Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Switchable constraints and incremental smoothing for online mitigation of non-line-of-sight and multipath effects

Reliable vehicle positioning is a crucial requirement for many applications of advanced driver assistance systems. While satellite navigation provides a reasonable performance in general, it often suffers from multipath and non-line-of-sight errors when it is applied in urban areas and therefore does not guarantee consistent results anymore. Our paper proposes a novel online method that identifies and excludes the affected pseudorange measurements. Our approach does not depend on additional sensors, maps, or environmental models. We rather formulate the positioning problem as a Bayesian inference problem in a factor graph and combine the recently developed concept of switchable constraints with an algorithm for efficient incremental inference in such graphs. We furthermore introduce the concepts of auxiliary updates and factor graph pruning in order to accelerate convergence while keeping the graph size and required runtime bounded. A real-world experiment demonstrates that the resulting algorithm is able to successfully localize despite a large number of satellite observations are influenced by NLOS or multipath effects.
The Attentional Blink Reveals Serial Working Memory Encoding: Evidence from Virtual and Human Event-related Potentials

Observers often miss a second target (T2) if it follows an identified first target item (T1) within half a second in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), a finding termed the attentional blink. If two targets are presented in immediate succession, however, accuracy is excellent (Lag 1 sparing). The resource sharing hypothesis proposes a dynamic distribution of resources over a time span of up to 600 msec during the attentional blink. In contrast, the ST2 model argues that working memory encoding is serial during the attentional blink and that, due to joint consolidation, Lag 1 is the only case where resources are shared. Experiment 1 investigates the P3 ERP component evoked by targets in RSVP. The results suggest that, in this context, P3 amplitude is an indication of bottom–up strength rather than a measure of cognitive resource allocation. Experiment 2, employing a two-target paradigm, suggests that T1 consolidation is not affected by the presentation of T2 during the attentional blink. However, if targets are presented in immediate succession (Lag 1 sparing), they are jointly encoded into working memory. We use the ST2 model's neural network implementation, which replicates a range of behavioral results related to the attentional blink, to generate “virtual ERPs” by summing across activation traces. We compare virtual to human ERPs and show how the results suggest a serial nature of working memory encoding as implied by the ST2 model.
Neck and upper back pain among eye care professionals.

BACKGROUND Ophthalmologists and optometrists have reported a higher prevalence of neck, hand/wrist and lower back pain than family medicine physicians. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have not previously been studied in Saudi eye care professionals. AIMS To determine the magnitude and determinants of neck and upper back pain among eye care professionals at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia in 2013. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a close-ended questionnaire to determine the frequency of neck and back pain and its association with age, sex, weight, comorbidities, duration of professional work, history of injury and physician sub-speciality. RESULTS The response rate was 82% and 165 eye care professionals participated, 70% (113) of whom reported neck and back pain. The rate was similar in ophthalmologists and allied eye care professionals and among surgical and medical ophthalmologists. The prevalence rate of neck and upper back pain was not associated with number of years in the profession, comorbidities, self-reported weight or injury. Pain appeared to be associated with reported physical discomfort during professional activities (P < 0.01) but not with mental stress. Pain was thought to be work related by 50% of participants. A lower rate of neck and upper back pain was associated with regular exercise [odds ratio = 0.5 (95% confidence interval 0.2-0.9)]. CONCLUSIONS Neck and back pain was reported by 70% of eye care professionals. The pain was graded as mild to moderate and improved when on holidays. Regular physical exercise appeared to prevent or reduce neck and upper back pain.
Better redistribution with inefficient allocation in multi-unit auctions with unit demand

For the problem of allocating one or more items among a group of competing agents, the Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism is strategy-proof and efficient. However, the VCG mechanism is not strongly budget balanced: in general, value flows out of the system of agents in the form of VCG payments, which reduces the agents' utilities. In many settings, the objective is to maximize the sum of the agents' utilities (taking payments into account). For this purpose, several VCG redistribution mechanisms have been proposed that redistribute a large fraction of the VCG payments back to the agents, in a way that maintains strategy-proofness and the non-deficit property. Unfortunately, sometimes even the best VCG redistribution mechanism fails to redistribute a substantial fraction of the VCG payments. This results in a low total utility for the agents, even though the items are allocated efficiently. In this paper, we study strategy-proof allocation mechanisms that do not always allocate the items efficiently. It turns out that by allocating inefficiently, more payment can sometimes be redistributed, so that the net effect is an increase in the sum of the agents' utilities. Our objective is to design mechanisms that are competitive with the omnipotent perfect allocation in terms of the agents' total utility. We define linear allocation mechanisms. We propose an optimization model for simultaneously finding an allocation mechanism and a payment redistribution rule which together are optimal, given that the allocation mechanism is required to be either one of, or a mixture of, a finite set of specified linear allocation mechanisms. Finally, we propose several specific (linear) mechanisms that are based on burning items, excluding agents, and (most generally) partitioning the items and agents into groups. We show or conjecture that these mechanisms are optimal among various classes of mechanisms.
Correlates and predictors of optimism in individuals with early psychosis or severe mental illness

