David Beckham Ends His Football Career

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. retire [ri-TAHYUH R] (v.) – to leave a position or a job

Example: The sports announcer has retired from his job of 60 years.

2. triumph [TRAHY-uh mf, -uhmf] (v.) – to win or to succeed

Example: The defending champion triumphed after getting the highest score in the game.

3. ambassador [am-BAS-uh-der, -dawr] (n.) – a person with high position who represents his or her own country in another country

Example: Manuel Lopez is the current Philippine Ambassador to Japan.

4. dedicated [DED-i-key-tid] (adj.) – committed or loyal to another person, cause, or advocacy

Example: The dedicated athlete gives his best to win every game.

5. anew [uh-NOO, uh-NYOO] (adv.) – in a different way or manner; over again

Example:   The coach had to explain the strategy anew after he changed his plans.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Football superstar David Beckham retired from his football career as the Paris St-Germain’s (PSG) football season ended at the end of May. Beckham has been playing football for the past 20 years. During his entire career, he has played for different football clubs, such as the Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, and AC Milan. The last club that he played for was the PSG, which he joined only in January this year. The football player, who is now a global celebrity, has won 19 trophies with 10 league titles. Beckham is the only English football player to ever triumph in four countries and to become a sports ambassador in China. With all his achievements, Beckham considered being the team captain of England’s football team as the greatest. He added that he felt very proud to represent his country. Though thankful for his successful career, Beckham thinks that now is the right time to retire as a football player. The superstar also said that he wants people to remember him as a dedicated athlete who puts great effort in every game. Beckham also acknowledged the people behind his success. He thanked his parents for giving him support throughout his career. He also felt thankful for his wife Victoria Adams, a member of the Spice Girls, and his kids for giving him happiness and inspiration. Although his career has ended, Beckham still feels excited to start anew and to give back the opportunities that he was lucky to have.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think David Beckham made the right decision to retire early from his football career? Why do you think so?

         In your opinion, why did Beckham decide to end his football career?

Discussion B

         What age do you think is appropriate to retire from work? Please explain your answer.

         How do you think people live after retiring from work?

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Hundreds of Fungi Species Found in Human Foot

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. microorganism [mahy-kroh-AWR-guh-niz-uh m] (n.) – a very small organism unseen by the naked eye

Example: Microorganisms such as bacteria can only be seen through a microscope.

2. byproduct [BAHY-prod-uh kt] (n.) – anything that is produced unexpectedly

Example:  Microorganisms have no control of the byproducts that they produce.

3. fungal [FUHNG-guh l] (adj.) – caused or produced by fungi

Example: Fungi may cause fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and dandruff.

4. numerous [NOO-mer-uh s, NYOO-] (adj.) – many or very large in number

Example: Improper personal hygiene can cause numerous diseases.

5. nourish [NUR-ish, NUHR-] (v.) – to give food and other things required to live or be healthy

Example: Lotions with vitamins and minerals may help nourish the skin.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The human foot, especially in the toe area, contains hundreds of fungi according to a study by U. S. National Institutes of Health. Fungi are microorganisms that often live in the surface of a living thing. While not disease-causing, fungi often create a foul odor, which is a byproduct of any microorganism. Fungi can also cause dandruff and athlete’s foot. The study, involving 10 volunteers from whom samples from 14 body parts were taken, revealed that two of the volunteers seemed to have fungal infections due to scaly heels and thick toenails. On the other hand, the other eight appear to have different types of fungi. The researchers discovered that fewer fungi are present in the upper body, while hundreds of fungal species live in different parts of the feet. According to researchers, the foot contains numerous fungi because the foot’s temperature is typically lower than other parts of the body. Among the fungal species found in the human foot is the Penicillium, a kind of fungus where the antibiotic penicillin comes from. The foot might also contain yeasts and Aspergillus, commonly known as molds. To fight off fungal infections, some people use skin care products. However, experts advise that putting too much products such as moisturizers on the skin may just nourish the fungi instead of killing them. Also, the research team leader said that not all kinds of fungi are harmful, adding that some fungi can even help the skin become healthier.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         How do you feel about the information presented in the article?

         What is it about microorganisms that make some people uneasy?

