Using distributional semantics in loanword research: A concept-based approach to quantifying semantic specificity of Anglicisms in Spanish

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 521-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Serigos

Aims and objectives: This study aims to redress the paucity of research on the semantics of loanwords, by extending and empirically testing Backus’s ((2001). The role of semantic specificity in insertional codeswitching: Evidence from Dutch-Turkish. Jacobson, Rodolfo (Hg): Codeswitching Worldwide. Bd, 2, 125–154) Specificity Hypothesis – ‘Embedded language elements in code-switching have a high degree of semantic specificity’ (p. 128). Approach: Adopting a concept-based approach to examine loanwords in a large, reliable corpus, the study pursues the following question: Do loanwords have a high degree of semantic specificity relative to their receiving-language equivalents? Specificity is operationalized as an entropy measure of the target word’s environment, the assumption being that more specific words have less variety in their surrounding context. Data and analysis: To test this hypothesis, Anglicisms in a 24-million-word newspaper corpus of Argentine Spanish were processed in three stages: detecting loanwords, selecting semantic equivalents, and measuring specificity. Findings/conclusions: A Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed that loanwords receive significantly lower entropy scores, that is, they are more specific than their Spanish equivalents. The results suggest a possible motive for adopting loanwords when terms already exist in the source language, namely, to utilize words that provide more nuanced meaning. Originality: Methodologically, this study offers innovative applications of computational methods to loanword research, employing a distributional model to measure entropy. Theoretically, it addresses an underrepresented aspect of loanword adoption, semantics, by extending Backus’s hypothesis to loanwords and increasing its scope to data often viewed as ‘monolingual’. Significance/implications: The conclusions offer novel perspectives on loanwords with existing semantic equivalents, often viewed as ‘unnecessary’ when compared to loanwords that introduce new concepts into the recipient language (e.g. blog). With the notion of specificity, we may understand these loanwords as disruptors to the semantic system of the recipient language, dividing up the semantic space formerly occupied solely by the native equivalent, thus increasing the level of nuance expressed in the original concept.

Author(s):  
Samurya Rahmadhony

Truant is a behavior caused by a lack of control of behavior. Token economy is a form of positive renforcement where the subject receives a token when they exhibit the desired behavior. Data analysis was carried out in three stages, namely visual analysis, different tests using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and calculating the effest size. Token economy interventions effectively reduce truant behavior in 5th grade elementary school students who have lived in class.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7606-7606
Author(s):  
S. Yendamuri ◽  
A. A. Vaporciyan ◽  
T. Zaidi ◽  
R. Fernandez ◽  
D. C. Rice ◽  
...  

7606 Objectives: To study the feasibility of detecting chromosomal deletions at the 3p and 10q regions in bronchoscopic brush biopsies and touch preparations by FISH and to study their distribution in different areas of the airway in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Bronchoscopic brush biopsies from the mainstem bronchus on the normal side contralateral to the tumor (NBB) and normal mainstem bronchus on the tumor side (TBB) were obtained from 120 patients who underwent surgical resection. Touch preparations from the tumor (TTP) and normal lung parenchyma from the involved lung (NTP) and from bronchi adjacent to the tumor (TAB) were also obtained. Two FISH assays using probes complementary to 3p22.1 and 10q22.3 were used for evaluation of chromosomal deletions at each site. The ratios of the percentage of deletions detected at different anatomical sites were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between deletions at TTP and other sites were estimated with a Spearman coefficient. Results: Contralateral normal bronchial tissue (NBB) showed a relatively low deletion rate of 3p and 10q compared to TTP (p<0.0001). FISH on brush biopsies at TBB showed a significantly higher rate of deletions compared to NBB (p<0.05) for both 3p and 10q. A significantly higher deletion rate was seen at TTP compared to NTP at both the 3p (p<0.0001) and 10 q regions (p<0.0001). Significant correlations were seen between the rate of deletions between TTP and TBB at 3p (ρ=0.61, p<0.0001) and between TTP and TAB at 10q (ρ=0.64, p<0.0001). Conclusions: Chromosomal deletions of the 3p and 10q regions can be reliably detected by FISH in bronchoscopic biopsies and touch preparations. As one progresses from the contralateral normal bronchus to the bronchus on the side of tumor and the tumor itself, the percentage of chromosomal deletions increases in a statistically significant fashion,supporting an etiological role of these changes. Deletions at the bronchoscopically normal main and adjacent bronchus on the side of the tumor correlate with an increased deletion rate in the tumor itself. This suggests that FISH analysis of bronchoscopic brushes may be useful for identifying patients at high risk for developing NSCLC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
NAROTTAM KUMAR

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Gayatri mantra recitation and Om recitation on selective attention as measured by color stroop. The study was performed on undergraduate students (Male=30) with age range of 18 to 30 years. All students were trained for reciting Gayatri mantra for 3 days. The baseline data were used. The participants participated in Gayatri mantra and Om recitation about 15 min for two consecutive days. The sequence of the session was assigned randomly to the participants. The attention was assessed using color stroop test before and immediately after each session. Within-group comparison showed that due to GM recitation and Om recitation, Stroop scores improved or significant improvement of Stroop scores in both groups (P < 0.001;Wilcoxon signed rank test). The percentage improvement of Stroop score was 16.16 % after GM recitation whereas 9.26 % after Om recitation. This pilot study shows that both Gayatri mantra and simply sitting led to improvement in attention, as measured by Stroop Task. But the influence of Gayatri mantra was significantly higher than Om recitation.


