LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Multistage RBF neural network ensemble learning for exchange rates forecasting

In this study, a multistage nonlinear radial basis function (RBF) neural network ensemble forecasting model is proposed for foreign exchanger rates prediction. In the process of ensemble modeling, the first stage produces a great number of single RBF neural network models. In the second stage, a conditional generalized variance (CGV) minimization method is used to choose the appropriate ensemble members. In the final stage, another RBF network is used for neural network ensemble for prediction purpose. For testing purposes, we compare the new ensemble model’s performance with some existing neural network ensemble approaches in terms of four exchange rates series. Experimental results reveal that the predictions using the proposed approach are consistently better than those obtained using the other methods presented in this study in terms of the same measurements. & 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Epidemiology of allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the archetypal allergic disease otolaryngologists encounter. Epidemiologic studies inform providers of the association of rhinitis symptoms and allergy test results in the broader population. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of AR is important for interpreting both rhinitis symptoms and allergy tests.


METHODS
Articles were selected based on literature review through PubMed and personal knowledge of the author. The largest and highest-quality studies were included. The search selection was not standardized.


RESULTS
Epidemiological studies demonstrate marked variability globally in the prevalence of both rhinitis symptoms and allergy tests. Self-reported seasonal or perennial rhinitis symptoms significantly overestimate the prevalence of AR defined by a positive history and positive allergy tests. Positive allergy tests are also common in those without self-reported rhinitis symptoms.


CONCLUSION
Interpreting rhinitis symptoms and allergy testing is enhanced by an understanding of the epidemiology of AR.
A review of bioinformatic pipeline frameworks

High-throughput bioinformatic analyses increasingly rely on pipeline frameworks to process sequence and metadata. Modern implementations of these frameworks differ on three key dimensions: using an implicit or explicit syntax, using a configuration, convention or class-based design paradigm and offering a command line or workbench interface. Here I survey and compare the design philosophies of several current pipeline frameworks. I provide practical recommendations based on analysis requirements and the user base.
Reversed C sternotomy versus conventional sternotomy in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND
In this study, cardiac surgery with minimally invasive reversed C sternotomy was compared with conventional sternotomy in patients undergoing valve replacement or septal defect repair.


METHODS
In this prospective randomized study, 35 patients were assigned into one of two groups for elective cardiac surgery under general anesthesia: Group A (reversed C sternotomy group) and Group B (conventional sternotomy group). Intraoperative variables, intubation time, postoperative drainage volume, pulmonary function tests, sleep quality and quality of life, and requirement for blood transfusion were compared.


RESULTS
A significant difference between the two groups was found in blood transfusion requirement, extubation time, and drainage volume. Forced expiratory volume in one second and functional vital capacity were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A at postoperative Month 1. Total sleep component score of Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index in Group B patients was significantly worse at postoperative Month 1. Postoperative assessment of quality of life (physical and mental) also showed a significant difference between the two groups.


CONCLUSION
These preliminary findings suggest that creating an access point without compromising the integrity of the sternum seems to be an advantageous and appropriate technique for suitable patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Probing for semantic evidence of composition by means of simple classification tasks

We propose a diagnostic method for probing specific information captured in vector representations of sentence meaning, via simple classification tasks with strategically constructed sentence sets. We identify some key types of semantic information that we might expect to be captured in sentence composition, and illustrate example classification tasks for targeting this information.
A Development of the Blended Learning Model Using Edmodo for Maximizing Students' Oral Proficiency and Motivation

The purposes of this study were to develop a blended learning model using Edmodo as a learning tool in language learning and examine the effectiveness of the model implemented in an English course regarding oral proficiency, motivation, and attitude. To achieve these purposes, a quasiexperimental design was employed to collect data using the tests and questionnaires. The samples in this study were the second-year students enrolled in an intermediate English course. The samples were from two classes, each of which contained 42 students. One class was used for the control group; another one for the experimental group. In the control group, students were only taught in a face-to-face learning environment using the PPP model whereas the experimental group studied through the PPP model in class supported by online learning using Edmodo. The findings indicate that blended learning was more effective than traditional learning. That is, students in the experimental group not only outperformed those in the control group in oral proficiency, but they also exhibited higher learning motivation. Although students in both groups did not differ in their attitude toward the PPP model, those in the experimental group expressed a positive attitude toward Edmodo. The findings of this study have implications for English language instructors, encouraging them to see how technology can facilitate learning and help learners produce better academic performance. Keywords—blended learning, Edmodo, oral proficiency, motivation
A contextual approach to social skills assessment in the peer group: who is the best judge?