Discussion B

         Why is it important to keep the body clean and free from infections?

         How can people maintain proper personal care and hygiene?

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Inside the Minds of Murderers

Impulsive Murderers Much More Mentally Impaired Than Those Who Kill Strategically

The minds of murderers who kill impulsively, often out of rage, and those who carefully carry out premeditated crimes differ markedly both psychologically and intellectually, according to a new study by Northwestern Medicine® researcher Robert Hanlon.

"Impulsive murderers were much more mentally impaired, particularly cognitively impaired, in terms of both their intelligence and other cognitive functions," said Hanlon, senior author of the study and associate professor of clinical psychiatry and clinical neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"The predatory and premeditated murderers did not typically show any major intellectual or cognitive impairments, but many more of them have psychiatric disorders," he said.

Published online in the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior, the study is the first to examine the neuropsychological and intelligence differences of murderers who kill impulsively versus those who kill as the result of a premeditated strategic plan.

• Compared to impulsive murderers, premeditated murderers are almost twice as likely to have a history of mood disorders or psychotic disorders -- 61 percent versus 34 percent.
• Compared to predatory murderers, impulsive murderers are more likely to be developmentally disabled and have cognitive and intellectual impairments -- 59 percent versus 36 percent.
• Nearly all of the impulsive murderers have a history of alcohol or drug abuse and/or were intoxicated at the time of the crime -- 93 percent versus 76 percent of those who strategized about their crimes.

Based on established criteria, 77 murderers from typical prison populations in Illinois and Missouri were classified into the two groups (affective/impulsive and premeditated/predatory murderers). Hanlon compared their performances on standardized measures of intelligence and neuropsychological tests of memory, attention and executive functions. He spent hours with each individual, administering series of tests to complete an evaluation. Hanlon has spent thousands of hours studying the minds of murderers through his research.

"It's important to try to learn as much as we can about the thought patterns and the psychopathology, neuropathology and mental disorders that tend to characterize the types of people committing these crimes," he said. "Ultimately, we may be able to increase our rates of prevention and also assist the courts, particularly helping judges and juries be more informed about the minds and the mental abnormalities of the people who commit these violent crimes."

---

Cruelty, Violence, and Murder: Understanding the Criminal Mind (Library of Object Relations)
by Arthur Hyatt-williams

The Anatomy of Violence: The Biological Roots of Crime
by Adrian Raine

Story Source:  R. E. Hanlon, M. Brook, J. Stratton, M. Jensen, L. H. Rubin. Neuropsychological and Intellectual Differences Between Types of Murderers: Affective/Impulsive Versus Predatory/ Instrumental (Premeditated) Homicide. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2013

Students in UK Experience Some Mental Health Problems

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. suicidal [soo-uh-SAHYD-l] (adj.) – having the desire to kill one’s self

Example: The student’s suicidal attitude makes him prone to harming himself.

2. anxiety [ang-ZAHY-i-tee] (n.) – the feeling of being uneasy or scared of what could happen in the future

Example:  The upcoming final exams brought a lot of anxiety to the student.

3. homesick [HOHM-sik] (adj.) – feeling sad for being away from home

Example: The professor felt homesick because he has not seen his family for a long time.

4. intensify [in-TEN-si-fahy] (v.) – to strengthen or to make stronger

Example:  Stress intensifies mental problems.

5. well-being [WEL-BEE-ing] (n.) – the condition of being satisfied with one’s happiness, health, and success

Example: Being stress-free improves a person’s well-being.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) revealed that university students in the UK experience stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. NUS surveyed 1,200 students throughout the UK to know what mental health problems they go through. Through this survey, the organization aims to improve its support to students suffering from any mental health problem. Results of the survey shows that 80% of the students feel stressed, 55% suffer from anxiety, 50% have sleeping problems, and 40% feel worthless and hopeless. Also, one out of 10 students has thought of suicide. One in every 20 students also feels anxious due to bullying, while one in 20 students is addicted to alcohol and drugs. According to students, they feel stressed because of exams and grades. Students also feel pressured due to increasing tuition fees and fewer job opportunities after college. Aside from school-related problems, troubles involving friends, family, and money also cause stress and anxiety. In fact, 22% of the students said they felt homesick. Sadly, many of these students have kept their problems to themselves. According to Mr. Farmer, chief executive of a mental health charity, lack of support from friends and family may only intensify the student’s stress and anxiety. Mr. Farmer suggests that educational institutions support students’ well-being by promoting an open culture wherein students can able to talk freely about their problems.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Why do you think students tend to keep their problems to themselves?

