Receiver Processing Research Articles

The pathways of unaccompanied foreign minors evaluated by the social workers: a case study in Italy

AbstractSocial workers, who are responsible for unaccompanied minors (UAM), have in-depth knowledge of those minors’ backgrounds and the reception pathways they follow. The social workers support key aspects of UAM integration such as learning the host country’s language, school integration and vocational training. Via 566 interviews collected through a survey carried out in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan, we asked social workers to provide an overall evaluation of the progress of each reception path, to test a synthetic indicator capable of effectively measuring UAM progress. We confirmed the reliability of this indicator, as the results correlated with outcomes used in the literature to assess UAM pathways, such as learning the host country's language, uninterrupted schooling and training, and deviant behaviour related to crime and drug abuse. We used ordinal logistic regression to identify the UAM characteristics associated with the overall operator’s evaluation. Our analysis showed that the duration of stay in Italy before and after the start of the reception process had an impact on the social workers’ evaluations, as did certain pre-arrival characteristics such as country of origin, years of study in the home country and underlying motivations for migrating. Finally, the psychological vulnerability of a significant number of UAM, often linked to traumatic experiences leading to migration or experienced during the journey, significantly penalises the success of reception pathways.

Two-dimensional boundary layer receptivity to finite periodic disturbances

Receptivity is the focus and frontier of the research on boundary layer transition and flow drag reduction, but the temporal and spatial evolution of Tollmien–Schlichting waves (T-S waves) is not yet fully investigated, limiting the development of highly efficient laminar flow control techniques. In the present study, the local receptivity problem of the laminar boundary layer on a zero-pressure-gradient flat plate is investigated by using the direct numerical simulation, considering both the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of the T-S waves. External disturbances at fixed frequencies are introduced in the form of velocity pulsations with different periods to excite T-S waves. The temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of the T-S waves excited by different forms and periods of disturbances are studied. It is found that the amplitude, frequency, and wave velocity of the T-S wave induced by the external multi-period disturbances are different from those induced by the constant disturbances. These conclusions are the same as those of T-S wave induced by wall inhalation. After a further investigation on this particular phenomenon, the influence mechanism of external disturbances on the receptivity process is revealed. This new research finding enriches the instability theory and provides a reference for more efficient applications on active laminar flow control technologies.

Multi-scale and multi-receptive field-based feature fusion for robust segmentation of plant disease and fruit using agricultural images

The accurate and fast assessment of plant diseases and fruits is important for sustainable and productive agriculture. However, typically manual methods are adopted for the assessment of plant diseases and fruit, which is a time-consuming, resource-intensive, and error-prone approach. A few artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods have been introduced to automate this process, but they show limitations in attaining high performance in challenging imaging conditions such as occlusions, poor lighting, noise, indistinctive boundaries, and excessive morphological variations. Moreover, current approaches also lack in providing computationally efficient solutions. To overcome these issues, two novel architectures are developed to segment plant diseases and fruits with higher segmentation performance and less computational requirements. The efficient feature fusion segmentation network (EFFS-Net) is the base network, and a multi-scale dilated feature fusion segmentation network (MDFS-Net) is the final network of this study. EFFS-Net uses an identity skip path-based feature fusion mechanism with an efficient grouped convolutional depth (EGCD) to provide satisfactory segmentation performance with high computational efficiency. MDFS-Net uses a multi-scale feature fusion mechanism and fuses low-level information in the EGCD and other sections of the network to learn detailed input features for delivering promising performance even in challenging imaging conditions. MDFS-Net also applies multiple receptive fields to the low-level information in the effective receptive field processing (ERFP) block for fusion near the pixel classification stage for further performance enhancement.Both networks are evaluated using a Brazilian Arabica coffee leaf (BRACOL) image dataset, an Australian Center for Field Robotics orchard fruit (apple) dataset, and a necrotized cassava root cross-section image dataset. The proposed method provides a promising segmentation performance, achieving dice similarity coefficients of 88.81 %, 95.01 %, and 86.04 % with performance improvement of 3.5 %, 2.6 %, and 1.07 % on the three datasets, respectively, with approximately ten times less number of required trainable parameters compared with the state-of-the-art methods.

