LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Regional scale differences in the determinism of grazing effects in the rocky intertidal

Patellid limpets are dominant grazers on intertidal rocky shores of NW Europe with a key role in structuring the eulittoral community. Localised loss of limpets and the subsequent reduction in grazing pressure is known to result in important changes in community structure, through the development of canopy-forming macroalgae, and an associated increase in species diversity and community complexity. The level of determinism in the community level response to localised loss of patellid limpets was assessed at spatial scales from 100s of kilometres to 10s of metres and temporal scales from weeks to months at mid-tide level of exposed rocky shores. Limpets were removed and excluded from experimental plots to simulate localised limpet loss and appropriate controls established. Experimental plots were established in replicate patches at 2 shores at each of 2 regional locations, separated by approximately 500 km: the Isle of Man and SW England. Removals were conducted on 2 dates within each of 2 seasons (summer and winter) and the community level response monitored for a period of 12 mo. There was a clear effect of limpet loss at all spatial and temporal scales, with rapid development of green ephemeral algae followed by a fucoid canopy. However, the degree of determinism in the development of canopy-forming algae differed markedly between the 2 locations. At the northerly location, the Isle of Man, fucoid algae developed quickly and dominated all areas of limpet exclusion; there was little variability between plots. In contrast, in SW England, the abundance of fucoid algae was significantly lower and much more variable. Such geographic changes in the development of macroalgae in the absence of the dominant grazer are discussed in relation to rocky shore community dynamics and the latitudinal change in balance between grazers and algae over the wave exposure gradient.
Hough-CNN: Deep learning for segmentation of deep brain regions in MRI and ultrasound

In this work we propose a novel approach to perform segmentation by leveraging the abstraction capabilities of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our method is based on Hough voting, a strategy that allows for fully automatic localisation and segmentation of the anatomies of interest. This approach does not only use the CNN classification outcomes, but it also implements voting by exploiting the features produced by the deepest portion of the network. We show that this learning-based segmentation method is robust, multi-region, flexible and can be easily adapted to different modalities. In the attempt to show the capabilities and the behaviour of CNNs when they are applied to medical image analysis, we perform a systematic study of the performances of six different network architectures, conceived according to state-of-the-art criteria, in various situations. We evaluate the impact of both different amount of training data and different data dimensionality (2D, 2.5D and 3D) on the final results. We show results on both MRI and transcranial US volumes depicting respectively 26 regions of the basal ganglia and the midbrain. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Fitts' law in the discrete vs. cyclical paradigm

Research on Fitts’ law has focused on discrete movement and persistently ignored the continuous, cyclical case while adopting an exclusive information-processing approach to the neglect of the energetic dimension of movement. According to current computational accounts of Fitts’ law, the slope of the speed-accuracy trade-off should be steeper in the cyclical task and discrete performance should surpass cyclical performance throughout the range of possible task difficulties. Data are reported that corroborate the former, but not the latter prediction. Discretecyclical performance equality (trade-offs intersection) was actually observed at a medium level of difficulty. This outcome, along with kinematic data which show a strong correlation between movement harmonicity and performance in the cyclical task, calls for a hybrid approach to Fitts’ law combining information-processing and energy-saving considerations. PsyclNFO classification: 2330
Embracing Continuous Auditing : A Case for Public Sector in Kenya

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the current state of continuous auditing in the state departments in Kenya and to adapt a framework to implement continuous auditing by the Public Sector Audit Organization. Study Design: Adoption of existing model and survey using questionnaires. Place and Duration of Study: Kenya, 2013. Methodology: Existing continuous auditing models were studied and the Integrated Continuous Auditing, Monitoring and Assurance Conceptual Model was adopted for use. The model was tested using data collected using questionnaires. Data was collected from 76 auditors in the Public Sector Audit Organization. A database system of a government Ministry was used to demonstrate how data can be obtained directly from a client system. Results: The study found the need for training in the skills required for continuous auditing and the acquisition of IT resources and infrastructure were necessary in realizing continuous auditing. Conclusion: The paper shows that Public Sector Audit Organization in Kenya, like institutions in other countries such as USA [8] and Australia [11], are preparing to advance from traditional audit to continuous auditing. The Integrated Continuous Auditing, Monitoring and Assurance Conceptual Model would offer a good starting point. Original Research Article British Journal of Economics, Management & Trade, 4(11): 1644-1654, 2014 1645
Clinical and MRI correlates of cerebral palsy: the European Cerebral Palsy Study.

CONTEXT
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have been reported for specific clinical cerebral palsy (CP) subgroups or lesion types but not in a large population of children with all CP subtypes. Further information about the causes of CP could help identify preventive strategies.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlates of CP in a population sample and compare clinical findings with information available from MRI brain studies.