         In your opinion, how can friends and family help a student who suffers from mental health problems?

Discussion B

         How can we prevent other people from harming themselves?

         Why do you think some people hurt themselves?

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X-Ray Vision for the Masses Introduced!

Remember the ads on the back pages of comic books for X-Ray Vision Glasses?

To quote Lilly von Schtupt from the film Blazing Saddles, "It's twue, it's twue."

Yes, kiddies, it is twue.  I mean true. 

Science has developed a simple, straightforward system for seeing through walls.  Best of all, it's cheap.

The good news?  What a cool freaking toy.

The bad news?  There goes our little remaining privacy.

Here's the press release from our friends, the inventors of really, truly X-ray Vision Glasses at MIT.

New System Uses Low-Power Wi-Fi Signal to Track Moving Humans -- Even Behind Walls

The comic-book hero Superman uses his X-ray vision to spot bad guys lurking behind walls and other objects. Now we could all have X-ray vision, thanks to researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

Researchers have long attempted to build a device capable of seeing people through walls. However, previous efforts to develop such a system have involved the use of expensive and bulky radar technology that uses a part of the electromagnetic spectrum only available to the military.

Now a system being developed by Dina Katabi, a professor in MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and her graduate student Fadel Adib, could give all of us the ability to spot people in different rooms using low-cost Wi-Fi technology. "We wanted to create a device that is low-power, portable and simple enough for anyone to use, to give people the ability to see through walls and closed doors," Katabi says.

The system, called "Wi-Vi," is based on a concept similar to radar and sonar imaging. But in contrast to radar and sonar, it transmits a low-power Wi-Fi signal and uses its reflections to track moving humans. It can do so even if the humans are in closed rooms or hiding behind a wall.

As a Wi-Fi signal is transmitted at a wall, a portion of the signal penetrates through it, reflecting off any humans on the other side. However, only a tiny fraction of the signal makes it through to the other room, with the rest being reflected by the wall, or by other objects. "So we had to come up with a technology that could cancel out all these other reflections, and keep only those from the moving human body," Katabi says.

Motion detector
To do this, the system uses two transmit antennas and a single receiver. The two antennas transmit almost identical signals, except that the signal from the second receiver is the inverse of the first. As a result, the two signals interfere with each other in such a way as to cancel each other out. Since any static objects that the signals hit -- including the wall -- create identical reflections, they too are cancelled out by this nulling effect.

In this way, only those reflections that change between the two signals, such as those from a moving object, arrive back at the receiver, Adib says. "So, if the person moves behind the wall, all reflections from static objects are cancelled out, and the only thing registered by the device is the moving human."

Once the system has cancelled out all of the reflections from static objects, it can then concentrate on tracking the person as he or she moves around the room. Most previous attempts to track moving targets through walls have done so using an array of spaced antennas, which each capture the signal reflected off a person moving through the environment. But this would be too expensive and bulky for use in a handheld device.

So instead Wi-Vi uses just one receiver. As the person moves through the room, his or her distance from the receiver changes, meaning the time it takes for the reflected signal to make its way back to the receiver changes too. The system then uses this information to calculate where the person is at any one time.

Possible uses in disaster recovery, personal safety, gaming
Wi-Vi, being presented at the Sigcomm conference in Hong Kong in August, could be used to help search-and-rescue teams to find survivors trapped in rubble after an earthquake, say, or to allow police officers to identify the number and movement of criminals within a building to avoid walking into an ambush.

It could also be used as a personal safety device, Katabi says: "If you are walking at night and you have the feeling that someone is following you, then you could use it to check if there is someone behind the fence or behind a corner."

The device can also detect gestures or movements by a person standing behind a wall, such as a wave of the arm, Katabi says. This would allow it to be used as a gesture-based interface for controlling lighting or appliances within the home, such as turning off the lights in another room with a wave of the arm.

