Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A linear iterative least-squares method for estimating the fundamental matrix

During the last two decades a lot of researches have been done on the estimation of fundamental matrix, which represents the epipolar geometry between two uncalibrated perspective images. In this paper, a new linear and iterative method is proposed for estimating the fundamental matrix. It preserves the noise model of the observed image points, e.g. a Gaussian noise distribution. When the noise in the measurement of the image points is small, the accuracy of this method is comparable to that of the nonlinear Newton-type optimizers, however, it is much more efficient both because of its linearity and because of its faster convergency.
Transactional and Contextual Invalidation between the Parents of Disturbed Families: A Comparative Study

This study was based on a standard task — the discussion of the question, “How, out of all the millions of people in the world, did the two of you get together? ”— administered to the parents in “disturbed” and “non-disturbed” families. The family disturbance in the 46 families was classified according to its presence or absence, its degree, and its kind. The diagnoses were: schizophrenias (S), delinquency (D), under-achievement and/or enuresis, or psychosomatic complaints (U), ulcerative colitis (UC), and non-disturbed (N). Seven scales were used to score the parents' verbal exchanges. Three scales that measure transactional and contextual validation and invalidation significantly differentiated the groups. Mutual validation was maximal in the N couples and minimal in the D and S couples. Invalidation between the D and S couples appeared to arise from their unsuccessful metacommunications.
List learning of second language vocabulary

ABSTRACT The learning of second language vocabulary in lists of word pairs is a widespread practice. A basic practical question in this respect is whether it is more effective for nonfluent bilinguals to learn word pairs in first language–second language order (Ll–L2), or vice versa. To date, experimental psychology has not given a clear answer to this question, partly because it has not addressed the relevant issues directly. This article reviews some aspects of psychology that are relevant to L2 vocabulary list learning and reports on an experiment conducted with comprehensive (high) school students, aged 11–13, who were learning French. The experiment examined the presentation of vocabulary items to be learned. It was found that presenting items in L1–L2 order was the more versatile form of presentation if both production and comprehension of L2 items were required on the part of the learner. The theoretical implications of the findings, relating to the structure of the bilingual lexicon, are also discussed.
Systematic review of the efficacy and effectiveness of complementary feeding interventions in developing countries.

CRD summary This review evaluated complementary (additional to breast feeding) feeding interventions for children aged 6-24 months. The authors concluded that educational interventions and provision of fortified foods or home fortification products can improve growth and micro-nutrient status. While the review had some methodological limitations, the authors' conclusions appear generally reliable.
Clinical Implications of Recent Trials on Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

The past year has seen the publication of results of the largest and arguably the most significant clinical trials of antithrombotic to prevent stroke and systemic throm-boembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (1-3). In 2011, results of two trials concerning anticoagulation in patients with AF in addition to RE-LY study were also published (4-6). Canadian AF guidelines has been updated early this year, incorporating the new evidence (7). Also in 2012, the American College of Chest Physicians has released guidelines for the antithrombotic therapy of atrial fibril- alation (8). Similar updates of ESC and AHA/ACC guidelines are expected, which will be published in the upcoming months. Additionally in 2012, a consensus statement on interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation has been released by HRS/EHRA/ECAS (9). In the present review, new studies will be discussed in the context of current best evidence and their impact on the antithrombotic management of patients with AF will be examined. In ade-dition we present our current clinical practice regarding anticoagulation in patients with AF at Heart Centre Uni-versity of Leipzig.
Applying adaptive leadership to successful change initiatives in academia

Purpose – To propose Heifetz's adaptive leadership model as the primary process for initiating change in today's more business‐oriented academic environment in which colleges and universities are required to compete to attract students and are facing greater scrutiny and accountability from outside constituencies.Design/methodology/approach – Two case studies are presented that underscore some of the challenges facing today's academic institutions. Heiftez's adaptive leadership model is applied to each case.Findings – Leadership is more than an individual acting in a position. It is a process in which change initiatives must emanate from key stakeholders, all of whom are engaged in that process. The two cases presented in the paper serve to illustrate the greater potential for successful change initiatives offered by the adaptive leadership model.Research limitations/implications – The research examines two specific case studies in which adaptive leadership dimensions are used to examine the success or fa.
Gender and Prediction of Gilligan's Justice and Care Orientations

