The Intensifiers this/that in Some Varieties of English

The intensifiers this/that acquired their adverbial status as a result of a grammaticalization process by means of which the deictic demonstratives became degree adverbs with the meaning of ‘to this/that extent, so much, so’ (OED s.v. this/that adv). The intensifier use of that has been traced back to the second half of the 14th century, originally associated with expressions of quantity like as much as that, as far as that, as long as that and eventually developing into proper degree words like that much, that far and that long, respectively. The use of this, on the other hand, developed in the second half of the 15th century. The phenomenon disseminated in the early 19th century as a typical resource of spoken English and since then, these intensifiers have found their room in the written domain imposing a scalar construal on adjectives for which scale is not the default construal. These intensifiers have been hitherto ignored in the literature, perhaps as a result of an erroneous accusation of informality, and consequently so has been traditionally recommended in these contexts. Despite the intensifiers this/that are observed in practically all the varieties of English worldwide, it has a variable distribution. The present study, therefore, contributes to the study of the development of these intensifiers in some varieties of English worldwide with the following objectives: a) to analyse their use and compare their distribution in different varieties of English; and b) to cast light on the lexico-semantic structure of the right-hand collocates. The evidence comes from the New Zealand, Indian, Singaporean and Philippines components of the Corpus of Global Web- based English. This corpus contains 1.9 billion words from 340,000 websites in 20 different English-speaking countries using a random selection of web pages and blogs, thus becoming the appropriate input for the study of the phenomenon in the varieties of English worldwide.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

On the rise and diffusion of new intensifiers: this/that in some asian varieties of english

Estudio léxico-semántico de los intensificadores this y that como modificadores de adjetivos y adverbios en cuatro variedades del inglés asiático. El estudio cuantitativo confirma, por un lado, la influencia del inglés americano en la difusión del fenómeno en estas variedades a la vista de la escasa repercusión del mismo en inglés británico. En las variedades estudiadas, Singapur y Filipinas lideran el uso de este modelo de intensificación, que contrasta con la actitud conservadora de India y Hong Kong, lo que se justifica a tenor del origen americano del inglés de Filipinas y de la propia evolución del inglés de Singapur que, a diferencia de las otras, se encuentra en la fase de diferenciación de acuerdo con el modelo de Schneider (2007). El estudio cualitativo, por otro lado, confirma un distinto nivel de gramaticalización de this y that como resultado del mayor repertorio de colocados de that al aceptar, a diferencia de this, adverbios de lugar, tiempo, cantidad, frecuencia y modo. El análisis de los adjetivos, por su parte, constata el incipiente proceso de gramaticalización de estos intensificadores en estas variedades, dado que this/that aparecen exclusivamente en compañía de adjetivos graduables, sin mostrar síntomas de evolución, como en el inglés americano, hacia un modelo conceptual menos restrictivo con la adopción de adjetivos de distinta naturaleza semántica (adjetivos perfectivos y elativos) o adjetivos no graduables.Proyecto de investigación nacional titulado “Cambio lingüístico, variación morfosintáctica y compilación de recursos para el estudio del inglés moderno tardío”, con referencia PID2021-126496NB-I00 (2021-2024)

A new artificial neural network ensemble based on feature selection and class recoding

Many of the studies related to supervised learning have focused on the resolution of multiclass problems. A standard technique used to resolve these problems is to decompose the original multiclass problem into multiple binary problems. In this paper, we propose a new learning model applicable to multi-class domains in which the examples are described by a large number of features. The proposed model is an Artificial Neural Network ensemble in which the base learners are composed by the union of a binary classifier and a multiclass classifier. To analyze the viability and quality of this system, it will be validated in two real domains: traffic sign recognition and hand-written digit recognition. Experimental results show that our model is at least as accurate as other methods reported in the bibliography but has a considerable advantage respecting size, computational complexity, and running tim

An ensemble approach of dual base learners for multi-class classification problems

In this work, we formalise and evaluate an ensemble of classifiers that is designed for the resolution of multi-class problems. To achieve a good accuracy rate, the base learners are built with pairwise coupled binary and multi-class classifiers. Moreover, to reduce the computational cost of the ensemble and to improve its performance, these classifiers are trained using a specific attribute subset. This proposal offers the opportunity to capture the advantages provided by binary decomposition methods, by attribute partitioning methods, and by cooperative characteristics associated with a combination of redundant base learners. To analyse the quality of this architecture, its performance has been tested on different domains, and the results have been compared to other well-known classification methods. This experimental evaluation indicates that our model is, in most cases, as accurate as these methods, but it is much more efficient. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.This research was supported by the Spanish MICINN under Projects TRA2010-20225-C03-01, TRA 2011-29454-C03-02, and TRA 2011-29454-C03-03

