Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The At Home/Chez Soi trial protocol: a pragmatic, multi-site, randomised controlled trial of a Housing First intervention for homeless individuals with mental illness in five Canadian cities

Introduction Housing First is a complex housing and support intervention for homeless individuals with mental health problems. It has a sufficient knowledge base and interest to warrant a test of wide-scale implementation in various settings. This protocol describes the quantitative design of a Canadian five city, $110 million demonstration project and provides the rationale for key scientific decisions. Methods A pragmatic, mixed methods, multi-site field trial of the effectiveness of Housing First in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton, is randomising approximately 2500 participants, stratified by high and moderate need levels, into intervention and treatment as usual groups. Quantitative outcome measures are being collected over a 2-year period and a qualitative process evaluation is being completed. Primary outcomes are housing stability, social functioning and, for the economic analyses, quality of life. Hierarchical linear modelling is the primary data analytic strategy. Ethics and dissemination Research ethics board approval has been obtained from 11 institutions and a safety and adverse events committee is in place. The results of the multi-site analyses of outcomes at 12 months and 2 years will be reported in a series of core scientific journal papers. Extensive knowledge exchange activities with non-academic audiences will occur throughout the duration of the project. Trial registration number This study has been registered with the International Standard Randomised Control Trial Number Register and assigned ISRCTN42520374.
Methods to Elicit Forecasts from Groups: Delphi and Prediction Markets Compared

Traditional groups meetings are an inefficient and ineffective method for making forecasts and decisions. We compare two structured alternatives to traditional meetings: the Delphi technique and prediction markets. Delphi is relatively simple and cheap to implement and has been adopted for diverse applications in business and government since its origins in the 1950s. It can be used for nearly any forecasting, estimation, or decision making problem not barred by complexity or ignorance. While prediction markets were used more than a century ago, their popularity waned until more recent times. As a consequence there is less evidence on their validity. Prediction markets need many participants. They need clear outcomes in order to determine participants’ pay-offs. Even so, relating their knowledge to market prices is not intuitive to everyone and constructing contracts that will provide a useful forecast may not be possible for some problems. It is difficult to maintain confidentiality with markets and they are vulnerable to manipulation. Delphi is designed to reveal panelists’ knowledge and opinions via their forecasts and the reasoning they provide. This format allows testing of knowledge and learning by panelists as they refine their forecasts. Such a process does not happen explicitly in prediction markets and may not happen at all. The reasoning provided as an output of the Delphi process is likely to be reassuring to forecast users who are uncomfortable with the “black box” nature of prediction markets. We consider that, half a century after its original development, Delphi is greatly under-utilized.
Increased Platelet Binding to Circulating Monocytes in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background—Present therapies for acute coronary syndromes aim toward limiting platelet–platelet adhesion and aggregation processes. However, platelet–leukocyte interactions may contribute importantly to disease progression in the arterial wall. Recent studies suggest that prevention of platelet–leukocyte binding via P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) may be beneficial in animal models of vascular injury. Methods and Results—P-selectin–PSGL-1 interactions were found to account for most platelet–monocyte binding observed in peripheral blood samples from healthy donors. However, a significant component of observed adhesion was calcium independent, involving neither PSGL-1 nor P-selectin. Platelet–monocyte interactions were examined in 52 patients admitted within 14 hours of symptom onset, with acute coronary syndromes defined as unstable angina (n=12) and acute myocardial infarction (n=13) or noncardiac chest pain (n=27). When compared with patients with noncardiac chest pain, significantly elevated levels of platelet–monocyte binding were found in patients with acute myocardial infarction (70.1±15.4% versus 45.4±23.3%;P <0.01) and unstable angina (67.4±12.9% versus 45.4±23.3%;P >0.01). Calcium-independent platelet–monocyte binding was significantly elevated in myocardial infarction patients alone (14.7±7.7% versus 6.1±5.96%;P <0.001). Conclusions—There is evidence for a significant P-selectin–independent molecular component to the platelet–monocyte conjugation observed in peripheral blood. Patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina demonstrate increased total binding of platelets to monocytes. Additionally, calcium-independent adhesion was significantly elevated in patients with evidence of myocardial infarction. These findings demonstrate that novel cation-independent adhesion mechanisms may mediate platelet–monocyte binding, representing a new therapeutic target after vascular injury associated with myocardial infarction.
Critical Roles of Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88-Dependent Proinflammatory Cytokine Release in Early Phase Clearance of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice1

