Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship Between Anxiety and Insistence on Sameness in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Elevated anxiety symptoms are one of the most common forms of psychopathology to co‐occur with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between anxiety and ASD symptoms, particularly the degree to which the relationship is explained by insistence on sameness (IS) behaviors and/or cognitive ability. The sample included 1429 individuals aged 5:8–18:0 years who participated in the Simons Simplex Collection, a genetic consortium study of ASD. Child Behavior Checklist Anxiety Problems T‐scores and Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised “IS“ item raw totals were treated as both categorical and continuous measures of anxiety and IS, respectively. Chronological age, verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), and a variety of ASD phenotype‐related and other behavioral variables were assessed for potential association with anxiety and IS. Anxiety and IS continuous variables were minimally, although significantly, associated with each other and with chronological age and verbal IQ. Neither anxiety nor IS was associated with other core autism diagnostic scores. Anxiety was associated with a variety of other psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in ASD, including irritability, attention problems, and aggression, while IS was not. Anxiety and IS appear to function as distinct constructs, each with a wide range of expression in children with ASD across age and IQ levels. Thus, both variables could be of use in ASD behavioral research or in dimensional approaches to genetic exploration. Unlike IS, however, anxiety is related to non‐ASD‐specific behavioral symptoms. Autism Res 2012, ●●: ●●–●●. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self-Deployment and Self-Configuration of Pervasive Network Services

In this paper, we present a policy-based approach to achieve self-deployment and self-configuration of pervasive systems and services. In our approach, we decompose applications into a set of interconnected components. With each component, we specify the autonomic attributes required to self-configure and self-manage the operations of the components in Autonomic Component Architecture (ACA) such that the overall objectives of the applications are maintained at runtime. We use the self-deployment and configuration engines of our Autonomic Computing Environment, Autonomia, to demonstrate and validate our approach. We have demonstrated how Autonomia to automatically deploy and configure the distributed computing application of Linear Equation Solver.
The Topography of the Brain

late as twenty years ago physiologists and clinicians agreed in declaring the cortex of the brain to be functionally, homogeneous. Flourens's experiments had decisively negatived Gall's very ingenious but purely hypothetical conception, and any effort to prove loca-lization would, at that day, have seemed like a reversion to a system already tried and condemned. It was freely admitted that, from experiments made on pigeons, one might infer the mode of brain functionment in man. Medicine was under the yoke of the then dominant teachings of physiology , nor was there so much as a thought of reaction. Clinical observers, indeed, had long before known that motor troubles consequent on a lesion of the brain imply localization of such lesion in the hemisphere on the side opposite to that paralyzed; but that was then the sum of the topographical diagnosis. Broca, in 1863, showed that the impairment of the power of articulate speech, which he calls aphemia, is connected with a brain affection that is always localized in a clearly circumscribed region of the left hemisphere. At first the fact was called in question. When proofs had been multiplied in its favor men contented them selves with simply admitting it, little noting that this very definite localization was a first attack on Flourens's doctrine, which must now undergo revision. But the topographi-cal anatomy of the cerebral convolutions was then too little known to enable one to "find his bearings" on the surface of the brain, and the reaction against Flourens's ideas would at that time have met with insurmountable obstacles. The thorough researches of Leuret and Gratiolet, and of their successors, Ecker, Broca, Gromier, by making us acquainted with the morphology of the external surface of the brain, removed these first anatomical difficulties. The experiments of Fritsch and Hitzig in Germany, in 1870, and shortly afterward those of Ferrier, in England, modified the ideas which prevailed. They showed, on the one hand, that the gray matter of the brain is not incapable of excitation, as had been supposed ; that electric excitation of this gray matter calls forth motor reactions; on the other hand, they prove-an important point-that the effects produced differ according to the part of the cortex that is excited. From that date, properly speaking, began researches into motor locali-zations in the brain. Since then such researches have been prosecuted in two directions; for while the physiologists reproduced, with …
T-V-model: Parameter-based prediction of IPTV quality

The paper presents a parameter-based model for predicting the perceived quality of transmitted video for IPTV applications. The core model we derived can be applied both to service monitoring and network or service planning. In its current form, the model covers H.264 and MPEG-2 coded video (standard and high definition) transmitted over IP-links. The model includes factors like the coding bit-rate, the packet loss percentage and the type of packet loss handling used by the codec. The paper provides an overview of the model, of its integration into a multimedia model predicting audio-visual quality, and of its application to service monitoring. A performance analysis is presented showing a high correlation with the results of different subjective video quality perception tests. An outlook highlights future model extensions.
A Very Fast Converge Method for Geometric Constraint Solving

