Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community detection with structural and attribute similarities

ABSTRACT An important problem in network analysis is to identify significant communities. Most of the real-world data sets exhibit a certain topological structure between nodes and the attributes describing them. In this paper, we propose a new community detection criterion considering both structural similarities and attribute similarities. The clustering method integrates the cost of clustering node attributes with the cost of clustering the structural information via the normalized modularity. We show that the joint clustering problem can be formulated as a spectral relaxation problem. The proposed algorithm is capable of learning the degree of contributions of individual node attributes. A number of numerical studies involving simulated and real data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Advancements in Power Wheelchair Joystick Technology: Effects of Isometric Joysticks and Signal Conditioning on Driving Performance

Dicianno BE, Spaeth DM, Cooper RA, Fitzgerald SG, Boninger ML: Advancements in power wheelchair joystick technology: effects of isometric joysticks and signal conditioning on driving performance. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006;85:631–639. Objective:An estimated 125,000 Americans with movement disorders that preclude independent mobility in a power wheelchair could benefit from improved control devices. We developed variable gain algorithm (VGA) software for our isometric joystick (IJ) that allows it to emulate a commercially available motion-sensing joystick (MSJ) in performance but retain the unique customizable features of an isometric control. Force sensing algorithm (FSA) software allowed the IJ to function as a simple isometric device. Design:Using a Fitts' Law paradigm, we compared driving performance with floor targets using a standard MSJ and an IJ with both FSA and VGA software in 11 electric power wheelchair users with a variety of impairments. Outcome measures were reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and driving accuracy (DA). Results:The IJ with FSA had a significantly shorter RT than the MSJ (P < 0.0020). The IJ with FSA had a significantly longer MT than the MSJ to far targets (P < 0.0159). No differences were found between the IJ with VGA and the MSJ with respect to RT or MT. No differences in DA were found among any of the joysticks. Conclusions:VGA software allowed the IJ to function similarly to the MSJ with respect to RT, MT, and DA.
DNA barcoding and scanning electron microscopy reveals Erysiphe ahmadii sp. nov. and a new record Erysiphe populicola (Erysiphaceae, Helotiales) on salicaceous hosts from Pakistan

A new species of powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe ahmadii and a new record, Erysiphe populicola, on Salicaceae are described from Pakistan. In addition to light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy is also done to clearly demonstrate the surface characters of chasmothecia. E. ahmadii sp. nov. is characterized by large conidia ((−26)29–35(−37) × (−16)17–21(−23) μm), long chasmothecial appendages (198–286 μm) and small conidiophores. The novelty is confirmed by analyzing the genetic variation of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA gene, a universal fungal marker. E. populicola is characterized for the first time using molecular phylogenetic markers. Detailed descriptions along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs are provided in this paper.
Electromagnetic, Thermal, and Mechanical Quench Simulation of NI REBCO Pancake Coils for High Magnetic Field Generation

The no-insulation (NI) winding technique drastically enhances the thermal stability of REBa$_2$Cu$_30_y$ (REBCO) coils. Even if a larger current than a critical current is carried in NI REBCO pancake coils, the coils would not burn out. So far, many NI REBCO pancake coils showed a “self-protecting” characteristic in experiments. However, most of these experiments have been done under a low magnetic field or cooled by liquid nitrogen. Under these conditions, a huge electromagnetic force does not occur after an NI REBCO pancake coil transitions into a normal state. Recently, the NI winding technique has been applied to high-field magnets, such as NMR and accelerators. Under a high magnetic field (> 20 T), a huge hoop stress is generated after one NI REBCO pancake coil constituting a high-field magnet by stacking reaches to quench. The huge hoop stress causes the delamination of REBCO-coated conductors. That is, the quench protection condition of high-field NI REBCO magnets is decided according to the mechanical condition, even though the magnets show a high thermal stability. In this paper, three simulation models for NI REBCO pancake coils are compared, and then the mechanical condition is discussed for a quench protection through an electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical simulation of multistacked NI REBCO pancake coils for high field generation.
Combination of Fibrosis-4, liver-stiffness measurement, and Fibroscan-AST score to predict liver-related outcomes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Introduction: Noninvasive tests, such as Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), liver-stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography, and Fibroscan-AST (FAST), are frequently used for risk stratification in NAFLD. The comparative performance of FIB-4 and LSM and FAST to predict clinical outcomes of patients with NAFLD remained unclear. We aim to evaluate the performance of FIB-4, LSM, and FAST scores to predict clinical outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Methods: We included consecutive adult patients with NAFLD with transient elastography performed between 2015 and 2022 from the United States and Singapore. Patients with NAFLD stratified based on baseline FIB-4, LSM, and FAST score were followed up until clinical outcomes notably liver-related events (LREs), LREs or death, death, and major adverse cardiac events. Results: A total of 1262 patients with NAFLD (63% with obesity and 37% with diabetes) with vibration-controlled transient elastography were followed up for median 3.5 years. FIB-4 stratified patients with NAFLD into low-risk (<1.3), intermediate-risk (1.3–2.67), and high-risk (>2.67) in 59.4%, 31.5%, and 9.1%, respectively. No LRE occurred with baseline FIB-4 <1.3, regardless of LSM and FAST score. Higher FIB-4 was associated with a higher risk of LREs within each LSM category. FIB-4 had a higher area under the received operating characteristic curve than LSM or FAST score to predict LRE. Conclusions: In this multicenter international study, FIB-4 and LSM synergistically predicted the risk of LRE. In patients with FIB-4 <1.3, vibration-controlled transient elastography may incorrectly classify up to 10% of the patients as high risk. FIB-4 should be incorporated into risk stratification in NAFLD even among patients who underwent VCTE.
Patients with fibromyalgia in Finnish healthcare center – one-year follow up