Listeria monocytogenes (LM), a facultative intracellular Gram-positive bacterium, often causes lethal infection of the host. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying LM eradication in the early phase of infection. Upon infection with LM, both IL-12 and IL-18 were produced, and then they synergistically induced IFN-γ production, leading to normal LM clearance in the host. IFN-γ knockout (KO) mice were highly susceptible to LM infection. IL-12/IL-18 double knockout mice were also highly susceptible. Their susceptibility was less than that of IFN-γ KO mice, but more than that of single IL-12 or IL-18 KO mice. Mice deficient in myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), an essential adaptor molecule used by signal transduction pathways of all members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, showed an inability to produce IL-12 and IFN-γ following LM infection and were most susceptible to LM. Furthermore, MyD88-deficient, but not IFN-γ-deficient, Kupffer cells could not produce TNF-α in response to LM in vitro, indicating the importance of MyD88-dependent TNF-α production for host defense. As TLR2 KO, but not TLR4 KO, mice showed partial impairment in their capacity to produce IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, TLR2 activation partly contributed to the induction of IL-12-mediated IFN-γ production. These results indicated a critical role for TLRs/MyD88-dependent IL-12/TNF-α production and for IL-12- and IL-18-mediated IFN-γ production in early phase clearance of LM.
Arterial Baroreflex: A Novel Target for Preventing Stroke in Rat Hypertension

Background and Purpose— Arterial baroreflex is one of the most important mechanisms in the regulation of cardiovascular activities. Arterial baroreflex function can be expressed as baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). The present study was designed to test 2 hypotheses: (1) BRS is a new independent predictor for the incidence of stroke in hypertension, and (2) restoration of BRS can prevent stroke in hypertension. Methods— First, 82 stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) aged 28 to 30 weeks were used. After measuring blood pressure and BRS, the survival time was observed. Second, 12 SHR-SP aged 8 months were used. Blood pressure and BRS were determined separately before and after intragastric administration of ketanserin (0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg). Third, SHR-SP aged 5 months were treated with ketanserin for 12 weeks (0.3 mg and 3.0 mg/kg per day). At the end of the treatment, blood pressure and BRS were determined and the end-organ damage was evaluated. Last, SHR-SP aged 3 months were treated with ketanserin (0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg per day) for life and the survival time was recorded. Results— Stroke was significantly delayed in rats with high BRS than those with low BRS (time to 50% death was 1.47-fold longer than low BRS group; P<0.01). Ketanserin of 3.0 mg/kg per day decreased blood pressure and enhanced BRS, whereas 0.3 mg/kg per day only enhanced the BRS. Fatal stroke incidences were markedly reduced by treatment with both doses (P<0.0001 versus control group). Conclusions— The present study provides evidence that BRS is an independent predictor for stroke in hypertension. Restoration of BRS may be a new strategy for the prevention of stroke.
Fuzzy clustering using hybrid fuzzy c-means and fuzzy particle swarm optimization

Fuzzy clustering is an important problem which is the subject of active research in several real world applications. Fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm is one of the most popular fuzzy clustering techniques because it is efficient, straightforward, and easy to implement. However FCM is sensitive to initialization and is easily trapped in local optima. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a stochastic global optimization tool which is used in many optimization problems. In this paper a hybrid fuzzy clustering method based on FCM and fuzzy PSO (FPSO) is proposed which make use of the merits of both algorithms. Experimental results show that our proposed method is efficient and can reveal encouraging results.
A waffle-shaped model for how realistic dimensions of the Belgian conflict structure collective memories and stereotypes

Belgium has a long-standing history of conflicts between Flemings and French speakers. We posit that the content of the collective memories associated with each group are organized around two objective dimensions: (1) linguistic policy and (2) financial and political autonomy. A model is proposed that predicts that different justice principles will be applied by each community regarding the distribution of specific resources depending upon which dimension of the conflict is salient and their group membership. Respect or violation of these principles predicts stereotype content. Collective memories can be used to justify the in-group’s justice principles and to present such stereotypes as anchored in the past. We conclude by drawing general implications of the model for the study of the role collective memories play in intergroup conflicts.
Donor Nephrectomy: Mini-Incision Muscle-Splitting Open Approach versus Laparoscopy

