LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Poster: on quantitative information flow metrics

Information flow analysis is a powerful technique for reasoning about sensitive information that may be exposed during program execution. One promising approach is to adopt a program as a communication channel model and leverage information theoretic metrics to quantify such information flows. However, recent research has shown discrepancies in such metrics: for example, Smith et. al. [5] showed examples wherein using the classical Shannon entropy measure for quantifying information flows may be counter-intuitive. Smith et. al. [5] proposed a vulnerability measure in an attempt to resolve this problem, and this measure was subsequently enhanced by Hamadou et. al. [2] into a beliefvulnerability metric. However, as pointed out by Smith et. al., the vulnerability metric fails to distinguish between certain classes of programs (such as the password checker and the binary search program). In this paper, we propose a simple and intuitive approach to quantify program information leakage as a probability distribution over the residual uncertainty of the high input whose mean, variance and worst case measures offer insights into program vulnerability.
Integrating U.S. climate, energy, and transportation policies : proceedings of three workshops

Three workshops dealing with climate change were organized by the Rand Corporation in June 2008. The workshop themes were, respectively, climate change, energy, and transportation. All three considered the impact of transportation and energy use on transportation. This paper summarizes the workshops.
Hybrid cascade boosting machine using variant scale blocks based HOG features for pedestrian detection

This paper contributes two issues for enhancing the accuracy and speed of a pedestrian detection system. First, it introduces a feature description using variant-scale block based Histograms of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features. By non-restricted block sizes, an extensive feature space that allows high-discriminated features to be selected for classification can be obtained. Second, a classification method based on a hybrid cascade boosting technique and a Support vector machine (SVM) is described. The SVM is known as one of the most efficient learning models for classification. On the other hand, one advantage of cascade boosting structure is to quickly reject most negative examples in the early layers, while retains almost all positive examples for speed up of the system. Because the performance of boosting depends on the kernel of weak classifier, the hybrid algorithms using the proposed feature descriptor is helpful for constructing an efficient classification with low computational time. In addition, an “integral image”method is utilized to support fast computation of the feature. The experimental results showed that performance of the proposed method is higher than the SVM using standard HOG features about 5% and the AdaBoost using variant-scale based HOG features about 4% detection rates, at 1% false alarm rates. The speed of classification using a cascade boosting approach is doubled comparing to that of the non-cascade one. & 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).
Knowledge Representation in Intelligent Collaborative Educational Systems

In this paper, the concept of collaborative intelligent educational system is presented. Different knowledge representation models are compared in the context of their use in collaborative intelligent educational systems. Advantages of semantic networks for knowledge representation in such systems are described. Main advantages of extended semantic networks are shown and a set of basic operations regarding them is drawn up.
WELL.ME - Wellbeing therapy based on real-time personalized mobile architecture, vs. cognitive therapy, to reduce psychological distress and promote healthy lifestyle in cardiovascular disease patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND
There is compelling evidence that psychological factors may have the same or even greater impact on the possibility of adverse events on cardiac diseases (CD) than other traditional clinical risk factors. Anxiety and depression are predictors of short- and long-term adverse outcomes, increased risk for higher rates of in-hospital complications, re-infarction, malignant arrhythmias, and mortality in CD patients. Despite researchers finding that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, the fact that such results are maintained only in the short term and the lack of maintenance of the long-term affects the absence of changes in lifestyles, preventing the possibility of a wide generalization of results. Recently wellbeing therapy (WBT) has been proposed as a useful approach to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce psychological distress.


METHODS/DESIGN
The present randomized controlled study will test WBT, in comparison with CBT, as far as the reduction of symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress, and the improvement of lifestyle behaviors and quality of life in cardiac patients are concerned. Moreover, innovations in communication technologies allow patients to be constantly followed in real life. Therefore WBT based on personalized mobile technology will allow the testing of its effectiveness in comparison with usual WBT.


DISCUSSION
The present study is a large outpatient study on the treatment of co-morbid depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in cardiac patients. The most important issues of this study are its randomized design, the focus on promotion of health-related behaviors, and the use of innovative technologies supporting patients' wellbeing in real life and in a continuous way. First results are expected in 2012.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01543815.
Abnormal susceptibility to distracters hinders perception in early stage Parkinson's disease: a controlled study

BACKGROUND
One of the perceptual abnormalities observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a deficit in the suppression of reflexive saccades that are automatically triggered by the onset of a peripheral target. Impairment of substantia nigra function is thought to lead to this reduced ability to suppress reflexive saccades.


