning environments is becoming commonplace in Post Compulsory Education. A variety of research into the value of such elements is available, and this study aims to add further evidence by looking specifically at the use of collaborative technologies such as online discussion forums and wikis to encourage higher order thinking and self-sufficient learning. In particular, the research examines existing pedagogical models including Salmon’s five-stage model, along with other relevant literature. A case study of adult learners in community-based learning centres forms the basis of the research, and as a result of the findings, an arrow model is suggested as a framework for online collaboration that emphasises the learner, mentions pre-course preparation and then includes three main phases of activity: post, interact and critique. This builds on Salmon’s five-stage model and has the benefit of being flexible and responsive, as well as allowing for further development beyond the model, particularly in a blended learning environment.

Myanmar higher education in transition: the interplay between state authority, student politics and international actors.

The Myanmar “period of transition” (2011-2021) has often been described as a puzzle. Various scholars have begun to engage with the Myanmar context in an effort to grasp the essence of the transition it underwent during President Thein Sein’s USPD and Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD governments. My work focuses on a specific policy sector, higher education, with a view to contributing to this scholarly debate regarding what was actually happening inside this complex country “transition”, especially in terms of collective participation in the process of political and social change. Reviewing existing scholarly literature on the politics of higher education, my study employs a triangle of analysis in which higher education reform is framed as the interplay of action on the part of “state authority”, “student politics” and “international actors”. What does this interplay lens reveal if we consider Myanmar’s “period of transition”? I argue that it shows the ambiguity and contradiction of tangible pushes for progressive social change that coexisted with authoritarian currents and the reinforcement of the societal position of dominant elites. At the policy level, ultimately, a convergence of interests between international actors and state authority served as the force driving the new higher education reform towards a neo-liberal model of governance and autonomy. This work unpacks the higher education reform process thanks to qualitative data gathered through extensive participant observation, in-depth interviewing and critical discourse analysis, shedding light on the rich narratives of those involved in the politics of higher education in Myanmar.

Sinus rhythm restoration with electrical cardioversion: acute effect of shock configuration and subsequent modifications in peripheral flow and sleep.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a widespread arrhythmia, associated with higher risk of stroke, sleep disorders and dementia. In some conditions, electrical cardioversion (ECV) represents the best choice for rhythm control. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in developing new devices for screening and monitoring of AF patients. We aimed to improve acute efficacy of ECV procedure and to explore the feasibility of the use of new wearable devices for monitoring in candidates to AF ECV. We compared antero-apical pads vs antero-posterior patches approach for AF ECV, and we elaborated a decision algorithm to improve acute efficacy. After, we evaluated the feasibility of the use of new wearable devices for monitoring of candidates to AF ECV. In particular, we analysed the effect of AF ECV on heart rate variability and vascular age parameters derived from PPG signals registered with Empatica (CE 1876/MDD 93/42/EEC), and on EEG pattern registered with Neurosteer (Israel). From December 2005 to September 2019, 492 patients were enrolled. We evaluated acute efficacy of the two approaches for AF ECV and we elaborated a decision algorithm based on body surface area, weight, and height. The decision algorithm improved first shock efficacy (93.2% vs. 87.2%, p=0.025). From 1st November 2021 to 1st April 2022, 24 patients were enrolled in PPEEG-AF pilot study. Considering vascular age parameters, a significant reduction in TPR and a wave was observed (p<0.001). Considering sleep patterns, a tendency to higher coherence was observed in registrations acquired during AF, or considering signals registered for each patient independently from AF. The new decision algorithm improved acute efficacy and reduced costs associated with adhesive patches. Significant modifications were observed on vascular age parameters measured before and after ECV, and a possible AF effect on sleep pattern was noticed. More data are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Influência da idade no comportamento da frequência cardíaca na transição repouso-exercício: uma análise por deltas e regressão linear

BACKGROUND: Changes in heart rate during rest-exercise transition can be characterized by the application of mathematical calculations, such as deltas 0-10 and 0-30 seconds to infer on the parasympathetic nervous system and linear regression and delta applied to data range from 60 to 240 seconds to infer on the sympathetic nervous system. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that young and middle-aged subjects have different heart rate responses in exercise of moderate and intense intensity, with different mathematical calculations. METHODS: Seven middle-aged men and ten young men apparently healthy were subject to constant load tests (intense and moderate) in cycle ergometer. The heart rate data were submitted to analysis of deltas (0-10, 0-30 and 60-240 seconds) and simple linear regression (60-240 seconds). The parameters obtained from simple linear regression analysis were: intercept and slope angle. We used the Shapiro-Wilk test to check the distribution of data and the t test for unpaired comparisons between groups. The level of statistical significance was 5%. RESULTS: The value of the intercept and delta 0-10 seconds was lower in middle age in two loads tested and the inclination angle was lower in moderate exercise in middle age. CONCLUSION: The young subjects present greater magnitude of vagal withdrawal in the initial stage of the HR response during constant load exercise and higher speed of adjustment of sympathetic response in moderate exercise.

Efeitos de diferentes protocolos de treinamento físico sobre o controle autonômico e cardiorrespiratório em homens de meia-idade

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Recuperação da freqüência cardíaca após teste de esforço em esteira ergométrica e variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca em 24 horas em indivíduos sadios

FUNDAMENTO: A recuperação da freqüência cardíaca após o eletrocardiograma de esforço em esteira ergométrica é modulada pelo sistema nervoso autônomo. A análise da variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) pode fornecer informações valiosas sobre o controle do sistema nervoso autônomo sobre o sistema cardiovascular. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi testar a hipótese de associação entre a recuperação da freqüência cardíaca após teste de esforço em esteira ergométrica e a variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Foram estudamos 485 indivíduos sem evidência de cardiopatia com média de idade de 42± 12,1 (faixa etária de 15 a 82) anos, 281 (57.9%) dos quais do sexo feminino, submetidos a um teste de esforço em esteira ergométrica e avaliação da VFC nos domínios do tempo (SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD e pNN50) e da freqüência (LF, HF, VLF e razão LF/HF) durante monitoramento eletrocardiográfico ambulatorial de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: A recuperação da freqüência cardíaca foi de 30 ± 12 batimentos no 1º minuto e 52± 13 batimentos no 2º minuto após o exercício. Os indivíduos mais jovens de recuperaram mais rápido do 2º ao 5º minuto após o exercício (r = 0,19-0,35, P < 0,05). As mulheres se recuperaram mais rápido que os homens (4 ± 1,1 batimentos a menos no 1º minuto, p < 0,001; 5,7 ± 1,2 batimentos a menos no 2º minuto, p < 0,01; e 4,1± 1,1 batimentos a menos no 3º minuto, p < 0.001). Não houve correlação significante entre a recuperação da freqüência cardíaca e a VFC no 1º e 2º minutos após o exercício. Os índices SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD e pNN50 só apresentaram uma correlação significante com a recuperação da freqüência cardíaca no 3º e 4º minutos. CONCLUSÃO: A hipótese de associação entre recuperação da freqüência cardíaca e VFC em 24 horas nos primeiros dois minutos após o exercício não foi comprovada neste estudo. A recuperação da freqüência cardíaca foi associada com idade e sexo.