Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response to Iannaccone: Three Important Clarifications

The editor asked if I wished to respond to the article on church growth research by Laurence Iannaccone. The article criticizes a collection of past studies, many of which I participated.in or at least observed while they were underway. I believe that some clarifications would be helpful to readers. Iannaccone's "pitfalls" should better be termed statistical judgment calls or debatable analytic judgments. None of these judgments were errors made out of ignorance or conscious theoretical bias; indeed, it is unclear if any were errors at all. The various researchers made decisions about data analysis which seemed most defensible at the time, and today they still seem the same. Let me illustrate with three of the judgments. First, Iannaccone says that one-denomination studies biased the results of the research, and he implies that studies of single denominations (or denominations all equally placed on the strictness spectrum) are badly flawed. This is a matter of viewpoint. If you are a pastor or denominational leader interested in church growth, a one-denomination study is very pertinent. Flaws creep in only when researchers generalize unduly from their data; I hope the various research reports were clear on this point. Here we should also remember a practical problem. Never since Dean Kelley's book was published in 1972 has there existed a data set covering multiple denominations varying markedly in strictness except when the researcher uses denominations, not congregations, as the unit of analysis and also relies on ratings by experts. Yet in recent decades several denominations had good one-denomination data sets describing congregations data sets directly applicable to the analysis of church growth, and church leaders were asking for clarity about church growth. (The preferred unit of analysis of these leaders was the congregation, not the denomination.) The practical problem we faced was whether to use available data or to stop work. We chose to analyze the available data while being as clear as possible about generalizability of findings. Congregations vary within every denomination, from conservative to liberal and from strict to tolerant. In the Presbyterian denomination (which I know best), theological variation clearly exists, and theological debates rage between conservative and liberal parties. In a denomination, both contextual and institutional factors vary. Iannaccone deemphasizes this fact. I agree with him that rich cross-denominational data on congregations would be best.
Local limit theorems for ladder epochs

Let {S_n, n=0,1,2,. } be a random walk generated by a sequence of i.i. d. random variables X_1, X_2,. and let tau be the first descending ladder epoch. Assuming that the distribution of X_1 belongs to the domain of attraction of an alpha-stable law, we study the asymptotic behavior of P(tau=n).
Perceived and Objective Measures of Neighborhood Walkability and Physical Activity among Adults in Japan: A Multilevel Analysis of a Nationally Representative Sample

Although associations between a person’s neighborhood and their health have been studied internationally, most studies have been limited to a few cities or towns. Therefore, we used a nationally representative sample to explore whether perceived and objective neighborhood walkability was associated with the physical activity of residents. Data were analyzed from the Japanese General Social Surveys of 2010 (n = 2395; 1114 men and 1281 women). Perceived walkability was scored using factor analysis for the respondents’ perceptions of neighborhood conditions, while objective walkability was measured using the geographic information system approach. Finally, multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to examine whether neighborhood walkability was associated with the frequency of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among respondents. We found that perceived walkability was positively associated with the frequency of LTPA (odds ratio of the highest quartile was 1.53 (1.14–2.05) compared with the lowest quartile); however, objective walkability showed no association. When stratified by gender, an association between perceived walkability and LTPA was observed among women, but only a marginally significant association was present between objective walkability and LTPA among men. We conclude that the association between neighborhood walkability and LTPA can be partially generalized across Japan.
Effects of Concept Mapping on Creativity in Photo Stories

This research tested the use of concept map planning to support the development of creativity in photo stories, hypothesizing that skills taught to support organization would improve creativity. Concept maps are a type of graphic organizer, used to represent an ordering of ideas with nodes and linking words that form propositional statements. They were applied to story development under the assumption that the creative development of narrative elements requires organization. Undergraduate education students were randomly assigned to either concept map or text-based planning groups for the production of digital photo stories. Creativity was operationalized using dimensions of novelty, interest, clarity, and ability to be understood. A multivariate effect of planning method was found for these dimensions favoring the concept map group, due largely to greater clarity in the photo stories. Clarity in photo stories adds to their utility as creative products. This study represents first steps toward empirically assessing concept maps for a creative purpose, and further investigation, with a larger sample in an authentic context, over a longer period of planning time is recommended.
Isolation and expansion of the catabolic potential of a Pseudomonas putida strain able to grow in the presence of high concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons

Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1 was isolated after enrichment on minimal medium with 1% (vol/vol) toluene as the sole C source. The strain was able to grow in the presence of 90% (vol/vol) toluene and was tolerant to organic solvents whose log P(ow) (octanol/water partition coefficient) was higher than 2.3. Solvent tolerance was inducible, as bacteria grown in the absence of toluene required an adaptation period before growth restarted. Mg2+ ions in the culture medium improved solvent tolerance. Electron micrographs showed that cells growing on high concentrations of toluene exhibited a wider periplasmic space than cells growing in the absence of toluene and preserved the outer membrane integrity. Polarographic studies and the accumulation of pathway intermediates showed that the strain used the toluene-4-monooxygenase pathway to catabolyze toluene. Although the strain also thrived in high concentrations of m- and p-xylene, these hydrocarbons could not be used as the sole C source for growth. The catabolic potential of the isolate was expanded to include m- and p-xylene and related hydrocarbons by transfer of the TOL plasmid pWW0-Km.
Medical uses of honey

SUMMARY. This article reviews reports on the use of honey in the treatment of human disorders which are supported by clinical tests and published in medical journals. Firstly, the composition of honey is described, followed by a revision of its effect on the growth of several strains of pathogenic bacteria in laboratory tests. Finally, the influence of honey on gastroenteritis, gastric ulcers, wounds and other disorders is reviewed.
Drift from the Churches: Secondary School Pupils’ Attitudes toward Christianity

Pupils throughout two comprehensive secondary schools in East Anglia completed the same scale of attitudes towards Christianity in 1974, 1978, 1982 and 1986. Analysis of their responses confirms the finding of earlier studies that adolescents’ attitudes towards Christianity become less favourable during the years of compulsory secondary schooling. To this established finding the data add new information regarding the extent to which this drift from the churches has accelerated between 1974 and 1986. More detailed inspection of the data also indicates the extent to which the drift from the churches is to be found in the attitudes of the small minority of pupils who remain weekly churchgoers and in the larger minority of pupils who continue to pray at least once a week.
A code generation framework for distributed real-time embedded systems

Modeling languages and tools, including Simulink, Scicos, SysML and the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF), bring the promise of an improved quality and productivity in the development of embedded systems and software. Unfortunately, none of these modeling languages, taken individually, is capable of fulfilling all the needs in the development of complex distributed embedded applications, from the modeling, analysis and validation stages to the automatic generation of the implementation. Overall, their strengths and weaknesses are somewhat complementary and an integrated approach could be the most promising solution. In this paper, we present a framework for integrated code generation in complex real-time distributed systems, where MBD approaches are used for the analysis and the generation of the functional (or behavioral) part, and MDA approaches (SysML/EMF) are used for modeling the execution platform, the task model and the deployment of functions onto the platform resources. This paper presents a meta-model for the description of execution platforms and an open-source code generation framework, based on the selected mapping of the functional components on the chosen platform.
Peripatetic health-care workers as potential superspreaders

Many nosocomial outbreaks exhibit “superspreading events” in which cross-transmission occurs via a single individual to a large number of patients. We investigated how heterogeneity in Health-Care Worker (HCW) behaviors, especially compliance to hand hygiene, may cause superspreading events. In particular, we compared the superspreading potential of peripatetic (noncohorted) HCWs with that of other HCWs. We developed an agent-based model for hand transmission of a pathogen in a hospital ward. Three HCW profiles were allowed: 2 assigned profiles, one with frequent contacts with a limited number of patients, another with fewer contacts but with more patients; and one peripatetic profile, with a single daily contact with all patients. We used data from the literature on common nosocomial pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci). The average number of patients colonized over 1 month increases with noncompliance to hand hygiene. Importantly, we show that this increase depends on the profile of noncompliant HCWs; for instance, it remains low for a single noncompliant assigned HCW but can be quite large for a single noncompliant peripatetic HCW. Outbreaks with this single fully noncompliant peripatetic HCW (representing only 4.5% of the staff) are similar to those predicted when all HCWs are noncompliant following 23% of patient contacts. Noncompliant peripatetic HCWs may play a disproportionate role in disseminating pathogens in a hospital ward. Their unique profile makes them potential superspreaders. This suggests that average compliance to hygiene may not be a good indicator of nosocomial risk in real life health care settings with several HCW profiles.
Factors associated with intracranial hypertension in children and teenagers who suffered severe head injuries.

