Reading times show effects of contextual complexity and uncertainty in comprehension of German universal quantifiers

We report three experiments, in which we combined self-paced reading with picture-sentence verification to test how reading times are affected by meaning-related processes. In particular, we investigated German sentences containing the universal quantifier alle (“all”) and examined how restrictive processes incrementally interact with other aspects of quantifier meaning, comparably to previous studies using other methods. Our results show that reading times were sensitive towards a match between context and sentence meaning and also towards an interaction between picture complexity and task demands. The results also point to the need for integrated processing models that combine refined notions of the relation between memory and expectations, on the one hand, with assumptions about adaptive processes and about representations involved in compositional interpretation, on the other

An Incremental RSA Model for Adjective Ordering Preferences in Referential Visual Context

We report data from a preference rating experiment that tested for conflicting effects of subjectivity and discriminatory strength on adjective ordering preferences in referential visual context. Results indicate that, if the communicative efficiency of an adjective is low in a given context, it is preferred later in a multi-adjective expression. To account for qualitative aspects of these data, we propose a novel computational model of incremental processing in the Rational Speech Act framework. What sets the model apart from previous approaches is that it assumes fully incremental interpretation, without the need to anticipate possible sentence completions

Novel Analytical Workflow for Comprehensive Non-targeted Phytochemical Metabolic Profiling: FH-HES

The understanding and interpretation of pharmacological properties on a molecular level is of great importance for many different fields of research. Our study provides a novel model work-flow for comprehensive metabolic profiling by structural identification of relevant metabolites not limited to phytochemistry applications. High resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS data can be directly correlated with pharmacological test results on a molecular level. Thus the understanding and interpretation of pharmacological properties is supported by structural and chemical information

Microelectromagnets for Trapping and Manipulating Ultracold Atomic Quantum Gases

We describe the production and characterization of microelectromagnets made for trapping and manipulating atomic ensembles. The devices consist of 7 fabricated parallel copper conductors 3 micrometer thick, 25mm long, with widths ranging from 3 to 30 micrometer, and are produced by electroplating a sapphire substrate. Maximum current densities in the wires up to 6.5 * 10^6 A / cm^2 are achieved in continuous mode operation. The device operates successfully at a base pressure of 10^-11 mbar. The microstructures permit the realization of a variety of magnetic field configurations, and hence provide enormous flexibility for controlling the motion and the shape of Bose-Einstein condensates.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

From truth conditions to processes: how to model the processing difficulty of quantified sentences based on semantic theory

The present dissertation is concerned with the processing difficulty of quantified sentences and how it can be modeled based on semantic theory. Processing difficulty of quantified sentences is assessed using psycholinguistic methods such as systematically collecting truth-value judgments or recording eye movements during reading. Predictions are derived from semantic theory via parsimonious processing assumptions, taking into account automata theory, signal detection theory and computational complexity. Chapter 1 provides introductory discussion and overview. Chapter 2 introduces basic theoretical concepts that are used throughout the rest of the dissertation. In chapter 3, processing difficulty is approached on an abstract level. The difficulty of the truth evaluation of reciprocal sentences with generalized quantifiers as antecedents is classified using computational complexity theory. This is independent of the actual algorithms or procedures that are used to evaluate the sentences. One production and one sentence picture verification experiment are reported which tested whether cognitive capacities are limited to those functions that are computationally tractable. The results indicate that intractable interpretations occur in language comprehension but also that their verification rapidly exceeds cognitive capacities in case the verification problem cannot be solved using simple heuristics. Chapter 4 discusses two common approaches to model the canonical verification procedures associated with quantificational sentences. The first is based on the semantic automata model which conceives of quantifiers as decision problems and characterizes the computational resources that are needed to solve them. The second approach is based on the interface transparency thesis, which stipulates a transparent interface between semantic representations and the realization of verification procedures in the general cognitive architecture. Both approaches are evaluated against experimental data. Chapter 5 focuses on a test case that is challenging for both of these approaches. In particular, increased processing difficulty of `more than n‘ as compared to `fewer than n‘ is investigated. A processing model is proposed which integrates insights from formal semantics with models from cognitive psychology. This model can be seen as implementation and extension of the interface transparency thesis. The truth evaluation process is conceived of as a stochastic process as described in sequential sampling models of decision making. The increased difficulty of `fewer than n’ as compared to `more than n’ is attributed to an extra processing step of scale-reversal that precedes the actual decision process. Predictions of the integrated processing model are tested and confirmed in two sentence-picture verification experiments. Chapter 6 discusses whether and how the integrated processing model can be extended to other quantifiers. An extension to proportional comparative quantifiers, like `fewer than half’ and `more than half’ is proposed and discussed in the light of existing experimental data. Moreover, it is shown that what are called empty-set effects can be naturally derived from the model. Chapter 7 presents data from two eye tracking experiments that show that `fewer than’ leads to increased difficulty as compared to `more than’ already during reading. Moreover, this effect is magnified if such quantifiers are combined with overt negation. Potential accounts of these findings are discussed. Conclusions are summarized in chapter 8

Food Stamps: The Impact on Consumer Expenditure Behavior

17 pagesThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is one of the largest and most important federal assistance programs provided by the United States government. The purpose of the program is to promote proper nutrition for low-income consumers. This paper analyzes the effect of SNAP benefits on consumer spending behavior. Using survey data on food expenditures from 2012-2014, regressions were run on how receiving SNAP benefits impacted average weekly expenditures for different categories of food. The results indicate that SNAP-receiving households spend less on total food per week compared to non-recipients. In addition, SNAP benefits correlated with higher expenditures on unhealthy food, with inconclusive evidence on how the benefits impacted spending on healthy foods. This indicates that the purpose of SNAP is not being fulfilled as intended