Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding practices of speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation: a grounded theory study

ABSTRACT Background: Social participation is the stated ideal end purpose of rehabilitation, however people with aphasia often have limited social participation following rehabilitation. Despite growing evidence regarding the importance of addressing social participation issues in aphasia rehabilitation, it is unknown how much these issues are considered by speech-language pathologists. More importantly, it is unclear what aphasia rehabilitation practice includes. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand speech-language pathology practice in aphasia rehabilitation by means of a theoretical model. Methods & Procedures: Grounded theory was used to structure this research study. Seventeen speech-language pathologists working in different settings of the care continuum of aphasia rehabilitation in Quebec (Canada) were recruited to participate in individual, semi-structured interviews. They were questioned about the ideal end purpose of aphasia rehabilitation and the clinical activities performed in practice. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed following an inductive, constructivist-based approach. Categories were identified and a theoretical model was developed. Outcomes & Results: The main characteristic of the participants’ practice was that it included underlying questions. These questions were either related to the purpose of aphasia rehabilitation or to the clinical activities performed to achieve that purpose. Four central clinical activities were described: counselling; assessing needs and abilities; setting therapy goals; and conducting therapy. Two clinical activities were not systematically performed; thus, they were considered peripheral within practice: including relatives in therapy and considering other parties. The focus of practice was either on language impairment or on social participation of the person with aphasia. Participants expressed different perceptions about the ideal end purpose of aphasia rehabilitation and considered their workplace environment as constraining or encouraging professional autonomy, which had an impact on the focus of practice. Underlying questions led participants to express a need for guidance to orient their practice. Conclusions: Results contribute to a better understanding of aphasia rehabilitation practice. When deeply motivated by helping the person resume significant life habits, speech-language pathologists’ practice was more likely to be focused on social participation, but questions regarding clinical activities persisted. A future knowledge transfer strategy could help guide and orient speech-language pathologists.
Tracking static local kernels within image frames

We describe an active contour based local energy minimization point distribution, behavior of orientation, relaxation iterative algorithm that estimates feature points of static target in image sequence. In our approach, we build a contour model of a target to get some of low-energy points kernels. The use of snake based line model results in more reliable convergence of the point local energy minimization. The algorithm uses auto-relation relation to give the behavior of orientation in a local kernel's window. It uses local window-based probability method to refine the current corresponding relations of scene kernels. Results are illustrated on real outdoor image sequence.
Sparse Matrix Libraries in C++ for High Performance Architectures

We describe an object oriented sparse matrix library in C++ designed for portability and performance across a wide class of machine architectures. Besides simplifying the subroutine interface, the object oriented design allows the same driving code to be used for various sparse matrix formats, thus addressing many of the di culties encountered with the typical approach to sparse matrix libraries. We also discuss the the design of a C++ library for implementing various iterative methods for solving linear systems of equations. Performance results indicate that the C++ codes are competitive with optimized Fortran.
In Silico Analysis of Usher Encoding Genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Characterization of Their Role in Adhesion and Colonization

Chaperone/usher (CU) assembly pathway is used by a wide range of Enterobacteriaceae to assemble adhesive surface structures called pili or fimbriae that play a role in bacteria-host cell interactions. In silico analysis revealed that the genome of Klebsiella pneumoniae LM21 harbors eight chromosomal CU loci belonging to γκп and ϭ clusters. Of these, only two correspond to previously described operons, namely type 1 and type 3-encoding operons. Isogenic usher deletion mutants of K. pneumoniae LM21 were constructed for each locus and their role in adhesion to animal (Intestine 407) and plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) cells, biofilm formation and murine intestinal colonization was investigated. Type 3 pili usher deleted mutant was impaired in all assays, whereas type 1 pili usher deleted mutant only showed attenuation in adhesion to plant cells and in intestinal colonization. The LM21ΔkpjC mutant was impaired in its capacity to adhere to Arabidopsis cells and to colonize the murine intestine, either alone or in co-inoculation experiments. Deletion of LM21kpgC induced a significant decrease in biofilm formation, in adhesion to animal cells and in colonization of the mice intestine. The LM21∆kpaC and LM21∆kpeC mutants were only attenuated in biofilm formation and the adhesion abilities to Arabidopsis cells, respectively. No clear in vitro or in vivo effect was observed for LM21∆kpbC and LM21∆kpdC mutants. The multiplicity of CU loci in K. pneumoniae genome and their specific adhesion pattern probably reflect the ability of the bacteria to adhere to different substrates in its diverse ecological niches.
Classification of Bird Species based on Bioacoustics