Data are reported from three samples of undergraduate subjects (total N=206), to assess Gilligan's (1982) view that men and women possess different orientations toward moral dilemmas, based on considerations of justice and care, respectively. Subjects in samples one and two wrote open-ended responses to five hypothetical moral dilemmas, in which characters varied ni gender and age, and themes (orientations) varied in being stereotypically male- or female-typed. In these samples, differential use of the justice and care orientations was not significantly associated with the factor of gender. For none of the eight dilemmas in sample three, using a 2 (age of character) X 2 (gender of character) X 2 (orientation of dilemma) factorial design, was gender related to differential use of the justice and care orientations. Some comments concerning evaluation of Gilligan's perspective on gender and moral orientation are presented.
Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Caregivers of People with Parkinson's Disease and Implications for Clinical Guidelines

The quality of life (QoL) of informal caregivers can be adversely affected by a number of factors. This issue, however, has not been well explored for carers of people with Parkinson's (PwP), with research largely restricted to the assessment of caregiver burden and caregiver strain. This study aims to determine the main influences on carer QoL in this population and consider results in the context of current clinical guidelines for the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). Carers completed the newly validated PDQ-Carer, and PwP completed the PDQ-39. The sample comprised 238 carers (mean age 68.20 years) and 238 PwP (mean age 71.64). Results suggest multiple influences on caregiver QoL. These include carer age, gender, health status, and duration of the caregiving role. PwP levels of mobility and cognitive impairment are also significant influences on carer QoL. Not only should practitioners and service providers be particularly aware of the heightened impact of PD on carers over time and as PwP symptoms deteriorate, but this should also be reflected in clinical guidelines for the management of PD.
Smoking cessation in China: findings from the 1996 national prevalence survey

OBJECTIVES To describe patterns of smoking and smoking cessation in China within the context of the stages of change model, using data from the 1996 national prevalence survey. DESIGN A cross sectional survey was carried out using the 145 preselected disease surveillance points, which provide a representative sample for the entire country. A standardised questionnaire on smoking was interviewer administered. SETTING The country of China. SUBJECTS 122 220 people aged 15–69 years. MAINTENANCE MEASURES Smoking cessation patterns, as defined by smoking status (current or former) and stage of change (precontemplation, contemplation, and action). RESULTS The sample included 45 995 ever smokers of whom 4336 had quit. About 72% of current smokers reported not intending to give up their smoking behaviour, and about 16% of current smokers said they intended to do so, but have not taken any action. Of all ever smokers, the percentage of former smokers was 9.5%, and 12% of current smokers had quit at least once, but relapsed by the time of the survey. The patterns were similar in men and women with regard to the stated intent to quit. Among males, the percentage of former smokers increased with age but the percentage intending to quit was constant at about 15% across age strata. The most common reason for quitting was illness. Participants with a university education were more likely to have made an attempt to quit. CONCLUSIONS The percentage of smokers contemplating quitting was low in China in 1996. The study shows that smokers in China must be mobilised to contemplate quitting and then to take action. Key points 72% of current smokers in China did not intend to give up smoking in 1996 About 10% of ever smokers in China have stopped smoking The relapse rate equals the rate of quitting Key professional groups (health workers and teachers) have similar cessation patterns to the general population The most common reason for quitting was illness Smokers in China should be mobilised to contemplate quitting and then to take action
A Hybrid Ant Colony System approach for solving Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problems with Time Windows

The Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows represents a common problem. First, the problem is defined mathematically and an example of such a problem is shown. In short, the problem itself is a mixture of the Traveling Salesman Problem and the Bin Packing Problem. A possible solution to the problem is demonstrated, as well as the fitness criteria of the problem. The Ant Colony System algorithm is used to solve the problem. A modification of the original Ant Colony System Meta-heuristic is introduced. The heuristics used to improve the basic ACS algorithm are the Savings heuristic, Wait heuristic and the Route Size heuristic. Also, a few local search methods are used, such as 2*opt and Route Elimination local search. Finally, the result of applying the algorithm to a problem instance is discussed.
Continuous rhythm monitoring for ventricular arrhythmias after alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias before and after alcohol septal ablation (ASA). Background In patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), gradient reduction by ASA is an alternative for surgical myectomy. However, concerns exist about whether the induction of a myocardial scar during ASA may create substrate for ventricular arrhythmias. Methods The study group consisted of 44 patients in whom ASA was performed for symptomatic, drug-refractory hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Continuous rhythm monitoring was obtained by implantable loop recorder (n=30) or pacemaker (n=14). Occurrence of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias before and after ASA was noted, retrospectively. Results The ASA procedure was considered successful (resting gradient <30 mm Hg, and provoked gradient <50 mm Hg at 4 months in combination with NYHA Class functional status ≤2) in 30 (68%) patients. Rhythm monitoring before ASA was available in 28 patients. The median duration of rhythm monitoring after ASA was 3.0 years (IQR 1.3–4.3). Sustained VT/VF within 30 days after ASA occurred in three patients (7%), including 2 cases of procedural VF, while no VT/VF was observed before ASA (p=0.10). No sustained VT/VF was observed >30 days after ASA. No cardiac deaths occurred during follow-up. Conclusions In a low-risk cohort of patients who underwent ASA, in which continuous rhythm monitoring was performed, sustained VT or VF within 30 days occurred in 3 patients (7%) while no VT/VF was observed before ASA. During long-term follow-up, no sustained VT or VF was observed >30 days after ASA.
Fusarium Keratitis: Genotyping, In Vitro Susceptibility and Clinical Outcomes