DESIGN AND SETTING
Cross-sectional, population-based investigative study conducted in 8 European study centers (North West London and North East London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Lisbon, Portugal; Dublin, Ireland; Stockholm, Sweden; Tübingen, Germany; and Helsinki, Finland).


PARTICIPANTS
Five hundred eighty-five children with CP were identified who had been born between 1996 and 1999; 431 children were clinically assessed and 351 had a brain MRI scan.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Standardized clinical examination results, parental questionnaire responses, MRI results, and obstetric, genetic, and metabolic data from medical records.


RESULTS
Important findings include the high rate of infections reported by mothers during pregnancy (n = 158 [39.5%]). In addition, 235 children (54%) were born at term while 47 children (10.9%) were very preterm (<28 weeks). A high rate of twins was found, with 51 children (12%) known to be from a multiple pregnancy. Clinically, 26.2% of children had hemiplegia, 34.4% had diplegia, 18.6% had quadriplegia, 14.4% had dyskinesia, 3.9% had ataxia, and 2.6% had other types of CP. Brain MRI scans showed that white-matter damage of immaturity, including periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), was the most common finding (42.5%), followed by basal ganglia lesions (12.8%), cortical/subcortical lesions (9.4%), malformations (9.1%), focal infarcts (7.4%), and miscellaneous lesions (7.1%). Only 11.7% of these children had normal MRI findings. There were good correlations between the MRI and clinical findings.


CONCLUSIONS
These MRI findings suggest that obstetric mishaps might have occurred in a small proportion of children with CP. A systematic approach to identifying and treating maternal infections needs to be developed. Multiple pregnancies should be monitored closely, and the causes of infant stroke need to be investigated further so preventive strategies can be formulated. All children with CP should have an MRI scan to provide information on the timing and extent of the lesion.
Passenger expectations and airline services : a Hong Kong based study

The airline industry is undergoing a very difficult time and many companies are in search of service segmentation strategies that will satisfy different target market segments. This study attempts to identify the service dimensions that matter most to current airline passengers. The research measures and compares differences in passengers’ expectations of the desired airline service quality in terms of the dimensions of reliability; assurance; facilities; employees; flight patterns; customization and responsiveness. Primary data were collected from passengers departing Hong Kong airport. Regarding the service dimension expectations, differences analysis shows that there are no statistically significant differences between passengers who made their own airline choice (decision makers) and those who did not (non-decision makers). However, there are significant differences among passengers of different ethnic groups/nationalities as well as among passengers who travel for different purposes, such as business, holiday and visiting friends/relatives. The findings also indicate that passengers consistently rank ‘assurance’ as the most important service dimension. This indicates that passengers are concerned about the safety and security aspect and this may indicate why there has been such a downturn in demand as this study was conducted just prior to the World Trade Center incident on the 11th September 2001. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
CURVE FITTING FOR COARSE DATA USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

This paper demonstrates the capability of curve fitting using Artificial Neural Network (ANN), not only for a moderate set of input data but also for a coarse set of input. When appropriate number of neurons is chosen for the training purpose, accurate graphs can be obtained, despite having a coarse data. The effect of number of neurons used for curve fitting and the accuracy obtained is also studied. This aspect of ANN has been illustrated through 2 examples, Weibull distribution and another complex sinusoidal system. This curve fitting technique has been applied to a real world problem i.e. mechanism of a deep drawing press, for both slider displacement and slider velocity. Key–Words: curve fitting, ANN, accurate, coarse data, best fit, neurons
A Gcd-Sum Function Over Regular Integers Modulo n László Tóth Institute of Mathematics and Informatics University of Pécs Ifjúság u . 6 7624 Pécs Hungary ltoth

We introduce a gcd-sum function involving regular integers (mod n) and prove results giving its minimal order, maximal order and average order.
Effect of the adapted Virtual Reality cognitive training program among Chinese older adults with chronic schizophrenia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program in older adults with chronic schizophrenia.


METHODS
Older adults with chronic schizophrenia were recruited from a long-stay care setting and were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 15). The intervention group received 10-session of VR program that consisted of 2 VR activities using IREX. The control group attended the usual programs in the setting.


RESULTS
After the 10-session intervention, older adults with chronic schizophrenia preformed significantly better than control in overall cognitive function (p .000), and in two cognitive subscales: repetition (p .001) and memory (p .040). These participants engaged in the VR activities volitionally. No problem of cybersickness was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the current study indicate that engaging in the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program offers the potential for significant gains in cognitive function of the older adults with chronic schizophrenia.
Open-Design Collar vs. Conventional Philadelphia Collar Regarding User Satisfaction and Cervical Range of Motion in Asymptomatic Adults.

