Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empowerment according to Persons with Severe Mental Illness: Development of the Netherlands Empowerment List and Its Psychometric Properties

Objectives. It is unclear whether and to what extent purportedly empowering practices in mental health care, like rehabilitation programs, recovery-supporting mental health care environments and peer-run services, contribute to the process of empowerment. Several American empowerment questionnaires have been developed in recent years, facilitating the measurement of empowerment outcomes. Given likely major transatlantic cultural differences in a value-sensitive concept such as empowerment, this article describes the development of the Netherlands Empowerment List (NEL) and its psychometric properties. Methods. Patients in Dutch mental health services provided meaning to the empowerment concept from which the NEL was derived. Based on 531 completed questionnaires, analyses in agreement with COSMIN criteria examined aspects of internal consistency, content validity, structural validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, reproducibility and responsiveness of the NEL. Results. The NEL is a 40-item self-report questionnaire with six subscales: Social support, Professional help, Connectedness, Confidence and purpose, Self-management and Caring community. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94), aspects of validity, reproducibility (intraclass correlation = 0.79) and responsiveness were good. Correlation with existing scales was the highest for the Mental Health Confidence Scale (r = 0.78) and the lowest for the Boston Empowerment Scale (r = 0.61). Conclusion. The NEL appears to be a suitable instrument to capture the dimension of empowerment in European mental health settings.
FREEWAY TRAFFIC OSCILLATIONS: OBSERVATIONS AND PREDICTIONS

Freeway traffic was observed over multiple days and was found to display certain regular features. Oscillations arose only in queues; they had periods of several minutes; and their amplitudes stabilized as they propagated upstream. They propagated at a nearly constant speed of about 22 to 24 kilometers per hour, independent of the location within the queues and the flow measured there; this was observed for a number of locations and for queued flows ranging from about 2,000 to 850 vehicles per hour per lane. The effects of the oscillations were not felt downstream of the bottleneck. Thus, the only effect on upstream traffic was that a queue's tail meandered over time by small amounts. (For the long queues studied here, the tails deviated by no more than about 16 vehicle spacings, as compared with predictions that ignored the oscillations). Notably, the character of queued traffic at fixed locations did not change with time, despite the oscillations; i.e., traffic did not decay. There were changes over space, however. New oscillations formed in moderately dense queues near ramp interchanges and then grew to their full amplitudes while propagating upstream, even though the range of wave speeds was narrow. The formations of these new oscillations are strongly correlated with vehicle lane changing. But this pattern of formation and growth was less evident in a very dense queue (caused by an incident), although frequent lane changing occurred near the interchanges. It thus appears that the oscillations were triggered by random lane changing in moderately dense queues more than by car-following effects. Finally, kinematic wave theory was found to describe the propagation of the oscillations to within small errors. For distances approaching one kilometer, and for 2-hour periods, the theory predicted the locations of vehicles to within about 5 vehicle spacings. Further analysis showed that some of these small discrepancies are explained by differences in car-following behavior across drivers.
The Two-Step Non-Data-Aided SNR Estimation in the Low SNR Region of OFDM Signals

: In this paper, a novel two-step non-data-aided (NDA) signal to noise ratio (SNR) estimator is proposed to improve its accuracy in the low SNR region of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. The two-step estimator consists of a coarse estimation followed by a reﬁnement step. In the ﬁrst step, three linear independent coarse estimations of the signal and noise power are obtained by exploring the cyclic-preﬁx (CP)-induced redundancy. In the second step, these three coarse estimations are reﬁned by resorting to the best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE). Compared with the schemes which only rely on two out of these three coarse estimations, a more accurate SNR estimation can be obtained in the low SNR region. Simulation results show that the proposed noise and signal power estimator achieve approximately 6 dB and 2 dB SNR gain respectively in the low SNR region, therefore, the proposed SNR estimator provides approximately 4 dB SNR gain.
Msx Homeobox Genes Critically Regulate Embryo Implantation by Controlling Paracrine Signaling between Uterine Stroma and Epithelium

