Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adverse Health Problems Among Municipality Workers in Alexandria (Egypt)

Background: Solid waste management has emerged as an important human and environmental health issue. Municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs) are potentially exposed to a variety of occupational biohazards and safety risks. The aim of this study was to describe health practices and safety measures adopted by workers in the main municipal company in Alexandria (Egypt) as well as the pattern of the encountered work related ill health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2013. We interviewed and evaluated 346 workers serving in about 15 different solid waste management activities regarding personal hygiene, the practice of security and health care measures and the impact of solid waste management. Results: Poor personal hygiene and self-care, inadequate protective and safety measures for potentially hazardous exposure were described. Impact of solid waste management on health of MSWWs entailed high prevalence of gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin and musculoskeletal morbidities. Occurrence of accidents and needle stick injuries amounted to 46.5% and 32.7% respectively. The risk of work related health disorders was notably higher among workers directly exposed to solid waste when compared by a group of low exposure potential particularly for diarrhea (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-3.8), vomiting (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1-6.6), abdominal colic (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.2), dysentery (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.3-10), dyspepsia (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3), low back/sciatic pain (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.8-7), tinnitus (OR = 6.2, 95% CI = 0.3-122) and needle stick injury (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1-5.5). Conclusions: Workers exposed to solid waste exhibit significant increase in risk of ill health. Physician role and health education could be the key to assure the MSWWs health safety.
Towards High Performance Text Mining: A TextRank-based Method for Automatic Text Summarization

As a typical unsupervised learning method, the TextRank algorithm performs well for large-scale text mining, especially for automatic summarization or keyword extraction. However, TextRank only considers the similarities between sentences in the processes of automatic summarization and neglects information about text structure and context. To overcome these shortcomings, the authors propose an improved highly-scalable method, called iTextRank. When building a TextRank graph in their new method, the authors compute sentence similarities and adjust the weights of nodes by considering statistical and linguistic features, such as similarities in titles, paragraph structures, special sentences, sentence positions and lengths. Their analysis shows that the time complexity of iTextRank is comparable with TextRank. More importantly, two experiments show that iTextRank has a higher accuracy and lower recall rate than TextRank, and it is as effective as several popular online automatic summarization systems. KeywoRdS Automatic Summarization, High Performance Computing, Similarity Calculation, Text Mining, TextRank, Unsupervised Method
Waveform Relaxation Time Domain Solver for Subsystem Arrays

In this paper we present a waveform relaxation approach for the transient analysis of 3-D electromagnetic problems using the partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) method. Relying on weaker couplings among separated systems, a waveform relaxation scheme is proposed to accelerate the transient analysis of large electromagnetic problems. The results are compared with those obtained using a conventional PEEC formulation. They exhibit a significant speed-up while preserving the solution accuracy.
Book Reviews : A Cognitive Approach To Language Learning

This latest work by Peter Skehan is not for the uninitiated. Entitled A Cognitive Approach to Language Learning, it attempts to outline a view of SLA from exactly this perspective Those readers unfamiliar with the mam arguments surrounding key issues m second language acqwsition (SLA) like the debate between comprehension and production-onented views of second language processing, input processing, and umversalist models of language learnmg, will find this book difficult to follow and understand In essence, it assumes a fair bit of background knowledge on the subject matter In his
The Time Course of Perceptual Grouping in Natural Scenes

Visual perception starts with localized filters that subdivide the image into fragments that undergo separate analyses. The visual system has to reconstruct objects by grouping image fragments that belong to the same object. A widely held view is that perceptual grouping occurs in parallel across the visual scene and without attention. To test this idea, we measured the speed of grouping in pictures of animals and vehicles. In a classification task, these pictures were categorized efficiently. In an image-parsing task, participants reported whether two cues fell on the same or different objects, and we measured reaction times. Despite the participants’ fast object classification, perceptual grouping required more time if the distance between cues was larger, and we observed an additional delay when the cues fell on different parts of a single object. Parsing was also slower for inverted than for upright objects. These results imply that perception starts with rapid object classification and that rapid classification is followed by a serial perceptual grouping phase, which is more efficient for objects in a familiar orientation than for objects in an unfamiliar orientation.
SSS* = a - b + TT Technical Report EUR-CS-95-02 (cid:3)

