Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
H‐index and impact factors: assessing the clinical impact of researchers and specialist journals

The number of scientific and medical journals has increased dramatically in recent years, particularly due to the expanding numbers of highly specialist journals1, and the need for a method to assess the relative ‘quality’ of such journals has become evident, these data being used for determination of funding decisions and researcher and institution status2. Since ‘quality’ is impossible to define and agree subjectively, objective indices have been developed to act as surrogate ‘quality’ markers, the current most commonly used being the journal Impact Factor (IF). However, there are limitations in the methodology used for calculating journal IFs, and this metric may not necessarily be the most appropriate when assessing the clinical impact that specialist journals have in routine practice in a subspecialty. There have been recent developments in bibliometric criteria which assess different aspects of journal article ‘importance’ and these are likely to result in changes to the current methods of evaluation. The issue of developing appropriate methods of ranking groups or individuals is not unique to medicine or science; indeed, the most widely known ranking systems apply to sports. For example, in determining the world golf ranking for individual players, a complex points system is used which is based on a combination of both tournament placings and the weighting of such tournaments in relation to the strength of the other players. The aim of all these ranking systems is to provide a final composite score which encompasses various aspects of performance over time, including both wins of prestigious tournaments, weighted for contemporaneousness, and consistency across events, such that the overall ‘best’ player is ranked highest3.
Beyond Access: Considering Gender Deficits in Science Education.

ABSTRACT Despite striking increases in female enrolments in many undergraduate science programmes, women continue to be dramatically underrepresented in graduate training and careers in science. Although there is substantial evidence of differences in male and female students' experiences in university science courses, we know little about how young women interpret and respond to these differences. This article explores the accounts that female science students construct of their aspirations, educational experiences, achievements, and opportunities as they move through their undergraduate education at a large, urban university in Canada. Based on in-depth, longitudinal interviews ( n = 91), the focus is on the processes through which they make sense of their educational and career options and choices. The findings point to the importance of understanding how meanings and subjectivities are produced, understood, and acted upon. What is evident from this study is that women in science confront a complex web.
Improving type 2 diabetes mellitus risk prediction using classification

Diabetes is a chronic disease that contributes to a significant portion of the healthcare expenditure for a nation as individuals with diabetes need continuous medical care. In order to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, it is necessary to identify high risk populations and introduce behavior modifications as early as possible. Screening the population to identify high risk individuals is an important task. One of the most accurate tests of diabetes is through the analysis of fasting blood sugar, but it is invasive and costly. Furthermore, it is only useful when the individual is already displaying symptoms i.e., making a diagnosis, which is considered too late to be an effective screening mechanism. Therefore, a reliable non-invasive inexpensive test to predict high risk individuals in advance is needed. In this paper, we use classification to mine an extensive dataset gathered from 12 hospitals in Thailand during 2011-2012 with 22,094 records of screened population who are females age 15 years or older. We use RapidMiner Studio 7.0 with Naive Bayes and CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector) Decision Tree classifiers to predict high risk individuals and compared our results to existing hand-computed diabetes risk scoring mechanisms. We define the goal of risk prediction as coverage which is the ability to use screening data to identify individuals that are eventually diagnosed with diabetes. Our results indicate that the use of classification introduced in this paper instead of hand-computed scoring can improve the prediction performance with an increase in coverage.
Sensitivity of aerosol concentrations and cloud properties to nucleation and secondary organic distribution in ECHAM5-HAM global circulation model

Abstract. The global aerosol-climate model ECHAM5-HAM was modified to improve the representation of new particle formation in the boundary layer. Activation-type nucleation mechanism was introduced to produce observed nucleation rates in the lower troposphere. A simple and computationally efficient model for biogenic secondary organic aerosol (BSOA) formation was implemented. Here we study the sensitivity of the aerosol and cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNC) to these additions. Activation-type nucleation significantly increases aerosol number concentrations in the boundary layer. Increased particle number concentrations have a significant effect also on cloud droplet number concentrations and therefore on cloud properties. We performed calculations with activation nucleation coefficient values of 2×10−7s−1, 2×10−6s−1 and 2×10−5s−1 to evaluate the sensitivity to this parameter. For BSOA we have used yields of 0.025, 0.07 and 0.15 to estimate the amount of monoterpene oxidation products available for condensation. The hybrid BSOA formation scheme induces large regional changes to size distribution of organic carbon, and therefore affects particle optical properties and cloud droplet number concentrations locally. Although activation-type nucleation improves modeled aerosol number concentrations in the boundary layer, the use of a global activation coefficient generally leads to overestimation of aerosol number. Overestimation can also arise from underestimation of primary emissions.
Thyristor based solid state tap changer for distribution transformers

The present document discusses some different topologies of on-load tap. A solid state tap changer scheme is proposed and once the components completing the scheme are described, the method followed to calculate their values is discussed. Finally, the way to optimize the complete scheme is proposed, which in many cases suppose big saving in economic and volume terms.
Interrogating Mixed-Race: A Crisis of Ambiguity?