This paper presents a study of automatic detection and recognition of bird species based on bioacoustics. The energy distribution in different frequency bands varies quite significantly among different birds' sounds. Energy in various frequency bands is extracted using wavelet packet transform and k-nearest neighbor algorithm is used for classification. In our experiment, classification accuracy of 91% is achieved for the classification of eight bird species. A total of 307 bird sound files are used to train/test the system.
An Optimal Incentive Tax Policy on Horizontal Mergers

This paper analyzes an optimal antitrust policy on horizontal mergers under asymmetric information when antitrust agency cannot observe the post-merger private cost of merged firms. By using a discrete mechanism design approach with self-selection, this paper proposes an incentive compatible lump-sum tax scheme to provide an efficient decision on whether the application for merger should be accepted or rejected. Results show that the optimal size of lumpsum tax is not affected by the informational rent of private postmerger cost information of merged firms.
Electrophysiological and Morphological Alterations in Peripheral Nerves by the Pig Paramyxovirus of Blue Eye Disease in Neonatal Pigs: Peripheral Nerve Alterations by Paramyxovirus

M. A. RAMIÂREZ-HERRERA, M. L. MENDOZA-MAGANÄ A, J. M. DUENÄ AS-JIMEÂ NEZ, J. MORA-GALINDO and S. H. DUENÄ AS-JIMEÂ NEZ Addresses of authors: Departamento de Fisiologõ Âa; Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950; Centro de Investigaciones BiomeÂdicas de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, MeÂxico; Corresponding author
Path planning using Laplace's equation

A method for planning smooth robot paths is presented. The method relies on the use of Laplace's equation to constrain the generation of a potential function over regions of the configuration space of an effector. Once the function is computed, paths may be found very quickly. These functions do not exhibit the local minima which plague the potential field method. Unlike decompositional and algebraic techniques. Laplace's equation is very well suited to computation on massively parallel architectures. <<ETX>>
Self-debriefing or teacher-debriefing on a game for learning IT communication skills?

Previous research has shown that games need debriefing to cater for learning, although the research is rather inconclusive towards characteristics of effective debriefing. Teacher-debriefing is relatively costly and due to time constraints reasonably limited for individual debriefs. Self-debriefing is cheap and can be done independently. This study examined with a pre-test post-test design whether self-debriefing can induce similar learning as teacher-debriefing. This study investigated students’ communication performance in four in-classroom usage-scenarios of a single-user game SMI (Space Modules Incorporated) for IT service-desk communication skills (n = 172). Three usage-scenarios used identical debriefing structure after the first game-session, but differed in debriefing format (Teacher-debriefing Learner-specific, Teacher-debriefing Class-specific, Self-debriefing Structured Note-taking). The fourth usage-scenario contained a generic assignment for self-reflection after the first game-session with note-taking (Self-debriefing Unstructured Note-taking). All usage-scenarios requested similar time investment for students in vocational education and the same debriefing-duration. Each usage-scenario contained the same two game-sessions with specific debriefing in-between. All usage-scenarios embedded easy to use debriefing formats, although both self-debriefing formats are cheaper to use than the teacher-debriefing formats. SMI supported in-game measurement of learning progress data, being used for debriefing and for measuring communication performance in both game-sessions (i.e., pre- & post-measurement). A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA showed a significant learning effect for all usage-scenarios, but no significant differences between the debriefing-formats. Less labour-intensive and more flexible exploitation of games via self-debriefing seem plausible as no differences between self-debriefing and teacher-debriefing were found. These findings align with previous research that also did not show any differences between self-debriefing and expert-debriefing. Self-reports revealed moderate motivation within all usage-scenario’s and moderate studyability of all usage-scenarios. This hints at opportunities for improving the usage-scenario’s (game and debriefing). Suggestions for further debriefing-research are given.
A Pilot Study of the Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Polymorphisms with Psoriatic Arthritis in the Romanian Population

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis. We have performed a case-control association study of three TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms in a group of Romanian psoriatic arthritis patients versus ethnically matched controls. A second group of patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis was used in order to look for similarities in the genetic background of the two rheumatic disorders. The −857C/T polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to psoriatic arthritis in our population at the individual level (p = 0.03, OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05–2.57) and in combined haplotypes with the −238G/A and −308G/A SNPs. Regarding the investigated polymorphisms and derived haplotypes, no potential association was found with the susceptibility to undifferentiated spondyloarthritis in Romanian patients.
Secure data recollection for redundantly deployed wireless sensor networks