In 1979 Stockman introduced the SSS* minimax search algorithm that dominates Alpha-Beta in the number of leaf nodes expanded. Further investigation of the algorithm showed that it had three serious drawbacks, which prevented its use by practitioners: it is difﬁcult to understand, it has large memory requirements, and it is slow. This paper presents an alternate formulation of SSS*, in which it is implemented as a series of Alpha-Beta calls that use a transposition table (AB-SSS*). The reformulation solves all three perceived drawbacks of SSS*, making it a practical algorithm. Further, because the search is now based on Alpha-Beta, the extensive research on minimax search enhancements can be easily integrated into AB-SSS*. TotestAB-SSS* in practise, it has been implemented in three state-of-the-art programs: for checkers, Othello and chess. AB-SSS* is comparable in performance to Alpha-Beta on leaf node count in all three games, making it a viable alternative to Alpha-Beta in practise. Whereas SSS* has usually been regarded as being entirely different from Alpha-Beta, it turns out to be just an Alpha-Beta enhancement, like null-window searching. This runs counter to published simulation results. Our research leads to the surprising result that iterative deepening versions of Alpha-Beta can expand fewer leaf nodes than iterative deepening versions of SSS* due to dynamic move re-ordering.
In vitro polymerization of microtubules into asters and spindles in homogenates of surf clam eggs

The eggs of the surf clam Spisula solidissima were artificially activated, homogenized at various times in cold 0.5 M MES buffer, 1mM EGTA at pH 6.5, and microtubule polymerization was induced by raising the temperature to 28 degrees C. In homogenates of unactivated eggs few microtubules form and no asters are observed. By 2.5 min after activation microtubules polymerize in association with a dense central cylinder, resulting in the formation of small asterlike structures. By 4.5 min after activation the asters formed in vitro contain a distinct centriole, and microtubules now radiate from a larger volume of granular material which surrounds the centriole. By 15 min (metaphase I) the granular material is more disperse and only loosely associated with the centriole. Microtubules are occasionally observed which appear to radiate directly from one end of the centriole. The organizing center can be partially isolated by centrifugation of homogenates of metaphase eggs and will induce aster formation if mixed with tubulin from either activated or unactivated eggs. Pretreatment of the eggs with colchicine does not prevent the formation of a functional organizing center. Complete spindles can also be obtained under polymerizing conditions by either homogenizing the eggs directly into warm buffer or by adding a warm high-speed supernate to spindles which have been isolated in a microtubule stabilizing medium. Extensive addition of new tubulin occurs onto the isolated spindles, resulting primarily in growth of astral fibers, although there occasionally appears to be growth of chromosomal fibers and of pole-to-pole fibers. Negatively stained aster microtubules have a strong tendency to associate side by side, and under some conditions distinct cross bridges can be observed. However, under other conditions large numbers of 300-400-A particles surround the microtubules; the presence of stain between particles can give the appearance of cross bridges.
Comparison of Design Models: A Systematic Mapping Study

Context: Model comparison plays a central role in many software engineering activities. However, a comprehensive understanding about the state-of-the-art is still required. Goal: This paper aims at classifying and performing a thematic analysis of the current literature. Method: For this, we have followed well-established empirical guidelines to define and perform a systematic mapping study. Results: Some studies (14 out of 40) provide generic model comparison techniques, rather than specific ones for UML diagrams. Conclusion: Fine-grained techniques are still required to support ever-present and complex model comparison tasks during the evolution of design models.
The development of a geospatial data Grid by integrating OGC Web services with Globus‐based Grid technology

Geospatial science is the science and art of acquiring, archiving, manipulating, analyzing, communicating, modeling with, and utilizing spatially explicit data for understanding physical, chemical, biological, and social systems on the Earth's surface or near the surface. In order to share distributed geospatial resources and facilitate the interoperability, the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), an industry–government–academia consortium, has developed a set of widely accepted Web‐based interoperability standards and protocols. Grid is the technology enabling resource sharing and coordinated problem solving in dynamic, multi‐institutional virtual organizations. Geospatial Grid is an extension and application of Grid technology in the geospatial discipline. This paper discusses problems associated with directly using Globus‐based Grid technology in the geospatial disciplines, the needs for geospatial Grids, and the features of geospatial Grids. Then, the paper presents a research project that develops and deploys a geospatial Grid through integrating Web‐based geospatial interoperability standards and technology developed by OGC with Globus‐based Grid technology. The geospatial Grid technology developed by this project makes the interoperable, personalized, on‐demand data access and services a reality at large geospatial data archives. Such a technology can significantly reduce problems associated with archiving, manipulating, analyzing, and utilizing large volumes of geospatial data at distributed locations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADULT SPEAKERS’ DEFINITION AND USE OF WORDS: AN EXAMINATION OF PLATO'S PROBLEM AS APPLIED TO KNOWLEDGE OF WORD MEANING