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to find whether Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ) predicts the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms after one year in patients with fibromyalgia. The second aim of the study was to observe how symptoms evolved during a one-year follow-up. Design Prospective cohort and observational study. Five questionnaires were sent to patients. The same questionnaires (excluding ÖMPSQ) were sent after one year. The patients were allocated into two cohorts using the results of ÖMPSQ. Other variables were analyzed and observed separately. Setting Primary healthcare center in the city of Nokia, Pirkanmaa, Finland Subjects Patients with fibromyalgia were included in the study after a physician’s examination and confirmation of diagnosis with the assistance of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria. Main outcome measures Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) scores Results The FIQ scores increased slightly in both ÖMPSQ-cohorts with no statistically significant differences. The patients mostly reported that the symptoms were unchanged or got worse when asked separately from other questionnaires. There was a statistically significant decrease in PHQ-9 score in depressed patients who received antidepressants and/or psychological therapy. In addition, FIQ scores also decreased in depressed patients. Patients who received alterations to the treatment plan reported positive changes in the symptoms more often. Conclusion With these results, we cannot conclude that ÖMPSQ predicts the patient’s severity of symptoms. On the contrary, we can conclude that antidepressants and/or psychological therapy might reduce fibromyalgia symptoms for depressed patients with fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia might benefit from clinical evaluation and modifications to the treatment plan if necessary. KEY POINTS The long-term prognosis is not well known, and there are limited tools to predict the development of symptoms. ÖMPSQ does not seem to be useful for predicting the development of fibromyalgia in patients who already have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Management of depression for patients with fibromyalgia might be effective in reducing fibromyalgia symptoms. Patients with fibromyalgia in Finnish healthcare center – one-year follow-up.
Extracting Interesting Regions and Trips from Taxi Trajectory Data

The increasing availability of cutting-edge location-acquisition technologies such as GPS devices, has led to the generation of huge datasets of spatial trajectories. These trajectories store important information regarding the movement of people, vehicles, robots, animals, users of social networks, etc. Many research initiatives have applied data mining techniques in order to extract useful knowledge from this data. An important, and yet complicated, pre-processing step in mining patterns from trajectory data, is the identification of the Regions of Interest (RoI) that have been collectively navigated by a set of trajectories. The RoI’s are being manually and subjectively pre-defined by a group of experts as popular regions, regardless of the actual behaviour of the moving objects. This research emphasizes the usefulness of applying an unsupervised machine learning technique, namely Self Organizing Map (SOM), in order to identify the RoI’s associated with a trajectory dataset depending on the moving objects’ behaviour. The research experiments were conducted using 180 thousand of the trajectories generated by 442 taxis running in the city of Porto, in Portugal, and they demonstrate the ability of SOM in identifying the RoI’s and interesting taxi trips within the city.
Economic evaluation of prostate cancer risk assessment methods: A cost‐effectiveness analysis using population data

The current prostate cancer (PCa) screening standard of care (SOC) leads to unnecessary biopsies and overtreatment because decisions are guided by prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, which have low specificity in the gray zone (3–10 ng/mL). New risk assessment tools (RATs) aim to improve biopsy decision‐making. We constructed a modeling framework to assess new RATs in men with gray zone PSA from the British Columbia healthcare system's perspective.
Liability Threshold Models

