LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Measuring changeability for generic aspect-oriented systems

Maintenance of software systems has become a major concern for software developers and users. In environments, where software changes are frequently required to improve software quality, chan-geability is an important characteristic of maintainability in ISO/IEC 9126 quality standards. Many researchers and practition-ers have proposed changeability assessment techniques for Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP). To the best of our knowledge, no one has proposed chan-geability assessment technique for generic Aspect-Oriented (AO) Systems. AOP is an emerging technique that provides a means to clearly encapsulate and implement aspects that crosscut other modules. In this paper, we have defined a generic changeability assessment technique that takes into account two well known fami-lies of available AOP languages viz, AspectJ and CaesarJ. A co-relation analysis between changeability and dependency has been performed. Result shows that highly dependent AO systems will absorb low changeability.
Are specific language impairment and dyslexia distinct disorders?

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia are distinct developmental disorders.


METHOD
Study 1 investigated the overlap between SLI identified in kindergarten and dyslexia identified in 2nd, 4th, or 8th grades in a representative sample of 527 children. Study 2 examined phonological processing in a subsample of participants, including 21 children with dyslexia only, 43 children with SLI only, 18 children with SLI and dyslexia, and 165 children with typical language/reading development. Measures of phonological awareness and nonword repetition were considered.


RESULTS
Study 1 showed limited but statistically significant overlap between SLI and dyslexia. Study 2 found that children with dyslexia or a combination of dyslexia and SLI performed significantly less well on measures of phonological processing than did children with SLI only and those with typical development. Children with SLI only showed only mild deficits in phonological processing compared with typical children.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the view that SLI and dyslexia are distinct but potentially comorbid developmental language disorders. A deficit in phonological processing is closely associated with dyslexia but not with SLI when it occurs in the absence of dyslexia.
On a Generalization of the Stone–Weierstrass Theorem

A categorical version of the famous theorem of Stone and Weierstrass is formulated and studied in detail. Several applications and examples are given.
The Spline GARCH Model for Unconditional Volatility and its Global Macroeconomic Causes

25 years of volatility research has left the macroeconomic environment playing a minor role. This paper proposes modeling equity volatilities as a combination of macroeconomic effects and time series dynamics. High frequency return volatility is specified to be the product of a slow moving deterministic component, represented by an exponential spline, and a unit GARCH. This deterministic component is the unconditional volatility, which is then estimated for nearly 50 countries over various sample periods of daily data. Unconditional volatility is then modeled as an unbalanced panel with a variety of dependence structures. It is found to vary over time and across countries with high unconditional volatility resulting from high volatility in the macroeconomic factors GDP, inflation and short term interest rate, and with high inflation and slow growth of output. Volatility is higher for emerging markets and for markets with small numbers of listed companies and market capitalization, but also for large economies. The model allows long horizon forecasts of volatility to depend on macroeconomic developments, and delivers estimates of the volatility to be anticipated in a newly opened market.
Agent Based Modelling and Simulation tools: A review of the state-of-art software

The key intent of this work is to present a comprehensive comparative literature survey of the state-of-art in software agent-based computing technology and its incorporationwithin themodelling and simulation domain. The original contribution of this survey is two-fold: (1) Present a concise characterization of almost the entire spectrum of agent-based modelling and simulation tools, thereby highlighting the salient features, merits, and shortcomings of such multi-faceted application software; this article covers eighty five agent-based toolkits that may assist the system designers and developers with common tasks, such as constructing agent-based models and portraying the real-time simulation outputs in tabular/graphical formats and visual recordings. (2) Provide a usable reference that aids engineers, researchers, learners and academicians in readily selecting an appropriate agent-based modelling and simulation toolkit for designing and developing their system models and prototypes, cognizant of both their expertise and those requirements of their application domain. In a nutshell, a significant synthesis of Agent Based Modelling and Simulation (ABMS) resources has been performed in this review that stimulates further investigation into this topic. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Advances in standardization of laboratory measurement procedures: implications for measuring biomarkers of folate and vitamin B-12 status in NHANES1234