Using a contextual approach to social skills assessment in the peer group, this study examined the criterion-related validity of contextually relevant social skills and the incremental validity of peers and teachers as judges of children's social skills. Study participants included 342 (180 male and 162 female) students and their classroom teachers (N = 22) from rural communities. As expected, contextually relevant social skills were significantly related to a variety of social status indicators (i.e., likability, peer- and teacher-assessed popularity, reciprocated friendships, clique centrality) and positive school functioning (i.e., school liking and academic competence). Peer-assessed social skills, not teacher-assessed social skills, demonstrated consistent incremental validity in predicting various indicators of social status outcomes; peer- and teacher-assessed social skills alike showed incremental validity in predicting positive school functioning. The relation between contextually relevant social skills and study outcomes did not vary by child gender. Findings are discussed in terms of the significance of peers in the assessment of children's social skills in the peer group as well as the usefulness of a contextual approach to social skills assessment.
The role of massage in sports performance and rehabilitation: current evidence and future direction.

BACKGROUND
Massage is a popular treatment choice of athletes, coaches, and sports physical therapists. Despite its purported benefits and frequent use, evidence demonstrating its efficacy is scarce.


PURPOSE
To identify current literature relating to sports massage and its role in effecting an athlete's psychological readiness, in enhancing sports performance, in recovery from exercise and competition, and in the treatment of sports related musculoskeletal injuries.


METHODS
Electronic databases were used to identify papers relevant to this review. The following keywords were searched: massage, sports injuries, athletic injuries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, delayed onset muscle soreness, sports psychology, sports performance, sports massage, sports recovery, soft tissue mobilization, deep transverse friction massage, pre-event, and post exercise.


RESULTS
RESEARCH STUDIES PERTAINING TO THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CATEGORIES WERE IDENTIFIED AND REVIEWED: pre-event (physiological and psychological variables), sports performance, recovery, and rehabilitation.


DISCUSSION
Despite the fact clinical research has been performed, a poor appreciation exists for the appropriate clinical use of sports massage.


CONCLUSION
Additional studies examining the physiological and psychological effects of sports massage are necessary in order to assist the sports physical therapist in developing and implementing clinically significant evidence based programs or treatments.
Performance of a statistical model to predict stroke outcome in the context of a large, simple, randomized, controlled trial of feeding.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Statistical models to predict the outcome of stroke patients have several uses. Their utility depends on their predictive accuracy in patients other than those on whom they were developed (ie, external validity). We sought to test the external validity of some recently described models in patients enrolled in the FOOD (Feed Or Ordinary Diet) trial: a large randomized trial evaluating feeding policies in patients with stroke.


METHODS
The predictive variables were collected during a telephone call to randomize the patient a median of 5 days after stroke onset. Patients were followed up 6 months later to establish their survival, functional status, and residence. Charts were plotted to demonstrate the discrimination and calibration of the models.


RESULTS
The models performed well in the first 2955 patients enrolled and followed up in the FOOD trial. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves varied between 0.78 and 0.81 (with 0.5 indicating no discrimination and 1.0 indicating perfect discrimination). The discrimination was marginally better for patients enrolled within the first day of stroke than later. The models tended to provide rather pessimistic predictions in all groups except those predicted to have a high likelihood of surviving free of dependency.


CONCLUSIONS
As one might predict, the discriminatory power in the selected cohort of trial patients was marginally less good than in previously studied unselected cohorts used to test their external validity. These models provide a well-tested tool for stratification in trials, comparing outcomes in different cohorts and examining the additional predictive power of novel factors.
The relationship between playfulness and coping in preschool children: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE
Effective play and coping skills may be important determinants of children's adaptive behavior. Play and coping have undergone extensive individual study; however, these two variables have not been explored in relationship to each other.


METHOD
The play behaviors of 19 randomly selected preschool children were rated by researchers using The Test of Playfulness. The children's coping skills were rated by their teachers with the Coping Inventory.


RESULTS
A positive, significant correlation was found between children's level of playfulness and their coping skills. Overall, girls were rated as more playful than boys and scored higher in coping skills. Younger children (36-47 months of age) were rated as better players and copers than older children (47-57 months of age).


CONCLUSION
This pilot study supports occupational therapy intervention in children's play environments and playful interactions as a way of influencing their adaptability in all life skills.
Interventions to prevent and reduce physician burnout: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND
Physician burnout has reached epidemic levels, as documented in national studies of both physicians in training and practising physicians. The consequences are negative effects on patient care, professionalism, physicians' own care and safety, and the viability of health-care systems. A more complete understanding than at present of the quality and outcomes of the literature on approaches to prevent and reduce burnout is necessary.


METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Education Resources Information Center from inception to Jan 15, 2016, for studies of interventions to prevent and reduce physician burnout, including single-arm pre-post comparison studies. We required studies to provide physician-specific burnout data using burnout measures with validity support from commonly accepted sources of evidence. We excluded studies of medical students and non-physician health-care providers. We considered potential eligibility of the abstracts and extracted data from eligible studies using a standardised form. Outcomes were changes in overall burnout, emotional exhaustion score (and high emotional exhaustion), and depersonalisation score (and high depersonalisation). We used random-effects models to calculate pooled mean difference estimates for changes in each outcome.


FINDINGS
We identified 2617 articles, of which 15 randomised trials including 716 physicians and 37 cohort studies including 2914 physicians met inclusion criteria. Overall burnout decreased from 54% to 44% (difference 10% [95% CI 5-14]; p<0·0001; I2=15%; 14 studies), emotional exhaustion score decreased from 23·82 points to 21·17 points (2·65 points [1·67-3·64]; p<0·0001; I2=82%; 40 studies), and depersonalisation score decreased from 9·05 to 8·41 (0·64 points [0·15-1·14]; p=0·01; I2=58%; 36 studies). High emotional exhaustion decreased from 38% to 24% (14% [11-18]; p<0·0001; I2=0%; 21 studies) and high depersonalisation decreased from 38% to 34% (4% [0-8]; p=0·04; I2=0%; 16 studies).


INTERPRETATION
The literature indicates that both individual-focused and structural or organisational strategies can result in clinically meaningful reductions in burnout among physicians. Further research is needed to establish which interventions are most effective in specific populations, as well as how individual and organisational solutions might be combined to deliver even greater improvements in physician wellbeing than those achieved with individual solutions.


FUNDING
Arnold P Gold Foundation Research Institute.
When to Book : Predicting Flight Pricing

When is the best time to purchase a flight? Flight prices fluctuate constantly, so purchasing at different times could mean large differences in price. This project uses machine learning classification in order to predict at a given time, considering properties of a flight, whether one should book the flight or wait for a better price.
Chronic Recurrent Non-specific Parotitis: A Case Report and Review

BACKGROUND
Chronic recurrent non-specific parotitis is characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling and pain of unknown etiology in the parotid gland. Sialography is a hallmark in the diagnosis of salivary gland disorders; newer imaging modalities like CT-Sialography, sialoendoscopy and MRI can be used. Various treatment modalities have been tried, from conservative approach to surgical excision depending on the recurrence rate and severity of the condition. Although symptomatic treatment with antibiotics and analgesic, injection of intraductal medicament, aggressive treatment like duct ligation or excision of gland are some of the treatment modalities, there is no established algorithm as to which treatment method should be opted in such clinical situation.


CASE DETAIL
A 20 years old male patient reported with pain and salty taste in the mouth that had began before a week. Examination revealed an elevated right parotid papilla; ropy, cloudy appearing saliva was oozing out on milking the gland. Unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rate was assessed using drooling method. Sialography was used as a diagnostic and a therapeutic aid. In our case, sialography as a treatment showed a good response with no recurrence after two years of follow-up. We highlighted the role of sialography as a therapeutic aid.


CONCLUSION
Recurrent attacks significantly affect the quality of life and also lead to progressive gland destruction. Preventing or reducing the frequency of recurrence remains the goal of therapeutic procedure. Hence, conventional sialography is useful in the diagnosis and also effective as a therapeutic aid in recurrent parotitis.
Effectiveness of Puncture-Aspiration-Injection-Reaspiration in the Treatment of Hepatic Hydatid Cysts

BACKGROUND
Hydatid disease of the liver is endemic in cattle rearing areas of the world. A variety of treatment options are available in its management. The common treatment options are medical therapy, surgery and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) therapy.


OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of PAIR therapy in the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
This cross sectional study was carried out on 15 consecutive patients (Male: 2, Female: 13; Age group: 11-80 years) with hepatic hydatid disease and were treated by PAIR therapy and followed up for a period of 1 year. The cysts were punctured under local anesthesia with an 18G needle using sonographic guidance. Betadine (10% povidone iodine + 1% free iodine) was used as scolicidal agent and allowed to act for 30 min. Cysts larger than 5 cm (n = 5) were drained using an 8F pig tail catheter. The therapeutic response was studied by assessing the reduction in the cyst size, progressive solidification of the cyst, calcification of the wall and increase in the echogenicity of the cyst with pseudomass appearance on serial ultrasound examinations performed on the next day, after 1 month, at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the procedure.


