Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of criminal recidivism in young sex offenders: Temporal patterns and risk factors

Abstract Recent studies indicate that risk for criminal re-offending in identified adult sex offenders may persist decades after the index offence, calling for inquiry into these issues also for younger sex offenders. The author studied temporal patterns for criminal reconvictions and the validity of 16 empirically motivated risk factors for recidivism among all young sex offenders (15–20 years of age) subjected to pre-sentence forensic psychiatric evaluations in Sweden during 1980–1995 (N = 126). The Ss were followed from release and for an average of 115 months. One-hundred-and-seventeen (115 male, 2 female) Ss were available for follow-up with a mean time-at-risk of 80 months. Base rates for sexual and violent non-sexual reconvictions were 30% and 42%, respectively. Using time-at-risk-adjusted hazard ratios derived from Cox regression, characteristics indicative of deviant sexual interest (any previous sex offending behaviour, an index sex offence in a public area, involving a stranger victim, offending on two or more offence occasions, and two or more victims) were found to increase the risk for sexual recidivism. Markers of antisocial lifestyle (early signs of DSM-IV Conduct Disorder and any prior violent conviction), sex offence-related characteristics indicating aggression proneness (use of threats or force and physical victim injury), and victim penetration, increased the risk for violent non-sexual reconvictions. Survival analyses indicated that the rate of sexual reconvictions as a function of time at risk decreased distinctly after 6–7 years whereas the rate for violent non-sexual reconvictions remained largely the same.
Are altered pharmacokinetics of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) a risk factor for gastrointestinal bleeding?

AIMS We hypothesised that pharmacokinetic factors might go some way to explaining the risk of major gastrointestinal haemorrhage with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with bleeders exhibiting a reduced clearance of NSAIDs compared with non-bleeders and set out to investigate this. METHODS Fifty patients presenting to hospital with acute gastrointestinal bleeding while taking piroxicam, indomethacin, diclofenac or naproxen and age, sex, musculoskeletal disease and drug matched community dwelling controls, up to two for each index case, who had not bled were recruited. Clinical details including duration of therapy were recorded. Bleeders discontinued the implicated NSAID at presentation, controls at least five half-lives before the study. Bleeders were contacted by letter 1 month after discharge and invited to take part and were studied after a median delay of 5 months. Subjects received an oral dose of their respective NSAID and venous blood was sampled, over a period determined by the half-life of the NSAID. Plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The median length of treatment for the index patients was 1 year (range 2 weeks--28 years) and for the control patients 2 years (1 month--25 years), P<0.0005. There were no significant differences in peak plasma concentration, time to peak plasma concentration or area under the plasma concentration-time curve between bleeders or controls for any of the NSAIDs studied, apart from piroxicam Cmax being lower in bleeders at 2.07 mg l(-1) than in controls at 3.21 mg l(-1), mean difference (95% CI) -1.14 (-1.83 - -0.48), P<0.005. CONCLUSIONS The data failed to support the hypothesis that reduced clearance of NSAIDs, which results in higher plasma concentrations, is a risk factor for acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Some Zimbabwean Evidence of the Internal Structure of the Self Description Questionnaire-I

This article examines the appropriateness for Zimbabwe students of the Self Description Questionnaire-I (SDQ-1) and the Shavelson model of self-concept on which it is based. The results of an administration of the SDQ-1 to 270 Zimbabwean 12- to 13-year-olds are reported. The internal consistency reliability coefficients obtained were moderate. Factor analysis generally supported both the specific facets of the SDQ-1 and the existence of an underlying general self-concept factor. Some evidence of construct validity was provided by the SDQ-1 scales generally correlating as predicted with learning process and locus of control scales.
Measuring Ethnic Identity : An Application of the Burke-Tully Method

Abstract This paper develops a measure of ethnic identity based upon structural symbolic interactionist theory and an identity measurement technique developed by Burke and Tully (1977). The symbolic interactionist approach to ethnic identity emphasizes an individual's identification with the shared meanings associated with being a member of a given ethnic group. Ethnic identity is measured through the use of a semantic differential and discriminant analysis to define an identity function. Based on a sample of college students, discriminant analysis is applied to a set of bipolar ratings of traits associated with what it means to be “Black” and “White. ” This yields a Black-White ethnic identity function containing eleven trait dimensions. The students' ethnic identity is assessed by applying the identity function to the student ratings of themselves as a black or white person. The findings show the function to be adequate in that 93% of black respondents have self identity scores on the identity function w.
Finite metric spaces and partitions