Terminological features of the concept of signal-to-noise ratio when processing ultra-wideband signals

Currently, when processing various signals and studying various types of receivers, there are many definitions for one of the basic characteristics of radio systems – signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). At the same time, the terminological feature of the SNR concept is that any definition within the framework of a locally solvable signal processing problem is correct. However, difficulties arise when comparing the effectiveness of one algorithm with another, when studying different signal models, or when measuring the SNR in different parts of the receiving system. Some researchers ignore this fact due to the apparent absolute clarity of this issue, which leads to incorrect comparison of various processing algorithms or the formation of obviously unrealizable requirements for the designed equipment. In each locally solved problem, the determination of SNR will be individual, and comparison of efficiency at a fixed SNR must be carried out with mandatory scaling of signal energies depending on the formulation of the problem. This paper systematizes the terminological features of the SNR concept in order to ensure uniformity of its application by researchers and engineers. The purpose of the work is to systematize the definition of SNR for various signal models and conditions for measuring this characteristic, to specify the results in terms of terminological features of UWB signal processing and to propose a model for recalculating the SNR depending on the stage of the signal transmission and reception process. The paper examines the determination of SNR at the input and output of optimal and matched filters, at the output of optimal receivers operating under conditions of various a priori uncertainties, as well as when processing various classes of signals. By determining the SNR at the output of the matched filter and the SNR at the output of the maximum likelihood receiver for a rectangular video pulse, the discrepancy between the signal energies, all other things being equal, is clearly demonstrated. A connection has been established between the SNR when processing ultra-wideband signals at the output of the optimal receiver with similar devices for processing other types of signals, as well as with the SNR at the input of the receiving system. Systematization of the terminological features of the SNR concept will allow theoretical researchers to choose SNR definitions that are as close as possible to practical applications when analyzing the effectiveness of synthesized algorithms, and will allow practicing engineers to correctly interpret the results of theoretical calculations when developing or testing radio engineering systems.

Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to Europe’s largest displacement of people since World War II, with significant substantial numbers of Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in neighbouring countries. International research attests to the crucial roles public libraries can play in the reception and integration of refugees. However, diverse professional and geographical contexts and sociopolitical landscapes in which libraries work to support refugee reception and integration processes, necessitate ongoing and renewed focus on the topic. Therefore, this study examines how public libraries in Hungary and Poland responded to the influx of Ukrainian refugees, investigating their roles, programmes and partnerships. Using mixed methods, the study analyses previously unexamined 2018 questionnaire results and conducts 12 subsequent interviews with library staff. Findings reveal that libraries addressed a spectrum of user needs falling into three broad phases. Initially, they focussed on primary needs during the first phase, transitioning to settlement-related needs in the second phase. Variances between Poland and Hungary emerged during this phase, with Hungary primarily serving transient refugees and those with Hungarian backgrounds, while Poland saw a higher number of refugees of Ukrainian background settling. In the final phase, libraries emphasized literacy, integration and cultural support, aligning with reading and collection-oriented services. Service provision was characterized by nontraditional services in the first phase, non-collection-oriented services in the second phase and collection-oriented services in the third phase, with information provision central to all three phases. The study underscores public libraries’ role in addressing community needs, rooted in their core values of inclusivity and community engagement. However, their effectiveness hinges on inclusion in community-level efforts, awareness among new groups and securing economic and political support. Further research is warranted to explore library services to refugees globally amid increasing global migration and to understand the experiences of refugees using library services.

Sound reception and hearing capabilities in the Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor): first predicted in-air and underwater audiograms.