RESULTS
Ten patients (66.7%) had Gharbi type I cysts, two (13.3%) had type II and three (20%) had type III cysts. All the patients (100%) showed reduction in cyst size over a 3-6 month period. Pseudomass appearance with solidification was seen in 73% of the patients and calcification was seen in 46.6%. None of the patients developed anaphylaxis, recurrence or peritoneal seedlings. Pain at the injection site was the most common complication observed.


CONCLUSION
PAIR therapy is an effective minimally invasive treatment for Gharbi type I-III hepatic hydatid cysts. It is a cost effective and safe procedure with significant reduction in the duration of hospital stay.
Surface Ferromagnetism and Superconducting Properties of Nanocrystalline Niobium Nitride

Abstract Nanocrystalline δ-NbN x samples have been synthesized by reacting NbCl 5 and urea at three different temperatures. A comparison of their structural, magnetic, transport and thermal properties is reported in the present study. The size of the particles and their agglomeration extent increase with increasing reaction temperature. The sample prepared at 900 °C showed the highest superconducting transition temperature ( T c ) of 16.2 K with a transition width, ∼1.8 K, as obtained from the resistivity measurement on cold-pressed bars. Above T c , magnetization measurements revealed the presence of surface ferromagnetism which coexists with superconductivity below T c . Heat capacity measurements confirm superconductivity with strong electron–phonon coupling constant. The sample prepared at 800 °C shows a lower T c (10 K) while that prepared at 700 °C exhibit no superconductivity down to the lowest temperature (3 K) measured.
Erosive tooth wear: diagnosis, risk factors and prevention.

PURPOSE
To provide an overview on diagnosis, risk factors and prevention of erosive tooth wear, which is becoming an increasingly important factor when considering the long- term health of the dentition.


RESULTS
Awareness of dental erosion by the public is still not widespread due to the cryptic nature of this slowly progressing condition. Smooth silky-glazed appearance with the absence of perikymata and intact enamel along the gingival margin, with cupping and grooving on occlusal surfaces are some typical signs of enamel erosion. In later stages, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the influences of erosion, attrition or abrasion during a clinical examination. Biological, behavioral and chemical factors all come into play, which over time, may either wear away the tooth surface, or potentially protect it. In order to assess the risk factors, patient should record their dietary intake for a distinct period of time. Based on these analyses, an individually tailored preventive program may be suggested to patients. It may comprise dietary advice, optimization of fluoride regimes, stimulation of salivary flow rate, use of buffering medicaments and particular motivation for non-destructive tooth brushing habits. The frequent use of fluoride gel and fluoride mouthrinse in addition to fluoride toothpaste offers the opportunity to minimize abrasion of tooth substance.
Direct manipulation of free-form deformations

Free-form deformation (FFD) is a powerful modeling tool, but controlling the shape of an object under complex deformations is often difficult. The interface to FFD in most conventional systems simply represents the underlying mathematics directly; users describe deformations by manipulating control points. The difficulty in controlling shape precisely is largely due to the control points being extraneous to the object; the deformed object does not follow the control points exactly. In addition, the number of degrees of freedom presented to the user can be overwhelming. We present a method that allows a user to control a free-form deformation of an object by manipulating the object directly, leading to better control of the deformation and a more intuitive interface. CR Categories: I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling Curve, Surface, Solid, and Object Representations; I.3.6 [Computer Graphics]: Methodology and Techniques Interaction Techniques. Additional
Driver Adaptive Warning Systems

Each year, many preventable highway automobile accidents involving single vehicles are caused by inattention and distraction. These accidents are classified as single vehicle road departures. Lane departure and curve negotiation warning systems are an emerging technology to help prevent these types of accidents. I plan to build a road departure warning system that learns individual driver behavior, and uses this knowledge to reduce false alarms and increase warning time. Current warning systems are physics based -they look at vehicle trajectory, but mainly ignore driver ability and characteristics. I propose to develop an adaptive lane departure and curve negotiation warning system. This system should learn individual traits of the driver -both stationary and changing, and use this information to improve warning time and reduce false alarms. A number of research issues are involved in this work, as it has to improve upon the state of the art, yet not become so complicated to use that the average driver would feel uncomfortable using it. In this proposal, I will discuss these issues and describe preliminary results in using a connectionist approach to predict the driver’s steering response given vehicle state information. This approach can successfully detect lane changes, which I treat as surrogate road departures.