Definition 26.1. 1 A metric space is a pair (X,d) where X is a set and d : X × X → [0,∞) is a metric, satisfying the following axioms: (i) d(x, y) = 0 iff x = y, (ii) d(x, y) = d(y, x), and (iii) d(x, y) + d(y, z) ≥ d(x, z) (triangle inequality). For example, IR with the regular Euclidean distance is a metric space. It is usually of interest to consider the finite case, where X is an a set of n points. Then, the function d can be specified by ( n 2 ) real numbers; that is, the distance between every pair of points of X. Alternatively, one can think about (X,d) is a weighted complete graph, where we specify positive weights on the edges, and the resulting weights on the edges comply with the triangle inequality. In fact, finite metric spaces rise naturally from (sparser) graphs. Indeed, let G = (X, E) be an undirected weighted graph defined over X, and let dG(x, y) be the length of the shortest path between x and y in G. It is easy to verify that (X,dG) is a finite metric space. As such if the graph G is sparse, it provides a compact representation to the finite space (X,dG).
Novel approximations for inference and learning in nonlinear dynamical systems

We formulate the problem of inference in non linear dynamical systems in the EP-framework, and propose two novel inference algorithms based on Laplace approximation and the Unscented transform. The algorithms are compared empirically and employed as E-step in a conjugate gradient learning algorithm. We illustrate its use for data mining with two high-dimensional time series from marketing research .
Biomechanical analysis of the final strides of the approach and the take-off by visually impaired class F12 and F13 long jumpers

Despite of the level of visual aquity, European Records in long jumping are greater in class F12 (visual acuity 2/60) than class F13 (visual acuity 6/60) both in males and females. The aim of the present study was to compare the biomechanical parameters of the final strides of the approach and the take-off in class F12 and F13 long jumpers. 19 class F12 (males: 13, females: 6) and 12 class F13 (males: 4, females: 8) long jumpers participating in the 2009 International Blind Sports Association European Championships were recorded using a stationary digital video camera (sampling frequency: 300 fps). Key biomechanical parameters were extracted with a typical 2D-DLT kinematical analysis. Differences between groups were investigated using Independent samples t-test. Results indicated that the official distance was 6.07 m ± 0.55 and 5.52 m ± 0.91 for F12 and F13 respectively (p<.05). Significant differences were also observed concerning the vertical take-off velocity (F12: 2.8 m/sec, F13: 2.4 m/sec), the support leg's knee flexion (F12: 18.2 deg, F13: 25.2 deg) and the knee joint flexion velocity (F12: 7.4 rad/sec, F13: 10.2 rad/sec) at the take-off board and the knee maximum flexion angle at the last stride (F12: 116.8 deg, F13: 125.4 deg). In conclusion, F12 performed better than F13 because of the more advantageus utilization of the factors defining the vertical component in the long- jump take-off. Additionally, the different last stride maximum knee flexion angle might imply differences concerning the mechanics of the placement of the take-off leg. It is possible that factors such as the size and surface properties of the 1.22 m x 1.00 m chalked take-off area used in F12 competition may contribute to the differences observed in the study.
Strontium ranelate: short- and long-term benefits for post-menopausal women with osteoporosis

Strontium ranelate is a bone-seeking element that has been assessed in post-menopausal osteoporosis in two large double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. This treatment is able to decrease the risk of vertebral fractures, by 41% over 3 yrs, and by 49% within the first year of treatment. This risk of non-vertebral fractures is decreased by 16% and, in patients at high risk for such a fracture, the risk of hip fracture is decreased by 36% over 3 yrs. Recent 5-yr data from these double-blind, placebo-controlled studies show that the anti-fracture efficacy is maintained over time. Treatment efficacy with strontium ranelate has been documented across a wide range of patient profiles: age, number of prevalent vertebral fractures, BMI, as well as family history of osteoporosis and addiction to smoking are not determinants of anti-fracture efficacy. During these clinical trials, safety was good. Its large spectrum of efficacy allows the use of strontium ranelate in the different subgroups of patients with post-menopausal osteoporosis.
On the design and optimization of digital IIR filter using oppositional artificial bee colony algorithm

In almost all the digital filtering applications the digital infinite impulse response (IIR) filters are preferred over finite impulse response (FIR) filters because they provide much better performance, less computational cost and have smaller memory requirements for similar magnitude specifications. However, the digital IIR filters are generally multimodal with respect to the filter coefficients and therefore, reliable methods that can provide global optimal solutions are required. The artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is one such recently introduced meta-heuristic optimization algorithm which has proven to be more effective than other population based algorithms. But in some cases it shows insufficiency while searching the solution space resulting in a weak exchange of information and hence is not able to return better solutions. To overcome this deficiency, the opposition based learning strategy is incorporated in ABC and hence a modified version called oppositional artificial bee colony (OABC) algorithm is proposed in this paper. Duplication of members is avoided during the run which also augments the exploration ability. The developed algorithm is then applied for the design of optimal and stable digital IIR filter structure where designing of band-pass filter is carried out. To check the effectiveness of OABC, the results are compared with some well established filter design techniques and it is observed that in most cases OABC returns better or atleast comparable results.
A biologically plausible model of human planning based on neural networks and Dyna-PI models