METHODS
The present study examined whether this perceptual deficit is also present in early stage PD when using hardly noticeable task-irrelevant stimuli. Eleven non-demented de novo, untreated PD patients (mean age 57 yr, range 44-70) participated in the study as well as 12 age-matched controls. Performance on an 'oculomotor capture' task, in which in half of the trials an irrelevant stimulus with sudden onset was added to the display, was compared between patients and controls. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with group (patients/controls) and age (< 61 yrs/> or = 61 yrs) as independent factors and type of trial (control/distracter) as repeated measurements factor. The factor sex was used as covariate.


RESULTS
With respect to Reaction Time (RT), a significant interaction between group and condition was found. RTs increased under the 'irrelevant stimulus' condition in both groups, the patients exhibiting a significantly larger increase in RTs than the control group. Also, a significant interaction effect between group and condition for number of correct responses was found. The number of correct responses was reduced in the onset distracter condition, the reduction being larger in the patients. In the patient group, contrary to the control group, a higher age was associated with fewer correct responses at baseline and in the onset distracter condition, suggesting that perceptual functions in PD are highly susceptible to the effects of ageing. The increased reaction times and larger number of incorrect responses of the PD patients in the onset distracter condition may be related to impairments of substantia nigra function and lower brain stem.


CONCLUSION
The capture task seems to be a sensitive instrument to detect early perceptual deficits in PD. The magnitude of the observed deficits suggests that perceptual functions in early stage PD are so substantially impaired that this may interfere with daily activities.
The effect of race/ethnicity on adverse perinatal outcomes among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine racial/ethnic differences in perinatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus.


STUDY DESIGN
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 32,193 singleton births among women with gestational diabetes mellitus in California from 2006, using Vital Statistics Birth and Death Certificate and Patient Discharge Data. Data were divided by race/ethnicity: white, black, Hispanic, or Asian. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze associations between race/ethnicity and adverse outcomes that were controlled for potential confounders. Outcomes included primary cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, neonatal hypoglycemia, preterm delivery, macrosomia, fetal anomaly, and respiratory distress syndrome.


RESULTS
Compared with women in other races, black women had higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47-1.95), neonatal hypoglycemia (aOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.07-3.00), and preterm delivery <37 weeks' gestation (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33-1.83). Asian women had the lowest odds of primary cesarean delivery (aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69-0.82), large-for-gestational-age infants (aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.33-0.48), and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40-0.73).


CONCLUSION
Perinatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus differ by race/ethnicity and may be attributed to inherent sociocultural differences that may impact glycemic control, the development of chronic comorbidities, genetic variability, and variation in access to prenatal care, and quantity and quality of prenatal care.
Advanced practice nursing role development: factor analysis of a modified role delineation tool.

AIM
  This study reports the use of exploratory factor analysis to determine construct validity of a modified advanced practice role delineation tool.


BACKGROUND
  Little research exists on specific activities and domains of practice within advanced practice nursing roles, making it difficult to define service parameters of this level of nursing practice. A valid and reliable tool would assist those responsible for employing or deploying advanced practice nurses by identifying and defining their service profile. This is the third article from a multi-phase Australian study aimed at assigning advanced practice roles.


METHODS
  A postal survey was conducted of a random sample of state government employed Registered Nurses and midwives, across various levels and grades of practice in the state of Queensland, Australia, using the modified Advanced Practice Role Delineation tool. Exploratory factor analysis, using principal axis factoring was undertaken to examine factors in the modified tool. Cronbach's alpha coefficient determined reliability of the overall scale and identified factors.


RESULTS
  There were 658 responses (42% response rate). The five factors found with loadings of ≥400 for 40 of the 41 APN activities were similar to the five domains in the Strong model. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0·94 overall and for the factors ranged from 0·83 to 0·95.


CONCLUSION
  Exploratory factor analysis of the modified tool supports validity of the five domains of the original tool. Further investigation will identify use of the tool in a broader healthcare environment.
Characterization of Ordered Semigroups in Terms of Fuzzy Soft Ideals

