Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A health perception score predicts cardiac events in patients with heart failure: results from the IMPRESS trial.

BACKGROUND New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and treadmill exercise test variables are widely used for estimating prognosis and measuring the outcomes of treatment in patients with heart failure, but they do not take patients' perceptions into account. METHODS AND RESULTS Five hundred forty-five patients enrolled in a multicenter 24-week comparison of the effects of omapatrilat and lisinopril on functional capacity in patients with heart failure reported a visual analog scale (VAS) score of their overall health perception at week 12 of the study. A total of 27 first events, defined as death or worsening heart failure (hospitalization, emergency room visit, or study discontinuation), occurred in the subsequent 12 weeks. The mean (+/-SD) health perception scores were 0.43 +/- 0.31 and 0.68 +/- 0.20 in patients with and without events, respectively (P =.0006). The risk ratio (RR) for an event associated with a decile change in the health perception score was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.88; P =.001). The RR was unaltered by adjustment for demographic variables, treadmill time, and NYHA functional class. Although the week 12 NYHA functional class was predictive of events (RR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-4.6; P =.04), treadmill time was not (RR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.73-1.03; P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS A patient-reported measure of perceived health predicts events in patients with heart failure.
Lifelong transfer learning with an option hierarchy

Many applications require autonomous agents to achieve quick responses to task instances drawn from a rich family of qualitatively-related tasks. We address the setting where the tasks share a state-action space and have the same qualitative objective but differ in dynamics. We adopt a transfer learning approach where common structure in previously-learnt policies, in the form of shared subtasks, is exploited to accelerate learning in subsequent ones. We use a probabilistic mixture model to describe regions in state space which are common to successful trajectories in different instances. Then, we extract policy fragments from previously-learnt policies that are specialised to these regions. These policy fragments are options, whose initiation and termination sets are automatically extracted from data by the mixture model. In novel task instances, these options are used in an SMDP learning process and option learning repeats over the resulting policy library. The utility of this method is demonstrated through experiments in a standard navigation environment and then in the RoboCup simulated soccer domain with opponent teams of different skill.
Performance Analysis of Space-time Codes Approved by Supervisory Committee: Performance Analysis of Space-time Codes

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank my advisor Dr. Aria Nosratinia for providing me with the opportunity to work as graduate student with him. I express my gratitude to Dr. Nosratinia for his guidance, support and confidence he has shown in my work. I also thank him for instilling a sense of curiosity to learn new things in me.
Accurate and efficient expression evaluation and linear algebra

We survey and unify recent results on the existence of accurate algorithms for evaluating multivariate polynomials, and more generally for accurate numerical linear algebra with structured matrices. By ‘accurate’ we mean that the computed answer has relative error less than 1, i.e., has some correct leading digits. We also address efficiency, by which we mean algorithms that run in polynomial time in the size of the input. Our results will depend strongly on the model of arithmetic: most of our results will use the so-called traditional model (TM), where the computed result of op(a, b), a binary operation like a+b, is given by op(a, b) * (1+δ) where all we know is that |δ| ≤ ε ≪ 1. Here ε is a constant also known as machine epsilon. We will see a common reason for the following disparate problems to permit accurate and efficient algorithms using only the four basic arithmetic operations: finding the eigenvalues of a suitably discretized scalar elliptic PDE, finding eigenvalues of arbitrary products, inverses, or Schur complements of totally non-negative matrices (such as Cauchy and Vandermonde), and evaluating the Motzkin polynomial. Furthermore, in all these cases the high accuracy is ‘deserved’, i.e., the answer is determined much more accurately by the data than the conventional condition number would suggest. In contrast, we will see that evaluating even the simple polynomial x + y + z accurately is impossible in the TM, using only the basic arithmetic operations. We give a set of necessary and sufficient conditions to decide whether a high accuracy algorithm exists in the TM, and describe progress toward a decision procedure that will take any problem and provide either a high-accuracy algorithm or a proof that none exists. When no accurate algorithm exists in the TM, it is natural to extend the set of available accurate operations by a library of additional operations, such as x + y + z, dot products, or indeed any enumerable set which could then be used to build further accurate algorithms. We show how our accurate algorithms and decision procedure for finding them extend to this case. Finally, we address other models of arithmetic, and the relationship between (im)possibility in the TM and (in)efficient algorithms operating on numbers represented as bit strings.
Thermal Infrared and Visible Spectrum Fusion for Multi-modal Video Analysis