The liability threshold model holds that for binary traits influenced by multiple factors of small effect, an underlying liability distribution exists, with a threshold that divides the population into the two categories for the trait. This principle extends to include ordered polychotomous (also known as ordinal) variables, where the number of thresholds is one less than the number of levels. Keywords: ordinal; polychotomous; tetrachoric; biometrical model
Association between upper and lower respiratory disease among patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia: an international study

Introduction: Nearly all patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) report ear-nose-throat (ENT) symptoms. However, scarce evidence exists about how ENT symptoms relate to pulmonary disease in PCD. We explored possible associations between upper and lower respiratory disease among patients with PCD in a multicentre study. Methods: We included patients from the ENT Prospective International Cohort (EPIC-PCD). We studied associations of several reported ENT symptoms and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)-defined using patient-reported information and examination findings-with reported sputum production and shortness of breath-using ordinal logistic regression. In a subgroup with available lung function results, we used linear regression to study associations of CRS and FEV1, accounting for relevant factors. Results: We included 457 patients [median age: 15; interquartile range (IQR) 10-24; 54% males]. Shortness of breath associated with reported nasal symptoms and ear pain of any frequency, often or daily hearing problems, headache when bending down [odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.54], and CRS (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.57-3.38) regardless of polyp presence. Sputum production associated with daily reported nasal (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.20-4.09) and hearing (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.10-3.64) problems and CRS (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.48-3.07). We did not find any association between CRS and FEV1. Conclusion: Reported upper airway symptoms and signs of CRS associated with reported pulmonary symptoms; however, not with lung function. Our results emphasise assessing and managing upper and lower respiratory disease as a common, interdependent entity among patients with PCD.
Pre-Diagnosis Dietary Patterns and Risk of Multiple Myeloma in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study

Background: Despite patient interest in knowing whether diet is linked to multiple myeloma (MM), there is limited research on dietary patterns and MM risk. Two studies have assessed this risk, albeit with a small number of MM cases. The EPIC-Oxford cohort and Oxford Vegetarian study (65 MM cases) showed that fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans had significantly reduced MM risk compared to meat eaters. The Nurses Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (478 MM cases) showed a significantly increased MM risk in men with Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern. Methods: The NIH-AARP Diet and Health study is a prospective cohort of 567,169 persons who completed a food frequency questionnaire in 1995-1996 and were followed until December 2011. Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Healthy Diet Score (HDS), alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) and healthful Plant-based Diet Index (hPDI) scores were calculated using a priori defined methods and grouped into quartiles, with higher scores reflecting healthier eating patterns. We prospectively evaluated the association between pre-diagnosis dietary patterns and MM incidence in this cohort. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age at study entry, sex, race, body mass index, education, and total energy intake (by residual method). Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess reverse causality by excluding MM cases diagnosed within one year of follow-up. Results: Among 392,589 participants (after exclusions), a total of 1,366 MM cases (59% males; 92% non-Hispanic whites) were identified during the follow-up period. Analysis revealed a significant association between hPDI scores and reduced MM risk (highest vs lowest quartile, HR 0.85; 95%CI 0.73-1.0; p=0.043) (Table). In sensitivity analysis (1,302 MM cases), the association was no longer significant (HR 0.87; 95%CI 0.74-1.03; p 0.09) but trended in the same direction. This may be due to small sample size, given MM is a rare disease. HEI-2015, HDS and aMED scores were not associated with MM risk. Conclusions: A healthful plant-based diet was associated with reduced MM risk in the NIH-AARP cohort. These results will help oncologists and patients make informed choices about their diet. To our knowledge, this is the largest epidemiologic study to date assessing pre-diagnosis dietary patterns and MM risk.
The impact of motor, non-motor, and social aspects on the sexual health of men living with Parkinson's disease

Background: Sexual health (SH) is influenced by several biological, mental, and social factors which may be negatively impacted by PD. Despite its prevalence and relevance for quality of life, the factors that affect the SH in men with Parkinson's disease (MwPD) are still poorly understood, and research in this area is scarce. Aim: To investigate the impact of motor, non-motor, and social aspects on the SH in MwPD. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 80 men (mean age 53.55+/-10.8) in stages 1-3 of disease progression according to Hoehn and Yahr classification (H&Y), who reported to have sexual activity. The following data were collected for each person (used tests/scales indicated within parentheses and defined in glossary): (1) demographic information and global cognitive capacity (T-MoCA); (2) non-motor aspects of daily life experiences (MDS-UPDRS, part I); (3) motor aspects of daily life experiences (MDS-UPDRS, part II); (4) fatigue (FSS); (5) self-esteem (RSES); (6) sleep disorder (PDSS); (7) couple relationship quality (DAS); (8) depressive signals (BDI); (8) short-term sexual health by International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE); and (9) long-term sexual health by Sexual Quotient-Male (SQ-M). Results: Our results suggest that the quality of marital relationships predicts short-term SH, motor disability level predicts erectile dysfunction, and depression predicts long-term SH in MwPD. Age, disease onset, disease duration, Levodopa dosage, and non-motor symptoms, excluding depression, were not correlated with SH. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that multidimensional factors can affect the SH of MwPD and emphasize that only a multi-professional team can offer proper care to improve SH in MwPD.
Validating Synthetic Usage Data in Living Lab Environments