In this paper, we apply the concept of fuzzy soft sets to ordered semigroup theory. The concepts of (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy left (right) ideals, (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy bi-ideals and (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy quasi-ideals are introduced and some related properties are obtained. Three kinds of lattice structures of the set of all (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy soft left (right) ideals of an ordered semigroup are derived. The characterization of left quasi-regular ordered semigroups and ordered semigroups that are left quasi-regular and intra-regular in terms of (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy left (right) ideals, (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy bi-ideals and (∈γ ,∈γ ∨qδ )-fuzzy quasi-ideals is discussed. 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 20M12, 08A72
Effect of Peer-Based Low Back Pain Information and Reassurance at the Workplace on Sick Leave: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Purpose To evaluate whether information and reassurance about low back pain (LBP) given to employees at the workplace could reduce sick leave. Methods A Cluster randomized controlled trial with 135 work units of about 3,500 public sector employees in two Norwegian municipalities, randomized into two intervention groups; Education and peer support (EPS) (n = 45 units), education and “peer support and access to an outpatient clinic” (EPSOC) (n = 48 units), and a control group (n = 42 units). Both interventions consisted of educational meetings based on a “non-injury model” and a “peer adviser” appointed by colleagues. Employees in the EPSOC group had access to an outpatient clinic for medical examination and further education. The control group received no intervention. The main outcome was sick leave based on municipal records. Secondary outcomes were self-reported pain, pain related fear of movement, coping, and beliefs about LBP from survey data of 1,746 employees (response rate about 50 %). Results EPS reduced sick leave by 7 % and EPSOC reduced sick leave by 4 % during the intervention year, while sick leave in the control group was increased by 7 % during the same period. Overall, Rate Ratios (RR) were statistically significant for EPSOC (RR = .84 (C.I = 0.71–.99) but not EPS (RR = .92 (C.I = 0.78–1.09)) in a mixed Poisson regression analysis. Faulty beliefs about LBP were reduced in both intervention groups. Conclusions Educational meetings, combined with peer support and access to an outpatient clinic, were effective in reducing sick leave in public sector employees.
An Analysis of Selection Procedures with Particular Attention Paid to Proportional and Bolzmann Selection. In

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Antenatal physical activity: a qualitative study exploring women’s experiences and the acceptability of antenatal walking groups

BACKGROUND
Regular physical activity (PA) can be beneficial to pregnant women, however, many women do not adhere to current PA guidelines during the antenatal period. Patient and public involvement is essential when designing antenatal PA interventions in order to uncover the reasons for non-adherence and non-engagement with the behaviour, as well as determining what type of intervention would be acceptable. The aim of this research was to explore women's experiences of PA during a recent pregnancy, understand the barriers and determinants of antenatal PA and explore the acceptability of antenatal walking groups for further development.


METHODS
Seven focus groups were undertaken with women who had given birth within the past five years. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Relevant and related behaviour change techniques (BCTs), which could be applied to future interventions, were identified using the BCT taxonomy.


RESULTS
Women's opinions and experiences of PA during pregnancy were categorised into biological/physical (including tiredness and morning sickness), psychological (fear of harm to baby and self-confidence) and social/environmental issues (including access to facilities). Although antenatal walking groups did not appear popular, women identified some factors which could encourage attendance (e.g. childcare provision) and some which could discourage attendance (e.g. walking being boring). It was clear that the personality of the walk leader would be extremely important in encouraging women to join a walking group and keep attending. Behaviour change technique categories identified as potential intervention components included social support and comparison of outcomes (e.g. considering pros and cons of behaviour).


CONCLUSIONS
Women's experiences and views provided a range of considerations for future intervention development, including provision of childcare, involvement of a fun and engaging leader and a range of activities rather than just walking. These experiences and views relate closely to the Health Action Process Model which, along with BCTs, could be used to develop future interventions. The findings of this study emphasise the importance of involving the target population in intervention development and present the theoretical foundation for building an antenatal PA intervention to encourage women to be physically active throughout their pregnancies.
The concrete tetrahedron

We give an overview over computer algebra algorithms for dealing with symbolic sums, recurrence equations, generating functions, and asymptotic estimates, and we will illustrate how to apply these algorithms to problems arising in discrete mathematics.
Prognostic and therapeutic implications of pulmonary hypertension complicating degenerative mitral regurgitation due to flail leaflet: a multicenter long-term international study.

AIMS
To determine the frequency, predictors, and outcome implications of pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosed by Doppler echocardiography in a large cohort of patients with the homogenous diagnosis of degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) due to flail leaflets.


METHODS AND RESULTS
The Mitral Regurgitation International DAtabase (MIDA) is a registry including patients with MR due to flail leaflets consecutively referred at tertiary centres in Europe and the USA. Between 1987 and 2004, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was measured at baseline by Doppler echocardiography in 437 patients (age 67 ± 11 years; 66% men). Pulmonary hypertension (PASP > 50 mmHg) was observed in 102 patients (23%). Independent predictors of PH were age and left atrial size (P < 0.0001). During a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 2.8 years, PH was a strong independent predictor of death [adjusted HR 2.03 (1.30-3.18) P = 0.002], cardiovascular death [CVD; adjusted HR 2.21 (1.30-3.76) P = 0.003], and heart failure [adjusted HR 1.70 (1.10-2.62) P = 0.018]. Mitral valve surgery at any time during follow-up (performed in 325 patients, 75%) was beneficial [adjusted HR for death 0.22 (0.14-0.36) P < 0.001], but PH was associated with the increased risk of postoperative death and CVD (P = 0.01).