While traditional image and video processing focus on extracting knowledge from data of a single modality, such as visual spectrum or thermal infrared video, this report investigates the benefits and challenges of capturing and analysing multimodal video. It specifically targets the two modalities of visible spectrum and thermal infrared video. A novel capture device has been developed to capture and align (both temporally and spatially) video sequences captured in both modalities. Two publications in international conferences, to date, demonstrate the effectiveness of multimodal analysis in its robustness to lighting variations and background camouflage of tracked objects. The challenge of multimodal fusion is to obtain optimal benefits from the joint use of multiple modalities, namely thermal infrared and visible spectrum video in this project. Applications include 24hour automatic surveillance systems, people tracking-and-counting in commercial centres, human-machine interfaces and industrial automation applications.
EFEKTIVITAS PENGELOLAAN DANA BANTUAN OPERASIONAL SEKOLAH

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi bagaimanakah efektivitas perencanaan, penggunaan, monitoring dan evaluasi, serta pelaporan dana Bantuan Operasional Sekolah di MIS AL-ISLAM Kota Bengkulu. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini studi evaluasi. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah pengelolaan dana Bantuan Operasional Sekolah di MIS AL-ISLAM Kota Bengkulu belum efektif, karena perencanaan yang dibuat tidak melibatkan dewan guru dan staf serta komite sekolah. Penggunaan dana Bantuan Operasional Sekolah hendaknya sesuai dengan buku petunjuk teknis Bantuan Operasional Sekolah yang telah ditetapkan pemerintah.
Differential diagnosis and comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety in adults

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine symptom profiles of people diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or anxiety (ANX) in order to determine the validity of widely used ADHD and ANX rating scales for differential diagnostic use and to develop modified measures that take symptom overlap into account. DESIGN A cross-sectional design was used to assess differences in rating scale scores between clinical (n = 52) and control (n = 74) samples as well as differences among subgroups of the clinical sample (22 ADHD; 16 ADHD + ANX; 14 ANX). METHOD Participants completed an online questionnaire where they responded to the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS; Conners, Erhardt, & Sparrow, ) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory scales (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, ). RESULTS Results showed that the CAARS and STAI had limited sensitivity and specificity and may lack in ability to differentially diagnose ADHD and/or ANX. Cluster analysis was used to guide the proposal of modifications for the two scales, which were to use inattentive items only for the CAARS and to exclude state ANX-present items on the STAI for use in differential diagnosis. Further parametric analysis supported these proposed modifications. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be made aware of the limitations of the CAARS and STAI scales in terms of specificity, when used to inform differential diagnosis of ADHD and ANX. Further analysis on the psychometric properties of these modified scales is needed in order to confirm that they are valid and reliable scales. PRACTITIONER POINTS Clinical implications It is possible that widely used self-report rating scales are not valid for use in the context of assessing adult ADHD when ANX is present. Clinicians should take alternative approaches to measuring ADHD symptoms in the context of ANX. Findings of the present study suggest the use of inattentive items only for the CAARS and to exclude state ANX-present items on the STAI for differential diagnostic use. Limitations of the study The sample sizes of the clinical subgroups were relatively small. Diagnoses were not confirmed using a semi-structured clinical interview. Alternative cluster approaches (e.g., two-step clustering using larger samples) would provide further insight.
Foldover-Free Image Warping