Despite increasing concern about the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine fauna, relevant research is limited, particularly in those inaccessible species, such as the Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor). In this study, we collected freshly deceased Little Penguins for dissection and micro-computed tomography (microCT) scans. The head structures, including the ear apparatus, were reconstructed based on high-resolution imaging data for the species. Moreover, three-dimensional finite-element models were built based on microCT data to simulate the sound reception processes and ear responses to the incident planar waves at the selected frequencies. The received sound pressure fields and motion (i.e. displacement and velocity) of the internal ear-related structures were modelled. The synergistic response of ear components to incident aerial and underwater sounds was computed to predict the hearing capabilities of the Little Penguins across a broad frequency range (100 Hz-10 kHz), both in air and under water. Our predicted data showed good agreement with other diving birds in both the form and range of auditory sensitivity. This study demonstrates a promising method to study hearing in other inaccessible animals. The outputs from this study can inform noise impact mitigation and conservation management.

Azerbaijani TV Viewers' Practices of Watching Turkish Television Programs In The Context of Cultural Studies: Turkish Culture And Tourism

The aim of present study is to explore the reception processes of Azerbaijani viewers’ of television channels broadcasting from Turkey within the framework of Cultural Studies pertaining to Turkish culture and tourism. Employing the audience-centered reception approach within the tradition of Cultural Studies, this study examines the reception patterns exhibited by participants residing in diverse cities in Azerbaijan who watch Turkish television programs. Four separate focus group interviews involving a total of 36 participants were conducted to investigate the dominant, negotiated, and oppositional styles of perception prevalent in audience reception research, thereby gathering data on the interpretive practices and reception behaviors of Azerbaijani viewers regarding the content they consume. The findings were thematically synthesized to elucidate the viewers’ reception styles. Consequently, the research indicates that diverse television content is interpreted by the audience through various reception frameworks concerning Turkish culture and tourism incentives. It was observed that Azerbaijani viewers, watch a broad spectrum of Turkish television programs, engage in understanding Turkish culture, with the majority of participants demonstrating a propensity towards dominant interpretations.

How am I going? Behavioral engagement mediates the effect of individual feedback on writing performance

BackgroundSuccessful feedback should provide learning goals, evaluate current performance and indicate improvement strategies. Furthermore, feedback can only positively affect student performance if students actively engage with it. Thus, it is necessary to consider the feedback reception process in addition to the feedback information itself. AimsThis study compares the effects of different types of feedback information on the writing performance of lower secondary students of English as a foreign language (EFL) in a digital learning environment. Behavioral engagement was considered as a mediator of the feedback effect. SampleParticipants were N = 338 eighth- and ninth-grade EFL students (54.7% female) enrolled in lower-secondary education within the Swiss school system. MethodsWe conducted a web-based randomized-controlled experiment, in which students were randomly assigned to four conditions receiving varying amounts of rubric-based feedback information. We used log data (time on feedback page) as a proxy for their behavioral engagement with the feedback. ResultsEven though writing performance improved substantially across conditions, there were no differential effects of the type of feedback information on performance. However, EFL learners who received individual performance information spent more time with the feedback, especially those with low prior achievement. Mediation analysis showed that the effectiveness of the feedback was mediated by the time spent on the feedback as an indicator of students' behavioral engagement. ConclusionsAdvantages for individual performance feedback over more general information were observed as a function of time spent with the feedback. This finding implies that engagement should be considered in feedback research.

Data acquisition system for a newly-built hard x-ray/soft gamma-ray spectrometer imaging system on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

A portable hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray spectrometer imaging system (HXS) has been constructed to gather physical information about fast electrons confined in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). The system is installed on the low field side of the mid-plane and provides a viewing field tangential to the toroidal field. The system utilizes a two-dimensional Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) semiconductor detector with 128 channels, and a data acquisition (DAQ) system has been designed for it. The DAQ system features a highly integrated signal processing system with the capability of high-speed processing and digital transmission of signals from 128 channels. In addition, a related DAQ software has been developed using a modular design approach, facilitating tasks such as data reception, storage, and preliminary processing. HXS, which has been applied during the recent EAST campaign, directly obtains the digital energy spectrum of incident photons. The DAQ system is described in detail in this paper. The hardware components and energy calibration have also been described. Experimental data have been successfully obtained and briefly discussed. More physical research will be reported in future publications.