Author(s):  
Isao Yokota ◽  
Takeshi Hattori ◽  
Peter Y Shane ◽  
Satoshi Konno ◽  
Atsushi Nagasaka ◽  
...  

COVID-19 is diagnosed by detecting SARS-CoV-2 by nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Emerging evidences have shown the utility of saliva, although conflicting results have been reported regarding viral loads between NPS and saliva. We conducted a study to compare the viral loads in 42 patients with COVID-19. Both NPS and saliva specimens were simultaneously obtained at a median of 6 days (range, 1-12) after symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 34 (81%) using NPS (median Ct value [IQR]=27.4 [21.3, 35.6]) and 38 (90%) using saliva (median Ct value [IQR]= 28.9 [23.1, 33.6]). There was no significance difference between them (Wilcoxon signed rank test: P=0.79) and Kendall's W was 0.82, showing a high degree of agreement, indicating equivalent viral loads in NPS and saliva. After symptom onset, the Ct values of both NPS and saliva continued to increase over time, with no substantial difference. Self-collected saliva has a detection sensitivity comparable to that of NPS and is a useful diagnostic tool with mitigating uncomfortable process and the risk of aerosol transmission to healthcare workers.


Author(s):  
Kimberly Duarte ◽  
Biju Thomas ◽  
Sudhir Rama Varma ◽  
Vinayak Kamath ◽  
Bhavya Shetty ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The use of herbal dentifrices has grown exponentially over the years. They are categorically referred to as ethnomedicines. Various agents have been tried with contradicting findings based on phytopharmacological analysis. Miswak is one agent which has been used over the years. A novel Moringa oleifera-based dentifrice has shown promising results in terms of its cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the efficacy of two commercially available miswak- and moringa-based herbal dentifrices on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis scores. Materials and Methods This randomized clinical crossover study included 20 subjects with mild to moderate gingivitis. The study was conducted over a total examination period of 20 days with a wash-out period of 2 weeks between the use of both the toothpastes. The plaque index and gingival index of the study subjects were recorded at the designated time intervals throughout the study period. Statistical Analysis The data collected were entered on Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis using SPSS software (SPSS version 28, IBM Corp, Armonk, New York, United States) was done. The statistical test used was the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Moreover, p ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results The results showed that the reduction in mean gingival index scores from baseline to day 3 was more statistically significant in the moringa-based dentifrice. Similarly, the plaque index scores showed statistically significant reduction following the use of the moringa-based dentifrice when compared with the miswak dentifrice. This study reveals that the moringa dentifrice is a safe and effective agent in reducing plaque accumulation and treating gingival inflammation. Conclusion The current study aims to provide an insight into the possible role of moringa dentifrice as a possible adjunctive oral hygiene aid.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkateshwar Rao D ◽  
Beena C

The present study examined the influence of intervention incorporating multiple intelligences on learning experiences and scholastic achievement of secondary school students. Data was collected from 208 students of 6th grade by following two stage sampling technique. Data was subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square, ‘t’ test and wilcoxon signed rank test. It was observed that in class rooms in which teacher incorporates multiple intelligences in teaching practices the students showed more interest in mathematics and also showed higher scholastic achievement. It has been recommended to follow the same teaching approach to generate interest among students in mathematics.


2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Georgy J Eralil

ABSTRACT Objectives To assess clinical skills of interns in selected procedures using direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) To assess the change in procedural skills among students who received a structured feedback on DOPS. Materials and methods The study was interventional and conducted between December 2015 and February 2016 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. In the study, investigator observed the trainee performing a practical procedure within the workplace and recorded a rating for each competency on the assessment form. Feedback was given expanding on the reasons for any ratings of development required and makes practical suggestions for any remedial steps. The intern is reassessed for the same procedure at a later stage and the impact on skills is scored. Then the structured feedback is provided, and later on again the score on skills obtained by DOPS are compared between pre- and post-values by Wilcoxon-signed rank test. Results The average of pre- and post-feedback values were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test. The p-value calculated was <0.001, which is significant. None of the interns were competent to perform the procedure before feedback; 80% of them needed more practice and 20% needed supervision. After feedback, 53.3% achieved competency and 46.7% achieved competency needing supervision; 93.3% of interns regarded feedback as superior quality, while 6.7% regarded as satisfactory. Conclusion Direct observation of procedural skills can be used to assess clinical skills of interns in selected procedures and it brings changes in procedural skills among students who received a structured feedback on DOPS. How to cite this article Eralil GJ. Role of Structured Feedback of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills in improving Clinical Skill of Interns. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2017;51(1):22-27.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3602-3602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cremolini ◽  
Fotios Loupakis ◽  
Carlotta Antoniotti ◽  
Anna Fioravanti ◽  
Paola Orlandi ◽  
...  