An image warping method is presented that deforms an image continuously without foldover, while observing a given set of trajectories of feature elements. Any intermediate image during the morph is homeomorphic to the initial image and the morphing process is a homotopy. The method permits points, line-segments, and polygons to be included as features in the image. Our method is based on time-varying triangulation, that is, triangulation changes as features move. Accordingly, the deformation mapping is updated locally for the part for which the triangulation changes. Experimental results are included to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach and the complexity of the algorithm is analyzed.
Assessing the Development of Cross-Cultural Competence in Soldiers

Abstract : The contemporary operational environment is often characterized by ambiguous, multi-cultural contexts, where Army Soldiers must rapidly adapt without extensive prior knowledge of a region or its people. Ongoing training development efforts are addressing the need for general cross-cultural competence, but this broad competence must be clearly defined and assessed in order to determine if Soldiers are being adequately prepared. To support this goal, this research effort examined how cross-cultural competence develops in Soldiers, and how that competence supports mission success. Using multiple methodologies, including cognitive task analysis, critical incident elicitation, and review of existing models, we developed a model of cross-cultural competence that includes 28 knowledge, skills, attitudes and abilities (KSAAs) over four levels of development. This model will inform the development of metrics to assess Soldiers' cross-cultural competence and provide relevant feedback.
Ovomucoid specific immunoglobulin E as a predictor of tolerance to cooked egg

Background Ovomucoid is the dominant allergen in hen's egg. Although several studies evaluated the utility of ovomucoid specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels in predicting baked (e.g., muffin or cupcake) or raw egg food challenge outcomes, studies that evaluated ovomucoid sIgE as a predictor of cooked egg (e.g., scrambled or hard boiled) challenge outcomes are limited. Objective To determine the relation of ovomucoid sIgE levels with cooked egg food challenge outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of 44 children who underwent cooked egg food challenge and who had the ovomucoid sIgE level measured. Results Thirty-six of 44 children (81.8%) passed cooked egg challenge. The ovomucoid sIgE level predicted cooked egg challenge outcome (passed median, <0.35 kU/L [range, <0.35–0.64 kU/L]; failed median, 0.40 kU/L [range, <0.35–3.13 kU/L]; p = 0.004). Ovomucoid sIgE levels correlated with egg white (EW) sIgE levels (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.588; p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of ovomucoid and EW sIgE demonstrated areas under the curve of 0.711 and 0.766, respectively. No significant difference was observed among those immunologic parameters in their abilities to predict cooked egg challenge outcome (p = 0.559). Conclusion The ovomucoid sIgE level may be helpful in predicting cooked egg challenge outcomes. However, our study did not support a role for ovomucoid sIgE replacing EW sIgE testing in evaluating egg allergy.
Method for Finding Protected Nodes for Robust Network against Node Failures

The reliability of a communication network is important, as the Internet is an important social infrastructure. However, especially in a large network, it is difficult to avoid the failures due to various factors. It is necessary to design a network that keeps communication among nodes even during failures. However, in many actual networks, there exists the risk of telecommunication blackout by a node failure or attack. To get rid of this risk, it is necessary to design a network so that many nodes can communicate mutually even if nodes fail. It is desirable that all nodes have their backup facility, but it needs much cost, therefore, at least critical nodes whose failures fragment a network to many small connected components must be protected by backup facility. We addressed a problem to determine protected nodes such that, even if non-protected nodes fail, the minimum size of the connected components of a remaining network is not less than a threshold. In this paper, we propose an approximation algorithm with the approximation ratio of two for the problem restricted to the case that at most two nodes simultaneously fail. Moreover, we evaluate the performance of the approximation algorithm by using actual network topologies.
A logic programming approach to knowledge-state planning: Semantics and complexity

