Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The welfare burden of adolescent anxiety and depression: a prospective study of 7500 young Norwegians and their families: the HUNT study

Objectives To examine the association between anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and their families and later medical benefit receipt in young adulthood. Design Prospective cohort study. Norwegian population study linked to national registers. Participants Data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 1995–1997 (HUNT) gave information on anxiety and depression symptoms as self-reported by 7497 school-attending adolescents (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist—SCL-5 score) and their parents (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score). There were 2711 adolescents with one or more siblings in the cohort. Outcome measures Adolescents were followed for 10 years in national social security registers, identifying long-term receipt of medical benefits (main outcome) and unemployment benefits for comparison from ages 20–29. Methods We used logistic regression to estimate OR of benefit receipt for groups according to adolescent and parental anxiety and depression symptom load (high vs low symptom loads) and for a one point increase in the continuous SCL-5 score (range 1–4). We adjusted for family-level confounders by comparing siblings differentially exposed to anxiety and depression symptoms. Results Comparing siblings, a one point increase in the mean SCL-5 score was associated with a 65% increase in the odds of medical benefit receipt from age 20–29 (adjusted OR, 1.65, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.48). Parental anxiety and depression symptom load was an indicator of their adolescent's future risk of medical benefit receipt, and adolescents with both parents reporting high symptom loads seemed to be at a particularly high risk. The anxiety and depression symptom load was only weakly associated with unemployment benefits. Conclusions Adolescents in families hampered by anxiety and depression symptoms are at a substantially higher risk of medical welfare dependence in young adulthood. The prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression in adolescence should be family-oriented and aimed at ensuring work-life integration.
Robust Wheel Torque Control for Traction/Braking Force Tracking Under Combined Longitudinal and Lateral Motion

Slip-ratio-based methods are commonly used to control the wheel torque such that the wheel dynamics is stabilized and the desired traction/braking force is attained; however, slip-ratio-based controllers are incompetent for precise longitudinal tire force tracking due to nonparametric tire model uncertainties. Force tracking performance further deteriorates whenever the tire is under combined longitudinal and lateral motion. In this paper, we propose an observer-based tire force control scheme that guarantees to achieve the desired longitudinal tire force accurately and robustly with respect to tire model uncertainties, changes in road conditions, and simultaneous lateral motion. Convergence of the force estimation and tracking errors is rigorously proved by the Lyapunov method. Then, simulations are conducted to verify the robust and accurate performance in longitudinal tire force estimation and tracking under a series of severe driving conditions.
Another Look at the Sequential Multiplier over Normal Bases

The Massey-Omura multiplier is a well-known sequential multiplier over finite fields GF(2m), which can perform multiplication in m clock cycles for the normal basis. In this article, the authors propose a new architecture to carry out the sequential multiplier using normal basis. The time complexity in each cycle of this new multiplier is O(1) and the number of inputs is lower down to m+1, instead of 2m, which is the number needed for most previous multipliers. These merits make it easier to the VLSI implementation
Possibilities to Encrypt an RDF-Graph

In this paper different approaches on achieving privacy protection in RDF graphs are discussed. Mainly this means encryption of elements and subgraphs of an RDF graph. Existing solutions have the disadvantage, that along 'with the encryption many new statements have to be generated, 'what results in a rapidly growing graph. By combining different approaches, these disadvantages can be eliminated. The result 'will be an elegant possibility to encrypt parts of an RDF graph, 'without increasing the 'whole RDF graph unnecessarily.
Directing and Potentiating Stem Cell-Mediated Angiogenesis and Tissue Repair by Cell Surface E-Selectin Coating

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach for treatment of a number of diseases, including delayed and non-healing wounds. However, targeted systemic delivery of therapeutic cells to the dysfunctional tissues remains one formidable challenge. Herein, we present a targeted nanocarrier-mediated cell delivery method by coating the surface of the cell to be delivered with dendrimer nanocarriers modified with adhesion molecules. Infused nanocarrier-coated cells reach to destination via recognition and association with the counterpart adhesion molecules highly or selectively expressed on the activated endothelium in diseased tissues. Once anchored on the activated endothelium, nanocarriers-coated transporting cells undergo transendothelial migration, extravasation and homing to the targeted tissues to execute their therapeutic role. We now demonstrate feasibility, efficacy and safety of our targeted nanocarrier for delivery of bone marrow cells (BMC) to cutaneous wound tissues and grafted corneas and its advantages over conventional BMC transplantation in mouse models for wound healing and neovascularization. This versatile platform is suited for targeted systemic delivery of virtually any type of therapeutic cell.
A Method for Surface Reconstruction Based on Support Vector Machine

