Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PhotoECG: Photoplethysmographyto estimate ECG parameters

This paper presents a simple method to indirectly estimate the range of certain important electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters using photoplethysmography (PPG). The proposed method, termed as PhotoECG, extracts a set of time and frequency domain features from fingertip PPG signal. A feature selection algorithm utilizing the concept of Maximal Information Coefficient (MIC) is presented to rank the PPG features according to their relevance to create training models for different ECG parameters. The proposed method yields above 90% accuracy in estimating ECG parameters on a benchmark hospital dataset having clean PPG signal. The same method results an average of 80% accuracy on noisy PPG signal captured by iPhone, indicating its feasibility to create phone applications for preventive ECG monitoring at home.
Language Identification in Code-Switched Text Using Conditional Random Fields and Babelnet

The paper outlines a supervised approach to language identiﬁcation in code-switched data, framing this as a sequence labeling task where the label of each token is identiﬁed using a classiﬁer based on Conditional Random Fields and trained on a range of different features, extracted both from the training data and by using information from Babelnet and Babelfy. The method was tested on the development dataset provided by organizers of the shared task on language identiﬁcation in code-switched data, obtaining tweet level monolingual, code-switched and weighted F1-scores of 94%, 85% and 91%, respectively, with a token level accuracy of 95.8%. When evaluated on the unseen test data, the system achieved 90%, 85% and 87.4% monolingual, code-switched and weighted tweet level F1-scores, and a token level accuracy of 95.7%.
Pre‐adolescents' Perceptions of Competence, Motivation and Engagement in Art Activities

This article presents the findings from a small scale qualitative study which focused on pupils' perceptions of competence and motivation towards art experienced in school. These are considered as very important in shaping learning and teaching processes. In particular, the article focuses on the role that perceptions of competence play on pupils' quality of involvement and achievement in art. Participants were chosen based on age, gender and their stated perceptions of competence. Sixteen 11-12 year olds were interviewed in groups and individually. Pupils' perceptions of competence are identified as a key factor in determining pupils' initial engagement and level of engagement with art activities. Moreover they are thought to be important in shaping their learning preferences at an age when pupils' uncertainty about their abilities in art making is getting stronger. The results are situated within the framework of achievement goal theory and have implications for teaching strategies and for ways of responding to pupils' learning preferences.
RABIES CONTROL FOR URBAN FOXES, SKUNKS, AND RACCOONS

Author(s): Rosatte, Richard C. ; Power, Michael J.; MacInnes, Charles D. ; Lawson, Kenneth F. | Abstract: Rabies is currently enzootic in many cities of southern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources is utilizing two different tactics for the control of rabies in urban wildlife rabies vectors − rat immunization with baits (foxes) and vaccination by injection following live-capture (skunks and raccoons). Between 47 and 79% of the skunks and 61 and 76% of the raccoons were captured and vaccinated (Imrab) in a 60-km2 urban area of Metropolitan Toronto during 1987, 1989. Only three cases of rabies in skunks have been reported since control began in 1987. Population increases of 120% for skunks and 40% for raccoons were noted since the rabies control program was initiated. Densities for raccoons and skunks in urban habitat were found to be as high as 56 and 36 per km2, respectively. An estimated 56% of the foxes in Metropolitan Toronto were reached with rabies vaccine baits following distribution throughout the ravine systems and at fox pup-rearing den sites. To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of the use of a live-virus rabies vaccine for the control of fox rabies in a large metropolitan environment.
US Presidential Elections and the Spatial Pattern of the American Second Demographic Transition

This research note is a sequel to an earlier article in this journal (Lesthaeghe and Neidert 2006) in which we documented a strong and robust spatial correlation between the 2000 and 2004 presidential election results on the one hand and the extent to which states and counties had evolved on the "second demographic transition" (SDT) dimension. At that time the critique was voiced that this was an exceptional result valid for the Bush elections only, given the prominence of the "culture war" issues during these election campaigns. This correlation was predicted to shrink substantially if economic issues instead of cultural and life style ones were dominant campaign topics. The 2008 Obama-McCain contest provides a good test for this proposition, since the elections took place at a time when economic issues had risen to great prominence in the debate. In this note we show that the spatial association between the vote for McCain and the county- or state-level values on the SDT dimension remained as strong and as robust as before. Moreover, controls for competing explanations again failed to weaken or eliminate the correlation with the SDT dimension. Instead, anomalies in the correlations in 2004 for several Southern and Appalachian states disappeared in 2008. Copyright (c) 2009 The Population Council, Inc.
Identification of Multivariate Outliers: A Performance Study