The mammalian Msx homeobox genes, Msx1 and Msx2, encode transcription factors that control organogenesis and tissue interactions during embryonic development. We observed overlapping expression of these factors in uterine epithelial and stromal compartments of pregnant mice prior to embryo implantation. Conditional ablation of both Msx1 and Msx2 in the uterus resulted in female infertility due to a failure in implantation. In these mutant mice (Msx1/2 d/d), the uterine epithelium exhibited persistent proliferative activity and failed to attach to the embryos. Gene expression profiling of uterine epithelium and stroma of Msx1/2 d/d mice revealed an elevated expression of several members of the Wnt gene family in the preimplantation uterus. Increased canonical Wnt signaling in the stromal cells activated β-catenin, stimulating the production of a subset of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in these cells. The secreted FGFs acted in a paracrine manner via the FGF receptors in the epithelium to promote epithelial proliferation, thereby preventing differentiation of this tissue and creating a non-receptive uterus refractory to implantation. Collectively, these findings delineate a unique signaling network, involving Msx1/2, Wnts, and FGFs, which operate in the uterus at the time of implantation to control the mesenchymal-epithelial dialogue critical for successful establishment of pregnancy.
Low Birth Weight Is Associated With Increased Sympathetic Activity: Dependence on Genetic Factors

Background—Low birth weight may be associated with high blood pressure in later life through genetic factors, an association that may be explained by alterations in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. We examined the association of birth weight with cardiac pre-ejection period and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (indicators of cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, respectively) and with blood pressure in 53 dizygotic and 61 monozygotic adolescent twin pairs. Methods and Results—Birth weight of the twins was obtained from the mothers. Pre-ejection period and respiratory sinus arrhythmia were measured with electrocardiography and impedance cardiography at rest, during a reaction time task, and during a mental arithmetic task. In the overall sample, lower birth weight was significantly associated with shorter pre-ejection period at rest, during the reaction time task, and during the mental arithmetic task (P =0.0001, P <0.0001, and P =0.0001, respectively) and with larger pre-ejection period reactivity to the stress tasks (P =0.02 and P =0.06, respectively). In within-pair analyses, differences in birth weight were associated with differences in pre-ejection period at rest and during both stress tasks in dizygotic twin pairs (P =0.01, P =0.06, and P =0.2, respectively) but not in monozygotic twin pairs (P =0.9, P =1.0, and P =0.5, respectively). Shorter pre-ejection period explained approximately 63% to 84% of the birth weight and blood pressure relation. Conclusions—Low birth weight is associated with increased sympathetic activity, and this explains a large part of the association between birth weight and blood pressure. In addition, our findings suggest that the association between birth weight and sympathetic activity depends on genetic factors.
Modeling and generating multivariate time series with arbitrary marginals and autocorrelation structures

Providing accurate and automated input modeling support is one of the challenging problems in the application of computer simulation. The authors present a general-purpose input-modeling tool for representing, fitting, and generating random variates from multivariate input processes to drive computer simulations. We explain the theory underlying the suggested data fitting and data generation techniques, and demonstrate that our framework fits models accurately to both univariate and multivariate input processes.
Cigarette Smoking and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

AIM: To determine whether cigarette smoking, as a risk factor for CAD, affects (anti)oxidant status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with CAD, divided according to their smoking status and the number of cigarettes smoked during a day. Biological markers of oxidative stress (concentration of oxidants and activity of antioxidant enzymes) were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: The study included 300 patients with CAD, (average age of 63 ± 11 years), predominantly males. Of the total, 34.0% were active smokers, 23.0% were former smokers, and 43.0% were non-smokers. Most of the active smokers smoked 1-20 cigarettes/day. In terms of concentration of oxidants (MDA and HP) there was not a significant difference between smokers versus non-smokers. As for the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPX), a statistically significant difference was found in the activity of GPX among the active smokers with CAD and the non-smokers with CAD (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Smoking as a risk factor for CAD is closely associated with increased oxidative stress, and the number of cigarettes smoked plays an important role in increasing the level of oxidative damage and reducing antioxidant defence.
Enhanced computational methods for quantifying the effect of geographic and environmental isolation on genetic differentiation

In a recent paper, Bradburd et al. (Evolution, 67, 2013, 3258) proposed a model to quantify the relative effect of geographic and environmental distance on genetic differentiation. Here, we enhance this method in several ways. We modify the covariance model so as to fit better with mainstream geostatistical models and avoid mathematically ill‐behaved covariance functions. We extend the model – initially implemented only for co‐dominant bi‐allelic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms – to encompass highly polymorphic markers such as microsatellites. We implement and test a model selection procedure that allows users to assess which model (e.g. with or without an environment effect) is most suited. We code all our MCMC algorithms in a mix of compiled languages which allows us to decrease computing time by at least one order of magnitude. We propose an approximate inference and model selection method allowing us to deal with genomic data sets (several hundred thousands loci). We also illustrate the potential of the method by re‐analysing three data sets, namely harbour porpoises in Europe, coyotes in California and herrings in the Baltic Sea. The computer program developed here is freely available as an R package called sunder. It takes as input georeferenced allele counts at the individual or population level for co‐dominant markers. Program homepage: http://www2.imm. dtu.dk/~gigu/Sunder/.
IMPROVING DELIBERATIONS BY REDUCING MISREPRESENTATION EFFECTS