Monitoring the environment is one of the main applications of wireless sensor networks. Given that these networks are densely populated and that local variations in the environmental variables are small, a large amount of redundant data is generated by sensor nodes. In this paper we present a protocol for data dissemination in hierarchical sensor networks that integrates security and reduces communication overhead by removing data redundancy from the network. Furthermore, we show that by using our protocol we can provide security to the network without spending additional energy resources, particularly when we are dealing with high levels of redundancy.
Endolyn-78, a membrane glycoprotein present in morphologically diverse components of the endosomal and lysosomal compartments: implications for lysosome biogenesis

A monoclonal antibody (2C5) raised against rat liver lysosomal membranes was used to identify a 78-kD glycoprotein that is present in the membranes of both endosomes and lysosomes and, therefore, is designated endolyn-78. In cultures of rat hepatoma (Fu5C8) and kidney cells (NRK), this glycoprotein could not be labeled with [35S]methionine or with [32P]inorganic phosphate but was easily labeled with [35S]cysteine and [3H]mannose. Pulse-chase experiments and determinations of endoglycosidase H (endo H) sensitivity showed that endolyn-78 is derived from a precursor of Mr 58-62 kD that is processed to the mature form with a t1/2 of 15-30 min. The protein has a 22-kD polypeptide backbone that is detected after a brief pulse in tunicamycin-treated cells. During a chase in the presence of the drug, this is converted into an O-glycosylated product of 46 kD that despite the absence of N-linked oligosaccharides is effectively transferred to lysosomes. This demonstrates that the delivery of endolyn-78 to this organelle is not mediated by the mannose-6-phosphate receptor (MPR). Immunocytochemical experiments showed that endolyn-78 is present in the limiting membranes and the interior membranous structures of morphologically identifiable secondary lysosomes that contain the lysosomal hydrolase beta-glucuronidase, lack the MPR, and could not be labeled with alpha-2-macroglobulin at 18.5 degrees C, a temperature which prevents appearance of endocytosed markers in lysosomes. Endolyn- 78 was present at low levels in the plasma membrane and in peripheral tubular endosomes, but was prominent in morphologically diverse components of the endosomal compartment (vacuolar endosomes and various types of multivesicular bodies) which acquired alpha-2-macroglobulin at 18.5 degrees C, and frequently contained substantial levels of the MPR and variable levels of beta-glucuronidase. On the other hand, the MPR was very rarely found in endolyn-containing structures that were not labeled with alpha-2-macroglobulin at the low temperature. Thus, the process of lysosomal maturation appears to involve the progressive delivery of lysosomal enzymes to various types of endosomes that may have already received some of the lysosomal membrane proteins. Although endolyn-78 would be one of the proteins added early to endosomes, other lysosomal membrane proteins may be added only to multivesicular endosomes that represent very advanced stages of maturation.
2012 International Conference on Information Management, Innovation Management and Industrial Engineering Constructing 3d Position Tracking System with Twin-wiimote Structure

In this paper we describe the use of a standard game console joystick, namely the Nintendo WIIMOTE, for an active real-time 3D marker tracking. We show the ease of applicability of inexpensive and standard game controllers for 3D object tracking, e. g to track an infrared source in 3D space. Recovering the 3D information using stereo vision is stilI one of the major research areas in computer vision. In this paper we present the method for a Wiimote stereo pair to estimate the fingers of the users in virtual scene, finally achieve the purpose of virtual environment interaction. The comparison between the orthogonal structure and non-orthogonal tracking system is presented. According to the experimental results, the framework can effectively estimate the 3D virtual object space coordinates.
The Art of Password Creation

In an effort to make passwords more resistant to guessing attacks, system administrators provide users with suggestions and/or requirements for the passwords they create. This guidance may include password-composition requirements, such as requiring the password to have a minimum length and include both letters and numbers. Other common strategies include using a meter to suggest or enforce composition rules, forbidding use of dictionary words, and forbidding common passwords. Many of these strategies were developed based on folk wisdom and educated guesses; until recently, most had not been empirically evaluated [2].
P2P Traffic Identification Based on NetFlow TCP Flag

P2P flow identification is the precondition of flow control in large-scale network. For the limited practicality existing in P2P flow identification method based on flow characteristic, a novel P2P traffic identification method based on NetFlow TCP Flag is proposed which classified traffic as P2P flow or non-P2P flow. Experiments prove that the method can detect P2P flow very effectively in large-scale network.
From Logic Programming to Multi-agent systems