Three methods for the identification of multivariate outliers (Rousseeuw and Van Zomeren, 1990; Becker and Gather, 1999; Filzmoser et al., 2005) are compared. They are based on the Mahalanobis distance that will be made resistant against outliers and model deviations by robust estimation of location and covariance. The comparison is made by means of a simulation study. Not only the case of multivariate normally distributed data, but also heavy tailed and asymmetric distributions will be considered. The simulations are focused on low dimensional ( p = 5 ) and high dimensional ( p = 30 ) data.
Displaced Olecranon Fractures in Children: A Biomechanical Analysis of Fixation Methods

Background: Wire and suture methods have been used to stabilize pediatric olecranon fractures. This study (1) compared differences in simulated intraoperative compression during fracture reduction, (2) evaluated articular surface compression during cyclic loading of the tension band, and (3) compared fracture stabilization after cyclic physiologic loading at low/high levels. Methods: Identical olecranon fractures were created in 10 synthetic ulnas and randomized to suture or wire fixation. Compression after fixation and compression during cyclic loading between 10 and 50 N was measured with a load cell at the articular surface and compared with a 1-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Twenty-four fractured synthetic ulna were randomly assigned to wire or suture tension band constructs and low- or high-loading groups. The low-load group (12 ulnae) cycled loading from 3 to 10 N for 100 cycles followed by a failure test. The high-load group (12 ulnae) experienced 10 to 100 N before failure testing. Fracture separation (mm) and failure load (N) were compared using a 2-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Ten synthetic ulnae were randomized to wire/suture groups and cyclically loaded between 10 to 50 N while measuring loads across the fracture using a load cell. Correlation data were statistically compared with a Fisher transformation and z test (p < 0.05). Results: Residual compression was statistically greater for wire compared with suture. There was no difference in fracture displacement between groups during low loads. Suture had significantly greater displacement compared with wire at high loads. Failure loads were significantly greater for wire at both load settings. Wires transmitted forces across the joint surface more readily than sutures. Conclusions: Suture tension bands had lower ultimate failure loads and less compression at the fracture site. However, if low loads are expected or if the fracture is reduced easily, the suture tension band may be an appropriate alternative to wire fixation. Clinical Relevance Perhaps, in small children or when using casts in bigger children, a bioabsorbable suture may be used for fracture stabilization avoiding the need for extensive surgery to remove the fixation material.
Smartwatch: Performance evaluation for long-term heart rate monitoring

Recent advancement in wearable technologies, particularly smart watches embedded with powerful processors, memory subsystems with various built-in sensors such as ac-celerometer, gyroscope and optical sensor in one single package has opened a whole new application space. One of the main applications of interest is the monitoring of movement patterns, heart rate, ECG and PPG particularly for longer duration's in natural environments. In this study, we conducted a performance evaluation on the optical heart rate sensor of the smartwatch with respect to the commonly used ECG and PPG devices. Results have shown that the heart rate acquired from the smartwatch is reasonably accurate with a high degree of correlation. Further, we conducted a preliminary exerise to evaluate sleep quality using the heart rate readings and accelerometer readings captured from the smartwatch and compared with a commercially available and clinically used non-contact sleep sensor, RESMED S+.
μ-Opioid Receptors Modulate NMDA Receptor-Mediated Responses in Nucleus Accumbens Neurons

The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) may play a major role in opiate dependence, and central NMDA receptors are reported to influence opiate tolerance and dependence. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the selective μ-opioid receptor agonist [d-Ala2-N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO) on membrane properties of rat NAcc neurons and on events mediated by NMDA and non-NMDA glutamate receptors, using intracellular recording in a brain slice preparation. Most NAcc neurons showed a marked inward rectification (correlated with Cs+- and Ba2+-sensitive inward relaxations) when hyperpolarized, as well as a slowly depolarizing ramp with positive current pulses. Superfusion of DAMGO did not alter membrane potential, input resistance, or the inward relaxations. In the presence of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) used to block non-NMDA glutamate receptors and bicuculline to block GABAAreceptors, EPSPs evoked by local stimulation displayed characteristics of an NMDA component: (1) long duration, (2) voltage sensitivity, and (3) blockade by the NMDA receptor antagonistdl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (d-APV). DAMGO (0.1–1 μm) significantly decreased both NMDA- and non-NMDA–EPSP amplitudes with reversal of this effect by naloxone and the μ-selective antagonist [Cys2-Tyr3-Orn5-Pen7]-somatostatinamide (CTOP). To assess a postsynaptic action of DAMGO, we superfused slices with tetrodotoxin and evoked inward currents by local application of glutamate agonists. Surprisingly, 0.1–1 μm DAMGO markedly enhanced the NMDA currents (with reversal by CTOP) but reduced the non-NMDA currents. At higher concentrations (5 μm), DAMGO reduced NMDA currents, but this effect was enhanced, not blocked, by CTOP. These results indicate a complex DAMGO modulation of the NMDA component of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in NAcc: μ receptor activation decreases NMDA–EPSP amplitudes presynaptically yet increases NMDA currents postsynaptically. These new data may provide a cellular mechanism for the previously reported role of NMDA receptors in opiate tolerance and dependence.
1-DOF dynamic pitching robot that independently controls velocity, Angular velocity, and direction of a ball: Contact models and motion planning

