Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Sequential Probability Tree for Movement-Based Community Discovery

In this paper, we tackle the problem of discovering movement-based communities of users, where users in the same community have similar movement behaviors. Note that the identification of movement-based communities is beneficial to location-based services and trajectory recommendation services. Specifically, we propose a framework to mine movement-based communities which consists of three phases: 1) constructing trajectory profiles of users, 2) deriving similarity between trajectory profiles, and 3) discovering movement-based communities. In the first phase, we design a data structure, called the Sequential Probability tree (SP-tree), as a user trajectory profile. SP-trees not only derive sequential patterns, but also indicate transition probabilities of movements. Moreover, we propose two algorithms: BF (standing for breadth-first) and DF (standing for depth-first) to construct SP-tree structures as user profiles. To measure the similarity values among users' trajectory profiles, we further develop a similarity function that takes SP-tree information into account. In light of the similarity values derived, we formulate an objective function to evaluate the quality of communities. According to the objective function derived, we propose a greedy algorithm Geo-Clusterto effectively derive communities. To evaluate our proposed algorithms, we have conducted comprehensive experiments on two real data sets. The experimental results show that our proposed framework can effectively discover movement-based user communities.
Associations among Measures of Perfectionism, Self-Concept and Academic Achievement Identified in Primary School Students in Hong Kong

This study investigated relationships among measures of perfectionism, academic self-concept, and academic achievement in fourth and fifth grade children from selective primary schools in Hong Kong where admission involves strict assessment of students' aptitude and potential. Based on their overall academic performance 331 students were recruited, with half the sample comprising high achievers and the other half lower achievers in their respective cohorts. A 37-item questionnaire adapted from the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R) (Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, & Ashby, 2001) and the Self-Description Questionnaire I (SDQ) (Marsh, Relich, & Smith, 1983) was administered in a classroom setting. Dependent upon their APS-R scores, participants were sorted into three comparison groups: (i) adaptive perfectionists (ii) maladaptive perfectionists and (iii) nonperfectionists. Pearson correlation, univariate analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and independent-samples t-tests were employed to assess the links among the variables. Results showed perfectionism was directly and indirectly correlated to academic achievement, with academic self-concept as a significant mediator. High achievers were associated with adaptive perfectionism and high academic self-concept. The present findings reflect the distinctive roles of perfectionism in the personal and cognitive developments of primary school students often been downplayed or overlooked in China. Implications for future research and educational guidance are suggested.
Queries across Multiple Private Databases

Advances in distributed service-oriented computing and global communications have formed a strong technology push for large scale data integration among organizations and enterprises. However, concerns about data privacy become increasingly important for large scale mission-critical data integration applications. Ideally, given a database query spanning multiple private databases, we wish to compute the answer to the query without revealing any additional information of each individual database apart from the query result. In practice, we may relax this constraint to allow efficient information integration while minimizing the information disclosure. In this paper, we propose an efficient decentralized peer-to-peer protocol for supporting aggregate queries over multiple private databases while respecting the privacy constraints of participants. The paper has three main contributions. First, it formalizes the notion of loss of privacy in terms of information revealed at individual participating databases. Second, it presents a novel probabilistic decentralized protocol for top selection across multiple private databases that minimizes the loss of privacy. Third, it experimentally evaluates the protocol in terms of its correctness, efficiency and privacy characteris-
An ontology for framing

Framing is the process of conceiving new situations which may change an organization's behaviour. These situations are often “wicked” in nature, and may be defined by reinterpreting the meaning of an organization's intent. A real-world case study is used to illustrate the framing process and derive an ontology for framing. A computer tool called FRAMER is described that implements the framing ontology and supports the framing process. A key feature of FRAMER is the ability for people to adapt and redefine knowledge representations as they articulate new theories, and extend existing theories, about an organization.
A randomised controlled trial comparing duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine in fibromyalgic patients: preliminary data.

OBJECTIVES Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, troubled sleep, disturbed mood, and fatigue. Recently published reviews have demonstrated that it is influenced by various psychological aspects, and antidepressants are now considered the treatment of choice for most patients. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to compare the effects of duloxetine and acetyl L-carnitine on pain, depression, anxiety and well-being in FMS patients. METHODS Sixty-five female outpatients with FMS diagnosed by a rheumatologist were recruited between January 2011 and May 2012, and randomised to receive duloxetine 60 mg/day or acetyl L-carnitine 1500 mg/day (500 mg t.i.d.). Drug efficacy and side effects were assessed by the same psychiatrist at baseline, and four and 12 weeks later. RESULTS Both drugs led to a general clinical improvement, with positive effects on pain and depressive symptoms; but neither induced a significant improvement in anxiety. Both drugs had a positive effect on the physical component of the quality of life, but only duloxetine improved the psychological component. CONCLUSIONS Although they need to be confirmed by further studies, these preliminary findings confirm the efficacy of duloxetine, and suggest that acetyl L-carnitine is also efficacious in improving depressive symptoms, pain, and the quality of life of FMS patients.
What next? : opportunities for young people with learning disabilities after leaving school