In many respects, issues surrounding ‘mixed-race’ identities rupture and dislocate much current thinking within post-race and new ethnicities paradigms. This article seeks to critically engage with what is arguably a marginalized and diverse ‘community’. An evaluation of theories emanating from the UK and USA seeks to challenge hybrid degenerative theories, and more recent attempts at explaining how such identities are negotiated in complex social arenas. What emerges is that some theories are underpinned by static and linear behavioural patterns, which appear oversimplified. Key questions are raised in order to further explore whether ‘mixed-race’ identities are genuinely marginalized and remain ambiguous in a range of physical, social, emotional and ideological contexts. Reflecting upon such issues seeks to prompt questions as to whether there can be a more sophisticated and sensitive understanding of the unique experiences (both positive and negative) of ‘mixed-race’ individuals. By doing so, it is hoped that such a topic becomes more central to considerations of how prejudice and discrimination operate across and within a wide variety of settings.
The susceptibility of three attachment style measures to socially desirable responding

We investigated the susceptibility of three popular measures of attachment styles to impression management (other-deception) and unconscious defensiveness (self-deception). Specifically, responses to the Attachment Style Questionnaire, Adult Attachment Scale, and the Relationship Questionnaire were correlated with the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding. Results indicate that all three measures are, to varying degrees, contaminated by impression management tendencies, while only the Relationship Questionnaire is free from a self-deceptive bias. These results have implications for interpreting responses to several frequently used measures of attachment styles, and also for the theoretical issue of whether the avoidance attachment style is based on defensiveness.
0 D ec 2 01 2 Beam shaping using genetically optimized two-dimensional photonic crystals

We propose the use of two-dimensional photonic crystals with engineered defects for the generation of an arbitrary-profile beam from a focused input beam. The cylindrical harmonics expansion of complex-source beams is derived and used to compute the scattered wavefunction of a 2D photonic crystal via the multiple scattering method. The beam shaping problem is then solved using a genetic algorithm. We illustrate our procedure by generating different orders of Hermite-Gauss profiles, while maintaining reasonable losses and tolerance to variations in the input beam and the slab refractive index.
Behavioral Marital Therapy: An Outcome Evaluation of Conjoint, Group and One Spouse Treatment

Abstract Behavioral Marital Therapy has focussed on the modification of marital behavior in conjoint and couples group settings. This study extends previously published outcome studies in that one treatment condition involved treating only one of the partners. Fifty-seven couples were consecutively assigned to one of the three treatment conditions. Outcome evaluations included an independent assessment, marital satisfaction, sexual adjustment and an assessment of target problems. The results revealed no significant differences between the three treatment conditions. However, couples in the conjoint treatment resolved their target problems more rapidly than the other two treatments. The implications of the result as well as issues of outcome prediction, cost-effectiveness and the viability of treating one spouse are discussed.
Gaining and seeking access: The European adaptation of domestic interest associations

The multilevel governance literature on European politics argues that suprana- tional governing arrangements have increased their autonomy vis-a-vis national govern- ments. As private interests increasingly bypass national levels and become active in transnational Euro-level policy networks, national governments are no longer the sole inter- face between supranational and national levels. In contrast, the European Union might also be conceptualised as a two-level interstate negotiation system, an approach assuming that interests are formed and aggregated at the national level. Societal interests enter the fray of European negotiations via national executives, and private interests bypassing the national level are considered as a rather marginal, even irrelevant, phenomenon. In addi- tion, both accounts expect different outcomes regarding which sorts of private interests - diffuse or specific - seek and gain access to both domestic and European public actors. By analysing the varying network strategies of domestic private actors, in particular interest associations, this article explores some propositions held by these two approaches. After a more comprehensive outline of some hypotheses, evidence collected among public and private actors at both the domestic (Belgian) and European levels will be analysed. In general, the results suggest that Euro-level networks of domestic interests are substantially related to their structural location within the domestic realm, that network strategies tend to be quite bureaucratic and that the sort of interest represented - diffuse or specific - has a considerable effect on getting and seeking access.
Mannitol-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal swab specimens in Brazil