Population studies such as NHANES analyze large numbers of laboratory measurements and are often performed in different laboratories using different measurement procedures and over an extended period of time. Correct clinical and epidemiologic interpretations of the results depend on the accuracy of those measurements. Unfortunately, considerable variability has been observed among assays for folate, vitamin B-12, and related biomarkers. In the past few decades, the science of metrology has advanced considerably, with the development of improved primary reference measurement procedures and high-level reference materials, which can serve as the basis for accurate measurement. A rigorous approach has been established for making field methods traceable to the highest-level reference measurement procedures and reference materials. This article reviews some basic principles of metrology and describes their recent application to measurements of folate and vitamin B-12.
Adaptive Fuzzy Urban Traffic Flow Control Using a Cooperative Multi-Agent System based on Two Stage Fuzzy Clustering

The traffic congestion problem in urban areas is worsening since traditional traffic signal control systems cannot provide efficient traffic control. Therefore, dynamic traffic signal control in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) recently has received increasing attention. This study devises an adaptive and cooperative multi-agent fuzzy system for a decentralized traffic signal control. To achieve this we have worked on a model which has three levels of control. Every intersection is controlled by its own traffic situation, correlated intersections recommendations and a knowledge base which provides its traffic pattern. This study focused on utilizing the prediction mechanism of our architecture, it finds most correlated intersections based on a two stage fuzzy clustering algorithm which finds most intersections effect on a specific intersection based on clustering membership degree. We have also developed a NetLogo-based traffic simulator to serve as the agents’ world. Our approach is tested with traffic control of a large connected junctions and the result obtained is promising: The average delay time can be reduced by 42.76% compared to the conventional fixed sequence traffic signal and 28.77% compared to the vehicle actuated traffic control strategy. KeywordsMAS; Intelligent Transportation System; Fuzzy Control; Fuzzy Clustring; Traffic Light Control,
Knowledge Growth in Teaching Mathematics/Science with Spreadsheets: Moving PCK to TPACK through Online Professional Development.

Inservice teachers need ways to gain an integrated knowledge of content, pedagogy, and technologies that reflects new ways of teaching and learning in the 21 st century. This interpre-tive study examined inservice K–8 teachers' growth in their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) toward technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) in an online graduate course designed for integrating dynamic spreadsheets as teaching and learning tools in mathematics and science. With the lens of four TPACK components (Niess, 2005), the analysis describes teachers' development from recognizing to accepting , adapting, and exploring TPACK levels. Implications and recommendations for the design of future professional development courses and continuing research are identified to support inservice teachers' knowledge growth for teaching with technologies. (Keywords: Teacher knowledge, spreadsheets, inservice teachers, elementary and middle school, online, professional development) M ore than 20 years ago, Shulman (1986, 1987) proposed the construct of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) as knowledge teachers need for teaching. This construct recognized that teachers rely on more than content knowledge as they guide students in learning that content. PCK was proposed as an integrated knowledge structure of subject area, knowledge of students, pedagogical knowledge, and knowledge of the environmental context as teachers engaged in planning, teaching , and assessing activities. In response, many teacher educators reconstructed their teacher preparation programs based on research and understanding of the development of PCK (Niess, 2001). At the time of the recognition of PCK, digital technologies were becoming more powerful and accessible as potential educational learning tools. The assumption was that these technologies were like other educational tools, and the PCK development in these programs provided adequate preparation for the knowledge of teaching with educational tools, including digital technologies. However, evidence abounded that teachers' PCK did not automatically translate to integrating knowledge about teaching and learning with these technologies (Pierson, 2001). Teacher educators were challenged to identify preparation for preservice and inservice teachers to extend their PCK to a more robust knowledge for teaching with technologies. During the 1990s, spreadsheets emerged as potential tools for learning mathematics and science. Although the designers of spreadsheet programs had not focused on designing educational tools, spreadsheets contain features for modeling situations and analyzing change in various educational contexts. Linking key problem variables to tables and charts presented dynamic environments that afforded opportunities to engage in algebraic reasoning even in elementary grades. With access to multiple data collection devices (probeware to gather temperatures, light …
Maintaining Large-Scale Rechargeable Sensor Networks Perpetually via Multiple Mobile Charging Vehicles