In this paper we present an extension of logic programming (LP) that is suitable not only for the "rational" component of a single agent but also for the "reactive" component and which can encompass multi-agent systems. The extension to multi-agent systems, in particular, arguably brings to LP the main benefits of object-orientation, including encapsulation. We modify an earlier abductive proof procedure and embed it within an agent cycle. The proof procedure incorporates abduction, definitions and integrity constraints within a dynamic environment, where changes can be observed as inputs. The definitions allow rational planning behaviour and the integrity constraints allow reactive, conditionaction type behaviour. The agent cycle provides a resource-bounded mechanism that allows the agent's thinking to be interrupted for the agent to record and assimilate observations as input and execute actions as output, before resuming further thinking. We argue that these extensions of LP, accommodating multi-theories embedded in a shared environment, provide the necessary multi-agent functionality. We argue that our work extends Shoham's agent0 and the BDI architecture.
Counterexample-Driven Model Checking ?

The generation of counterexamples is frequently touted as one of the primary advantages of model checking as a verification technique. However, the generation of trace-like counterexamples is limited to a small fragment of branching-time temporal logic. When model checking does succeed in verifying a property, there is typically no independently checkable witness that can be used as evidence for the verified property. We present a definition of witnesses, and, dually, counterexamples, for computation-tree logic (CTL), and describe a model checking algorithm that is based on the generation of evidence. Our model checking algorithm is local in the sense that it explores only the reachable states. It partitions the given initial set of states into those that do, and those that do not satisfy the given property, with a corresponding witness and counterexample that is independently verifiable. We have built a model checker based on these ideas that works quite efficiently despite the overhead of generating evidence.
Female condition influences preferences for sexual dimorphism in faces of male humans (Homo sapiens).

In some species, female condition correlates positively with preferences for male secondary sexual traits. Women's preferences for sexually dimorphic characteristics in male faces (facial masculinity) have recently been reported to covary with self-reported attractiveness. As women's attractiveness has been proposed to signal reproductive condition, the findings in human (Homo sapiens) and other species may reflect similar processes. The current study investigated whether the covariation between condition and preferences for masculinity would generalize to 2 further measures of female attractiveness: other-rated facial attractiveness and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Women with high (unattractive) WHR and/or relatively low other-rated facial attractiveness preferred more "feminine" male faces when choosing faces for a long-term relationship than when choosing for a short-term relationship, possibly reflecting diverse tactics in female mate choice.
Assessing reactive QoS strategies for Internet services

The design of systems with better performance is a real need to fulfil user demands and generate profitable Web applications. Understand user behavior and workload they produce on the server is fundamental to evaluate the performance of systems and their improvements. User reactivity, that is, how the users react to variable server response time, is usually neglected during performance evaluation. This work addresses the use of reactivity to improve QoS of Internet services. We propose and evaluate new admission control policies. We designed and implemented the USAR-QoS simulator that allows the evaluation of the new QoS strategies considering the dynamic interaction between client and server sides in Internet services. The simulation uses a TPC-W-based workload and shows the benefits of the reactive policies, which can result in better QoS. The experiments show the proposed reactive admission control policies lead to better response time rates, with a reduction from 15 to 50%, preserving the user satisfaction metric
What attracts mainland Chinese students to Australian higher education

This paper analyses the factors that influence mainland Chinese students’ choice of Australia as their study destination. China is the main source of international students and is one of Australia’s leading export markets for education services, but the study of international students is not in the mainstream of any discipline. Two stages were employed in this research. Stage one was a quantitative study using a MaxDiff (Maximum Difference) Scaling. A sample of 65 potential students who were considering studying overseas was selected in China. The respondents were asked to specify their “best” and “worst” choices from sets of four statements. This stage identified what factors influenced students’ choice of study abroad. Stage two comprised a further investigation of why students choose Australia. 30 students who are currently studying in Australia were interviewed. The findings found that Australia has become popular with Chinese students, and is preferred to both the United States and United Kingdom. The most important factors motivating Chinese students to study in Australia are future migration opportunities after graduation, Australia’s high quality of education, and competitive lower tuition fees and cost of living. By understanding the underlying factors attracting Chinese students to Australia, education providers can focus on their recruitment activities and enhance their marketing strategies. This article has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication in SLEID, an international journal of scholarship and research that supports emerging scholars and the development of evidence-based practice in education. © Copyright of articles is retained by authors. As an open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings. ISSN 1832-2050