Purpose: To determine differences in the clinical characteristics and antifungal susceptibility patterns among molecularly characterized ocular Fusarium sp isolates. Methods: Fifty-eight isolates of Fusarium sp obtained from 52 eyes of 52 patients were retrieved from the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and grown in pure culture. These isolates were characterized based on DNA sequence analysis of the ITS1/2 and ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid regions. Antifungal susceptibilities were determined for each isolate using broth microdilution methods, and the corresponding medical records were reviewed to determine the clinical outcomes. Results: Fusarium solani isolates had significantly higher values of minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% isolates (MIC90) with voriconazole than F. non-solani organisms (16 and 4 &mgr;g/mL, respectively). Isolates of F. solani also exhibited a significantly longer time to cure (65 vs. 40.5 days), a worse follow-up best-corrected visual acuity (20/118 vs. 20/36), and an increased need for urgent surgical management (7 vs. 0 penetrating keratoplasties) when compared with those of F. non-solani. Conclusions: This is the first report to examine the correlation between ocular genotyped Fusarium sp and clinical outcomes. It supports the overall worse prognosis of F. solani versus F. non-solani isolates, including higher voriconazole resistance by the former. The clinical implementation of molecular-based diagnostics and antifungal efficacy testing may yield important prognostic and therapeutic information that could improve the management of fungal ocular infections.
A calsequestrin-like protein in the endoplasmic reticulum of the sea urchin: localization and dynamics in the egg and first cell cycle embryo

Using an antiserum produced against a purified calsequestrin-like (CSL) protein from a microsomal fraction of sea urchin eggs, we performed light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical localizations on sea urchin eggs and embryos in the first cell cycle. The sea urchin CSL protein has been found to bind Ca++ similarly to calsequestrin, the well-characterized Ca++ storage protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle cells. In semi-thin frozen sections of unfertilized eggs, immunofluorescent staining revealed a tubuloreticular network throughout the cytoplasm. Staining of isolated egg cortices with the CSL protein antiserum showed the presence of a submembranous polygonal, tubular network similar to ER network patterns seen in other cells and in egg cortices treated with the membrane staining dye DiIC16[3]. In frozen sections of embryos during interphase of the first cell cycle, a cytoplasmic network similar to that of the unfertilized egg was present. During mitosis, we observed a dramatic concentration of the antibody staining within the asters of the mitotic apparatus where ER is known to aggregate. Electron microscopic localization on unfertilized eggs using peroxidase-labeled secondary antibody demonstrated the presence of the CSL protein within the luminal compartment of ER-like tubules. Finally, in frozen sections of centrifugally stratified eggs, the immunofluorescent staining concentrated in the clear zone: a layer highly enriched in ER and thought to be the site of calcium release upon fertilization. This localization of a CSL protein within the ER of the egg provides evidence for the ability of this organelle to serve a Ca++ storage role in the regulation of intracellular Ca++ in nonmuscle cells in general, and in the regulation of fertilization and cell division in sea urchin eggs in particular.
What Does It Take to Stand Up for the Victim of Bullying?: The Interplay Between Personal and Social Factors

The present study focused on the role of cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal factors in predicting defending of bullied peer. Specifically, the degree to which peer status moderates the effects of emotional and cognitive factors on defending behavior was tested. The sample included 489 students (257 girls) from grades 4 (mean age, 10.6 years) and 8 (mean age, 14.6 years) in Finland. The reputation of being a defender of victimized classmates was associated with a stronger sense of self-efficacy for defending and greater social status within the peer group. Moreover, perceived popularity moderated the effects of both self-efficacy and affective empathy on having a reputation of a defender. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for interventions designed to reduce bullying.
The internet and offending behaviour: A case study

