Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compositional Analysis for Weak Stubborn Sets

Partial order reduction methods rely on expanding a state space only partially, exploring representatives of sets of executions of a system. The methods differ at least in three respects:the set of properties that are preserved, the notions of interaction between transitions, and the methods of selecting the representative transitions. We explore an existing but less studied method of weak stubborn sets in the context of process-algebraic parallel composition. The theory of stubborn set methods is based on global condition son executions. In practice, these conditions are guaranteed by using static dependency information in the form of dependency and causality relations. We propose a compositional approach for these conditions. We extract dependency information from the component processes by analysing the components in detail and then define compositional rules for system-level dependency information. We use novel localised conditions of dependency that the weak stubborn set method can make use of. We carry out some experiments in the context of FDR, to explore the relative merits of the method compared to the more well-known version of stubborn sets with and without compositional analysis. We do this for both a deadlock preserving reduction and a version that preserves the failures/divergences semantics of FDR.
Linear peristaltic pump driven by three magnetic actuators: Simulation and experimental results

A bi-directional linear peristaltic pump is presented that avoids use of a rotating step motor and rollers. Fluid displacement, flow and pump function, respectively, are achieved by means of three electro-magnetic actuators. They are electronically controlled and designed to periodically squeeze an elastic tube that contains the liquid. The device reveals a very simple construction, is maintenance free, has very low power consumption, thus accounting for very low manufacture and operation costs. Upon reducing the size of the actuators, it can be easily integrated with micro fluidic arrangements. Flow and pressure pulsation can be reduced by increasing the number of actuators. A finite element-based numerical model has been developed, using the fluid structure interaction (FSI) model. The flow dynamics inside the tube has been treated, using the coupling between the Navier-Stokes and the elastic displacement equations of the elastic tube. The appropriate and optimum timely driving sequence of the actuators, as well as the response characteristics of the physical system, were also numerically evaluated. Experimental results fully agree with the numerical simulation results. The dynamic range of the flow rate was determined as ranging from 7 00μ/min to 79ml/min, while the back pressure varies between 400 mmHg to 14 mmHg.
Genetic reduction of circulating insulin‐like growth factor‐1 inhibits azoxymethane‐induced colon tumorigenesis in mice

High levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) have been associated with a significant increase in colon cancer risk. Additionally, IGF‐1 inhibits apoptosis and stimulates proliferation of colonic epithelial cells in vitro. Unfortunately, IGF‐1 knockout mice have severe developmental abnormalities and most do not survive, making it difficult to study how genetic ablation of IGF‐1 affects colon tumorigenesis. To test the hypothesis that inhibition of IGF‐1 prevents colon tumorigenesis, we utilized a preexisting mouse model containing a deletion of the igf1 gene in the liver through a Cre/loxP system. These liver‐specific IGF‐1 deficient (LID) mice display a 50–75% reduction in circulating IGF‐1 levels. We conducted a pilot study to assess the impact of liver‐specific IGF‐1 deficiency on azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colon tumors. LID mice had a significant inhibition of colon tumor multiplicity in the proximal area of the colon compared to their wild‐type littermates. We examined markers of proliferation and apoptosis in the colons of the LID and wild‐type mice to see if these were consistent with tumorigenesis. We observed a decrease in proliferation in the colons of the LID mice and an increase in apoptosis. Finally, we examined cytokine levels to determine whether IGF‐1 interacts with inflammatory pathways to affect colon tumorigenesis. We observed a significant reduction in the levels of 7 out of 10 cytokines that were measured in the LID mice as compared to wild‐type littermates. Results from this pilot study support the hypothesis that reductions in circulating IGF‐1 levels may prevent colon tumorigenesis and affect both proliferation and apoptosis. Future experiments will investigate downstream genes of the IGF‐1 receptor. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acupuncture Enhances Effective Connectivity between Cerebellum and Primary Sensorimotor Cortex in Patients with Stable Recovery Stroke