The isolation of mannitol-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal swabs is reported. Among the 59 isolates, 9 (15%) isolates were mannitol-negative; all of these isolates were categorized as staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IVa. This report emphasizes that mannitol fermentation on mannitol salt agar should not be used as the sole criterion when screening nasal swab specimens for S. aureus.
A MIN-MAX PREDICTIVE CONTROL ALGORITHM FOR UNCERTAIN NORM-BOUNDED LINEAR SYSTEMS

Abstract A novel robust predictive control algorithm for input-saturated uncertain linear discrete-time systems with structured norm-bounded uncertainties is presented. The solution is based on the minimization, at each time instant, of a LMI convex optimization problem obtained by a recursive use of the S-procedure. The general case of N free moves is presented. Stability and feasibility are proved and comparisons with robust multi-model (polytopic) MPC algorithms are also presented via an example.
Meta-Analysis of the Validation Studies of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children

A meta-analysis of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) was conducted to ascertain the numbers of factors in the mental processing subtest of the K-ABC. After a summary and synthesis of the psychometric literature, a pooled correlation matrix was computed and a factor analysis applied. Two and 3-factor extraction (rotated by varimax) methods using principal axis factor analysis and principal component analysis consistently yielded 2 factors-namely, sequential and simultaneous processing. The results suggest that the original K-ABC theory was not supported.
Hubris syndrome: an acquired personality disorder? A study of US Presidents and UK Prime Ministers over the last 100 years.

‘The history of madness is the history of power. Because it imagines power, madness is both impotence and omnipotence. It requires power to control it. Threatening the normal structures of authority, insanity is engaged in an endless dialogue—a monomaniacal monologue sometimes—about power’ . Roy Porter A Social History of Madness: Stories of the Insane, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1987 p. 39 Charisma, charm, the ability to inspire, persuasiveness, breadth of vision, willingness to take risks, grandiose aspirations and bold self-confidence—these qualities are often associated with successful leadership. Yet there is another side to this profile, for these very same qualities can be marked by impetuosity, a refusal to listen to or take advice and a particular form of incompetence when impulsivity, recklessness and frequent inattention to detail predominate. This can result in disastrous leadership and cause damage on a large scale. The attendant loss of capacity to make rational decisions is perceived by the general public to be more than ‘just making a mistake’. While they may use discarded medical or colloquial terms, such as ‘madness’ or ‘he's lost it’, to describe such behaviour, they instinctively sense a change of behaviour although their words do not adequately capture its essence. A common thread tying these elements together is hubris, or exaggerated pride, overwhelming self-confidence and contempt for others (Owen, 2006). How may we usefully think about a leader who hubristically abuses power, damaging the lives of others? Some see it as nothing more than the extreme manifestation of normal behaviour along a spectrum of narcissism. Others simply dismiss hubris as an occupational hazard of powerful leaders, politicians or leaders in business, the military and academia; an unattractive but understandable aspect of those who crave power. But the matter can be formulated differently so that it becomes appropriate to think of hubris …
Lytic Agents, Cell Permeability, and Monolayer Penetrability

Cell lysis induced by lytic agents is the terminal phase of a series of events leading to membrane disorganization and breadkdown with the release of cellular macromolecules. Permeability changes following exposure to lytic systems may range from selective effects on ion fluxes to gross membrane damage and cell leakage. Lysis can be conceived as an interfacial phenomenon, and the action of surface-active agents on erythrocytes has provided a model in which to investigate relationships between hemolysis and chemical structure, ionic charge, surface tension lowering, and ability to penetrate monolayers of membrane lipid components. Evidence suggests that lysis follows the attainment of surface pressures exceeding a "critical collapse" level and could involve membrane cholesterol or phospholipid. Similarities of chemical composition of membranes from various cell types could account for lytic responses observed on interaction with surface-active agents. Cell membranes usually contain about 20–30 % lipid and 50–75 % protein. One or two major phospholipids are present in all cell membranes, but sterols are not detectable in bacterial membranes other than those of the Mycoplasma group. The rigid cell wall in bacteria has an important bearing on their response to treatment with lytic agents. Removal of the wall renders the protoplast membrane sensitive to rapid lysis with surfactants. Isolated membranes of erythrocytes and bacteria are rapidly dissociated by surface-active agents. Products of dissociation of bacterial membranes have uniform behavior in the ultracentrifuge (sedimentation coefficients 2–3S). Dissociation of membrane proteins from lipids and the isolation and characterization of these proteins will provide a basis for investigating the specificity of interaction of lytic agents with biomembranes.
Crisis management in a complex world