Understanding the neural structures and physiological mechanisms underlying human planning is a difficult challenge. In fact it is the product of a sophisticated network of different brain components that interact in complex ways. However, some data produced by brain imaging, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological research, are now beginning to make it possible to draw a first approximate picture of this network. This paper proposes such a picture in the form of a neural-network computational model inspired by the Dyna-PI models (Sutton, 1990). The model is based on the actor-critic reinforcement learning model, that has been shown to be a good representation of the anatomy and functioning of the basal ganglia. It is also based on a “predictor”, a network capable of predicting the sensorial consequences of actions, that may correspond to the lateral cerebellum-prefrontal and rostral premotor cortex pathways. All these neural structures have been shown to be involved in human planning by functional brain-imaging research. The model has been tested with an animat engaged with a landmark navigation task. In accordance with the brain imaging data, the simulations show that with repeated practice performing the task, the complex planning processes, and the activity of the neural structures underlying them, fade away and leave the routine control of action to lower-level reactive components. The simulations also show the biological advantages offered by planning and some interesting properties of the processing of “mental images”, based on neural networks, during planning. On the machine learning side, the model presented extends the Dyna-PI models with two important novelties: a “matcher” for the self-generation of a reward signal in correspondence to any possible goal, and an algorithm that focuses the exploration of the model of the world around important states and allows the animat to decide when planning and when acting on the basis of a measure of its “confidence”. The paper also offers a wide collection of references on the addressed issues.
Free network measurement for adaptive virtualized distributed computing

An execution environment consisting of virtual machines (VMs) interconnected with a virtual overlay network can use the naturally occurring traffic of an existing, unmodified application running in the VMs to measure the underlying physical network. Based on these characterizations, and characterizations of the application's own communication topology, the execution environment can optimize the execution of the application using application-independent means such as VM migration and overlay topology changes. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of such free automatic network measurement by fusing the Wren passive monitoring and analysis system with Virtuoso's virtual networking system. We explain how Wren has been extended to support online analysis, and we explain how Virtuoso's adaptation algorithms have been enhanced to use Wren's physical network level information to choose VM-to-host mappings, overlay topology, and forwarding rules
Hh signalling is essential for somatic stem cell maintenance in the Drosophila testis niche

In the Drosophila testis, germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) are arranged around a group of postmitotic somatic cells, termed the hub, which produce a variety of growth factors contributing to the niche microenvironment that regulates both stem cell pools. Here we show that CySC but not GSC maintenance requires Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in addition to Jak/Stat pathway activation. CySC clones unable to transduce the Hh signal are lost by differentiation, whereas pathway overactivation leads to an increase in proliferation. However, unlike cells ectopically overexpressing Jak/Stat targets, the additional cells generated by excessive Hh signalling remain confined to the testis tip and retain the ability to differentiate. Interestingly, Hh signalling also controls somatic cell populations in the fly ovary and the mammalian testis. Our observations might therefore point towards a higher degree of organisational homology between the somatic components of gonads across the sexes and phyla than previously appreciated.
Pro-Poor Tourism: Is There Value Beyond the Rhetoric?

This Department has been specifically created to include findings of special significance and problem areas of subtle nuances in tourism research. Insightful contributions presenting the state-of-the-art, preferably from the developing societies, will be appreciated. It will also encourage scholars and authors to think against the grain, probing the consistency of theoretical notions and research trends whose heuristic value is all too often taken for granted. For details, contact Editor-in-Chief, Tourism Recreation Research, A-965/6 Indira Nagar, Lucknow, India, e-mail: tvsingh@sancharnet.in
Metaphors for Learning: Cross-cultural Perspectives