Recent neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that stimulation of acupuncture at motor-implicated acupoints modulates activities of brain areas relevant to the processing of motor functions. This study aims to investigate acupuncture-induced changes in effective connectivity among motor areas in hemiparetic stroke patients by using the multivariate Granger causal analysis. A total of 9 stable recovery stroke patients and 8 healthy controls were recruited and underwent three runs of fMRI scan: passive finger movements and resting state before and after manual acupuncture stimuli. Stroke patients showed significantly attenuated effective connectivity between cortical and subcortical areas during passive motor task, which indicates inefficient information transmissions between cortical and subcortical motor-related regions. Acupuncture at motor-implicated acupoints showed specific modulations of motor-related network in stroke patients relative to healthy control subjects. This specific modulation enhanced bidirectionally effective connectivity between the cerebellum and primary sensorimotor cortex in stroke patients, which may compensate for the attenuated effective connectivity between cortical and subcortical areas during passive motor task and, consequently, contribute to improvement of movement coordination and motor learning in subacute stroke patients. Our results suggested that further efficacy studies of acupuncture in motor recovery can focus on the improvement of movement coordination and motor learning during motor rehabilitation.
Interval estimation of generalized odds ratio in data with repeated measurements

When the underlying responses are on an ordinal scale, the generalized odds ratio (GOR), defined as the ratio of the proportions of concordant and discordant pairs, is a useful index to summarize the difference between two stochastically ordered distributions of an ordinal categorical variable. We discuss interval estimation of the GOR for ordinal data with repeated measurements. On the basis of the Dirichlet‐multinomial model, we develop three asymptotic interval estimators of the GOR using Wald's test statistic, a logarithmic transformation, and a method analogous to Fieller's theorem, respectively. To evaluate and compare the finite‐sample performance of these estimators, we apply Monte Carlo simulation. We find that when the number of subjects per group is not large, the coverage probability of interval estimator using Wald's test statistic is likely to be less than the desired confidence level. By contrast, the coverage probability of the other two estimators are approximately equal to or larger than the desired confidence level. When the number of subjects per group is small and the intraclass correlation between repeated measurements within subjects is large, we note that applying the interval estimator derived from a method analogous to Fieller's theorem can lose efficiency. We also note that the interval estimator using the logarithmic transformation is generally preferable to the other two estimators with respect to both the coverage probability and the average length. Finally, on the basis of a few preliminary simulations, we do find some robustness for all the estimators developed here. We include an example comparing the inflammation grade after lung transplant between surgeries to illustrate the use of the proposed interval estimators. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing a sense of self in a group of socially marginalised adolescent boys through participatory action research

This dissertation sought to understand the experience of six participants as members of a cluster group of socially marginalised youth in a farmworker community. Through a collaborative process, the study sought to reframe the perceptions around the behavioural outcomes of membership to such an outcast group. Theories of empowerment through active participation underpinned the whole study. The study was qualitative in nature and used a Participatory Action research methodology which created the space for creative exploration with enabling methodologies such as the Youth Engagement Cycle and Activity Theory. Data were collected through focus groupand semi-structured interviews; participant observation and participant generated artefacts. Six adolescent males who were part of an already established cluster group of socially marginalised youth at a school were purposively selected into the study. The analysis of data was an ongoing and iterative process informed by the theories that underpinned the study and through content analysis of emerging themes. The study revealed that the cluster group was not formed with delinquent intent. Instead, it was created as a space that allowed its members to feel a sense of belonging, security and being valued. However, the group dynamic caused individual self-efficacy to become so enmeshed with collective agency that if left unchecked, it had the potential to propel its members along a trajectory to delinquency. The dissertation recommends understanding cluster groups as unique heterogeneous entities that show insight and empathy into the challenges their cohorts experience. Recognising that this elevates the peer group's influence above that of adults the study recommends a collaborative, well-structured and strategic intervention that allows individuals to experience success and self-influence in attaining mastery within the group dynamic. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za
‘You didn't take Lucy's skirt off’: The effect of misleading information on omissions and commissions in children's memory reports

Purpose. The current study explored how misleading information affects children's omissions and commissions over time. Method. Fifty-nine younger (Mage = 4.16) and fifty-nine older (Mage = 9.44) children were instructed to remove three pieces of clothing from a puppet. Half of them were provided with false evidence that they had removed only two items, while the other half were provided with false evidence that they had removed a fourth piece of clothing. In three neutral interviews separated by 1-week intervals, children had to report which pieces of clothing they had removed. Results. Overall, omission and commission errors significantly decreased over time, although this pattern was more pronounced for omission errors. Younger and older children were equally likely to make omission errors, whereas commission errors were more typical for younger than for older children. Also, we found that commission errors more readily occur than omission errors. Conclusion. Even when children's memory reports pertain to an event in which they actively participated, misleading information may elicit omission and commission errors, with especially the latter category being very persistent over time.
Challenging the post‐Fordist/flexible organisation thesis: the case of reformed educational organisations