We propose a new declarative planning language, called K, which is based on principles and methods of logic programming. In this language, transitions between states of knowledge can be described, rather than transitions between completely described states of the world, which makes the language well suited for planning under incomplete knowledge. Furthermore, our formalism enables the use of default principles in the planning process by supporting negation as failure. Nonetheless, K also supports the representation of transitions between states of the world (i.e., states of complete knowledge) as a special case, which shows that the language is very flexible. As we demonstrate on particular examples, the use of knowledge states may allow for a natural and compact problem representation. We then provide a thorough analysis of the computational complexity of K, and consider different planning problems, including standard planning and secure planning (also known as conformant planning) problems. We show that these problems have different complexities under various restrictions, ranging from NP to NEXPTIME in the propositional case. Our results form the theoretical basis for the DLVk system, which implements the language K on top of the DLV logic programming system.
Analysis of Sulfur Compound Types in Asphalt

The project evaluated analytical methods for determination of sulfur compound types in asphalt and to obtain results on asphalts from the SHRP (Strategic Highway Research Program) Reference Library. Methods were applied to whole asphalts and fractions obtained through liquid chromatographic separations. The distribution of sulfur types varied with asphalt source and within fractions from a given asphalt. Sulfur types determined were as follows: sulfoxides (infrared ); aliphatic sulfides (tetrabutylammonium periodate oxidation); aromatic sulfides (total sulfides - aliphatic sulfides); and thiophenes (by difference; or direct via oxidation with hydrogen peroxide). Sulfur types present at negligible concentrations in the asphalts tested include thiols, sulfones, and sulfonic acids.
The Corpus Callosum and Brain Hemisphere Communication; How does the corpus callosum mediate interhemispheric transfer

3 History 4 The corpus callosum 4 Corpus Callosum Anatomy and Functional Organization 5 Brain Commissures 5 Functional Organization 5 Corpus Callosum Function: The Split Brain 7 Animal Disconnection Studies 7 Human Disconnection Studies 8 Lesion Studies 10 Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum 10 Summary 11 Hemispheric Interaction 12 Interhemispheric Transfer 12 The Inhibitory Model 13 Hemisphere dominance and metacontrol 13 The aging corpus callosum 15 The Excitatory Model 16 Summary 17 Callosal Involvement in Disorders 19 Disorders 19 Schizophrenia 19 Autism 20 Alien Hand Syndrome 20 ADHD 21 Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder 21 Summary 21 Discussion 23 Acknowledgements 25 References 26 Image on front page taken from Wilde et al., (2008).
FLOWERING LOCUS T Protein May Act as the Long-Distance Florigenic Signal in the Cucurbits[W]

Cucurbita moschata, a cucurbit species responsive to inductive short-day (SD) photoperiods, and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) were used to test whether long-distance movement of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) mRNA or FT is required for floral induction. Ectopic expression of FT by ZYMV was highly effective in mediating floral induction of long-day (LD)–treated plants. Moreover, the infection zone of ZYMV was far removed from floral meristems, suggesting that FT transcripts do not function as the florigenic signal in this system. Heterografting demonstrated efficient transmission of a florigenic signal from flowering Cucurbita maxima stocks to LD-grown C. moschata scions. Real-time RT-PCR performed on phloem sap collected from C. maxima stocks detected no FT transcripts, whereas mass spectrometry of phloem sap proteins revealed the presence of Cm-FTL1 and Cm-FTL2. Importantly, studies on LD- and SD-treated C. moschata plants established that Cmo-FTL1 and Cmo-FTL2 are regulated by photoperiod at the level of movement into the phloem and not by transcription. Finally, mass spectrometry of florally induced heterografted C. moschata scions revealed that C. maxima FT, but not FT mRNA, crossed the graft union in the phloem translocation stream. Collectively, these studies are consistent with FT functioning as a component of the florigenic signaling system in the cucurbits.
Analytical solution for anthropomorphic limbs model, (IK of human arm)