Wireless energy transfer technology based on magnetic resonant coupling has been emerging as a promising technology for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by providing controllable yet perpetual energy to sensors. In this article, we study the deployment of the minimum number of mobile charging vehicles to charge sensors in a large-scale WSN so that none of the sensors will run out of energy, for which we first advocate a flexible on-demand charging paradigm that decouples sensor energy charging scheduling from the design of sensing data routing protocols. We then formulate a novel optimization problem of scheduling mobile charging vehicles to charge life-critical sensors in the network with an objective to minimize the number of mobile charging vehicles deployed, subject to the energy capacity constraint on each mobile charging vehicle. As the problem is NP-hard, we instead propose an approximation algorithm with a provable performance guarantee if the energy consumption of each sensor during each charging tour is negligible. Otherwise, we devise a heuristic algorithm by modifying the proposed approximation algorithm. We finally evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms through experimental simulations. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms are very promising, and the solutions obtained are fractional of the optimal ones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approximation algorithm with a nontrivial approximation ratio for a novel scheduling problem of multiple mobile charging vehicles for charging sensors.
Hippocampal structural asymmetry in unsuccessful psychopaths

BACKGROUND
Structural and functional hippocampal abnormalities have been previously reported in institutionalized psychopathic and aggressive populations. This study assessed whether prior findings of a right greater than left (R > L) functional asymmetry in caught violent offenders generalize to the structural domain in unsuccessful, caught psychopaths.


METHODS
Left and right hippocampal volumes were assessed using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 23 control subjects, 16 unsuccessful psychopaths, and 12 successful (uncaught) community psychopaths and transformed into standardized space.


RESULTS
Unsuccessful psychopaths showed an exaggerated structural hippocampal asymmetry (R > L) relative both to successful psychopaths and control subjects (p <.007) that was localized to the anterior region. This effect could not be explained by environmental and diagnostic confounds and constitutes the first brain imaging analysis of successful and unsuccessful psychopaths.


CONCLUSIONS
Atypical anterior hippocampal asymmetries in unsuccessful psychopaths may reflect an underlying neurodevelopmental abnormality that disrupts hippocampal-prefrontal circuitry, resulting in affect dysregulation, poor contextual fear conditioning, and insensitivity to cues predicting capture.
Impact of TQM Practices on Firm ’ s Performance of Pakistan ’ s Manufacturing Organizations

This empirical study examines the association between total quality management (TQM) practices and performance, i.e. quality, business, and organizational performance. The quantitative data were obtained through a survey from 171 quality managers of Pakistan’s manufacturing industry. This study supports the hypothesis that TQM practices positively impact the performance. TQM tools and techniques (Incentive and Recognition System, Process, Monitoring and Control and Continuous Improvement) and Behavioral factors (Fact based-management, top management’s commitment to quality, employee involvement and customer focus) contribute to the successful implementation of TQM. The study reports that successful adoption and implementation of TQM practices results in improving the performance of organization. The main implication of the findings for managers is that with TQM practices, manufacturing organizations are more likely to achieve better performance in customer satisfaction, employee relations, quality and business performance than without TQM practices.
The efficacy of topical betamethasone for treating phimosis: a comparison of two treatment regimens.

OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy of two different topical betamethasone treatment regimens with respect to outcome and untoward effects in boys with phimosis.


METHODS
Boys with phimosis whose parents opted for medical management were treated with topical betamethasone (0.05%) and manual retraction. One author (J.S.P.) prescribed betamethasone twice daily (BID) for 30 days (60 doses), and the other author (L.S.P.) prescribed betamethasone thrice daily (TID) for 21 days (63 doses). All boys had severe phimosis (prepuce unretractable to evaluate meatus) before treatment. The degree of phimosis was graded 1 month after treatment as severe, moderate (prepuce retractable to less than 50% glanular exposure), or mild (penile adhesions). Chi-square analysis (P <0.05) was used to compare the two groups. Treatment failure was defined as persistent severe phimosis.


RESULTS
A total of 200 consecutive patients from each treatment group were included. The median patient ages were similar between the groups (3.8 years BID, 4.4 years TID). One child had an untoward effect (candidal dermatitis, TID regimen). There was an 84.5% response rate (moderate to no phimosis) with the BID regimen and an 87% response rate with the TID regimen (P = nonsignificant). Two patients with severe phimosis before treatment were diagnosed with congenital urethral malformations (hypospadias and epispadias) after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The topical application of betamethasone is a highly efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated treatment of phimosis in this large series of boys. The 21-day TID and 30-day BID regimens in conjunction with manual retraction are equally efficacious and can be offered to parents requesting nonsurgical management of phimosis. Untoward effects are rare with either regimen. Important urethral anomalies can occasionally be revealed.
Randomised trial of personalised computer based information for cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE
To compare the use and effect of a computer based information system for cancer patients that is personalised using each patient's medical record with a system providing only general information and with information provided in booklets.