Anthropologische Wende in der katholischen Religionspädagogik?

Abstract In the following article, I address the question of whether an anthropological shift has taken place in Catholic religious education after the Second Vatican Council. Based on the special case of political religious education/catechesis of liberation I exemplify such a shift by means of three exemplary “crystallization points”: The International Catechetical Study Week in Medellín, the European Catechetical Equips (Équipe Européenne de Catéchèse), and the German-Italian exchange meetings. Through these case studies, I illustrate transnational processes of reception and internationalization of religious education.

The protective measure for institutional care of children and adolescents from the perspective of national studies.

This article aims to analyze the national scientific production on protective measures aimed at institutional care for at-risk children and adolescents in Brazil. By carrying out an integrative review, we seek to reflect on the main trends, themes, institutional actors, methodologies, and objectives of studies on the aforementioned measure and to analyze how the conditions and the right to health are presented and articulated in these references. Six thematic units were identified in the collection: Perceptions and roles of different actors in institutional reception processes; Processes of autonomy, dismissal, and causes of institutional care; Legislative aspects, evaluation of services, and identification of profiles; Family and community coexistence; Education and professional training; and Physical and mental health of sheltered children and adolescents. In Brazil, specifically, few studies investigate the concepts of the children and adolescents placed in shelters concerning protective measure processes or access to education. The link between poverty and institutionalization appears prominently and the scarcity of activities aimed primarily at family reintegration is evident. A large number of surveys point to the difficulties in implementing legislation.

Too amused to stop? Self-control and the disengagement process on Netflix

Abstract Consuming media entertainment often challenges recipients’ self-control. While past research related self-control almost exclusively to whether individuals engage in media use, it might be equally relevant for the disengagement from media use. Testing core assumptions of the Appraisal of Media Use, Self-Control, and Entertainment (AMUSE) model, the present study investigates the situational interplay of self-control and affective appraisals in predicting disengagement from Netflix use. Preregistered hypotheses were tested based on an event-contingent experience sampling design, in which 205 adult Netflix users in the Netherlands and Germany were tracked and surveyed for two weeks. Results demonstrate that disengagement is contingent upon enjoyment and appreciation and that enjoyment, in turn, can be “spoiled” by feeling guilty. Self-control influenced goal conflict and enjoyment throughout the reception process. We discuss opportunities for modeling disengagement from media use with situational research approaches.

Prehydrated Electrons Activated by Continuous Electron Transfer Stemmed from Peracetic Acid Homolysis Mediated by Diamond Surface Defects for Enhanced PFOA Destruction.

Research on the use of peracetic acid (PAA) activated by nonmetal solid catalysts for the removal of dissolved refractory organic compounds has gained attention recently due to its improved efficiency and suitability for advanced water treatment (AWT). Among these catalysts, nanocarbon (NC) stands out as an exceptional example. In the NC-based peroxide AWT studies, the focus on the mechanism involving multimedia coordination on the NC surface (reactive species (RS) path, electron reduction non-RS pathway, and singlet oxygen non-RS path) has been confined to the one-step electron reaction, leaving the mechanisms of multichannel or continuous electron transfer paths unexplored. Moreover, there are very few studies that have identified the nonfree radical pathway initiated by electron transfer within PAA AWT. In this study, the complete decomposition (kobs = 0.1995) and significant defluorination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, deF% = 72%) through PAA/NC has been confirmed. Through the use of multiple electrochemical monitors and the exploration of current diffusion effects, the process of electron reception and conduction stimulated by PAA activation was examined, leading to the discovery of the dynamic process from the PAA molecule → NC solid surface → target object. The vital role of prehydrated electrons (epre-) before the entry of resolvable electrons into the aqueous phase was also detailed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of identifying the nonradical mechanism of continuous electron transfer in PAA-based AWT, which deviates from the previously identified mechanisms of singlet oxygen, single-electron, or double-electron single-path transfer. The pathway, along with the strong reducibility of epre- initiated by this pathway, has been proven to be essential in reducing the need for catalysts and chemicals in AWT.