Abstract Summary: The COPINE Project at the Department of Applied Psychology, seeks to address children's vulnerability in relation to the Internet and child pornography. As part of the project, offenders convicted of downloading such images have been interviewed. This paper considers existing models of offender behaviour alongside literature relating to Internet use. A single case study is used to illustrate a process-focused model of offending, using interview material to demonstrate how the offender represented and accounted for his behaviour. The offender in question had no history of engaging in sexual behaviour with actual children, but his case illustrated many of the stages described by offenders in their involvement with pornography, including: setting events, engagement, collecting behaviour, and the emergence of relationships.
A typological model of schizophrenia based on age at onset, sex and familial morbidity

We investigated the age at onset distributions of schizophrenia in men and women and the relationship of age at onset and sex to the familial rates of schizophrenia and manic‐depression in data from a Swedish family study of 270 schizophrenic probands. On the logarithmic scale, the age at onset distribution of schizophrenia in both male and female relatives was bimodal, suggesting that broadly defined schizophrenia may be a mixture of 2 (probably related) disorders. The risk of schizophrenia in relatives decreased as a function of the age at onset of the proband, irrespective of the sex of the proband or relative. In contrast, the risk of manic‐depression was significantly higher in relatives of female probands with an age at onset in the twenties than in relatives of female probands with earlier or later onset, or in relatives of male probands. This suggests a third disorder related to affective psychosis, with an intermediate age at onset and female preponderance.
Modelling and Verifying Combinatorial Interactions to Test Data Intensive Systems Experience with Optimal Archiving at the Norwegian Customs and Excise Directorate

Testing data-intensive systems is paramount to increase our reliance on information processed in e-governance, scientific/medical research, and social networks. Data accrued in these systems often go through several manual and computational steps involving human inputs in interactive media and complex batch applications that aim to ensure high quality of data in terms of validity, correctness, and adherence to business rules. Testing these systems involves verifying data in test databases, copied from different steps of live production streams, for adherence to business rules. We simplify the process by modelling and automatically generating relevant test cases as data interactions satisfying the combinatorial interaction coverage criteria. We verify these test cases using our human-in-the-loop tool, DEPICT. DEPICT, with expert assistance, generates complex SQL queries for test cases and produces a visual report of test case satisfaction. We apply the approach to simplify and optimize a periodic archiving operation within the testing environment of the Custom directorate’s TVINN system.
Impact of an evidence-based medicine curriculum on medical students' attitudes and skills.

PURPOSE This evaluation study sought to assess the impact of an evidence-based medicine (EBM) course on students' self-perception of EBM skills, determine their use of EBM skills, and measure their performance in applying EBM skills in a simulated case scenario. METHODS Pre- and post-surveys and skills tests were developed to measure students' attitudes toward and proficiency in EBM skills. Third-year students completed the voluntary survey and skills test at the beginning and completion of a twelve-week clerkship in internal medicine (IM) co-taught by medical and library faculty. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for a two-tailed test. RESULTS A statistically significant increase was found in the students' self-assessment of skills. Students reported using the journal literature significantly more frequently during the clerkship than before, although textbooks remained their number one resource. A majority of students reported frequent use of EBM skills during the clerkship. Statistically significant improvement in student performance was also found on the posttest, although the level of improvement was more modest than that found on the post-surveys. CONCLUSION The introduction of EBM skills to students during a clinical clerkship provides students an opportunity to practice EBM skills and reinforces the use of evidence in making patient-care decisions.
Clinical Correlation of Copd Assessment Test (Cat) Questionnaire with Severity in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: COPD is a disease that causes a lot of human suffering. The exacerbations of COPD add to the morbidity and mortality. The COPD assessment test(CAT) questionnaire is an eight item questionnaire that assesses the impact of COPD on the health status. We evaluated CAT score in a group of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD as a marker for COPD exacerbation and severe disease. Objectives: To assess usefulness ofCAT questionnaire as early markers for assessment of exacerbation risk and exacerbation severity. Methods: 100 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD were studied between November 2012 to October 2014. Assessment of symptom severity was made based on the CAT questionnaire.They were subjected to investigations like Hb, TC, DC, ESR, RBS, Blood urea, Serum creatinine, ECG, chest X-ray, ABG, pulmonary function tests(pre and post bronchodilator therapy), 2 D ECHO( if necessary). Results: Frequent exacerbators had significantly higher CAT scores than infrequent exacerbators. (p<0.005). Patients with severe stage of the disease (as GOLD criteria) had very high CAT score. Conclusion: The CAT provides a reliable score of exacerbation severity.CAT scores are elevated in frequent exacerbators.