3602 Background: The potential role of AR tissue levels in the prediction of benefit from anti-EGFRs in mCRC pts was suggested by retrospective series. Preclinical and preliminary clinical experiences showed a modulation of plasma EGFR ligands during the treatment with cetuximab. Previous data by our group evidenced that a significant increase of plasma AR occurred one hour after the administration of cetuximab and higher increases were associated with worse clinical outcome in KRAS and BRAFwt irinotecan-refractory mCRC pts receiving cetuximab and irinotecan. Methods: We designed a prospective confirmatory study in the same setting of mCRC pts. To detect a HR for PFS of 2.3 for pts with high AR levels one hour after the administration of cetuximab (1hr-AR) compared to those with low levels, with two-sided a=0.05 and b=0.2, 45 events were required. The median value was adopted as cut-off. Plasma AR levels were assessed by means of validated ELISA kits. Results: Forty-nine KRAS and BRAFwt pts were included. A significant early increase of AR levels was observed (median increase +24.7%; median levels of baseline AR and 1hr-AR: 18.06 and 24.06 pg/mL, respectively; Wilcoxon signed rank test, p<0.0001). At a median follow-up of 20.4 mos, median PFS and OS were 4.6 and 12.1 mos, respectively. No differences in PFS or OS were observed according to 1hr-AR levels (median PFS 5.5 vs 4.6 mos, HR: 0.76 [95%CI:0.40-1.32], p=0.322; median OS: 15.6 vs 13.4 mos, HR:0.77 [95%CI:0.36-1.62], p=0.485). Conclusions: This prospective experience confirms that AR early increases one hour after the administration of cetuximab. Underlying biological mechanisms should be investigated. Nevertheless, this modulation of AR does not predict clinical outcome. Our work underlines the need to prospectively validate retrospective findings in independent series, to assess their reliability. Clinical trial information: 2008-003160-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
Lina Agestika ◽  
Angga Rizqiawan ◽  
Mita Arini ◽  
Befi Sundari ◽  
Hassya Maulida ◽  
...  

The disturbance in performing Poyandu routine activities in Puskesmas Bojong Menteng and face-to-face Cadre refresher during COVID-19 pandemic might reduce cadres' motivation and knowledge. A virtual education program through webinars is one of the possible solutions. This community service activity aims to analyze the effects of webinar on nutrition through zoom meeting on cadres' motivation and knowledge regarding 1) the role of cadres during the pandemic, 2) prevention of COVID-19 with balanced nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and physical activity and 3) introduction to Ms. Excel application in smartphone. The webinars were given in 2 days with delivering a pre- and post-test evaluation. The statistical analysis used was Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Participants were 33 Cadres. Cadres have received technical guidance to use the zoom application on their smartphone prior to the webinar schedule. The majority of cadres are in the age of 31-45 years old (45.5%) and have graduated from high school (63.6%). Result shows that the mean of Cadre’s score on knowledge and motivation had increased from 65 to 85 and 90 to 100 (p:<0.05). This concludes that webinars could be a potential way to refresh and educate Posyandu cadres during a pandemic


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Dewi Nurhanifah ◽  
Desy Noor Latifah Sari ◽  
Rahmawati Rahmawati

Salah satu masalah kesehatan yang sering dialami adalah penyakit gastritis. Gejala yang sering dikeluhkan oleh penderita gastritis adalah mual. Salah satu penatalaksanaan keperawatan yang dapat mengurangi rasa mual adalah tirah baring. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh tirah baring terhadap penurunan rasa mual pada klien gastritis di Pelayanan Kesehatan. Metode penelitian menggunakan eksperimental dengan bentuk penelitian one group pretest-posttest design. Populasi dan sampel adalah klien yang mengalami mual di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas  yang berjumlah 15 orang. Sampel diambil dengan teknik purposive sampling. Alat pengumpul data menggunakan observasi. Analisa data melalui uji Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Hasil penelitian menujukkan klien gastritis sebelum tirah baring mengalami mual ringan sebanyak 7 orang (46,7%), sesudah tirah baring mengalami tidak mual sebanyak 7 orang (46,7%). Ada pengaruh tirah baring terhadap penurunan rasa mual pada klien gastritis di Pelayanan Kesehatan (ρ value = 0,001).


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