Venkat Padmanabhan, a principal researcher at Microsoft Research, says the possibility of using Wi-Vi as a gesture-based interface that does not require a line of sight between the user and the device itself is perhaps its most interesting application of all. "Such an interface could alter the face of gaming," he says.

Unlike today's interactive gaming devices, where users must stay in front of the console and its camera at all times, users could still interact with the system while in another room, for example. This could open up the possibility of more complex and interesting games, Katabi says.

---

<

Scifi in the Mind's Eye: Reading Science Through Science Fiction
by Margret Grebowicz

Story Source:  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013, June 28). New system uses low-power Wi-Fi signal to track moving humans -- even behind walls.

How to identify the criminal in twins

How twins will differ:-

• With the technologies we have now, the police can't tell which twin did the crime.But it can be identified by using the finger prints.
• Researchers have found that identical twins have a very high correlation of loops, whorls and ridges.
• Even twins that develop from one zygote occupy different positions in the womb, and the variations are enough to make a difference.At the crucial stage of development, the study explains, ridges are thought to form as compressive stresses develop in the dermal cell layer of the skin, sandwiched between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue. 
• The skin is flat, the ridges are parallel; but primates have raised pads on their fingertips at this stage, so the ridges form along lines of equal stress.
• With the technologies we have now, the police can't tell which twin did the crime.But it can be identified by using the finger prints.

Twins will have same physical appearance but different..?

• The stereotype of identical twins is that they are exactly alike: they look alike, they dress in matching outfits, they share the same likes and dislikes. 
• Parents of identical twins know differently, however. Despite their shared genetic component, identical multiples are unique individuals. Though they do share similarities, they also have many differences.

  

  Twins

  
  
  
  
  
  

  Environmental Differences :-

  While identical twins form with the same set of genes, human development is not just genetic. 

  The environment also has an impact. So, beginning in the early environment of the womb, external influences can change the appearance of twins.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

American Teenager Arrested for Attempted High School Bombing

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. blow up [BLOH uhp] (phrasal v.) – to cause to explode

Example: Terrorists blew up the commercial building, causing death and destruction.

2. timeline [tahym lahyn] (n.) – a schedule of events and activities in chronological order

Example: The police secretary drafted a timeline of the precinct’s upcoming activities.

3. juvenile [JOO-vuh-nl, -nahyl] (adj.) – relating to children or young people

Example: The juvenile crime involved a 16-year-old suspect.

4. shudder [SHUHD-er] (v.) – to shake or tremble as a result of fear

Example: Tyler shudders when he thinks about the accident in his school last month.

5. get over  [get OH-ver] (phrasal v.) – to forget or recover from something

Example: Support from the family can help victims of disasters get over their grief and shock.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

The police from Oregon arrested a 17-year-old student after planning to blow up his high school with homemade explosive devices. The police had earlier received a tip that Grant Acord was making a bomb to blow up West Albany High School. Soon after, the authorities searched his house and the school for explosive devices. In Acord’s bedroom, the police found six explosive devices, including pipe bombs, Molotov [MOL-uh-tawf] cocktails, and a napalm [NEY-pahm] bomb. Investigators also found written plans, a checklist, and a specific timeline for the attack. On the other hand, the authorities found no bombs after searching the school twice. The authorities took Acord to a juvenile jail but will charge him as an adult. Among the charges are attempted murder and six counts of producing and possessing a destructive device. The police will file the court paperwork and the details of Acord's plans after the Memorial Day weekend. According to Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Acord did not seem to have any major problems at school. Also, the 17-year-old student did not appear to be targeting any specific person or group of people. Haroldson added that the authorities will closely examine Acord's mental health issues because of his video game approach to killing people at his school. Haroldson said he cannot get over the fact that the authorities were able to stop the boy. Given the evidence in the case, Haroldson shudders to think about what could have happened if authorities were not able to intervene.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you think playing violent video games can cause a person to be violent in real life? Why or why not?

         What can parents and teachers do to prevent children from being violent? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

         Are the police in your country effective at solving crimes and protecting the citizens? Why do you say so?

         What do you think society will be like without policemen and other law enforcers? Please explain briefly.

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