This paper introduces a modified PSO, Gradient Particle Swarm Optimizer (GPSO), for geometric constraint solving. GPSO combines the merits of global search of the PSO and the sheer convergence capacity of gradient algorithm, the most prominent iterative method for linear equations. GPSO uses PSO to search the area where the best solution may exist in the whole space, and then performs fine searching. When the algorithm approaches to the best solution and the search speed is too slow, we can change to the effective search strategy—gradient algorithm in order to enhance the ability of the particle swarm optimization on fine searching. By using the gradient algorithm, GPSO has shown remarkable performance against the prematurely convergence situation. We apply this new algorithm into the geometric constraint solving. The detailed performance analysis of this new approach has been done as well in terms of program execution time, relative speed up and efficiency. Our result and comparison with PSO show that GPSO is highly competitive with conventional PSO.
Novel method and real-time system for detecting the Cardiac Defense Response based on the ECG

This paper describes a novel integrated system for detecting human emotions using the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. We describe two different algorithms to detect the heartbeat (QRS complex) in the ECG signal. Their output is used by a third algorithm used to detect a basic emotion response, known as Cardiac Defense Response (CDR), which precedes the emotion of fear. We implemented these algorithms in a real-time system for mobile devices using the SPINE Android programming framework. The proposed system has been validated on 40 subjects during controlled experiments and recognized correctly the activation of the CDR mechanism reaching an overall accuracy of 65%.
Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome in Predicting Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression in Young Adults: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

Background— Conventional risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are cross-sectionally associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults. We evaluated the relations of conventional risk factors and MetS to the 6-year progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in a population of young adults. Results and Methods— The study included 1809 subjects (aged 32±5 years) who had IMT measured in 2001 and 2007. Risk factor measurements included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, C-reactive protein, smoking, and family history of coronary disease in addition to MetS components. We used European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance, revised National Cholesterol Education Program, and International Diabetes Federation definitions to diagnose MetS in 2001. Waist circumference (P<0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.01), and insulin (P=0.003) were directly associated with IMT progression in a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, and baseline IMT (model R2=24%). When the MetS/European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance definition was included in the model, it was directly associated with IMT progression (P=0.03), but its inclusion did not improve the model’s predictive value. IMT increased 79±7 &mgr;m (mean±SEM) in subjects with MetS according to the MetS/European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance definition and 42±2 &mgr;m in subjects without MetS (P<0.0001). In addition, the number of MetS components was linearly associated with IMT progression (P<0.0001). Similar results were seen with MetS/revised National Cholesterol Education Program and MetS/International Diabetes Federation definitions. Conclusions— Obesity, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high insulin level predicted IMT progression in young adults. All MetS definitions identified young adults with accelerated IMT progression, but we found no evidence that MetS would predict IMT progression more than expected from the sum of its risk components.
Reciprocity principle and crack identification

In this paper we are concerned with the planar crack identification problem defined by a unique complete elastostatic overdetermined boundary datum. Based on the reciprocity gap principle, we give a direct process for locating the host plane and we establish a new constuctive identifiability result for 3D planar cracks.
Templates and temporality: An investigation of rhythmic motor production in a young man with Down Syndrome and hearing impairment

The musical rhythmic abilities of people with Down Syndrome (DS) reportedly exceed their general cognitive abilities. Although they display atypical rhythmic production in musical motor tasks, little is known about how their developmental and cognitive differences affect temporal perception or production. Additionally, hearing impairment often excludes potential participants from studies, further limiting our understanding. This case study examined the rhythmic ability of one young adult with DS and moderate-severe hearing impairment when producing limb-motor movements to music in auditory-only and auditory-visual conditions. His temporal accuracy was observed for gross-motor movements to music. Measurements were made of his temporal accuracy and stability when tapping on a drum at three tempi, and when tapping to non-isochronous rhythms. Results revealed temporal deficits in all tasks. However, production improved in tasks that were augmented with visuo-spatial stimuli, and in isochronous beat entrainment at the fastest tempo. Findings were compared to the participant’s cognitive and perceptual profile. Results suggest that his production was limited by developmental factors, but that auditory memory deficits and hearing may account for instability in isochronous entrainment tasks and delayed onset of timing. Recommendations are made for supporting skills in production and perception of auditory rhythms within the DS population.
Specificity of Human Capital and Promotions