This paper demonstrates that a 1-DOF planar ball-throwing robot has the capability of controlling three kinematic variables of a ball independently: translational velocity, angular velocity, and direction. The throwing motion is modeled using two underactuated contact dynamics, called a finger-link contact model and a fingertip contact model, with a unidirectional transition from one model to another. A combination of a preliminary global search method and a search algorithm based on a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm provides joint torque commands for this highly nonlinear system. An experimental system with a 1-DOF planer manipulator has been developed that throws a disk (ball) in a frictionless plane. The experimental results confirm the validity of the contact models and the feasibility of independent control of the three kinematic variables.
Counsellors' perceptions of client progression when working with clients who intentionally self-harm and the impact such work has on the therapist

Abstract Introduction: This paper describes a qualitative study focusing on counsellors' perceptions of client progression when working with clients who intentionally self-harm and the impact this has on the therapist. Method: Semi-structured interviews were employed and the constant comparative method utilised to analyse the data. Findings: Findings indicate that counsellors experience intense emotions in response to self-harm including: shock; sadness; anxiety; anger; and frustration. Counsellors also struggled to manage the tension between multiple dualities, corresponding to professional opinions of a seemingly polar opposite nature. Although participants indicated a requirement to work in a client-led way, they all had either an explicit or implicit agenda for change. These two conflicting states create a tension for a counsellor that is difficult to resolve. In addition there were various views of client progression, yet all participants agreed that progression was not simply about stopping self-har.
A Novel Autosomal Dominant Inclusion Body Myopathy Linked to 7q22.1-31.1

We describe a novel autosomal dominant hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM) that clinically mimics limb girdle muscular dystrophy in a Chinese family. We performed a detailed clinical assessment of 36 individuals spanning four generations. The age of onset ranged from the 30s to the 50s. Hip girdle, neck flexion and axial muscle weakness were involved at an early stage. This disease progressed slowly, and a shoulder girdle weakness appeared later in the disease course. Muscle biopsies showed necrotic, regenerating, and rimmed vacuolated fibers as well as congophilic inclusions in some of the fibers. Electron micrograph revealed cytoplasmic inclusions of 15–21 nm filaments. A genomewide scan and haplotype analyses were performed using an Illumina Linkage-12 DNA Analysis Kit (average spacing 0.58 cM), which traced the disease to a new locus on chromosome 7q22.1–31.1 with a maximum multi-point LOD score of 3.65. The critical locus for this unique disorder, which is currently referred to as hereditary inclusion body myopathy 4 (HIBM4), spans 8.78 Mb and contains 65 genes. This localization raises the possibility that one of the genes clustered within this region may be involved in this disorder.
The Effects of Task Complexity and Practice on Dual-Task Interference in Visuospatial Working Memory

Abstract Although the n-back task has been widely applied to neuroimagery investigations of working memory (WM), the role of practice effects on behavioural performance of this task has not yet been investigated. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of task complexity and familiarity on the n-back task. Seventy-seven participants (39 male, 38 female) completed a visuospatial n-back task four times, twice in two testing sessions separated by a week. Participants were required to remember either the first, second or third (n-back) most recent letter positions in a continuous sequence and to indicate whether the current item matched or did not match the remembered position. A control task, with no working memory requirements required participants to match to a predetermined stimulus position. In both testing sessions, reaction time (RT) and error rate increased with increasing WM load. An exponential slope for RTs in the first session indicated dual-task interference at the 3-back level. However, a linear slope in the second session indicated a reduction of dual-task interference. Attenuation of interference in the second session suggested a reduction in executive demands of the task with practice. This suggested that practice effects occur within the n-back task and need to be controlled for in future neuroimagery research using the task.
Analysis of a Periodic Single Species Population Model Involving Constant Impulsive Perturbation