This thesis explores one aspect of the transition from childhood to adulthood for young people with moderate learning disabilities, namely the transition from school to further education, training or employment. The research was carried out during a time of changing expectations for people with learning disabilities. In Scotland the national review of learning disability services The Same As You? (Scottish Executive, 2001b) had recently been published. This report suggested that adults with learning disabilities have the same hopes and aspirations as the general population in terms of living in the community in their own home, with paid employment and good access to leisure and transport facilities. This thesis explores the extent to which twenty young people who were diagnosed as having a moderate learning disability, who left school in 2000, were able to attain further education, training and employment. In depth interviews were carried out with the young people over a period of six months in order to follow their progress in relation to attaining their goals. In addition a range of interviews were carried out with various "significant others" in the lives of the young people including parents, college lecturers, employers and careers advisors. The thesis presents the experiences of the young people in a range of settings and explores the factors that influenced the young people's transitions. Three models of transition were developed in order to assist in developing an understanding of the different experiences of this group of young people. The thesis then goes on to explore the potential impact that being labelled as having a learning disability has on young people's experiences and identity creation. Finally, the thesis highlights the impact that recent policy changes, such as the introduction of the Additional Support for Learning Act, 2004 may have on the transitional experiences of young people with moderate learning disabilities.
Screening for primary aldosteronism in hypertensive subjects: results from two German epidemiological studies.

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of primary aldosteronism in unselected hypertensive patients is currently unknown. We investigated the frequency of positive screening results for primary aldosteronism based on the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) in hypertensive subjects aged 30-79 years from two German epidemiological studies. We further examined the frequency of positive screening results in subjects with resistant hypertension or stage III hypertension and assessed possible disparities between untreated and treated hypertensive subjects. METHODS Data were obtained from the first follow-ups of the population-based study of health in Pomerania (SHIP; n=1392) and the cooperative health research in the region of Augsburg (KORA; n=1052). Study-specific reference ranges for plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin concentration (PRC) and the ARR were applied. Confirmation tests for primary aldosteronism were not performed in these epidemiological studies.Three definitions for a positive screening for primary aldosteronism were applied: A) increased ARR; B) increased ARR and decreased PRC; and C) increased ARR and increased PAC and decreased PRC. RESULTS The frequency of positive screening results was 7.0, 3.8 and 0.2% according to definitions A-C respectively. In the subgroups of subjects with resistant hypertension (11.9, 5.5 and 0.9%) or stage III hypertension (18.3, 14.0 and 1.1%), these frequencies were markedly higher than those in the general hypertensive population. There was no difference in the frequency of positive screening results between the treated and untreated hypertensive subjects. CONCLUSIONS A maximum of 7.0% of the hypertensive population in Germany shows a positive screening result for primary aldosteronism. Thus, primary aldosteronism may be less frequent than previously expected based on data from referred hypertensive patients.
The effects of low intensity laser on clinical and electrophysiological parameters of carpal tunnel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common type of entrapment neuropathy. Conservative therapy is usually considered as the first step in the management of CTS. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is among the new physical modalities, which has shown therapeutic effects in CTS. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of applying LASER and splinting together with splinting alone in patients with CTS. METHODS Fifty patients with mild and moderate CTS who met inclusion criteria were included in this study. The disease was confirmed by electrodiagnostic study (EDx) and clinical findings. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A received LLLT and splinting. Group B received sham LLLT+ splinting and group C received only splints. Group A received LLLT (50 mw and 880nm with total dose of 6 joule/cm(2)). Clinical and EDx parameters were evaluated before and after treatment (3 weeks and 2 months later). RESULTS Electrophysiologic parameters and clinical findings including CTS provocative tests, Symptoms severity score (SSS), Functional Severity Score (FSS) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were improved in all three groups at 3 weeks and 2 months after treatment. No significant changes were noticed between the three groups regarding clinical and EDX parameters. CONCLUSION We found no superiority in applying Low Intensity Laser accompanying splinting to traditional treatment which means splinting alone in patients with CTS. However, future studies investigating LLLT with parameters other than the one used in this study may reveal different results in favor of LLLT.
Improving the Predictability of Real Economic Activity and Asset Returns with Forward Variances Inferred from Option Portfolios