DESIGN
Randomised trial with three groups. Data collected at start of radiotherapy, one week later (when information provided), three weeks later, and three months later.


PARTICIPANTS
525 patients started radical radiotherapy; 438 completed follow up.


INTERVENTIONS
Two groups were offered information via computer (personalised or general information, or both) with open access to computer thereafter; the third group was offered a selection of information booklets.


OUTCOMES
Patients' views and preferences, use of computer and information, and psychological status; doctors' perceptions; cost of interventions.


RESULTS
More patients offered the personalised information said that they had learnt something new, thought the information was relevant, used the computer again, and showed their computer printouts to others. There were no major differences in doctors' perceptions of patients. More of the general computer group were anxious at three months. With an electronic patient record system, in the long run the personalised information system would cost no more than the general system. Full access to booklets cost twice as much as the general system.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients preferred computer systems that provided information from their medical records to systems that just provided general information. This has implications for the design and implementation of electronic patient record systems and reliance on general sources of patient information.
Information handling by the brain: proposal of a new “paradigm” involving the roamer type of volume transmission and the tunneling nanotube type of wiring transmission

The current view on the organization of the central nervous system (CNS) is basically anchored to the paradigm describing the brain as formed by networks of neurons interconnected by synapses. Synaptic contacts are a fundamental characteristic for describing CNS operations, but increasing evidence accumulated in the last 30 years pointed to a refinement of this view. A possible overcoming of the classical “neuroscience paradigm” will be here outlined, based on the following hypotheses: (1) the basic morpho-functional unit in the brain is a compartment of tissue (functional module) where different resident cells (not only neurons) work as an integrated unit; (2) in these complex networks, a spectrum of intercellular communication processes is exploited, that can be classified according to a dichotomous criterion: wiring transmission (occurring through physically delimited channels) and volume transmission (exploiting diffusion in the extracellular space); (3) the connections between cells can themselves be described as a network, leading to an information processing occurring at different levels from cell network down to molecular level; (4) recent evidence of the existence of specialized structures (microvesicles and tunneling nanotubes) for intercellular exchange of materials, could allow a further type of polymorphism of the CNS networks based on at least transient changes in cell phenotype. When compared to the classical paradigm, the proposed scheme of cellular organization could allow a strong increase of the degrees of freedom available to the whole system and then of its plasticity. Furthermore, long range coordination and correlation can be more easily accommodated within this framework.
Withdrawal of inhaled glucocorticoids and exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND
Treatment with inhaled glucocorticoids in combination with long-acting bronchodilators is recommended in patients with frequent exacerbations of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the benefit of inhaled glucocorticoids in addition to two long-acting bronchodilators has not been fully explored.


METHODS
In this 12-month, double-blind, parallel-group study, 2485 patients with a history of exacerbation of COPD received triple therapy consisting of tiotropium (at a dose of 18 μg once daily), salmeterol (50 μg twice daily), and the inhaled glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate (500 μg twice daily) during a 6-week run-in period. Patients were then randomly assigned to continued triple therapy or withdrawal of fluticasone in three steps over a 12-week period. The primary end point was the time to the first moderate or severe COPD exacerbation. Spirometric findings, health status, and dyspnea were also monitored.


RESULTS
As compared with continued glucocorticoid use, glucocorticoid withdrawal met the prespecified noninferiority criterion of 1.20 for the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) with respect to the first moderate or severe COPD exacerbation (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.19). At week 18, when glucocorticoid withdrawal was complete, the adjusted mean reduction from baseline in the trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 38 ml greater in the glucocorticoid-withdrawal group than in the glucocorticoid-continuation group (P<0.001); a similar between-group difference (43 ml) was seen at week 52 (P=0.001). No change in dyspnea and minor changes in health status occurred in the glucocorticoid-withdrawal group.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with severe COPD receiving tiotropium plus salmeterol, the risk of moderate or severe exacerbations was similar among those who discontinued inhaled glucocorticoids and those who continued glucocorticoid therapy. However, there was a greater decrease in lung function during the final step of glucocorticoid withdrawal. (Funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma; WISDOM ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00975195.).