Specialized ensemble of classifiers for traffic sign recognition

Proceeding of: 9th International Work-Conference on Artificial Neural Networks, IWANN 2007, San Sebastían, España, junio, 2007.Several complex problems have to be solved in order to build Advanced Driving Assistance Systems. Among them, an important problem is the detection and classification of traffic signs, which can appear at any position within a captured image. This paper describes a system that employs independent modules to classify several prohibition road signs. Combining the predictions made by the set of classifiers, a unique final classification is achieved. To reduce the computational complexity and to achieve a real-time system, a previous input feature selection is performed. Experimental evaluation confirms that using this feature selection allows a significant input data reduction without an important loss of output accuracy.The research reported here has been supported by the Ministry of Education and Science under project TRA2004-07441-C03-C02

Shared learning process among students of the Health Sciences and Electronic Engineering Department and students of professional training in the area of Technology and Health. A proposal for educational innovation

[EN] The objective of this proposal for educational innovation is to facilitate the learning of complex concepts and their relationship with reality, through peer-to-peer training, in where two scenarios will be shared: university and professional training. We propose an experience in which University students in the area of Electronic Technology and Health, specifically from the degrees of Industrial Electronics Engineering, Physiotherapy and Nursing, previously trained in the concepts of radiation and its types, infrared radiation, its use in health in both treatment and diagnosis, thermoregulation and thermography with the visual thinking tool, can transversally share a teaching scenario with students of professional training in the technological areas and health in particular to the Superior Technicians in Clinical Electromedicine. The execution of the project will be conducted during the month of February of 2019. This proposal of training acquired between equals will produce greater efficiency in the results, generating a better adhesion in the teaching scenarios and a posteriori in the work environment.[ES] El objetivo de esta propuesta de innovación educativa es facilitar el aprendizaje de conceptos complejos y su relación con la realidad, a través de la capacitación entre pares, en la que se compartirán dos escenarios: la universidad y la capacitación profesional. Proponemos una experiencia en la que los estudiantes universitarios en el área de Tecnología Electrónica y Salud, específicamente de los grados de Ingeniería Electrónica Industrial, Fisioterapia y Enfermería, previamente capacitados en los conceptos de radiación y sus tipos, la radiación infrarroja, su uso en la salud en ambos. El tratamiento y diagnóstico, la termorregulación y la termografía con la herramienta de pensamiento visual, pueden compartir de manera transversal un escenario de enseñanza con estudiantes de capacitación profesional en áreas tecnológicas y de salud en particular con los Técnicos Superiores en Electromedicina Clínica. La ejecución del proyecto se llevará a cabo durante el mes de febrero de 2019. Esta propuesta de formación adquirida entre iguales producirá una mayor eficiencia en los resultados, generando una mejor adhesión en los escenarios de enseñanza y posteriormente en el entorno laboral.Sanchis-Sánchez, E.; Sánchez-Lorente, M.; Alarcón-Gómez, J.; García-Molina, P.; Balaguer-López, E.; Zurita-Round, N.; Ferrer-González, S.... (2019). Shared learning process among students of the Health Sciences and Electronic Engineering Department and students of professional training in the area of Technology and Health. A proposal for educational innovation. En HEAD'19. 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1225-1232. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAD19.2019.9295OCS1225123

Reflexiones sobre el aprendizaje de la histología en biología y en ciencias de la salud

El conocimiento de la estructura, composición y función del organismo es fundamental en la formación de los graduados de Ciencias Biomédicas y de Ciencias de la Salud. Las células y los tejidos son los componentes básicos para comprender el normal funcionamiento del organismo y sus procesos patológicos. Por otra parte, la Histología es una de las disciplinas básicas con mayor cantidad de publicaciones sobre temas relacionados con su docencia. Sin embargo, a pesar de la abrumadora literatura existente, todavía no hay criterios claros sobre la pertinencia de los contenidos, los métodos en el aprendizaje y la evaluación de esta materia. En este trabajo; tras una revisión bibliográfica y a partir de la información aportada por profesores de Histología, se lo analizan las principales cuestiones que plantea el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de la Histología en el ámbito de Biomedicina (Biología, Medicina, Veterinaria, Enfermería, Nutrición, Fisioterapia, Biotecnología, etc.), a saber: su pertinencia, los contenidos a impartir, las estrategias y los medios didácticos a emplear y los métodos de evaluación. A partir de todos estos datos se describen los principales puntos fuertes y débiles de la Histología con las correspondientes sugerencias de cambio y adaptación al entorno actual