CONCLUSION
Pulmonary hypertension is a frequent complication of significant MR due to flail leaflet and is associated with major outcome implications, approximately doubling the risk of death and heart failure after diagnosis. Mitral valve surgery performed during follow-up is beneficial but does not completely abolish the adverse effects of PH once it is established and is particularly beneficial in patients without PH. These data support relieving PH secondary to MR due to flail leaflet, but also careful consideration for mitral surgery before PH is established.
Where's the Theory for Software Engineering?

Darwin's theory of natural selection, Maxwell's equations, the theory of demand and supply; almost all established academic disciplines place great emphasis on what their core theory is. This is not, however, the case in software engineering. What is the reason behind the software engineering community's apparent indifference to a concept that is so important to so many others?
Efficacy of Ipomoea batatas (Caiapo) on diabetes control in type 2 diabetic subjects treated with diet.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the tolerability, efficacy, and mode of action of Caiapo, an extract of white sweet potatoes, on metabolic control in type 2 diabetic patients.


RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 61 type 2 diabetic patients treated by diet were given 4 g Caiapo (n = 30; mean age 55.2 +/- 2.1 years; BMI 28.0 +/- 0.4 kg/m(2)) or placebo (n = 31; mean age 55.6 +/- 1.5 years; BMI 27.6 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2)) once daily for 12 weeks. Each subject underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 months to assess 2-h glucose levels. Additionally, fasting blood glucose, HbA(1c), total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured.


RESULTS
After treatment with Caiapo, HbA(1c) decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 7.21 +/- 0.15 to 6.68 +/- 0.14%, whereas it remained unchanged (P = 0.23) in subjects given placebo (7.04 +/- 0.17 vs. 7.10 +/- 0.19%). Fasting blood glucose levels decreased (P < 0.001) in the Caiapo group (143.7 +/- 1.9 vs. 128.5 +/- 1.7 mg/dl) and did not change in the placebo group (144.3 +/- 1.9 vs. 138.2 +/- 2.1 mg/dl; P = 0.052). A decrease in body weight was observed in both the placebo group (P = 0.0027) and in the Caiapo group (P < 0.0001), probably due to a better- controlled lifestyle. In the Caiapo group, body weight was related to the improvement in glucose control (r = 0.618; P < 0.0002). Two-hour glucose levels were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in the Caiapo group (193.3 +/- 10.4 vs. 162.8 +/- 8.2 mg/dl) compared with the placebo group (191.7 +/- 9.2 vs. 181.0 +/- 7.1 mg/dl). Mean cholesterol at the end of the treatment was significantly lower in the Caiapo group (214.6 +/- 11.2 mg/dl) than in the placebo group (248.7 +/- 11.2 mg/dl; P < 0.05). No significant changes in triglyceride levels or blood pressure were observed, and Caiapo was well tolerated without significant adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms the beneficial effects of Caiapo on plasma glucose as well as cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. For the first time, the long-term efficacy of Caiapo on glucose control was demonstrated by the observed decrease in HbA(1c). Thus, the neutraceutical Caiapo seems to be a useful agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension: Lessons Learned From a Case Study on the Development of an mHealth Behavior Change System

BACKGROUND
Evidence-based solutions for changing health behaviors exist but problems with feasibility, sustainability, and dissemination limit their impact on population-based behavior change and maintenance.


OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to overcome the limitations of an established behavior change program by using the inherent capabilities of smartphones and wireless sensors to develop a next generation mobile health (mHealth) intervention that has the potential to be more feasible.


METHODS
In response to the clinical need and the growing capabilities of smartphones, our study team decided to develop a behavioral hypertension reduction mHealth system inspired by Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), a lifestyle modification program. We outline the key design and development decisions that molded the project including decisions about behavior change best practices, coaching features, platform, multimedia content, wireless devices, data security, integration of systems, rapid prototyping, usability, funding mechanisms, and how all of these issues intersect with clinical research and behavioral trials.


RESULTS
Over the 12 months, our study team faced many challenges to developing our prototype intervention. We describe 10 lessons learned that will ultimately stimulate more effective and sustainable approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
The experiences presented in this case study can be used as a reference for others developing mHealth behavioral intervention development projects by highlighting the benefits and challenges facing mHealth research.