OBJECTIVE
The current study aimed to compare the Philadelphia collar and an open-design cervical collar with regard to user satisfaction and cervical range of motion in asymptomatic adults.


DESIGN
Seventy-two healthy subjects (36 women, 36 men) aged 18 to 29 yrs were recruited for this study. Neck movements, including active flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left axial rotation, were assessed in each subject under three conditions--without wearing a collar and while wearing two different cervical collars--using a dual digital inclinometer. Subject satisfaction was assessed using a five-item self-administered questionnaire.


RESULTS
Both Philadelphia and open-design collars significantly reduced cervical motions (P < 0.05). Compared with the Philadelphia collar, the open-design collar more greatly reduced cervical motions in three planes and the differences were statistically significant except for limiting flexion. Satisfaction scores for Philadelphia and open-design collars were 15.89 (3.87) and 19.94 (3.11), respectively.


CONCLUSION
Based on the data of the 72 subjects presented in this study, the open-design collar adequately immobilized the cervical spine as a semirigid collar and was considered cosmetically acceptable, at least for subjects aged younger than 30 yrs.
Intense pulsed light treatment for dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction; a 3-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical benefits of intense-pulsed-light therapy for the treatment of dry-eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).


BACKGROUND DATA
MGD is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye disease. It is currently treated with a range of methods that have been shown to be only somewhat effective, leading to the need for advanced treatment options.


METHODS
A retrospective noncomparative interventional case series was conducted with 91 patients presenting with severe dry eye syndrome. Treatment included intense-pulsed-light therapy and gland expression at a single outpatient clinic over a 30-month study. Pre/post tear breakup time data were available for a subset of 78 patients. For all patients, a specially developed technique for the treatment of dry eye syndrome was applied as a series of monthly treatments until there was adequate improvement in dry eye syndrome symptoms by physician judgment, or until patient discontinuation.


RESULTS
Primary outcomes included change in tear breakup time, self-reported patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Physician-judged improvement in dry eye tear breakup time was found for 68 of 78 patients (87%) with seven treatment visits and four maintenance visits on average (medians), and 93% of patients reported post-treatment satisfaction with degree of dry eye syndrome symptoms. Adverse events, most typically redness or swelling, were found for 13% of patients. No serious adverse events were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Although preliminary, study results of intense-pulsed-light therapy treatment for dry eye syndrome caused by meibomian gland dysfunction are promising. A multisite clinical trial with a larger sample, treatment comparison groups, and randomized controlled trials is currently underway.
Barriers to E-Commerce Adoption in Egyptian SMEs

E-commerce has been predicted to be a new driver of economic growth for developing countries. The SME sector plays a significant role in its contribution to the national economy in terms of the wealth created and the number of people employed. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt represent the greatest share of the productive units of the Egyptian economy and the current national policy directions address ways and means of developing the capacities of SMEs. Many factors could be responsible for the low usage of e-commerce among the SMEs in Egypt. In order to determine the factors that promote the adoption of e-commerce, SMEs adopters and non-adopters of e-commerce were asked to indicate the factors inhibiting the adoption of ecommerce. The results show that technical barriers are the most important barriers followed by legal and regulatory barriers, whereas lack of Internet security is the highest barrier that inhibit the implementation of ecommerce in SMEs in Egypt followed by limited use of Internet banking and web portals by SMEs. Also, findings implied that more efforts are needed to help and encourage SMEs in Egypt to speed up e-commerce adoption, particularly the more advanced applications. Index Terms — E-commerce adoption, e-commerce adoption barriers, Small and Medium Enterprises, ecommerce adoption in SMEs in Egypt
Overfitting cautious selection of classifier ensembles with genetic algorithms

Information fusion research has recently focused on the characteristics of the decision profiles of ensemble members in order to optimize performance. These characteristics are particularly important in the selection of ensemble members. However, even though the control of overfitting is a challenge in machine learning problems, much less work has been devoted to the control of overfitting in selection tasks. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to show that overfitting can be detected at the selection stage; and (2) to present strategies to control overfitting. Decision trees and k nearest neighbors classifiers are used to create homogeneous ensembles, while singleand multi-objective genetic algorithms are employed as search algorithms at the selection stage. In this study, we use bagging and random subspace methods for ensemble generation. The classification error rate and a set of diversity measures are applied as search criteria. We show experimentally that the selection of classifier ensembles conducted by genetic algorithms is prone to overfitting, especially in the multi-objective case. In this study, the partial validation, backwarding and global validation strategies are tailored for classifier ensemble selection problem and compared. This comparison allows us to show that a global validation strategy should be applied to control overfitting in pattern recognition systems involving an ensemble member selection task. Furthermore, this study has helped us to establish that the global validation strategy can be used to measure the relationship between diversity and classification performance when diversity measures are employed as single-objective functions. 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Rough terrain locomotion of a leg-wheel hybrid quadruped robot