Studies interested in the recovery of people with a severe mental illness mention factors such as hope and optimism as key elements. The goal of this study was to increase our understanding of correlates and predictors of optimism in this population using samples from two different studies: (1) 150 patients with early psychosis; (2) 143 individuals with severe mental illness engaged in a vocational rehabilitation service. Pearson correlations and linear regressions were used in order to determine the variables with the strongest links with optimism. In the first study, close to 51% of the variance on the optimism score could be explained by a model including: high self‐esteem, high capacity for leisure activities, low depression score, and low belief that one’s problems constitute an illness. In the second study, 45% of the variance was explained by a model including high self‐esteem, low depression, and high social support. The clinical implications of these results are discussed further, including the potential damage to optimism of promoting an illness model to clients.
Review of research on educational leadership and management in Asia

Over the past two decades scholars have called for a more concerted effort to develop an empirically grounded literature on educational leadership outside of mainstream “Western” contexts. This paper reports the results of a review of research topics and methods that comprise the literature on educational leadership and management in Asia between 1995 and 2012. The review of research employed a quantitative descriptive form of systematic review of 478 articles published in eight “core” international journals in educational leadership and management over this period. The review examined trends in publication volume and impact, as well as research topics and methods used by scholars studying educational leadership and management in Asia. The study concluded that Asian scholarship in educational leadership and management remains in the early stages of development. Knowledge production is highly uneven across the continent, with only a few pockets of research excellence. Significant growth trends were observed in terms of scholarly interest in studying leadership in K-12 schools, school change, effects and improvement, and organizational behavior in education. Although qualitative research methods were more popular in this literature prior to 2006, the use of quantitative research methods has increased sharply during the past six years.
The dangers of corruption in special needs education

This article is based on the text of the Gulliford Lecture given by Professor Harry Daniels at the University of Birmingham in October 2005. Professor Daniels takes, as his starting point, Ron Gulliford's assertion that teachers need to learn from their experience of trying to teach children who are ‘hard to teach’. He goes on to look at the process of categorisation, which he identifies as a sociocultural and highly context-dependent process. Harry Daniels explores the pressures in favour of categorisation experienced by parents and professionals alike and notes some of the uses to which categorisations of learners are put. In concluding his article, Harry Daniels contrasts the current rhetoric about the personalisation of learning with the kinds of ‘simplistic protocols or magic answers’ that are often assumed to follow from categorisation. He argues that glib responses like these run counter to the reflective and dialogic principles established by Ron Gulliford and colleagues two decades ago.
Racializing categorization among young people in Finland

This article explores the terms by which racial difference is articulated and constructed in the everyday life of young people in Finland, by analysing interviews with children and adolescents who have one parent with an immigrant or foreign background, or who have been adopted from other countries. In addition to the categories that clearly arise from the discourses of race, expressions that in other contexts may have nothing to do with racism are also sometimes put to use for racializing categorization, especially ethnic labels and colour terms. Even though many categorizations which are used among young Finns can be found in other societies too, the analysis shows differences not only between different societies, but also between children and young people, which highlights the problems in using racial categories as analytical tools. The article also explores the conditions for the construction of racialized identities, by examining how individuals negotiate categories available to them, and how they themselves express their positionings in racialized social relations. The analysis of how these are intertwined is suggested here as a method that can reveal special characteristics of racism in a given society. It also highlights the tensions and contradictions that set bounds for the agency of those who are subordinated in racialized social relations.
A New Approach to the Design of an Explicit Rate Allocation Algorithm for Heterogeneous ATM