Plato’s problem that Chomsky applies to speakers’ knowledge of word meaning concerns the disparity between impoverished evidence given and perfect knowledge attained. This study explored whether the attained knowledge of word meaning is stable, articulated and known to adult speakers of Japanese. 118 university students judged twice the degree in which they knew the meanings of words (knowledge score) and the degree in which they could use the words in sentences (usage score), with two different intervening tasks being given between the two judgments. Some speakers engaged in a task of defining the meaning of the words and using them in sentences, while others did not. Findings showed that knowledge scores were comparable in the first judgments, while knowledge score decreased in the second judgments only for the speakers given a task of definition. No change was found in usage score regardless of the intervening tasks. Analyses of descriptions provided in the task of definition and use showed that the meanings of words were neither articulated nor known in detail to the speakers. These findings are not compatible with Plato's problem.
Acculturation and Parenting Among Turkish Mothers in Australia

This study investigated acculturation attitudes of Turkish immigrant mothers in Australia and the associations between their interaction levels with Australian society and their parenting values and behaviors. Turkey is traditionally collectivist, and punishment is more common than verbal reasoning among parents; in Australia, which is predominantly individualistic, normative parenting goals emphasize independence (over obedience) and induction-based discipline (over punishment). Participants included 58 Turkish mothers living in Melbourne. Each had a child attending a child care center located in a generally lower socioeconomic area. Questionnaires were used to assess acculturation attitudes, parenting goals, and child-rearing practices. Findings support the hypothesized relationships between acculturation attitudes and parenting behaviors. Mothers who had a tendency to integrate with Australian society reported higher levels of self-direction goals and inductive reasoning and lower levels of compliance goals and obedience-demanding behavior. Findings are discussed in relation to the functions of child-rearing values and practices in sociocultural context.
Memorable Consumption

People often consume non-durable goods in a way that seems inconsistent with preferences for smoothing consumption over time. We suggest that such patterns of consumption can be better explained if one takes into account the future utility flows generated by memorable consumption goods,such as a honeymoon or a vacation, whose utility flow outlives their physical consumption. We consider a model in which a consumer enjoys current consumption as well as utility generated by earlier memorable consumption. Lasting utility flows are generated only by some goods, and only when their consumption exceeds customary levels by a sufficient margin. We offer axiomatic foundations for the structure of the utility function and study optimal consumption in a dynamic model. We show that rational consumers, taking into account future utility flows, would make optimal choices that rationalize lumpy patterns of consumption.
Impact of Medicaid Copayments on Patients With Cancer: Lessons for Medicaid Expansion Under Health Reform

BackgroundThe Medicaid program plays a critical role in providing insurance coverage for many low-income beneficiaries who are diagnosed with cancer. Several states have increased their copayment requirements in the past few years and this provides a natural experiment to study the impact of copayments. MethodsWe used Medicaid administrative data linked with cancer registry data for the years 1999 to 2004 from Georgia (intervention state with increases in copayments), Texas (control state A), and South Carolina (control state B) to study the impact of copayments on adult (aged from 18 to 64 y) Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with cancer (n=10,241). We report both pre/post and difference-in-difference assessments controlling for confounding factors including demographics, comorbidities, cancer site, and stage at diagnosis. ResultsAfter copayments were imposed, the number of days of supply of prescription drugs in the intervention state decreased by 127.4 and 150.1 days compared with control state A and B, respectively. Those with multiple comorbidities reduced their use of prescription drug the most. The proportion of beneficiaries with emergency room visits also increased in the intervention state compared with the control states. Overall, total 6-month cost was more than $2000 higher per patient in the intervention than the control states. ConclusionsThe results show that Medicaid patients with cancer when faced with even moderate copayments change their health-seeking behavior. State Medicaid programs should reconsider the use of copayments as they do not decrease overall cost, but instead could potentially result in negative consequences.
Sustaining diversity using behavioral information distance