Evaluating retrieval performance without editorial relevance judgments is challenging, but instead, user interactions can be used as relevance signals. Living labs offer a way for small-scale platforms to validate information retrieval systems with real users. If enough user interaction data is available, click models can be parameterized from historical sessions to evaluate systems before exposing users to experimental rankings. However, interaction data is sparse in living labs, and little is studied about how click models can be validated for reliable user simulations when click data is available in moderate amounts. This work introduces an evaluation approach for validating synthetic usage data generated by click models in data-sparse human-in-the-loop environments like living labs. We ground our methodology on the click model’s estimates about a system ranking compared to a reference ranking for which the relative performance is known. Our experiments compare different click models and their reliability and robustness as more session log data becomes available. In our setup, simple click models can reliably determine the relative system performance with already 20 logged sessions for 50 queries. In contrast, more complex click models require more session data for reliable estimates, but they are a better choice in simulated interleaving experiments when enough session data is available. While it is easier for click models to distinguish between more diverse systems, it is harder to reproduce the system ranking based on the same retrieval algorithm with different interpolation weights. Our setup is entirely open, and we share the code to reproduce the experiments.
Social Cost Analysis of Shared/Buy-in Computing Systems

Shared/buy-in computing systems offer users the option to select between buy-in and shared services. In such systems, idle buy-in resources are made available to other users for sharing. With strategic users, resource purchase and allocation in such systems can be cast as a non-cooperative game, whose corresponding Nash equilibrium does not necessarily result in the optimal social cost. In this study, we first derive the optimal social cost of the game in closed form, by casting it as a convex optimization problem and establishing related properties. Next, we derive a closed-form expression for the social cost at the Nash equilibrium, and show that it can be computed in linear time. We further show that the strategy profiles of users at the optimum and the Nash equilibrium are directly proportional. We measure the inefficiency of the Nash equilibrium through the price of anarchy, and show that it can be quite large in certain cases, e.g., when the operating expense ratio is low or when the distribution of user workloads is relatively homogeneous. To improve the efficiency of the system, we propose and analyze two subsidy policies, which are shown to converge using best-response dynamics.
Delineation of mass movement prone areas by Landsat 7 and digitial image processing

DELINEATION OF MASS MOVEMENT-PRONE AREAS BY LANDSAT 7 AND DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING Shiloh M. James Howland Department of Geology Master of Science The problem of whether Landsat 7 data could be used to delineate areas prone to mass movement, particularly debris flows and landslides, was examined using three techniques: change detection in NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), change detection in band 5, and the tasseled cap transformation. These techniques were applied to areas that had recently experienced mass movement: Layton, Davis County and Alpine, Spanish Fork Canyon and Santaquin, Utah County. No distinctive spectral characteristics were found with any of these techniques with two possible explanations: 1. That despite improved spatial resolution in Landat 7 over its predecessors and improved digital image processing capabilities, the resolution is still too low to detect these characteristics or 2. That the aspects of a slope that make it prone to mass movement are undetectable at any resolution by remote sensing. Change detection in NDVI examined if areas that remained unchanged (defined as ≤ 5% change) between August 14, 1999 and October 17, 1999 correlated to areas that are prone to mass movement. There was no correlation. Change detection in band 5 was examined between August 14, 1999 and October 17, 1999, October 17, 1999 and May 28, 2000 and August 14, 1999 and May 28, 2000. An interesting result is that the Shurtz Lake and Thistle landslides (Spanish Fork Canyon) showed changes of greater than 30% during August 14, 1999 – October 17, 1999 and October 17, 1999 – May 28, 2000. These changes were limited to these landslides and not seen in abundance in surrounding areas. A similar localization of 30% change was seen in the Cedar Bench landslide (Layton) for the same time periods. There were no other correlations. The tasseled cap transformation shows areas of dominate greenness, soil brightness or wetness. None of these factors had distinctive patterns in the areas studied when compared to surrounding, mass movement-prone areas so no conclusions can be drawn about the utility of the tasseled cap transformation as it relates to areas of potential mass movement.