OBJECTIVE To analyze factors associated with intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients who suffered severe head injuries. METHODS Retrospective cohort study, with data collected from September 1998 through August 2003, including patients aged 0 to 16 who suffered severe head injuries, Glasgow score < 9, and submitted to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring (n = 132). Intracranial hypertension (IH) was defined as an episode of ICP > 20 mmHg requiring treatment, while refractory IH was ICP over 25 mmHg requiring barbiturates or decompressive craniectomy. Univariate analysis was followed by multivariate analysis; variables were considered significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS Ages ranged from 2 months to 16 years, median age 9.7 (6.0-2.3) years. Glasgow scores ranged from 3 to 8, median 6 (4-7). Traffic accidents were responsible for 79.5% of events. Monitoring devices were installed, on average, 14 hours after trauma, median time 24 hours. One hundred and three patients (78%) had IH, while 57 (43.2%) had refractory IH. In multivariate analysis, younger age ranges were associated with IH [relative risk = 1.67 (1.03-2.72); p = 0.037], and abnormal postures were associated with refractory IH [relative risk = 2.25 (1.06-4.78)]. The group mortality rate was 51.5%; it was correlated with use of barbiturates in refractory IH and low cerebral perfusion pressure at the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS IH and refractory IH were frequent events in pediatric patients who suffered severe head injuries. The younger the patient, the greater the chance of developing IH. The presence of abnormal postures was found to be a risk factor for refractory IH.
Teaching older people internet skills to minimize grey digital divides: Developed and developing countries in focus

Purpose This paper aims to explore how older people in developed and developing countries are affected by the grey digital divide. It argues country type and culture influence older people’s willingness to access and learn internet skills. Using the knowledge from researchers informs policy, funding and delivery of appropriate skilling to minimize this divide. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature search using specific keywords to locate digital divide research, specifically pertaining to older people across country types. Findings Despite increased internet access and affordability, older people still face challenges in learning internet skills. Country type, economic challenges and cultural beliefs need to be considered in minimizing the grey divide. Governments recognize the importance of funding such teaching but evidence-based research must continue to inform policy to maximize funding and solve the many physical age and cultural issues affecting older people’s access to internet skills learning. Originality/value This paper argues that research in developing countries into minimizing the grey digital divide is a crucial undertaking. As the internet continues growing in developing countries, finding solutions that consider cultural and age differences issues is crucial to the success of having internet literate societies that have growing populations of older people seeking to use it.
Recovery in the Clubhouse Environment: Applying Ecological and Social Cognitive Theories

A psychosocial model of psychiatric rehabilitation known as the Clubhouse, has been founded on the principles of peer support and empowerment and now is recognized as part of the United States National Registry of Evidenced-based Practices and Programs (NREPP). The objectives of this article are to align recovery-oriented principles with clubhouse practices and offer ecological and psychological theoretical frameworks to further understand the clubhouse methodology. Specifically, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of development and Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory within the context of a humanistic environment are examined in relation to clubhouse
Theological Underpinnings of the Modern Philosophy of Mathematics.

Abstract The study is focused on the relation between theology and mathematics in the situation of increasing secularization. My main concern in the second part of this paper is the early-twentieth-century foundational crisis of mathematics. The hypothesis that pure mathematics partially fulfilled the functions of theology at that time is tested on the views of the leading figures of the three main foundationalist programs: Russell, Hilbert and Brouwer.
The Education of Radical Democracy

The Education of Radical Democracy explores why radical democracy is so necessary, difficult, and possible and why it is important to understand it as an educative activity . The book draws on critical social theory and critical pedagogy to explain what enables and sustains work for radical democratization, and considers how we can begin such work in neoliberal societies today. Exploring examples of projects from the nineteenth century to the present day, the book sheds light on a wealth of critical tools, research studies, theoretical concepts and practical methods. It offers a critical reading of the ‘crisis of hope’ in neoliberal capitalist societies, focusing on the problem of the ‘contraction of possibilities’ for democratic agency, resistance to domination, and practices of freedom. It argues that radically democratic thinking, practice, and forms of social organization are vital for countering and overcoming systemic hegemonies and that these can be learned and cultivated. This book will be of interest to academics, practitioners, researchers, and students in education and critical theory, and to those interested in the sociology, philosophy and politics of hope. It also invites new dialogues between theorists of neoliberal power and political possibility, those engaged in projects for radical democratization, and teachers in formal and informal educational settings.
GDM Women’s Pre-Pregnancy Overweight/Obesity and Gestational Weight Gain on Offspring Overweight Status