This paper presents an option positioning that allows us to infer forward variances from option portfolios. The forward variances we construct from equity index options help to predict (i) growth in measures of real economic activity, (ii) Treasury bill returns, (iii) stock market returns, and (iv) changes in variance swap rates. Our yardstick for measuring predictive ability is both individual and joint parameter statistical significance within a market, as well as across a set of markets.
Exploring Computation Locality of Graph Mining Algorithms on MapReduce

Previous implementations of graph mining algorithms on MapReduce ignore the characteristic of locality in distributed systems. For distributed systems, locality means the operations take place in local computing nodes without the communication with remote computing nodes. In this paper we present LI-MR (Local Iteration MapReduce) framework to improve a class of graph operators which can be described by repeated matrix-vector multiplications. LI-MR considers locality of sub graphs and adopts coarse granularity of communication unit for MapReduce. In particular, for sub graphs, only partial operations need synchronization. We propose a method to implement random data access on Hadoop by outputting the results to HBase. With the support of range query provided by HBase, LI-MR allows sub graphs to fulfil computation task with enough information in main memory. Because the locality feature of sub graphs, the info for the computation is limited. In this way, LI-MR framework combines in-memory computation with MapReduce model for graph algorithms.
A new minimum-consensus distributed particle filter for blind equalization in receiver networks

We describe in this paper a novel distributed particle filtering algorithm that performs blind equalization of frequency-selective channels in a setup with a single transmitter and multiple receivers. The algorithm employs parallel minimum consensus iterations to determine some a posteriori probability functions, providing equal approximations on all network nodes in a finite, deterministic, network-dependent number of steps. We verify via computer simulations that the new algorithm exhibits a bit error rate (BER) performance similar to that of the centralized particle-filter estimator with communication requirements milder than that of previous approaches, as the new method drops the need to evaluate quantities via average consensus.
Prevalence of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections among Female Sex Workers in Kisumu, Western Kenya, 1997 and 2008

Background In 1997, a survey in Kisumu found a prevalence of HIV infection among female sex workers (FSW) of 75%. Only 50% reported using a condom with the last client. In 2008, we conducted another survey to collect data to inform an intervention targeting FSW in Kisumu. Methods In 2008 FSW were recruited by respondent-driven sampling. Women completed a questionnaire and were tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to explore factors associated with HIV-infection, and with condom use. Prevalence of HIV infection was compared in the two surveys from 1997 and 2008. Multivariate analysis was used to assess whether a change in HIV prevalence between the two surveys could be explained by changes in socio-demographic characteristics and/or behavioral factors. Results 481 FSW participated in the 2008 study. HIV prevalence was 56.5% (95% CI 52.0–61.6). Factors independently associated with HIV were age older than 29 years; being a widow; STI treatment in the past year; herpes simplex virus Type-2 infection; bacterial vaginosis; and trichomoniasis. Condom use with last client was reported by 75.0% (95% CI 70.9–78.9). Predictors of condom use with the last client were age older than 29 years; higher price paid by last client; ever having been tested for HIV. Predictors of unprotected sex were being drunk during last sex act; usually having sex during menses; and STI treatment in the past year. The odds ratio of HIV infection associated with year of survey was 0.49 (95% CI 0.33–0.75) after adjusting for socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Conclusions The prevalence of HIV among FSW in Kisumu was found to be lower in 2008 than in 1997, while reported condom use was higher. However, access to HIV/STI prevention and care services needs to improve to further decrease HIV transmission between FSW and their clients.
Gastrotricha: A Marine Sister for a Freshwater Puzzle

Background Within an evolutionary framework of Gastrotricha Marinellina flagellata and Redudasys fornerise bear special interest, as they are the only Macrodasyida that inhabit freshwater ecosystems. Notwithstanding, these rare animals are poorly known; found only once (Austria and Brazil), they are currently systematised as incertae sedis. Here we report on the rediscovery of Redudasys fornerise, provide an account on morphological novelties and present a hypothesis on its phylogenetic relationship based on molecular data. Methodology/Principal Findings Specimens were surveyed using DIC microscopy and SEM, and used to obtain the 18 S rRNA gene sequence; molecular data was analyzed cladistically in conjunction with data from 42 additional species belonging to the near complete Macrodasyida taxonomic spectrum. Morphological analysis, while providing new information on taxonomically relevant traits (adhesive tubes, protonephridia and sensorial bristles), failed to detect elements of the male system, thus stressing the parthenogenetic nature of the Brazilian species. Phylogenetic analysis, carried out with ML, MP and Bayesian approaches, yielded topologies with strong nodal support and highly congruent with each other. Among the supported groups is the previously undocumented clade showing the alliance between Redudasys fornerise and Dactylopodola agadasys; other strongly sustained clades include the densely sampled families Thaumastodermatidae and Turbanellidae and most genera. Conclusions/Significance A reconsideration of the morphological traits of Dactylopodola agadasys in light of the new information on Redudasys fornerise makes the alliance between these two taxa very likely. As a result, we create Anandrodasys gen. nov. to contain members of the previously described D. agadasys and erect Redudasyidae fam. nov. to reflect this novel relationship between Anandrodasys and Redudasys. From an ecological perspective, the derived position of Redudasys, which is deeply nested within the Macrodasyida clade, unequivocally demonstrates that invasion of freshwater by gastrotrichs has taken place at least twice, in contrast with the single event hypothesis recently put forward.
Preliminary investigation of real-time monitoring of a driver in city traffic