Development of an Application for The Management of ZISWAF at LazNas PHR

The advancement of information technology has revolutionized the way institions and agencies operate. To keep up this progress, LazNas PHR needed to develop an application for ZISWaf Management. The conventional reception process was inefficient and did not use the internet, resulting in delayed reports and distributions. A website based ZISWaf management application was created to streamline the acceptance, data collection, distribution, and report generation process. The development process included needs analysis, design, development, testing and conclusion drawing. The application was developed using the single-page application system development method and was tested through user acceptance tests. Results of the tests showed positive evolution, indicating that the application successfully assisted officers in managing the ZISWaf. Application has successfully integrated the use of information technology into the management of ZISWaf at LazNas PHR, contributing to the advancement and modernization of the institution

Digital Echoes of Discrimination: Investigating the Reception of Hate Speech Against Korean Chinese in Online Communities

abstract: This study aims to investigate the circulation, consumption, and learning of anonymous users’ hatred in online communities, focusing on the reception process of hate speech targeting Korean Chinese people, a group long discriminated against by native Koreans and the media. It identifies critical factors shaping attitudes toward Korean Chinese (i.e., Chaoxianzu), defining hate as long-term sentiments resulting from repeated immediate emotions triggered by specific incidents and social identities. This study adopts a grounded theory approach, employing interviews to construct a paradigm model that captures the authentic perspectives of online community users. Following the coding process, 17 categories and 38 subcategories emerged. Online audiences consolidate or maintain their attitudes through admission, resistance, exploration, and reproduction after exposure to hate expressions toward Korean Chinese. Self-intervention, personal experience, quality of verbal stimulation, and patriotism function as interventional conditions or environmental contexts throughout this process.

Learning to predict: Second language perception of reduced multi-word sequences

The cognitive entrenchment of frequent sequences comes as ‘chunking’ (holistic storage) and as ‘procedure strengthening’ (predicting elements in a sequence). A growing body of research shows effects of entrenchment of multi-word sequences in the native language, which is learned and shaped continuously and intuitively. But how do they affect second language (L2) speakers, whose language acquisition is more analytic but who nonetheless also learn through usage? The present study tests advanced English learners’ receptive processing of multi-word sequences with a word-monitoring experiment. Recognition of to in the construction V to Vinf was tested for full and reduced forms ([tʊ] vs. [ɾə]), conditioned by the general frequency of the V- to sequence and the transitional probability (TP) of to given the verb (V > to). The results are compared with those previously obtained from native speakers. Results show that recognition profits from surface frequency, but not from TP. Reduced forms delay recognition, but this is mitigated in high-frequency sequences. Unlike native speakers, advanced learners do not exhibit a chunking effect of high-frequency reduced forms, and no facilitating effect of TP. We attribute these findings to learners’ lesser experience with spontaneous speech and phonetic reduction. They recognize reduced forms less easily, show weaker entrenchment of holistic representations, and do not draw on the full range of probabilistic cues available to native speakers.

Социально-философские аспекты влияния кинокоммуникаций на сознание людей

The article delves into the multifaceted influence of film communications on human consciousness from a social-philosophical perspective. Emphasizing the significance of cinema as a potent medium of communication in modern society, the analysis explores the intricate dynamics through which films shape individuals’ perceptions, values, and behaviors. Concepts such as media effects, ideological hegemony, and symbolic interactionism are employed to elucidate the complex interplay between cinematic narratives and individual consciousness. Analyzing the process of film reception, the article elucidates how viewers subconsciously internalize cinematic narratives, projecting themselves into the characters and situations depicted on screen. This process engenders a cognitive resonance wherein viewers assimilate the existential themes and values propagated by the film, thereby shaping their worldview and cognitive frameworks. Moreover, the article explores the dual nature of film communication’s influence on human behavior, distinguishing between covert and overt forms of influence. While covert influence operates on the subconscious and emotional levels, shaping individuals’ values and attitudes, overt influence manifests as deliberate and purposeful actions informed by cinematic narratives. By examining the social-philosophical dimensions of film communication, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between media, ideology, and human consciousness. Acknowledging cinema’s role as a powerful agent of socialization and cultural dissemination, the article underscores the relevance of critical engagement with cinematic texts and the need for media literacy in modern society.