In this paper, we aim at developing a new approach to the design of the rate controller proposed by Chong et al. in [5] for the cases of both identical and heterogeneous round-trip delays in ATM networks. The design method is described by linear matrix inequalities (LMI), which can be solved efficiently by LMI toolbox in Matlab. The approach developed in this paper theoretically guarantees that the target queue length can be maintained stable for all the cases: i) where the distance between the source and the bottlenecked router is less than the maximal distance which is chosen when designing the controller parameter; and ii) where the round trip delays (RTDs) are queue-length-dependent and hence time-varying if the whole RTD is less than a given bound chosen in the design stage. The latter property is very useful in the network planning stage.
Effect of long term consumption of probiotic milk on infections in children attending day care centres: double blind, randomised trial

Abstract Objective: To examine whether long term consumption of a probiotic milk could reduce gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in children in day care centres. Design: Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study over seven months. Setting: 18 day care centres in Helsinki, Finland. Participants: 571 healthy children aged 1-6 years: 282 (mean (SD) age 4.6 (1.5) years) in the intervention group and 289 (mean (SD) age 4.4 (1.5) years) in the control group. Intervention: Milk with or without Lactobacillus GG. Average daily consumption of milk in both groups was 260 ml. Main outcome measures: Number of days with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, absences from day care because of illness, respiratory tract infections diagnosed by a doctor, and course of antibiotics. Results: Children in the Lactobacillus group had fewer days of absence from day care because of illness (4.9 (95% confidence interval 4.4 to 5.5) v 5.8 (5.3 to 6.4) days, 16% difference, P=0.03; age adjusted 5.1 (4.6 to 5.6) v 5.7 (5.2 to 6.3) days, 11% difference, P=0.09). There was also a relative reduction of 17% in the number of children suffering from respiratory infections with complications and lower respiratory tract infections (unadjusted absolute % reduction −8.6 (−17.2 to −0.1), P=0.05; age adjusted odds ratio 0.75 (0.52 to 1.09), P=0.13) and a 19% relative reduction in antibiotic treatments for respiratory infection (unadjusted absolute % reduction −9.6 (−18.2 to −1.0), P=0.03; adjusted odds ratio 0.72 (0.50 to 1.03), P=0.08) in the Lactobacillus group. Conclusions: Lactobacillus GG may reduce respiratory infections and their severity among children in day care. The effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus GG were modest but consistently in the same direction. What is already known on this topic Children attending day care centres are at high risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infection The successful prevention of respiratory infections could be extremely useful for families and for society in general Short term use of probiotic bacteria has been shown to reduce the severity of rotavirus diarrhoea and the incidence of diarrhoea associated with the use of antibiotics What this study adds In a double blind, randomised, long term study milk containing Lactobacillus GG slightly reduced the incidence of respiratory infections and antibiotic treatment in children
Recent Landslide Movement in Tsaoling, Taiwan Tracked by TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X DEM Time Series

The Tsaoling Landslide in Taiwan has captured attentions of researchers worldwide due to its frequent catastrophic failure and distinctive features. Thanks to the launch of TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X (TSX/TDX) constellation, retrieval of global DEM with high spatial resolution and accuracy becomes possible, which is extremely useful for the study of natural hazards (e.g., landslides) globally. We attempt here for the first time to track recent landslide movements in Tsaoling Taiwan by analyzing DEM time series reconstructed from TSX/TDX image pairs. Quality improvement of InSAR derived DEM through an iterated differential operation is addressed during the data processing. Five cliffs and the Chingshui River are selected to determine the spatial pattern of morphologic changes of the landslide. The results show that: (a) A large amount of collapses occurred on dip slopes in the period from 2011 to 2014 and on surrounding debris deposits during the rainy seasons; (b) The average recession rate of the Chunqui Cliff decreased from 24.4 m/yr to 19.6 m/yr compared with the result between 1999 and 2009; (c) The Tsaoling Landslide has lost 6.90 ×106 m³ of soil from November of 2011 to April of 2014, which shows a positive correlation of 0.853 with rainfall; (d) The Chingshui River is undergoing a gradual bed erosion with a volumes of 1.84 ×106 m³.
Comparative Validity of Two Measures of Self-Efficacy in Predicting Academic Goals and Performance

Two unexplored issues in goal theory concern (a) the different predictive utility of outcome versus process self-efficacy and (b) the differences in static versus dynamic levels of self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance. This study examined these issues, using repeated measures of outcome versus process self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance over 3 months from 252 management students in an academic achievement setting. After establishing a baseline to replicate past research concerning self-efficacy, personal goal, and performance relationships, determinants of change in these variables were investigated. Outcome self-efficacy results in higher validity for predicting personal goals and performance than process self-efficacy; however, process self-efficacy significantly predicts outcome self-efficacy. Additionally, personal goals directly affect self-efficacy, self-efficacy does not directly affect change in performance, and self-efficacy, personal goals, and performance reciprocally affect each other.
Anxiety and impairment in a large sample of children and adolescents with chronic pain.