Metaphors for Learning: Cross-cultural Perspectives, edited by Erich A. Berendt, published in 2008 by John Benjamins Co. in Amsterdam, is a collection of eleven papers plus an introduction, written by fourteen researchers in cognitive linguistics from around the world, on metaphorical conceptualization in the domain of learning, one of the most basic activities required for human survival and cultural development. Though universal as an activity, the conceptualization of learning experiences and processes is very much culture-specific. The discourses in the learning domain are viewed from the formal, technical and informal perspectives, as categorized by E.T. Hall (1959) and others. Here, fourteen authors attempt to shed light on the multiple roles of metaphoric language that shape our understanding of how we learn in a variety of languages and cultures broadly in the East and the West. These papers deal with the historical change in societies’ conceptualization in this regard, the challenges to traditional formal values, contemporary social values, expectations in technical learning, and planning for future changes in education, mostly based on the cognitive metaphoric perspective of George Lakoff, et al. (1980, 1989) which focuses on the nature of how language and the conceptualization patterns underlying its use shape our understandings of the experiences of our minds. Most of the papers utilize extensive data on which their analyses are made. The data includes a variety of genre types: proverbs, reference lists, spoken and written discourse related to learning, government documents, interviews and questionnaires. The book is divided into four parts; namely, Part 1 Historical Transformations in Metaphor Conceptualization, Part 2 Socio-cultural Values and Metaphoric Conceptualization, Part 3 Metaphors and the Classroom and Part 4 Metaphors in Educational Planning. Part 1 consists of two papers which examine the historical shift in academic metaphors and how they have impacted academic discourse and teaching. Joan
Modeling Socio-Cultural Phenomena in Online Multi-Party Discourse

We present in this paper, the application of a novel approach to computational modeling, understanding and detection of social phenomena in online multiparty discourse. A two-tiered approach was developed to detect a collection of social phenomena deployed by participants, such as topic control, task control, disagreement and involvement. We discuss how the mid-level social phenomena can be reliably detected in discourse and these measures can be used to differentiate participants of online discourse. Our approach works across different types of online chat and we show results on two specific data sets.
State-Based Progress Towards Computer Science for All

R ecognizing the importance of providing every student with an opportunity to learn computer science, President Obama announced his Computer Science for All initiative in January of 2016 [17]. Though this is a laudable goal, in the United States the federal government does not have the authority to make this a reality. While the federal government can provide funding, the individual states and territories make decisions about standards, curriculum, teacher certification, and professional development. In the end, only the individual states and territories can realize the goals of Computer Science for All (CSforAll). To support state-level computing education initiatives, the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance brings states together to foster computing education reforms and the adoption of best practices for broadening participation. ECEP builds on five years of work by Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliances in Massachusetts and Georgia—the Commonwealth Alliance for Information Technology Education (CAITE) and Georgia Computes! [15]. These projects both facilitated systemic change that improved the quality of computing education and broadened participation in computing. ECEP started in 2012 with California and South Caroli-na as partner states, Alabama and Indiana as associate states, and Puerto Rico as an associate territory. ECEP has grown to include Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, Texas, and Utah as additional associate states. Partner states received more financial support and focus the first few years of ECEP to boost their ability to start making state-level change. After the first few years, additional associate states were added, states that had leaders who were willing and ready to work on state-level change. The leaders from these states and territory share plans, challenges, and ideas on monthly conference calls and at yearly in-person meetings. ECEP also partners with other BPC Alliances—such as National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) and STARS Computing Corps
Hetero-oligomeric interactions of an ELOVL4 mutant protein: implications in the molecular mechanism of Stargardt-3 macular dystrophy

Purpose Stargardt disease 3 (STGD3) is a juvenile macular dystrophy caused by mutations in the elongase of very long-chain fatty acids-like 4 (ELOVL4) gene, which encodes an elongase involved in the production of extremely long-chain fatty acids. The STGD3-related mutations cause production of C-terminally truncated proteins (ELOVL4ΔC). STGD3 is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. To date, molecular mechanisms of this pathology have been proposed based solely on the interaction between wild-type ELOVL4 and ELOVL4ΔC. However, analyses of Elovl4ΔC knockin mice revealed reduced levels of not only ELOVL4 substrates, but also of fatty acids with a broad spectrum of chain lengths. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for ELOVL4ΔC affecting the entire very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) elongation pathway. Methods The ELOVL4ΔC protein was expressed in HEK 293T cells, and its effect on elongase activities toward several acyl-CoAs were examined. We also investigated the homo- and hetero-oligomerization of ELOVL4ΔC with other elongases (ELOVL1–7) or with other enzymes involved in VLCFA elongation using coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Results We found that ELOVL4ΔC forms a homo-oligomer more strongly than wild-type ELOVL4. ELOVL4ΔC also interacts strongly with other elongases, although similar interactions for wild-type ELOVL4 were observed as only weak. In addition, ELOVL4ΔC is able to form an elongase complex by interacting with other components of the VLCFA elongation machinery, similar to wild-type ELOVL4. Conclusions We propose that not only the ELOVL4-ELOVL4ΔC homo-oligomeric interaction, but also several hetero-oligomeric interactions, may contribute to the pathology of STGD3.