This is a continuation of the work of Tan et al. (2012). In this paper a periodic single species model controlled by constant impulsive perturbation is investigated. The constant impulse is realized at fixed moments of time. With the help of the comparison theorem of impulsive differential equations and Lyapunov functions, sufficient conditions for the permanence and global attractivity are established, respectively. Also, by comparing the above results with corresponding known results of Tan et al. (2012) (i.e., the above model with linear impulsive perturbations), we find that the two different types of impulsive perturbations have influence on the above dynamics. Numerical simulations are presented to substantiate our analytical results.
Training communication partners of people with severe traumatic brain injury improves everyday conversations: a multicenter single blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine effectiveness of communication training for partners of people with severe traumatic brain injury. DESIGN Three arm non-randomized controlled trial comparing communication partner training (JOINT) with individual treatment (TBI SOLO) and a waitlist control group with 6 month follow-up. PARTICIPANTS Forty-four outpatients with severe chronic traumatic brain injuries were recruited. INTERVENTION Ten-week conversational skills treatment program encompassing weekly group and individual sessions for both treatment groups. The JOINT condition focused on both the partner and the person with traumatic brain injury while the TBI SOLO condition focused on the individual with TBI only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were blind ratings of the person with traumatic brain injury's level of participation during conversation on the Measure of Participation in Communication Adapted Kagan scales. RESULTS Communication partner training improved conversational performance relative to training the person with traumatic brain injury alone and a waitlist control group on the primary outcome measures. Results were maintained at six months post-training. CONCLUSION Training communication partners of people with chronic severe traumatic brain injury was more efficacious than training the person with traumatic brain injury alone. The Adapted Kagan scales proved to be a robust and sensitive outcome measure for a conversational skills training program.
Perspectives in Creativity

In "Perspectives in Creativity", experts in the psychology of creativity take stock of the field by examining their own experiences. The contributors relate how they embarked on their work, how their ideas developed, what in their thinking remained the same, what had changed, and how they evaluate their successes and failures. The introductory chapter provides a historical context for subsequent contributions. J. P. Guilford then describes the development of the field of creativity from the perspective of the Structure of Intellect model. Donald W. MacKinnon describes his work at the Institute of Personality Assessment and Research. J. W. Getzels and Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi recount in the following chapter how, though starting with a conception of creativity as a problem-solving process, they were driven through their work with artists to a conception of creativity as also a problem-finding process. In the fifth chapter, Frank M. Andrews describes his investigations of the social and psychological factors in scientific laboratories. Frank Barron examines the problem of creativity and alienation. Anne Roe analyzes the sources and development of paintings as reported by twenty artists. In the following chapter, Salvatore Maddi examines the widely held belief that social integration and a permissive environment are conducive to creative endeavor. In chapter 9, Calvin Taylor and Richard Ellison describe the development of the Utah program of assessment and intervention with regard to the creativity of children in the classroom. Next, Sidney Parnes discusses his work on "brainstorming" and its emphasis on a balance between imagination and judgment, freedom, and discipline. George Prince tells of the development of "synectics" since its early formulation and recounts its application to creative production in industry. E. Paul Torrance then examines recent creativity in the schools and describes his own efforts in devising diagnostic tests and educational methods. The varying perspectives of the contributors all point to a field of inquiry that is alive and well and still in a dynamic state open to conceptual and methodological transformation.
Third‐person effects and direct‐to‐consumer advertisements for antidepressants

Background: This study examines the evidence for a third‐ person effect (TPE) in the reactions of individuals affected by depression to direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) advertisements for antidepressants. TPE predicts that people will perceive the self to be less vulnerable to such advertisements than others. Previous research has identified such an effect, but did so in general population surveys. Past Previous research has also found a link between depression and diminished self‐serving biases; whether this would be the case for TPE is unknown. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 148 participants in an Internet depression support group to investigate their perceptions of the influence of direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) advertisements for antidepressants. Results: Consistent with expectations derived from third‐person effect TPE research, participants, although relatively neutral in their attitudes toward such advertisements, nevertheless perceived other individuals with depression as more influenced than themselves. Positive attitudes towards DTC advertisements and depressive symptoms at the time of the survey were each negatively associated with this third‐person perception (TPE). Conclusions: Individuals who have been diagnosed with depression and who participated in an online depression support group believe that they are less vulnerable to the influence of DTC advertisements than the typical person with a history of depression. This is moderated by attitudes towards DTC advertisements as well as by depressive symptoms, each of which is associated with a weakened TPE. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Addressing the Increasing Volume and Variety of Digital Evidence Using an Ontology

The field of digital evidence must contend with an increasing number of devices to be examined paralleled with increasing diversity. Examiners face a battle to understand what artefacts may exist on these devices. Further, many current forensic tools look to comprehensively examine sources of digital evidence which can generate large amounts of, often spurious, data with no easy means of correlation. This paper proposes the use of an ontology - the Digital Evidence Semantic Ontology (DESO) - that allows an examiner to quickly discover what artefacts may be available on a device before time-consuming processes are commenced - preventing the generation of data that may have no practical value for an investigation. The ontology is then used to classify this data so that equivalent artefacts across devices can be compared to make connections. It demonstrates how this ontology can be adapted to keep track of changes in technology and how it can be used in a laboratory environment.