Jin Yong's Martial Arts Novels - The Reception Process in Vietnam

Jin Yong is widely regarded as a master and leader of Chinese martial arts novels, and is one of the most influential writers in contemporary Chinese literature. Despite being written over half a century ago, Jin Yong's martial arts novels continue to captivate readers around the world, including in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Jin Yong's novels were translated and studied very early, possessing many unique features, but researchers have not mentioned much about the reception of Jin Yong's novel in Vietnam. Therefore, this article aims to explore the process of translating, disseminating, and researching Jin Yong's martial arts novels in Vietnam, with the intention of highlighting their appeal and influence in both Chinese popular literature and globally. The main research methods used in this article include sociological methods, data statistical analysis methods, and a combination of descriptive analysis and explanation. The sociological method is employed to examine the relationship between society and writers, translators, works, and translations. The article also analyzes Jin Yong's novels by considering the historical and social background of Vietnam in different eras, as well as the aesthetic preferences and requirements of Vietnamese readers. The data statistical analysis method is utilized to obtain a more scientific and reliable understanding of the entry of Chinese martial arts novels and Jin Yong's novels into Vietnam. Additionally, the method that combines descriptive analysis and explanation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the dissemination, translation, and research of Chinese martial arts novels, specifically focusing on Jin Yong's works in Vietnam. From there, the article affirms, the Jin Yong phenomenon in Vietnam can be seen as a phenomenon that evolves with the times. In recent years, the literary, cultural, and historical value of Jin Yong's martial arts novels has been increasingly recognized by Vietnamese readers and researchers. As an important representative of contemporary Chinese literature, Jin Yong's work serves as a crucial foundation for both his own martial arts novels and for Chinese contemporary literature to maintain a significant presence in the world of Vietnamese translated literature.

Dual-Frequency, Dual-Mode Reconfigurable Digital Atmospheric Radar Receiver Design

A new dual-frequency, dual-mode reconfigurable digital receiver based on Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) dynamic reconfiguration is proposed, which is based on a common hardware platform of high-bandwidth RF front-end, high-speed data acquisition, and real-time signal processing. The receiver adopts the design of dynamically reconfigurable down-conversion, filter extraction, and matched filtering in the digital domain. In this study, we completed the design and development of the digital receiver, experimental platform construction, and field detection test with hardware and software cooperation. The experimental results show that the receiver achieves full digital reception and signal processing for 53.8 MHz stratosphere–troposphere (ST) detection and 35.0 MHz meteor detection and successfully acquired the number of meteors versus time, the meteor trail, and low-altitude atmospheric radial winds. This dual-frequency, dual-mode reconfigurable digital receiver can be applied to new-generation multifunction integrated radar systems such as dual-frequency ST/meteor radars.

Predictions of Individual Differences in the Acquisition of Native and Non-Native Languages: An Update of BLC Theory

BLC Theory proposes that individual differences (IDs) in language proficiency (in both native and non-native speakers) can poorly be mapped on a single proficiency scale. Instead, IDs can best be understood and studied in terms of two fundamentally different dimensions: (1) the cognition of oral language (receptive and productive speech processing) and (2) the cognition of the written language (reading and writing). This paper presents an update of BLC Theory placed under a non-nativist, usage-based, neural-network metatheory of language as a complex system. The paper includes predictions for the absence or presence of IDs in the oral and written domains, separately for native and non-native speakers. The theory predicts that while cognitive factors such as executive functions, non-verbal memory, and intelligence positively affect the acquisition of reading and writing skills in both native and non-native speakers, they do not play a significant role in the acquisition of speech processing in either native or non-native speakers. Contrary to folk wisdom, one does not need to be particularly intelligent to learn to understand and produce speech in a non-native language. Attention is given to typological differences between children’s home language(s) and the standard language(s) of literacy.