There is a strong sense in the book that individuals and communities can rise to this challenge. Drabek looks for the good in people and life occurrences and feels his research overall bears out that most people, most of the time, are really pretty good. Readers familiar with social scientific approaches to disaster should expect to have their knowledge and examples enhanced by this book. Those new to these approaches will gain a fuller and necessary understanding of the human dimensions of disaster preparedness and response. Of the sociological legacy captured within this work, Drabek concludes that future lives can be saved if those responsible for protecting us in times of disaster better apply the thoughts from the social sciences captured in the book. And by ‘those responsible’, says Drabek, ‘I mean every citizen’ (p. xviii).
Encoding of periodic and their transient motions by a single dynamic movement primitive

Present formulations of periodic dynamic movement primitives (DMPs) do not encode the transient behavior required to start the rhythmic motion, although these transient movements are an important part of the rhythmic movements (i.e. when walking, there is always a first step that is very different from the subsequent ones). An ad-hoc procedure is then necessary to get the robot into the periodic motion. In this contribution we present a novel representation for rhythmic Dynamic Movement Primitives (DMPs) that encodes both the rhythmic motion and its transient behaviors. As with previously proposed DMPs, we use a dynamical system approach where an asymptotically stable limit cycle represents the periodic pattern. Transients are then represented as trajectories converging towards the limit cycle, different trajectories representing varying transients from different initial conditions. Our approach thus constitutes a generalization of previously proposed rhythmic DMPs. Experiments conducted on the humanoid robot ARMAR-III demonstrate the applicability of the approach for movement generation.
Social factor and victim-offender differences in courtship violence

Social factor differences between respondents with and without courtship violence experience and between male offenders and female victims were explored. Data from the Seven College Survey revealed that those with courtship violence experience (victims and offenders) exhibit relatively "problematic" social profiles. Especially significant were race, religion, social stress, isolation, disrupted home, distant-harsh parenting, early dating, and school, employment, and alcohol problems. Offenders differed from victims in closeness to male parents and frequency of church attendance. Implications for relevance of the theory of patriarchy to courtship, and for parent education and the counseling professions are discussed.
Finite-state control of a robotic transtibial prosthesis with motor-driven nonlinear damping behaviors for level ground walking

This paper presents a finite-state control strategy for a robotic transtibial prosthesis to realize level ground walking with controlled damping behaviors in the ankle joint. We use a motor-driven method to generate braking torque to realize nonlinear damping behaviors. The controller performs damper control for the stance phase and angle control for the swing phase. We design and construct a robotic transtibial prosthesis prototype to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. One transtibial amputee subject participated in the experiments. By using the proposed finite-state control method, the robotic prosthesis can successfully mimick the behaviors of normal limb. The damping control strategy enabled the ankle to dorsiflex smoothly.
Modeling Regional and Psychophysiologic Interactions in Fmri: the Importance of Hemodynamic Deconvolution

The analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time-series data can provide information not only about task-related activity, but also about the connectivity (functional or effective) among regions, and the influences of behavioral or physiologic states on that connectivity (Büchel and Friston, 1997). Similar analyses have been performed in other imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET) (McIntosh et al., 1994). However, fMRI is unique because the information about the underlying neuronal activity is filtered or convolved with a hemodynamic response function. Previous studies of regional connectivity in fMRI have overlooked this convolution and have assumed that the observed hemodynamic response approximates the neuronal response. In this paper, this assumption is revisited using estimates of underlying neuronal activity. These estimates use a Parametric Empirical Bayes formulation for hemodynamic deconvolution.
Lisibilité des textes pour enfants : un nouvel outil?

Jean Mesnager est professeur a l'Ecole Normale de Nantes. Il s'interesse depuis longtemps aux aspects de la lisibilite, particulierement dans la litterature de jeunesse. Cet article est le resume d'un travail entrepris depuis deux ans avec Jean Pierre Benoit, qui enseignait dans le meme etablissement. Apres avoir tire le maximun d'une formule de lisibilite de type Flesch, ils montrent qu'elle est non seulement inadequate, mais invalide. Puis ils proposent une autre voie pour evaluer la langue des textes destines aux enfants. L'outil simple qui en resulte est decrit ici, avec ses premieres mises a l'epreuve en classe.