This paper analyzes firms’ hiring and promotion patterns in each job rank within firms, and infers the relative significance of firm- and occupation-specific human capital. The results suggest that firm- and occupation-specific skills are equally valuable for tasks in each job rank, and that the significance of each increases with job rank, but that there exists a large amount of heterogeneity across occupations. This paper also shows that the lengths of firm- and occupation-tenure are very noisy measures of firm- and occupation-specific human capital, and contrasts our results with those from other recent studies on the returns of firm- and occupation-tenure.
Constructing multi-granular and topic-focused web site maps

Site maps are essential to assist users in navigating a Web site. Most of the site maps are constructed manually and are static. However, di erent users may have di erent preferences and purposes for using a Web site. For example, a user may want to see a more detailed map while another user prefers a more abstract map. Two users looking for di erent topics at a large portal site would bene t more from two site maps with di erent focuses than a single map. In this paper, we present a technique for automatically constructing multi-granular and topic-focused site maps by utilizing directory paths, page contents, and link structures. In these site maps, the Web site topology is preserved and document importance, indicated by citation and semantic relevancy to user's topics of interest, is used for prioritizing the presentation of pages and directories. Experiments on real Web data have been conducted to validate the usefulness of the technique.
The effect of guar gum on carbohydrate-, fat- and protein-stimulated gut hormone secretion: modification of postprandial gastric inhibitory polypeptide and gastrin responses

1. The effect of incorporating guar gum into predominantly single-component meals of carbohydrate, fat or protein on liquid gastric emptying and on the secretion of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), gastrin and motilin, was studied in healthy human volunteers. 2. Volunteers were given either 80 ml Hycal (carbohydrate meal), 150 g cooked lean minced beef (protein meal) or 200 ml double cream (fat meal) either with or without 5 or 6 g guar gum. Liquid gastric emptying was monitored in the fat and protein meals by taking 1.5 g paracetamol, consumed in water, with the meals and monitoring its appearance in circulation. 3. Postprandial insulin and GIP levels were both significantly reduced by addition of guar gum to the carbohydrate meal. Postprandial GIP secretion was also reduced by addition of guar gum to the protein meal, but protein-stimulated gastrin secretion was enhanced by guar gum. There was a significant negative correlation between peak circulating gastrin levels and the corresponding GIP levels. Postprandial GIP secretion and plasma motilin levels were unaffected by addition of guar gum to the fat meal. 4. 5 and 10 g guar gum/l solutions in water possessed buffering capacities between pH 2.75 and 5.5. 5. Guar gum at 5 g/l caused no detectable change in liquid gastric-emptying time. 6. The observed augmentation of gastrin secretion by guar gum following a protein meal could be due either to the buffering capacity of guar gum or to the attenuation of GIP secretion. It is possible that the chronic use of guar gum could be associated with changes in gastric acid secretion.
A Cached-based approach to enrich Stream data with master data

An enriching of stream data with disk-based master data is common in many applications. Real-time data warehousing is one of these applications where stream data is customers transactions producing by operational data source(s). This stream data needs to enrich by disk-based master data before loading this into the data warehouse. To implement this enrichment operation a join operator is required. Normally we call it semi-stream join as it is performed between stream data and disk data. The join operator typically works under limited main memory and this memory is generally not large enough to hold the whole disk-based master data. Therefore, the relation is loaded into memory in partitions. A well-known join algorithm called MESHJOIN (Mesh Join) has been presented in the literature to implement the semi-stream join operation. However, the algorithm suffers with some limitations. In particular, the algorithm can be improved based on the characteristics of stream data e.g. skew in stream data. In this paper we address this issue by presenting a novel algorithm called Cached-based Stream-Disk Join (CSDJ). The algorithm exploits skew characteristic in stream data more appropriately and over performs existing MESHJOIN. We present results for Zip-fian distributions of the type that appear in many applications. We evaluate our algorithm using synthetic, TPC-H and real datasets. Our experiments show that CSDJ performs significantly better than MESHJOIN.
Impact of Library Service Quality on Students’ Satisfaction in Higher Educational Environments: The Case of Wollo University