Background. The introduction of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has encouraged the development of less invasive open techniques. Aim of the present study was to compare short-term outcomes between contemporary cohorts of donors who underwent either mini-incision open or laparoscopic kidney donation. Methods. From May 2001 to September 2004 data of all living kidney donations and transplantations were prospectively collected. Fifty-one donors underwent mini-incision, muscle-splitting open donor nephrectomy (MIDN) and 49 donors underwent LDN. Results. Baseline characteristics of donors and recipients in the study groups were comparable except for donors' gender. Median incision length in MIDN was 10.5 cm. In two patients LDN was converted to open. MIDN resulted in significantly shorter warm ischemia and operation time (2.5 vs. 6.5 min and 157 vs. 240 min respectively). During MIDN, donors had more blood loss (200 vs. 120 ml, P=0.02). Disposables used for MIDN were cheaper (328 vs. 1784 Euros). In the LDN group 4 (8%) major intraoperative and 2 (4%) major postoperative complications occurred versus no major complications in the MIDN group. Morphine requirement, pain and nausea perception, and time to dietary intake did not significantly differ between the groups. Following MIDN, donors were discharged later (4 vs. 3 days, P=0.02). Transplantation of kidneys procured by either approach led to a similar decline in serum creatinine throughout the first year. One-year graft survival was 100% following MIDN and 86% following LDN (P=0.005). Conclusion. MIDN and LDN both lead to satisfactory results. Both techniques can be used to expand living donor programs.
S Developing Configurable Security Algorithms for Embedded System Storage

The constrained operating environments of many FPGA based embedded systems require flexible security that can be configured to minimize the impact on FPGA area and power consumption. To ensure the overall security of embedded systems with off-chip memories, it is essential to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of the data that travels between the system-on-chip part of the embedded system and the off-chip memory. This paper proposes a complete hardware solution for embedded systems that fully protects off-chip memory. The confidentiality and integrity is achieved by using a modified Elliptic Curve Cryptographic (ECC) approach. Initially, with respect to the instruction from the processor, the security level for the address is identified and based on the security level the encryption process follows, thereby storing the data in the form of cipher text in the external memory location. During read operation, based on the address, the segment id is verified and then the decrypted data is allowed to the processor after appropriate verification. These modules safeguard external memories for embedded processors against a series of wellknown attacks, including replay attacks, spoofing attacks and relocation attacks. The complete module is realized using Xilinx ISE 14.1 software using verilog coding with a target device as virtex-4 xc4vlx200-11-ff1513. The functional verification of the design is done by simulating the design.
Le développement des compétences économiques chez l'enfant

Malgre l’importance des interactions economiques dans les societes humaines, l’etude de la prise de decision dans le contexte economique chez les enfants reste rare. Dans ce travail, j’ai teste 802 enfants âges de 14 mois a 10 ans dans des situations experimentales faisant intervenir une tâche d’echange afin (1) de determiner l’âge auquel les enfants comprennent l’utilisation du don et de l’echange comme des outils permettant de maximiser leur gain, (2) de tester s’ils integrent le cout temporel associe a un echange, (3) de rechercher s’ils sont capables d’ajuster leur investissement aucomportement du ou des partenaires d’echange, et (4) d’evaluer leur aptitude a prendre en compte le risque inherent a la situation d’echange. Pour chacune de ces questions, j’ai cherche a identifier d’eventuels paralleles entre l’efficacite des decisions economiques chez l’enfant et les stades connus du developpement cognitif. Les resultats montrent un changement majeur entre 18 et 22 mois dans la capacite a donner et echanger. Les enfants sont capables d’ajuster leur temps d’attente a la quantite de recompense offerte a partir de trois ans. Enfin, on constate que les enfants de plus decinq ans peuvent adapter leur choix d’investissement selon le comportement des partenaires et le risque de perte associe a un echange. Il apparait que les competences des enfants correspondent a ce que l’on connait des stades de developpement dans les facultes de calcul numerique, de jugement temporel et de comprehension des etats mentaux d’autrui. Ce travail devra se poursuivre chez d'autres societes aux normes economiques differentes de maniere a evaluer la generalite des resultats obtenus dans cette these.
Cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to arm crank and wheelchair exercise using various handrims in male paraplegics.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of 10-in [0.25-m] versus 16-in [0.41-m] wheelchair handrims on cardiorespiratory and psychophysiological exercise responses during wheelchair propulsion at selected velocities. Fifteen male paraplegics (27.0 +/- 5.5 yrs) performed three discontinuous exercise tests (ACE = arm crank ergometer; WERG = wheelchair roller ergometer) and two 1600-m performance-based track trials (TRACK) under simulated race conditions. There were no significant differences in HR, VO2, VE, HLa, or category-ratio ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) using different handrims during wheelchair propulsion at 4 km.h-1. In contrast, at 8 km.h-1 subjects demonstrated a 13% lower steady state VO2 (p less than .05) using the 10-in handrims, coincident with a 23% lower VE. Steady state HR during WERG at 8 km.h-1 using the 10-in (124.4 +/- 3.9 b.min-1) or 16-in (130.6 +/- 4.6 b.min-1) handrims were not significantly different. There were also no significant differences between ACE or WERG conditions during maximal effort for VO2 or VE. However, HRpeak during ACE was 7% higher than HRpeak during WERG16 (183 +/- 15 b.min-1 vs. 171 +/- 12 b.min-1, p less than .05), and whole blood HLa during ACE was also significantly higher (by 2.3-2.5 mmol; p less than .05) compared to WERG. There were no significant differences for HR, performance time, or RPE between trials using different handrim diameters during the 1600-m event. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An anonymous messaging system for Delay Tolerant Networks