This paper proposes a new mechanism and control method of 4-leg-wheel hybrid locomotion. Many previous hybrid vehicles execute wheel-mode and leg-mode alternatively. However, to overcome higher obstacle with sufficient velocity, a wheel locomotion should continuously be executed. In this paper, suitable load distribution control is proposed considering a contact force to the ground and step edge, a wheel driving torque, and a friction coefficient of the wheel and terrain. In a proposed new leg-wheel hybrid mechanism, load distribution control is realized by a torque of twisting joint at the center of the body, and a forward/backward shift of the body. The validity of this control and mechanism is confirmed by some experiments, where vehicle can run over a 105 mm step by 90 mm radius wheels with a good continuous movement. With an adjustment control of the approach angle, a robot can also ride over a 230 mm step
PebblesDB: Building Key-Value Stores using Fragmented Log-Structured Merge Trees

Key-value stores such as LevelDB and RocksDB offer excellent write throughput, but suffer high write amplification. The write amplification problem is due to the Log-Structured Merge Trees data structure that underlies these key-value stores. To remedy this problem, this paper presents a novel data structure that is inspired by Skip Lists, termed Fragmented Log-Structured Merge Trees (FLSM). FLSM introduces the notion of guards to organize logs, and avoids rewriting data in the same level. We build PebblesDB, a high-performance key-value store, by modifying HyperLevelDB to use the FLSM data structure. We evaluate PebblesDB using micro-benchmarks and show that for write-intensive workloads, PebblesDB reduces write amplification by 2.4-3x compared to RocksDB, while increasing write throughput by 6.7x. We modify two widely-used NoSQL stores, MongoDB and HyperDex, to use PebblesDB as their underlying storage engine. Evaluating these applications using the YCSB benchmark shows that throughput is increased by 18-105% when using PebblesDB (compared to their default storage engines) while write IO is decreased by 35-55%.
Substrate Mapping for Ventricular Tachycardia: Assumptions and Misconceptions.

Substrate mapping was developed to treat poorly tolerated infarct-related ventricular tachycardias (VTs). This concept was based on 30-year-old data derived from surgical and percutaneous mapping during sinus rhythm and VT that demonstrated specific electrograms (EGMs) that characterized the "arrhythmogenic substrate" of VT. Electrogram characteristics of the arrhythmogenic VT substrate during sinus rhythm included low-voltage, fractionation, long duration, split signals, and isolated late potentials as well as EGMs demonstrating adjacent early and late activation. Introduction of electroanatomical mapping (EAM) systems during the mid-1990s has allowed investigators to record electrograms in 3 dimensions and to identify sites assumed to represent the central common pathway ("isthmus") during re-entrant VTs. However, several important assumptions and misconceptions make currently used "substrate mapping" techniques inaccurate. These include: 1) re-entrant circuits are produced by fixed barriers of immutable "inexcitable" scar; 2) low voltage amplitude (≤0.5 mV) implies dense "inexcitable" scar; 3) isthmuses identified in patients with tolerated VTs using entrainment mapping are both valid and provide an accurate depiction of isthmuses in less hemodynamically tolerated VTs; and 4) current mapping tools and methods can delineate specific electrophysiologic features that will determine the barriers forming channels during re-entrant VTs. None of these assumptions has been validated and recent experimental and human data using higher resolution mapping with very small electrodes cast doubt on their validity. These data call for re-evaluation of substrate-mapping techniques to characterize the arrhythmogenic substrate of post-infarction VT. Standardization of recording techniques including electrode size, interelectrode spacing, tissue contact, catheter orientation, and wavefront activation must be taken into consideration.
Collaborative QoS architecture between DiffServ and 802.11e wireless LAN

As the multimedia applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and Audio/Visual (AV) streaming across the Internet emerge, many are working on the network architecture to extend such applications to the wireless networking domain. The emerging IEEE 802.11e Quality-ofService (QoS)-enabled Wireless LAN (WLAN) is considered a strong candidate for the air interface for such multimedia applications thanks to the IP-centric network paradigm along with its inherent high-speed transmission capability. This paper provides an integrated wired/wireless network architecture interfacing QoS between user level traffic over IP using Differentiated Service (DiffServ) and transport level traffic using IEEE 802.11e WLAN. Our study investigates the correlations in end-to-end traffic management between DiffServ and 802.11e, and presents the hierarchical QoS signaling interface between DiffServ and 802.11e, in terms of traffic classifying, shaping and policing. KeywordsIEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11e, WLAN, DiffServ, Quality-of-Service (QoS)