Objectives To examine the association of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with anthropometry in the offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study in 1263 GDM mother-child pairs. General linear models and Logistic regression models were used to assess the single and joint associations of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (normal weight, overweight, and obesity) and GWG (inadequate, adequate and excessive GWG) with anthropometry and overweight status in the offspring from birth to 1-5 years old. Results Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were positively associated with birth weight for gestational age Z score and birth weight for length for gestational age Z score at birth, and weight for age Z score, length/height for age Z score, and weight for length/height Z score at of 1-5 years old offspring. Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight, obesity, and excessive GWG were associated with increased risks of large for gestational age [ORs 95% CIs = 1.87 (1.37-2.55), 2.98 (1.89-4.69), and 2.93 (2.07-4.13), respectively] and macrosomia [ORs 95% CIs = 2.06 (1.50-2.84), 2.89 (1.78-4.70), and 2.84 (1.98-4.06), respectively] at birth and childhood overweight at 1-5 years old [ORs 95% CIs = 1.26 (0.92-1.73), 1.96 (1.24-3.09), and 1.59 (1.15-2.21), respectively]. Conclusions Offspring born to GDM mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity or excessive GWG were associated with increased risks of large for gestational age and macrosomia at birth, and childhood overweight at 1-5 years old, compared with those born to GDM mothers with pre-pregnancy normal weight and adequate GWG.
Real-Time 3D Path and Map Estimation Using a Multi-Camera System and a FastSLAM Algorithm

: This work proposed a real-time 3D map building system based on the visual odometry information derived from a Multi-Camera hardware. The accurate odometry information and images derived from the proposed intuitive Multi-Camera hardware, so called Multi-Camera Unit (MCU), are used as an input for the 3D map building process which cooperates the FastSLAM algorithm as a map and path estimator. Experiment results show that the proposed system yield good estimation of 3D path and map in real-time. Using the estimated 3D path and map, a showcase application of 3D photorealistic map building can be implemented with ease where it can be run on top of all process in real-time manner using a standard PC. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.
An Improved Approach for Materialized View Selection Based on Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents an improved genetic algorithm to solve the materialized view selection problem under query cost constraints. The algorithm dynamically changes the crossover probability and mutation probability in the process of genetic. In this way, it can not only maintain the population diversity, but also ensure the convergence of the genetic algorithm. So it effectively improves the optimization ability of genetic algorithm, thus avoiding the "evolutionary stagnation" problems. Meanwhile, the improved genetic algorithm increases the processing of invalid solution to avoid the "evolutionary stagnation" problems generated by invalid cycle, thereby the efficiency of materialized view selection is greatly improved.
Bayesian face recognition based on Gaussian mixture models

Bayesian analysis is a popular subspace based face recognition method. It casts the face recognition task into a binary classification problem with each of the two classes, intrapersonal variation and extrapersonal variation, modeled as a Gaussian distribution. However, with the existence of significant transformations, such as large illumination and pose changes, the intrapersonal facial variation cannot be modeled as a single Gaussian distribution, and the global linear subspace often fails to deliver good performance on the complex non-convex data set. We extend the Bayesian face recognition into Gaussian mixture models. The complex intrapersonal variation manifold is learnt by a set of local linear intrapersonal subspaces and thus can be effectively reduced. The effectiveness of the novel method is demonstrated by experiments on the data set from AR face database containing 2340 face images.
Heuristic Search When Time Matters

In many applications of shortest-path algorithms, it is impractical to find a provably optimal solution; one can only hope to achieve an appropriate balance between search time and solution cost that respects the user's preferences. Preferences come in many forms; we consider utility functions that linearly trade-off search time and solution cost. Many natural utility functions can be expressed in this form. For example, when solution cost represents the makespan of a plan, equally weighting search time and plan makespan minimizes the time from the arrival of a goal until it is achieved. Current state-of-theart approaches to optimizing utility functions rely on anytime algorithms, and the use of extensive training data to compute a termination policy. We propose a more direct approach, called Bugsy, that incorporates the utility function directly into the search, obviating the need for a separate termination policy. We describe a new method based on off-line parameter tuning and a novel benchmark domain for planning under time pressure based on platform-style video games. We then present what we believe to be the first empirical study of applying anytime monitoring to heuristic search, and we compare it with our proposals. Our results suggest that the parameter tuning technique can give the best performance if a representative set of training instances is available. If not, then Bugsy is the algorithm of choice, as it performs well and does not require any off-line training. This work extends the tradition of research on metareasoning for search by illustrating the benefits of embedding lightweight reasoning about time into the search algorithm itself.