ABSTRACT Deliberative and decisional groups play crucial roles in most aspects of social life. But it is not obvious how to organize these groups and various socio-cognitive mechanisms can spoil debates and decisions. In this paper we focus on one such important mechanism: the misrepresentation of views, i.e. when agents express views that are aligned with those already expressed, and which differ from their private opinions. We introduce a model to analyze the extent to which this behavioral pattern can warp deliberations and distort the decisions that are finally taken. We identify types of situations in which misrepresentation can have major effects and investigate how to reduce these effects by adopting appropriate deliberative procedures. We discuss the beneficial effects of (i) holding a sufficient number of rounds of expression of views; (ii) choosing an appropriate order of speech, typically a random one; (iii) rendering the deliberation dissenter-friendly; (iv) having agents express fined-grained views. These applicable procedures help improve deliberations because they dampen conformist behavior, give epistemic minorities more opportunities to be heard, and reduce the number of cases in which an inadequate consensus or majority develops.
Correlation between hand grip strength and functional mobility in elderly patients

Aging is a normal process that can be indicated by muscle mass reduction or sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is problematic, since it is correlated with a higher risk of falls. Therefore, early measurement of physical performance in the elderly is necessary. Hand grip strength can be measured to assess hand muscle strength, while the timed up-and-go test (TUGT) is used to assess functional mobility. However, the correlation of both variables has not been clearly explained. We measured average hand grip strength and functional mobility in elderly patients and found a significantly meaningful moderate correlation between them (P = 0.000. r = −0.568). Average mean hand grip strength was 19.1 ± 7.00 kg and average median functional mobility was 12.8 (5.9–30.9) seconds.
Stock market development and economic growth

Since the 1990s economists have devoted considerable attention to the study of the relationship between financial markets development and economic growth. In particular, the emergence of stock markets with economic development is an intriguing and interesting aspect of such a relationship, and yet relatively unexplored. This paper examines the most recent findings in the theoretical and empirical literature trying to determine the rationale behind the development of stock markets along the path of growth and the nature of the interrelationship between real and financial variables. The World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER) was established by the United Nations University (UNU) as its first research and training centre and started work in Helsinki, Finland in 1985. The Institute undertakes applied research and policy analysis on structural changes affecting the developing and transitional economies, provides a forum for the advocacy of policies leading to robust, equitable and environmentally sustainable growth, and promotes capacity strengthening and training in the field of economic and social policy making. Work is carried out by staff researchers and visiting scholars in Helsinki and through networks of collaborating scholars and institutions around the world. Camera-ready typescript prepared by Lorraine Telfer-Taivainen at UNU-WIDER The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s). Publication does not imply endorsement by the Institute or the United Nations University, nor by the programme/project sponsors, of any of the views expressed.
Aspect Mining Model in Support of Drug Reviews

Reviews of medication from patients are numerous on the internet. This review provides a brief overview of approaches to aspect mining as they relate to drug discovery. Many adverse drug reactions on chronic diseases are not discovered during limited pre-marketing clinical trials, they are only observed after long term post-marketing investigation of drug usage. The detection of adverse drug reactions, as early as possible, is an important topic of research for the pharmaceutical industry. Mining significant topics from short and noisy reviews poses significant challenges. In light of this, we addressed such problem by proposing the probabilistic aspect mining model (PAMM) for identifying the aspects/topics relating to class labels. PAMM has a unique feature in that it focuses on finding aspects relating to one class only rather than finding aspects for all classes simultaneously in each execution. Besides the aspects found also have the property that they are class distinguishing, they can be used to distinguish a class from other classes. This reduces the chance of having aspects formed from mixing concepts of different classes; hence the identified aspects are easier to be interpreted by people.
Towards a General Software Engineering Methodology for the Internet of Things