We present a system that visually monitors the face of a driver and finds the location of the driver's eyes in real time. Our system addresses the actual environment within the interior of a moving car and uses a consumer CCD camera mounted on the dashboard in front of the driver. We develop an eye detection method that is based on segmenting the head space from the image and then using edge detection and template matching to create eye templates online, and brightness filters to obtain the location of the eyes within the head space. We tested our real-time system in thousands of frames using various subjects, head and facial motions, and lighting conditions and report our preliminary results.
Lifelines and Risks: Pathways of Youth in our Time

Foreword Beverley D. Cairns, Robert B. Cairns 1. Lives in progress 2. Taking a long look 3. Growth and aggression 4. Stepping stones to violence: developmental roots 5. Social networks and the functions of friendships 6. Shadows of synchrony 7. The self and the other 8. Dropouts, throwouts, and runaways 9. Life and death 10. Risks and lifelines: the opportunities of a lifetime 11. The developmental perspective: puzzles and proposals 12. Extending lifelines: intervention and prevention Notes References.
Queer Legal History: A Field Grows Up and Comes Out

This essay examines recent scholarship on the legal history of sexuality in the United States. It focuses on Margot Canaday's The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Modern America (2009) and Marc Stein's Sexual Injustice: Supreme Court Decisions from Griswold to Roe (2010). It also reviews recent work on the history of marriage, including Sarah Barringer Gordon's The Spirit of the Law: Religious Voices and the Constitution in Modern America (2010) and George Chauncey's Why Marriage? The History Shaping Today's Debate Over Gay Equality (2004), and the history of military law Defending America: Military Culture and the Cold‐War Court Martial (2005), by Elizabeth Lutes Hillman. The essay argues that this scholarship is significant because it offers a different view of sex and power than the one derived from the early writing of Michel Foucault. “Queer legal history” treats the liberalism of the 1960s‐1970s as sexually discriminatory as well as liberatory. It underlines the exclusions that were part of public policy under the federal G.I. Bill and the New Deal welfare state.
A CMOS-based tactile sensor for continuous blood pressure monitoring

A monolithic integrated tactile sensor array is presented; it is used to perform non-invasive blood pressure monitoring of a patient. The advantage of this device compared to a hand cuff based approach is the capability of recording continuous blood pressure data. The capacitive, membrane-based sensor device is fabricated in an industrial CMOS-technology combined with post-CMOS micromachining. The capacitance change is detected by a /spl Sigma//spl Delta/-modulator. The modulator is operated at a sampling rate of 128 kS/s and achieves a resolution of 12 bits with an external decimation filter and an OSR of 128.
Performance Comparison for A4WP Class-3 Wireless Power Compliance between eGaN FET and MOSFET in a Class E Amplifier

eGaN FETs have repeatedly demonstrated higher efficiency than MOSFETs in wireless power transfer amplifiers when operated over a wide impedance range using a ZVS Class D amplifier [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8]. In this article we examine a method to further improve the performance of eGaN FETs by replacing the bootstrap diode of the high side gate driver with an eGaN FET that is driven synchronously with the lower device gate. The integrated bootstrap diode of the gate driver has reverse recovery losses (PQRR), as it is very difficult to monolithically integrate a Schottky diode on the same wafer as the gate driver circuit. This limits high frequency performance of the amplifier because the frequency dependent reverse recovery losses are dissipated in the upper device. The technique that replaces the internal bootstrap diode of the gate driver will be implemented and evaluated using an eGaN FET based ZVS Class D amplifier and compared to an equivalent MOSFET version operated over a wide load impedance range of ±35j Ω to the A4WP Class-3 drive specifications [9]. The results show that the eGaN FET based amplifier losses were reduced between 15% and 48%, and it could operate over a wider load impedance range, by as much as 20j Ω, than the comparable best-in-class MOSFET amplifier.