Security and anonymity are vital components in today's networked world, and play critical roles in several reallife situations, such as whistleblowing, intelligence operations, oppressive governments, etc. In this paper, we study anonymous communications in the context of Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs). Existing work in this area relies on the standard onion routing paradigm to provide anonymity and is, therefore, vulnerable to malicious nodes. To this end, we introduce a novel message forwarding algorithm that utilizes random walks to deliver messages to their destinations. By removing the requirement to list all the intermediate nodes on the end-to-end path, our method enhances considerably the anonymity of the underlying communications. Our simulation results show that the proposed forwarding algorithm achieves high message delivery rates, at the expense of a moderate computational overhead at the mobile devices.
Effect of variations in hearing-aid frequency response on real-life functional performance of children with severe or profound hearing loss

This study examined the effect of variations in hearing-aid frequency response on real-life functional performance of children with severe to profound hearing loss. A cross-over design was used in a double-blind comparison of the NAL prescription with alternatives that produced either a BOOST or a CUT (6dB/octave from 0.5 to 2kHz), relative to the NAL response. The functional performance of 30 children (aged 7 months to 16 years) when wearing hearing aids adjusted to each response over two to four weeks was assessed by using parents’ and teachers’ observations (PEACH and TEACH scales). Intelligibility judgments and self-reports were also obtained from school-aged children. Results indicated that on average, variations in frequency response resulted in differences in functional performance in real life. There were significant correlations between PEACH and TEACH, and also between children's intelligibility judgments and subjective reports from children and their parents and teachers. The findings support the use of the NAL response for initial fitting, and the evaluation of children's amplification needs by a systematic use of parents’ and teachers’ observations.
Synthesis of buck converter based current sources

Ripple free DC or AC current source can be implemented by operating a switching converter in current mode control and setting the switching frequency much higher than the operating frequency. However, due to presence of the output filter across the load, it exhibits deviation from the ideal output impedance characteristics of an ideal current source. In this paper, a DC and an AC current source are presented which provides low ripple output current without sacrificing the high output impedance characteristics of an ideal current source. The DC and AC current sources are realized using a buck converter and a voltage source inverter, respectively with a coupled LL-LC output filter replacing the traditional LC output filter. The low ripple output current is obtained by utilizing the notch behavior of the coupled LL-LC filter. The operating principle of the proposed current source structures are explained in details. The performances of the proposed current sources are validated using simulations and experiments. The proposed DC current source and sinusoidal AC current source shows only 0.4% and 1.33% ripple content at their output current, respectively.
Stability Analysis of Networked Control Systems Based on Industry Ethernet Ring Networks

A stability analysis of Networked Control Systems based on the Industry Ethernet Ring Network is presented in this paper. The frame loss of the Industry Ethernet Ring Network is regarded as a random event. The sufficiency conditions for asymptotically stability of the stochastic discrete linear time-variant system are presented and proved using a new method in this paper. A Networked Control System based on an Industry Ethernet Ring Network is simulated in MATLAB and the simulation agrees well with Theorem 1.
Self Configurable Re-link Establishment using Continuous Neighbor Discovery in Asynchronous Sensor Networks

A Sensor network generally has a large number of sensor nodes that are deployed at some audited site. In most sensor networks the nodes are static. Nevertheless, node connectivity is subject to changes because of disruptions in wireless communication, transmission power changes, or loss of synchronization between neighbouring nodes, so there is a need to maintain synchronization between the neighbouring nodes in order to have efficient communication. Hence even after a sensor is aware of its immediate neighbours, it must continuously maintain its view a process we call continuous neighbour discovery. In this proposed work we are maintaining synchronization between neighbouring nodes so that the sensor network will be always active.