Surface reconstruction is one of the main parts of reverse engineering and environment modeling. In this paper a method for reconstruct surface based on Support Vector Machine (SVM) is proposed. In order to overcome the inefficiency of SVM, a feature-preserved nonuniform simplification method is employed to simplify cloud points set. The points set is reduced while the feature is preserved after simplification. Then a reconstruction method based on segmented data is proposed to accelerate SVM regression process for cloud data. Firstly, the original sampling data set is partitioned to generate several training data subsets and testing data subsets. A segmentation technique is adopted to keep the continuity on the borders. Secondly regression calculation is executed on every training subset to generate a SVM model, from which a segmented mesh is obtained according to the testing data subset. Finally, all the mesh surfaces are stitched into one whole surface. Both theoretical analysis and experimental result show that the segmentation technique presented in this paper is efficient to improve the performance of the SVM regression, while keeping the continuity of the subset borders.
Direction-based text interpretation as an information access refinement

A Text-Based Intelligent System should provide more in-depth information about the contents of its corpus than does a standard information retrieval system, while at the same time avoiding the complexity and resource-consuming behavior of detailed text understanders. Instead of focusing on discovering documents that pertain to some topic of interest to the user, an approach is introduced based on the criterion of directionality (e.g., Is the agent in favor of, neutral, or opposed to the event? ). A method is described for coercing sentence meanings into a metaphoric model such that the only semantic interpretation needed in order to determine the directionality of a sentence is done with respect to the model. This interpretation method is designed to be an integrated component of a hybrid information access system.
Replication, Validation, and Use of a Language Independent CS1 Knowledge Assessment

Computing education lags other discipline-based education research in the number and range of validated assessments available to the research community. Validated assessments are important for researchers to reduce experimental error due to flawed assessments and to allow for comparisons between different experiments. Although the need is great, building assessments from scratch is difficult. Once an assessment is built, it's important to be able to replicate it, in order to address problems within it, or to extend it. We developed the Second CS1 Assessment (SCS1) as an isomorphic version of a previously validated language-independent assessment for introductory computer science, the FCS1. Replicating the FCS1 is important to enable free use by a broader research community. This paper is documentation of our process for replicating an existing validated assessment and validating the success of our replication. We present initial use of SCS1 by other research groups, to serve as examples of where it might be used in the future. SCS1 is useful for researchers, but care must be taken to avoid undermining the validity argument.
Towards a Multi-criteria Development Distribution Model: An Analysis of Existing Task Distribution Approaches

Distributing development tasks in the context of global software development bears both many risks and many opportunities. Nowadays, distributed development is often driven by only a few factors or even just a single factor such as workforce costs. Risks and other relevant factors such as workforce capabilities, the innovation potential of different regions, or cultural factors are often not recognized sufficiently. This could be improved by using empirically-based multi-criteria distribution models. Currently, there is a lack of such decision models for distributing software development work. This article focuses on mechanisms for such decision support. First, requirements for a distribution model are formulated based on needs identified from practice. Then, distribution models from different domains are surveyed, compared, and analyzed in terms of suitability. Finally, research questions and directions for future work are given.
Total Number and Ratio of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses Converging onto Single Interneurons of Different Types in the CA1 Area of the Rat Hippocampus

The least known aspect of the functional architecture of hippocampal microcircuits is the quantitative distribution of synaptic inputs of identified cell classes. The complete dendritic trees of functionally distinct interneuron types containing parvalbumin (PV), calbindin D28k (CB), or calretinin (CR) were reconstructed at the light microscopic level to describe their geometry, total length, and laminar distribution. Serial electron microscopic reconstruction and postembedding GABA immunostaining was then used to determine the density of GABA-negative asymmetrical (excitatory) and GABA-positive symmetrical (inhibitory) synaptic inputs on their dendrites, somata, and axon initial segments. The total convergence and the distribution of excitatory and inhibitory inputs were then calculated using the light and electron microscopic data sets. The three populations showed characteristic differences in dendritic morphology and in the density and distribution of afferent synapses. PV cells possessed the most extensive dendritic tree (4300 μm) and the thickest dendrites. CR cells had the smallest dendritic tree (2500 μm) and the thinnest shafts. The density of inputs as well as the total number of excitatory plus inhibitory synapses was several times higher on PV cells (on average, 16,294) than on CB (3839) or CR (2186) cells. The ratio of GABAergic inputs was significantly higher on CB (29.4%) and CR (20.71%) cells than on PV cells (6.4%). The density of inhibitory terminals was higher in the perisomatic region than on the distal dendrites. These anatomical data are essential to understand the distinct behavior and role of these interneuron types during hippocampal activity patterns and represent fundamental information for modeling studies.
True 3 DCT-reconstruction in comparison to the FDK-algorithm