Aims: The main aim of the study is to analyze the impact of library service quality dimensions on students’ satisfaction in higher education. Study Design: Cross-sectional research design was applied. The explanatory research design was used to identify cause and effect relationships between library service quality dimensions and students’ satisfaction. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in wollo university, North East Ethiopia between January 2016 and September 2017. Methodology: 366 students were selected proportionally by using simple random sampling technique after students stratified into colleges to identify their perceptions of library service quality. Close-ended structured self-completion questionnaires, adapted from the SERVQUAL instrument were used to collect data. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe respondents’ demographic characteristics. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of each of the five dimensions of SERVQUAL on the overall satisfaction of students’ about library service with the aid of statistical package for social science ( SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Correlation of library service quality and students’ satisfaction was 0.569, p<0.01. It was significant enough to show the correlation between the two variables. Since the correlation was positive, library service quality and student satisfaction are positively related, which means better library service quality brings higher students’ satisfaction. The coefficient of determination i.e adjusted R-square (R2) value was 0.843 representing that 84.3% of students satisfaction can be explained by the five dimensions of library service quality. Conclusion: Correlational results indicate that there is a positive correlation between the dimensions of library service quality and students’ satisfaction. Regression tests revealed that offering quality library service has a positive impact on overall students’ satisfaction.
Fast and effective power profiling of program execution based on phase behaviors

Power profiling tools based on fast and accurate workload analysis can be useful for job scheduling and resource allocation aiming to optimize the power consumption of large-scale high-performance computer systems. In this paper, we propose a novel method for predicting the power consumption of a complete workload or application by extrapolating the power consumption of only a few code segments of the same application obtained from measurement. As such, it provides a fast and yet effective way for predicting the power consumption of a single-threaded execution of a program on arbitrary architectures without having to profile the entire program's execution. The latter would be costly to obtain, especially if it's a long running program. Our method employs a set of code analysis tools to capture the program's phase behavior and then adopts a multi-variable linear regression method to estimate the power consumption of the entire program. We use SPEC 2006 benchmark to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of our method. Experimental results show that our power profiling method achieves good accuracy in predicting program's energy use with relatively small errors.
LPS inmobilization on porous and non-porous supports as an approach for the isolation of anti-LPS host-defense peptides

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are the major molecular component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. This molecule is recognized as a sign of bacterial infection, responsible for the development of local inflammatory response and, in extreme cases, septic shock. Unfortunately, despite substantial advances in the pathophysiology of sepsis, there is no efficacious therapy against this syndrome yet. As a consequence, septic shock syndrome continues to increase, reaching mortality rates over 50% in some cases. Even though many preclinical studies and clinical trials have been conducted, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved drug yet that interacts directly against LPS. Cationic host-defense peptides (HDPs) could be an alternative solution since they possess both antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. HDPs are small, positively charged peptides which are evolutionarily conserved components of the innate immune response. In fact, binding to diverse chemotypes of LPS and inhibition of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines from macrophages have been demonstrated for different HDPs. Curiously, none of them have been isolated by their affinity to LPS. A diversity of supports could be useful for such biological interaction and suitable for isolating HDPs that recognize LPS. This approach could expand the rational search for anti-LPS HDPs.
N ov 2 00 6 Trees and mapping class groups

There is a forgetful map from the mapping class group of a punctured surface to that of the surface with one fewer puncture. We relate the action of the kernel on the curve complex to a family of actions on trees. Together with a geometric compactness argument we further prove that finitely generated purely pseudo-Anosov subgroups of the kernel are convex cocompact in the sense of Farb and Mosher. As a corollary, this answers their question of local convex cocompactness for Whittlesey’s group.
Innovation, Training and Success

This paper describes the evidence that several Statistics Canada studies have developed on the importance of innovation to growth and the need for highly skilled workers in the innovation process. Rather than focusing on broad industry aggregates as is often done, we concentrate our attention on firms and their behaviour. This allows us to investigate the connection between the success of businesses and the strategies that they pursue. We find that the more successful firms attribute their success to having developed competencies in a wide range of areas-but that the common factor that most frequently distinguishes faster from slower growing firms is innovation. Innovators in turn place greater emphasis on training and acquiring skilled workers. The studies also show that the emphasis on highly skilled workers varies across industries. In goods industries, a training strategy complements an innovation strategy that focuses on R&D, the adoption of new advanced technologies, or the development of new processes. Small firms that are innovative train their workers when they introduce new machinery and equipment. In the service sector, the innovation strategy relies less on new capital and more on new skills embodied in the workforce. Here there is evidence that a training strategy, by itself, has more impact on the success of a firm-probably because it is more likely to be the innovation strategy of the firm.