Conventional similarity metrics used to sustain diversity in evolving populations are not well suited to sequential decision tasks. Genotypes and phenotypic structure are poor predictors of how solutions will actually behave in the environment. In this paper, we propose measuring similarity directly on the behavioral trajectories of evolving candidate policies using a universal similarity measure based on algorithmic information theory: normalized compression distance (NCD). NCD is compared to four other similarity measures in both genotype and phenotype space on the POMDP Tartarus problem, and shown to produce the most fit, general, and complex solutions.
Reliable face recognition by random subspace Support Vector Machine ensemble

Though many progresses have been made, face recognition is still a challenging topic in computer vision. Most of the published works focused on accurate classifiers design to produce identity predictions for query faces without suggesting how reliable the predictions are. These classifiers may not be applicable in some critical situations where the incorrect predictions have serious consequences. Aiming to tackle this problem, this paper proposes a highly reliable face recognition scheme by Random Subspace Support Vector Machine (SVM) ensemble which provides a reject option. Being different with previous classifier ensembles which purpose to increase the classification accuracy only, the objective of the proposed SVM ensemble is to supply classification confidence to accommodate the situations where no decision should be made if the confidence is low. The ensemble is created using Random Subspace (RS) method, together with four different feature descriptions to comprehensively characterize face images, including Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Pyramid Histogram of Oriented Gradient (PHOG), Gabor filtering and wavelet transform. The consensus from the ensemble's voting conforms to the confidence measure and the rejection option is accomplished accordingly when the confidence falls below a threshold. The reliable recognition scheme is empirically evaluated using a realistic face database created by the author, showing that pre-defined 100% accuracy can be reached with a rejection rate 7%.
The Turnover Process in Organizations: An Exploration of the Role of Met-Unmet Expectations

An assessment of the turnover process was undertaken with subjects of railway track maintenance crews. The differences between the responses of workers who left the crews and others who retained membership for the study were partially explained by the met-unmet expectations framework, and there was some evidence to suggest a variety of work related factors are a source of employee perceptions. However, to obtain a fuller understanding of the processes of employee reactions further theoretical articulation is required.
Quality-Aware Routing in Time-Varying Wireless Networks

This paper considers the problem of selecting good paths in an ad hoc wireless network. It is well-known that picking the shortest path, in terms of number of hops, between two nodes often leads to poor performance, because such paths tend to use a smaller number of long-range links that could have marginal quality. As a result, quality-aware routing metrics are desired for networks that built solely from wireless radios. Previous work, such as De Couto et al.'s ETX, has developed metrics that work well when wireless channel conditions are relatively static, but typical wireless channels experience variations at many time-scales. For example, channels may have low average packet loss ratios, but with high variance, implying that metrics that use the mean loss ratio will perform poorly. In this paper, we describe a new metric, called ENT (E ective Number of Transmissions) that works well under a wide variety of channel conditions. In addition to analyzing and evaluating the performance of ENT, we provide a uni ed geometic interpretation for wireless quality-aware routing metrics.
March CRF: an Efficient Test for Complex Read Faults in SRAM Memories

In this paper we study complex read faults in SRAMs, a combination of various malfunctions that affect the read operation in nanoscale memories. All the memory elements involved in the read operation are studied, underlining the causes of the realistic faults concerning this operation. The requirements to cover these fault models are given. We show that the different causes of read failure are independent and may coexist in nanoscale SRAMs, summing their effects and provoking complex read faults, CRFs. We show that the test methodology to cover this new read faults consists in test patterns that match the requirements to cover all the different simple read fault models (non-destructive). We propose a low complexity (~2N) test, March CRF, that covers effectively all the realistic complex read faults.
Knowledges of the creative economy: Towards a relational geography of diffusion and adaptation in Asia

Abstract: Recent dialogues in geography and the social sciences have reminded researchers of the extent to which academic and policy knowledges are socially and spatially embedded – that is, they circulate through formal and informal systems of publishing, exchange, commodification and cultural influence. Academic and policy knowledges are, in short, very much a part of the creative economy. In light of this, our paper surveys knowledges of the creative economy itself, as reflected in a geography of industry reports and government policy statements in selected Asian countries. Using a post-positivist framework adapted from diffusion theory, we critically interpret the circulation, mutation and adaptation of knowledges of the creative economy, claims to its significance, areas of emphases and notable silences.