Effectiveness, cost-utility and physiological underpinnings of the FIBROWALK multicomponent therapy in online and outdoor format in individuals with fibromyalgia : Study protocol of a randomized, controlled trial (On&Out study)

Introduction: The On&Out study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness, cost-utility and physiological underpinnings of the FIBROWALK multicomponent intervention conducted in two different settings: online (FIBRO-On) or outdoors (FIBRO-Out). Both interventions have proved to be efficacious in the short-term but there is no study assessing their comparative effectiveness nor their long-term effects. For the first time, this study will also evaluate the cost-utility (6-month time-horizon) and the effects on immune-inflammatory biomarkers and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels of both interventions. The objectives of this 6-month, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) are 1) to examine the effectiveness and cost-utility of adding FIBRO-On or FIBRO-Out to Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) for individuals with fibromyalgia (FM); 2) to identify pre-post differences in blood biomarker levels in the three study arms and 3) to analyze the role of process variables as mediators of 6-month follow-up clinical outcomes. Methods and analysis: Participants will be 225 individuals with FM recruited at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), randomly allocated to one of the three study arms: TAU vs. TAU + FIBRO-On vs. TAU + FIBRO-Out. A comprehensive assessment to collect functional impairment, pain, fatigue, depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, central sensitization, physical function, sleep quality, perceived cognitive dysfunction, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, psychological inflexibility in pain and pain knowledge will be conducted pre-intervention, at 6 weeks, post-intervention (12 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up. Changes in immune-inflammatory biomarkers [i.e., IL-6, CXCL8, IL-17A, IL-4, IL-10, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor will be evaluated in 40 participants in each treatment arm (total n = 120) at pre- and post-treatment. Quality of life and direct and indirect costs will be evaluated at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Linear mixed-effects regression models using restricted maximum likelihood, mediational models and a full economic evaluation applying bootstrapping techniques, acceptability curves and sensitivity analyses will be computed. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media and various community engagement activities. Trial registration number NCT05377567 ()

Effects of saline irrigation on the physiology and ornamental quality of Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow and its relationship with salinity indexes based on the bulk electrical conductivity

Water scarcity and the global demand for better water management policies are leading to a more intensive use of brackish water in plant production. Irrigating with saline water, farmers seek a certain leaching fraction to prevent salt-induced damage which will depend on the plant tolerance to salts. In this sense, soil electrical conductivity (EC) and moisture sensors are essential for optimizing the leaching fraction in irrigation systems by automatically monitoring the water content and the bulk EC (ECb). However, since the ECb depends on both salt and moisture content, indexes are needed to account for this interaction to estimate the actual salinity conditions in the soil solution. This experiment was carried out in a polycarbonate greenhouse in which plants of Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow (Euphorbia) were irrigated at three salinity levels [1.8 (control), 3.3 (EC3), and 4.9 (EC5) dS m− 1)]. The effects of the irrigation treatments on the physiology and morphology of Euphorbia and the reliability of three salinity indexes derived from the ECb were evaluated. The results showed that EC3 plants reduced their growth without being affected in terms of physiological and photochemical performance. The salinity index based on the ECb measured immediately after irrigation (ECbai) showed the greatest sensitivity to salinity changes. A threshold of 1.9 dS m− 1 for this index should not be exceeded when producing Euphorbia plants.Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities of Spain; the European Regional Development Fund (RTI2018-093997-B-I00

Control of substrate water availability using soil sensors and effects of water deficit on the morphology and physiology of potted hebe andersonii

Many plant producers tend to overwater crops to prevent water stress and salt-induced damage. These practices waste irrigation water and cause leaching that harms the environment and increases production costs. In order to optimize water consumption and minimize the environmental impact of plant production, this study aimed to determine the physiological and morphological responses of Hebe andersonii to three substrate volumetric water contents (49%, 39%, and 32%). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with an irrigation protocol that consisted of adding small volumes of water to avoid leaching while monitoring substrate moisture with dielectric soil sensors. The results showed that moderately low substrate moisture improved the water-use efficiency, while growth was significantly reduced under more severe water deficit conditions (but without leaf chlorosis or abscission). The photosynthetic activity of Hebe was primarily controlled by the stomatal aperture, which was co-determined by the substrate moisture and seasonal temperature. Hebe leaves promoted non-photochemical quenching when carbon assimilation was limited by a water deficit, and accumulated solutes through an osmotic adjustment process (especially Cl−, Na+, and K+) to maintain their water status. Overall, Hebe andersoni cv. Variegata could successfully grow and improve its water-use efficiency in low substrate moisture and under a non-draining irrigation regime.Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities of Spain; the European Regional Development Fund (RTI2018-093997-B-I00