As has already been shown with 2D-models DIRECTT [1,2] (Direct iterative reconstruction of computed tomography trajectories) exceeds the spatial reso lution of the classical filtered back projection. In this work the DIRECTT algorithm is extend d towards cone-beam projection including iterative 3D reconstruction. The improved speed is still overcompensated by the large amount of reconstruction space and therefore intens ve u age of memory. In comparison to the FDK [3] (Feldkamp-Davis-Kress) algorithm we achieved a better edge resolution in all dimensions using only 5 iterations. In pa rticular artefacts far outside of the central plane are reduced significantly. Local smearing by focal spot size and/or real detector response can be integrated in order to increase the reco nstruction quality. These important improvements help using computed tomography in all kind of industrial applications. Reconstructions obtained from simulated data as well as real measurements are discussed in detail.
Three-level buck converter for envelope tracking in RF power amplifiers

This paper proposes a three-level buck converter for efficient wide-bandwidth envelope tracking in RF power amplifiers (RFPA). The focus is on low-power battery-operated systems, and the goal is to enable practical implementation of the envelope elimination and restoration (EER) technique, which theoretically allows realization of a highly linear, highly efficient RFPA for non-constant envelope modulations. In terms of ripple, switching frequency and bandwidth tradeoffs, it is shown that the three-level buck converter is similar to the two-phase configuration, while employing a single inductor in the power stage. Additionally, a digital control technique for regulation of the flying capacitor voltage is proposed to ensure signal tracking fidelity. Experimental results show the improved performance of a three-level buck converter prototype as regards efficiency and ripple rejection for the illustrative case of tracking the envelope of a two-tone test signal
Detection of Borrelia lusitaniae, Rickettsia sp. IRS3, Rickettsia monacensis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected in Madeira Island, Portugal.

A total of 300 Ixodes ricinus ticks were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Borrelia spp. , Rickettsia spp. , and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Sequence analysis demonstrated 8 (2.7%) ticks infected with B. lusitaniae, 60 (20%) with Rickettsia spp. , and 1 (0.3%) with A. phagocytophilum. Seven (2.3%) ticks were coinfected with B. lusitaniae and Rickettsia spp. , 2 (0.6%) with R. monacensis, and 5 (1.7%) with Rickettsia sp. IRS3. The results of this study suggest simultaneous transmission of multiple tick-borne agents on Madeira Island, Portugal.
Click and Brush: A Novel Way of Finding Correlations and Relationships in Visualizations

Brushing is a commonly used interaction technique that allo ws users to select items or an area of the visualization as the user moves the mouse. Brushing is often used with multi ple views, where any co-related information is simultaneously highlighted in these linked views. Brushin g is a direct manipulation technique where interaction is performed directly with the visualization. Similar effe cts can be engendered through indirect manipulation, using dynamic query sliders. In fact, such indirect manipul ation can be more effective as the user is able to both highlight and constrain interesting features. In this pape r we present a new brushing technique, called ‘Click and Brush’, that allows the user to both highlight correlationsand constrain intersections in the data using direct manipulation. Users are able to highlight data (brush), fix t his subset (click) and explore further intersections (subsets) of this data through further brushing operations .
Performance-centric business activity monitoring framework for continuous process improvement

For better business performance or continuous process improvement of an enterprise, real-time measurement and analysis of the performance of managerial activities is essential. Business Activity Monitoring (BAM) which provides real-time access to key performance indicators or business processes is one of core elements for successful BPM system. Since performance measurement cannot be managed independently of business processes, BAM system needs to monitor performance metrics in terms of business process. This paper proposes BAM framework based on the process-based performance measurement model, in which monitored KPIs are closely related with business processes. To show the applicability of proposed framework, BAM system prototype was also developed using a real case. This paper is expected to be a practical help to the practitioners who are planning and executing the BAM system implementation for the continuous process improvement.
Blind Adaptive Multi-User Detection Applied to a Power-Line Data Transmission System

In this paper the CMOE detector proposed in 111 is modified to cope with a varying SNR of the signal of interest in a multi-user environment. The detector is applied to a DS-CDMA system, where several users transmit data simultaneously and asynchronously over a noisy, frequency selective power-line channel. A comparison is performed between the improved CMOE detector and a RAKE receiver for a non-ideal power control. Simulation results show that the modified detector outperforms the RAKE receiver in terms of biterror-rate and overall system capacity. This performance gain is achieved without additional knowledge of the multiple access interference structure.
Uncertainty in consumer decisions