This paper examines claims that recent reforms to UK education have led to significant organisational changes in primary school and higher education. It also examines two main theoretical explanations for these, namely post‐Fordism and New Managerialism. Examples of changes in both schools and universities, including flexibility and teamwork, are explored. Up to the mid‐1980s, publicly funded educational organisations did display bureaucratic features, including rules, staff hierarchies and complex procedures. However, professionals employed in these organisations retained discretion and autonomy in their work. Since then, the introduction of an audit culture and a greater emphasis on management and regulation of the work of teachers and academics has decreased discretion and autonomy. This paper suggests that theories of New Managerialism offer a more satisfactory explanation of the changes explored than post‐Fordism, which has more often been used as a normative model of what contemporary organisations should look like.
Differences in Body Fat of British Children from Various Ethnic Groups

This study assessed the percent body fatness of British secondary school children and examined any variation in fatness according to school year, gender and ethnicity. 782 children aged 11 to 14 participated in the study. Body fatness was assessed using skinfold measures and obesity was classified using child-specific cut-off points. Results from 2 3 3 ways ANOVA indicated that approximately 25 to 30 percent of children were classified as obese. Significant differences were evident in body fatness according to gender (p<.01) and ethnicity (p<.01). Boys were leaner than girls and black children were leaner than white and Asian children (both p<.01). Furthermore a significant gender ethnicity interaction (p<0.01) was found. Both white and black boys had significantly lower percent body fat compared to white and black girls but Asian boys had similar percent body fat to Asian girls. The body fatness of British secondary school children may therefore be a cause for concern.
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Understanding Predictors of Computer Communication Technology Use by Older Adults

Technologies have evolved to allow older adults the ability to communicate in a variety of ways, yet little work examines the perceptions that older adults have of these technologies. Our research explored older adults’ use of computers for communication activities. We analyzed questionnaire data from two hundred and eighty-one participants with computer experience who answered questions about their background; the amount of experience they had with computers and other technologies, their perception of the importance of several communication activities for their quality of life, and how useful a computer is for those activities. A regression analysis explored the degree to which demographic variables, the importance of activities for their quality of life, and prior experience predicted respondents’ attitudes about the computer’s usefulness for communication activities. The findings, based on a group of older adult computer users, suggest that the importance of communication activities for an older adult’s quality of life and their prior experience with computers are strong predictors of the perception of a computer’s usefulness for communication activities. Previous research has found that one’s experiences with a computer system are critical for adoption. Our work reaffirms that tenet, yet finds that the degree to which an activity is important for one’s quality of life is also predictive of how useful a computer will be for that activity. Our findings also suggest that certain communication activities, such as email, are more preferred than other activities, such as chat groups. This present survey of experienced older adult computer users can guide development of training materials and products for older adults by informing designers of the ways by which older adults form perceptions about the usefulness of technologies.
Exercise, Diet, and Stress Management as Mediators Between Functional Disability and Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

The main objective of this study was to examine the mediational and moderational effect of exercise, diet, and stress management on the relationship between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Quantitative descriptive research design using multiple regression and correlation techniques was used. Participants were 215 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Outcome measure used was health-related quality of life as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12v2). Functional disability and health-promoting behaviors including exercise, diet, and stress management were found to be associated with health-related quality of life. Exercise and stress management (but not diet) were partial mediators between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Exercise was found to be a moderator between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Exercise had a stronger effect on health-related quality of life for individuals with lower functional disability than people with higher functional disability. Health-promoting behaviors are important for health-related quality of life, and health-related quality of life in turn is related to better employment outcomes. Health-promoting behaviors can also mediate the relationship between functional disability and health-related quality of life. Rehabilitation counselors should consider including health promotion interventions in vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with MS.
A stochastic memoizer for sequence data