BACKGROUND Anxiety is the most common psychiatric condition in children and adolescents, and is linked to significant disruptions across domains of function. Due to the avoidant nature of anxiety and pain-related disability, studying anxiety symptoms in children with chronic and recurrent pain conditions is important. OBJECTIVES To examine anxiety symptoms in a large cohort of children and adolescents evaluated for complex chronic and recurrent pain conditions. METHODS Through retrospective chart review, data on anxiety, pain and functional disability were collected from 655 children evaluated at a multidisciplinary pain clinic over a three-year period. RESULTS Approximately 11% of children and adolescents reported clinically elevated anxiety symptoms, with elevated levels across dimensions of anxiety ranging from 14% (social anxiety, worry) to 27% (physiological). In addition, a notable 31% of the sample potentially minimized their anxiety by responding in a socially desirable manner. Anxiety was linearly associated with greater pain-related functional disability, but was not directly correlated with pain. Moderation analyses revealed that at low levels of worry, higher levels of pain were associated with greater functional disability, whereas at high levels of worry, pain no longer predicted the level of functional disability. CONCLUSIONS These findings document the prevalence of anxiety in children and adolescents with chronic pain, and also extend recent studies examining the complex relationships among pain, anxiety and pain-related disability.
Learning to learn in the European Reference Framework for lifelong learning

This article explores the construction of learning to learn that is implicit in the document Key Competences for Lifelong Learning—European Reference Framework and related education policy from the European Commission. The authors argue that the hallmark of learning to learn is the development of a fluid sociality rather than the promotion of fluent task-oriented behaviour. They also make the case for greater attention to the embodied, situated, affective and creative dimensions of learning to learn. These are considered in the context of the main trends in EU lifelong learning policy over the last two decades, which indicate a narrow instrumentalist approach to learning situated firmly within the human capital paradigm. The authors focus on the internal coherence of the Framework, and on the tensions inherent in learning ‘outcomes’ that emphasise personal fulfilment and wellbeing, social cohesion and economic competitiveness respectively. This article is the first step in clarifying the epistemological basis of learning to learn, and wresting it from narrow identification with self-regulated learning and meta-cognition, and ultimately challenging a narrow reading of human capital theory.
Comparison of lignocaine and water‐based lubricating gels for female urethral catheterization: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: It is standard practice to use lignocaine gel during male urethral catheterization. However, it is commonly believed that topical anaesthetic confers no benefit during female catheterization hence lubricating gel alone is more commonly used. The present study aimed to determine whether lignocaine gel decreased pain compared with water‐based lubricating gel for female urethral catheterization in the ED.
Wild and semi-domesticated food plant consumption in seven circum-Mediterranean areas

The use of local Mediterranean food plants is at the brink of disappearance. Even though there is relatively abundant information on inventories of wild edible taxa, there is also a crucial need to understand how these plants are consumed and when and how these consumption phenomena change over time and place around the Mediterranean. Additionally, it is important to study such knowledge systems and find innovative ways of infusing them to the future Mediterranean generations. During the years 2003–2006 a circum-Mediterranean ethnobotanical field survey for wild food plants was conducted in selected study sites in seven Mediterranean areas (European Union-funded RUBIA Project). Structured and semi-structured questionnaires have been administered to indigenous people and 294 wild food plant taxa were documented in the survey. A comparative analysis of the data was undertaken showing that the quantity and quality of traditional knowledge varies among the several study areas and is closely related to the traditions, environment and cultural heritage of each country. More similarities of wild edible popular use were revealed between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Mediterranean.
The Application of Biomedical Engineering Techniques to the Diagnosis and Management of Tropical Diseases: A Review

This paper reviews a number of biomedical engineering approaches to help aid in the detection and treatment of tropical diseases such as dengue, malaria, cholera, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, ebola, leprosy, leishmaniasis, and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas). Many different forms of non-invasive approaches such as ultrasound, echocardiography and electrocardiography, bioelectrical impedance, optical detection, simplified and rapid serological tests such as lab-on-chip and micro-/nano-fluidic platforms and medical support systems such as artificial intelligence clinical support systems are discussed. The paper also reviewed the novel clinical diagnosis and management systems using artificial intelligence and bioelectrical impedance techniques for dengue clinical applications.