This paper considers a proposed algorithm for computation of the inverse kinematic(IK) model of the human arm. This algorithm introduces a new IK method suitable for reaching tasks performed by autonomous and interactive virtual humans. The basic problem is to pose the character in such a way that arm hand reaches the target ( position and orientation ) in space. The algorithm is composed of two phases. The first phase is the limitation of real task which concerning the human arm movement and the second phase presents the analytical solution for inverse kinematic problem (IKP) by trigonometric relations and algebraic solution according to limitation of joints. This algorithm is simulated by using MATLAB Ver. R2008a, and satisfied results are obtained, that explains the ability of the proposed algorithm to solve the inverse kinematic problem for real human arm.
Performance correlates of mental toughness among female Thai boxers

Hintergrund Das steigende Interesse an legalen Moglichkeiten der Leistungssteigerung im Sport fuhrte zu einer Vielzahl an Studien, die den Einfluss psychologischer und physiologischer Faktoren Leistung und sportlichen Erfolg untersuchten. Von besonderem Interesse ist Mental Toughness, ein Konstukt das mentale Starke im Wettkampf zu erklaren versucht. Zweck Diese Querschnittsstudie diente dem Vergleich dreier Gruppen von weiblichen Thaiboxwettkampferinnen hinsichtlich verschiedener Veriablen. Der Fokus liegt auf dem Einfluss von Mental Toughness und anderen sportrelevanen Kontrukten, wie Digit Ratio (2D:4D), Aggression, Geschlechtsrollenidentitat, Handgriffkraft, Lateralitat und maximale Schlagkraft in Bezug auf den sportlichen Erfolg. Methode Ein Fragebogen, eine indirekte (comupterbasierte) Messmethode zur Erfassung von Aggression (Implicit Association Test: IAT- Aggression), ein Handgriffkraftdynamometer, ein computerbasiertes Messinstrument SCHLAGMESSER und Handscans wurden mit 87 weiblichen Thaiboxerinnen durchgefuhrt. Alle Teilnehmerinnen waren aktive Wettkampferinnen und wurden in die Gruppen Newcomer (> 4 Kampfe), Amateur (4 bis 10 Kampfe) and Professional (11 oder mehr Kampfe) unterteilt. Mental Toughness wurde anhand der Fragebogen MTQ48, SMTQ und TROSCI erfasst, Aggression anhand des IAT- Aggression und der Subskala Physische Aggression des BPAQ. Ergebnisse Mental Toughness und andere psychologische Variablen zeigten keinen signifikanten Vorhersagewert bezuglich der Leistung und des sportlichen Erfolgs im Thaiboxen. Als signifikante Pradiktoren eigneten sich Wettkampferfahrung, die maximale Schlagkraft der Schlaghand und die Knockout Rate. Kampferinnen der Gruppe Professional waren im Vergleich zu den Gruppen Newcomer und Amateur signifikant weniger bereit, physische Aggression im Alltag auszuleben. Gute bis sehr gute Korrelationen zwischen Handgriffkraft, Schlagkraft und Bizepsumfang (angespannt) konnten nachgewiesen werden. Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie legen den Bedarf eines anderen Mental Toughness Konstruktes fur den Sport Thaiboxen und eventuell fur andere Vollkontaktkampfsportarten im Vergleich zu anderen Sportarten nahe.
Effective navigation in narrow areas: A planning method for autonomous cars

Development of driverless road vehicles is one of the most active research areas of robotics today. Path planning among obstacles is one of the challenging problems to be solved in order to achieve autonomous navigation. In this paper we present a geometric path planning approach for car-like robots, intended for generating good quality paths even in cluttered environments containing narrow areas. The presented planner is designed to cope with situations which need nontrivial maneuvering between obstacles. The resulting paths are similar to those a human driver would find and have continuous curvature profile, which makes them appropriate for application on real cars. A comparative analysis of our method with possible alternatives in the literature is presented to illustrate its effectiveness regarding path quality and computation time.