Uncertainty has been identified as a major force shaping behaviour. The ubiquity of uncertainty in everyday choices is reflected in its prevalence in economic theories. Despite the acknowledged importance of uncertainty , however, the actual content of the concept is far from clear, for uncertainty has rarely been the focus of research. Presence of uncertainty has been used as a justification for the relevance of the study, rather than the object of the study in and of itself. In this paper, we have studied the presence of uncertainty in consumer decisions. Uncertainty has clearly a multidimensional nature and its dimensions have various effects on consumer behavior. To identify the central dimensions of uncertainty, we have adopted the idea from Herbert Simon who proposed a generalized approach to model a decision making as a process (Simon 1960). We propose that uncertainty has four dimensions in consumer decision context: knowledge uncertainty, evaluation uncertainty, choice uncertainty, and implementation uncertainty. Those dimensions can be clearly identified from our empirical data by using exploratory factor analysis. The questionnaire used in our empirical study can be used to measure uncertainty on each dimension. Against previous wisdom, evaluation and implementation uncertainties seem to exercise stronger impact on consumer decisions than the other varieties of uncertainty in electronic commerce context. Introduction Consumption involves decision making with what to buy, where to buy, and when to buy being the most obvious choices to be made. Often consumers face these decisions without being fully informed about the many aspects of the purchase. Indecision may exist over the best choice alternative. The needs and wants, the evaluation criteria, are often less than clear or they can't be directly matched with the characteristics of the available choice alternatives. The limits of one's knowledge about the products may be in doubt. In addition, one's ability to see the purchase through, to implement the purchase decision, is often indeterminate. Gaps in one's knowledge lead to feelings of insecurity, a mental state that is often termed uncertainty. Alba and Hutchinson (2000) note that " the correspondence between self-assessed and actual validity of knowledge is an important issue for the study of consumer decision making for high levels of correspondence are achieved rarely and moderate levels that include some degree of systematic bias UNCERTAINTY IN CONSUMER DECISIONS 2 All rights reserved. This study may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the author´s permission. …
Personalized Access to Web Services in the Semantic Web

We propose a Semantic Web browser which enables users to discover, select and personalize Web services in the Semantic Web. We discuss how such a Semantic Web browser can offer domain specific visualization, and investigate solutions for supporting individual users in finding appropriate Web services, in tailoring Web services to their needs, and in accessing and administering their favorite Web services. As a proof-of-concept, we show the realization of a Semantic Web browser, the personal podcast syndication service MyEar, which collects and filters data from various providers of podcast feeds. keywords: semantic web, semantic web browser, personalization, web services
Does Higher Education Quality Matter in the UK?

This paper estimates the financial returns to higher education quality in the UK. To account for the selectivity of students to institution, we rely on a selection on observable assumptions. We use several estimates including the Generalised Propensity Score of Hirano and Imbens, which relies on a continuous measure of institutional quality. This highlights that the returns to quality are heterogenous, and mostly driven by high quality institutions. Moving from an institution in the 3rd quality quartile to a top quality institution is associated with a 7% increase in earnings.
Simultaneous localization assistance for multiple mobile robots using particle filter based target tracking

Research in the areas of localization, mapping and path planning for single mobile robots has been carried out extensively. Nevertheless, relatively little of its work is applied to multiple robot systems. Moreover, when these robots coexist with human, complex and unpredictable human environments make the above navigational tasks even more challenging. To address this problem we propose intelligent assistance, a novel scheme to assist mobile robots by providing localization information externally. This scheme aims to combine the research fields of autonomous mobile robot navigation and target tracking. The mobile robots are detected using a laser range finder and camera based sensor unit. Using Rao-Blackwellized particle filter technique, the sensory information is integrated in a probabilistic manner and the mobile robots that need assistance are continuously tracked. We maneuver the non-holonomic constraint of mobile robots together with suitable state variables to obtain the heading angle of the robot. The preliminary experiments show the validity of the proposed scheme for simultaneous localization assistance for multiple mobile robots.
Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) and TREC-2

Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) is an extension of the vector retrieval method (e.g., Salton & McGill, 1983) in which the dependencies between terms are explicitly taken into account in the representation and exploited in retrieval. This is done by simultaneously modeling all the interrelationships among terms and documents. We assume that there is some underlying or "latent" structure in the pattern of word usage across documents, and use statistical techniques to estimate this latent structure. A description of terms, documents and user queries based on the underlying, "latent semantic", structure (rather than surface level word choice) is used for representing and retrieving information. One advantage of the LSI representation is that a query can be very similar to a document even when they share no words.