As research in the Internet of Thing area progresses, and a multitude of proposals exist to solve a variety of problems, the need for a general principled software engineering approach for the systematic development of IoT systems and applications arises. In this paper, by synthesizing form the state of the art in the area, we attempt at framing the key concepts and abstractions that revolve around the design and development of IoT systems and applications, and draft a software engineering methodology centered on these abstractions.
Assessing the Quality of Reports about Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture Treatment on Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective To evaluate the reports' qualities which are about randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MIC). Methods Nine databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL,2010), PUBMED (1984-5/2010), EMbase (1984-5/2010), MEDLINE (1984-5/2010), CINAL (1984-5/2010), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, 1980-5/2010), China Biomedicine Database disc (CBMdisc, 1980-5/2010), VIP (a full text issues database of China, 1989-5/2010) were searched systematically. Hand search for further references was conducted. Language was limited to Chinese and English. We identified 14 RCTs that used acupuncture as an intervention and assessed the quality of these reports against the Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) statement and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). Results In regard to the items in the CONSORT statement, 13(92.86%) RCTs described baseline demographic and clinical characteristics in each group. 7 (50.0%) mentioned the method of generating the random sequence, only 2 (14.3%) RCTs had adequate allocation concealment. No RCTs used blinding. RCTs reported the sample size calculation. In regard to the items in STRICTA, 10 (71.43%) mentioned the depths of insertion, 6 (42.86%) reported acupuncture response, 11 (78.57%) mentioned the technique of acupuncture, 12 (85.71%) recorded the time, and only 3 (21.43%) RCTs reported the numbers of needles inserted. No RCTs reported the background of the acupuncture practitioners and professional title of practitioners. Conclusion The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment was moderate to low. The CONSORT statement and STRICTA should be used to standardize the reporting of RCTs of acupuncture in future.
Text Information Extraction And Analysis From Images Using Digital Image Processing Techniques

– Text data present in images contain useful information for automatic explanation, indexing, and structuring of images. Extraction of this information involves detection, localization, tracking, extraction, enhancement, and recognition of the text from a given image. However variations of text due to differences in size, style, orientation, and alignment, as well as low image contrast and complex background make the problem of automatic text extraction extremely challenging in the computer vision research area. The proposed methods compare two basic approaches for extracting text region in images: edge-based and connected-component based. The algorithms are implemented and evaluated using a set of images that vary along the dimensions of lighting, scale and orientation. Accuracy, precision and recall rates for each approach are analyzed to determine the success and limitations of each approach.
Pocket PhotoMesa: A Zooming Image Browser for the Pocket PC

Small devices such as Palm and Pocket PC have gained much popularity with the advent of mobile technology and price affordability. Image browsers are among popular software applications on PDAs. The limitations introduced by these devices such as screen resolution, processing power and interaction make it harder for multimedia applications designed for larger displays to be as much usable on small screens. For an image browser, layout of images and navigation between them become critical factors for users' experience. These challenges motivated the development of Pocket PhotoMesa, a pocket pc image browser that employs Quantum strip Treemaps for laying out images and Zoomable User Interfaces for navigation. In this paper, we discuss the development of Pocket PhotoMesa and we perform a usability study comparing the performance and users' experience using Pocket PhotoMesa and ACDSee image browsers for the pocket pc.
Measurement of the three-dimensional surface deformation of the Jiaju landslide using a surface-parallel flow model

ABSTRACT SAR Interferometry (InSAR) is a powerful technique for mapping land surface deformation, but single one-dimensional (1D) InSAR line-of-sight (LOS) measurement limits its application in three-dimensional (3D) displacement retrieval. Traditional methods were developed for measuring large-scale deformation. In this paper, to retrieve the slow 3D deformation process in the Jiaju landslide, a surface-parallel flow model is applied, according to the existing geological data gained from this landslide. Nine ENVISAT ASAR images and 19 ALOS PALSAR images were collected to reconstruct the 3D deformation field. An iterative method for correcting the characteristic value (IMCCV) with maximum likelihood estimation (M-estimation) adaptively generates an accurate stochastic model. The 3D deformation measurements show that the northern part of the Jiaju landslide clearly had horizontal deformation with the largest deformation velocity exceeding 15 cm year−1, while the southern part was relatively stable. Similarly, large vertical deformation appeared in the northern part (−2 cm year−1) and little deformation occurred in the southern part (−0.5 cm year−1). Compared with GPS measurements, the standard deviation is 1.4 cm year−1 and 0.7 cm year−1 in horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. Therefore, the Jiaju landslide exhibited movements in the horizontal direction accompanied by slight settlement in the vertical direction.
Energy-Efficient Optimization for Wireless Information and Power Transfer in Large-Scale MIMO Systems Employing Energy Beamforming

In this letter, we consider a large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system where the receiver should harvest energy from the transmitter by wireless power transfer to support its wireless information transmission. The energy beamforming in the large-scale MIMO system is utilized to address the challenging problem of long-distance wireless power transfer. Furthermore, considering the limitation of the power in such a system, this letter focuses on the maximization of the energy efficiency of information transmission (bit per Joule) while satisfying the quality-of-service (QoS) requirement, i.e. delay constraint, by jointly optimizing transfer duration and transmit power. By solving the optimization problem, we derive an energy-efficient resource allocation scheme. Numerical results validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.