We propose an unbounded-depth, hierarchical, Bayesian nonparametric model for discrete sequence data. This model can be estimated from a single training sequence, yet shares statistical strength between subsequent symbol predictive distributions in such a way that predictive performance generalizes well. The model builds on a specific parameterization of an unbounded-depth hierarchical Pitman-Yor process. We introduce analytic marginalization steps (using coagulation operators) to reduce this model to one that can be represented in time and space linear in the length of the training sequence. We show how to perform inference in such a model without truncation approximation and introduce fragmentation operators necessary to do predictive inference. We demonstrate the sequence memoizer by using it as a language model, achieving state-of-the-art results.
A Cognitive Model for the Representation and Acquisition of Verb Selectional Preferences

We present a cognitive model of inducing verb selectional preferences from individual verb usages. The selectional preferences for each verb argument are represented as a probability distribution over the set of semantic properties that the argument can possess---a semantic profile. The semantic profiles yield verb-specific conceptualizations of the arguments associated with a syntactic position. The proposed model can learn appropriate verb profiles from a small set of noisy training data, and can use them in simulating human plausibility judgments and analyzing implicit object alternation.
Macroprudential Policy, Countercyclical Bank Capital Buffers, and Credit Supply: Evidence from the Spanish Dynamic Provisioning Experiments

To study the impact of macroprudential policy on credit supply cycles and real effects, we analyze dynamic provisioning. Introduced in Spain in 2000, revised four times, and tested in its countercyclicality during the crisis, it affected banks differentially. We find that dynamic provisioning smooths credit supply cycles and, in bad times, supports firm performance. A 1 percentage point increase in capital buffers extends credit to firms by 9 percentage points, increasing firm employment (6 percentage points) and survival (1 percentage point). Moreover, there are important compositional effects in credit supply related to risk and regulatory arbitrage by nonregulated and regulated but less affected banks.
Lock-free Serializable Transactions

Software transactional memory (STM) provides access to shared data with transactional properties. Existing STM use linearizability as their correctness criterion, although serializability allows more freedom in reordering the operations of committable transactions. Serializable transactions thus provide for more concurrency than linearizable transactions. Specifically, serializability allows read operations to increase concurrency with multiple versions of data. We present the first serializable, lock-free software transactional memory. Our STM supports dynamic transactions, provides early failure indication, requires a single interface for both read-only and read-write transactions, keeps multiple versions of objects, and allows for disjoint-access parallelism—while our implementation relies only on existing lock-free data structures. We prove the lock-free progress guarantee of our STM, and that the set of committed transactions is one-copy serializable (serializable while appearing to have only one copy of the data).
IEEE802.11k enabled adaptive carrier sense management mechanism (KAPCS2)

The existence of hidden and exposed nodes can have a significant negative impact on the performance of IEEE802.11 networks. Such nodes can increase the probability of collisions and limit the spatial reuse on the channel. The value of the Physical Carrier Sensing Threshold (PCST) is instrumental in the presence of such nodes in a system. This paper presents a new adaptive physical carrier sensing management algorithm for wireless networks. Our KAPCS2 management system maximizes the aggregate system throughput by identifying and addressing problem nodes. It incorporates 802.11k Radio Resource Measurements (RRM) on each node to enable on-line tuning of the PCST.
An internet survey of emotional health, treatment seeking and barriers to accessing mental health treatment among Chinese-speaking international students in Australia

The present internet survey examined the demographic characteristics of Chinese-speaking international students in Australia, psychological distress levels as measured by the Kessler-10 (K-10) Item scale, help-seeking history and preferences, as well as treatment barriers. Of the 144 respondents, 54% reported high psychological distress (mean K-10 score = 23.96; SD = 9.03). However, only 9% of those who were highly distressed reported they had sought mental health services in the past year. While the majority preferred help from informal social networks, they tended to favour mental health services over traditional culture-specific forms of help. Common barriers to accessing mental health services reported by respondents with high psychological distress included costs or transportation concerns, limited knowledge of available services, time constraints, the perception that symptoms were not severe enough to warrant treatment, language difficulties and lack of knowledge of symptoms of psychological distress. Although the majority preferred face-to-face treatments over internet treatments, a considerable percentage of respondents were willing to try either treatment modality. Chinese-speaking international students are a high risk group for developing psychological distress, yet they tend to underuse mental health services. Education about the effectiveness of face-to-face and online treatments may increase treatment seeking by this population.