Special Classification Research Articles

Traumatic brain injury in North Carolina: the state of the state today.

This issue brief provides an overview of the "state of the state" for traumatic brain injury (TBI) issues and challenges in North Carolina. A previous issue of the North Carolina Medical Journal discussed this topic approximately 14 years ago, and this issue brief showcases changes and advances since that time. Collectively, articles in the current issue highlight the current epidemiology of TBI; the rapidly advancing and critical topic of concussions; special populations where TBI is seen more frequently, such as elderly individuals and veterans; advances in TBI-related treatments; and the all-important family perspective on TBI. Additionally, this issue brief discusses key developments and advances in the state related to a statewide needs assessment; legislative and policy actions, including a new sports concussion awareness act and a significantly revised definition of TBI as it relates to special education classification; and ongoing exploration of evidence-based community services that have the potential to improve our system of care for adults with TBI. Finally, ongoing challenges are detailed with the intention of pushing the state to become one of the nation's leaders in TBI services.

“Some Things in My House Have a Pulse and a Downbeat” The Role of Folk and Traditional Arts Instruction in Supporting Student Learning

Author(s): Palmer Wolf, Dennie; Holochwost, Steven J.; Bar-Zemer, Tal; Dargan, Amanda; Selhorst, Anika | Abstract: The authors investigated the association between participation in Nations in Neighborhoods (NiN), a program of folk and traditional arts instruction, and achievement in English language arts in a sample of low-income elementary school students, many of whom were recent immigrants and English language learners. The program drew on the core practices of traditional and folk arts – sociocritical literacies that bridge home and school, multi-modal instruction, apprenticeship learning, and communal effort – to provide students with the confidence and strategies of accomplished learners. English language arts achievement was assessed using a standardized state proficiency exam. Students who participated in the program received significantly higher overall scores on the exam after controlling for gender, ethnicity, English language learner and special education classifications. These findings suggest that an arts education program featuring folk and traditional arts engages students in practices that have measurable effects on their literacy development.

An Ecological Approach to Evaluating a System of Care Program: Dollars Making Sense

System of care (SOC) models in North America were developed in response to the needs of children with a severe emotional disturbance. Such children experience problems across life spheres including issues at home that put them at risk of abuse and neglect, difficulties at school including special education classification and dropping-out, and involvement with the juvenile courts. SOC evaluations and research suggests that an overreliance of evaluative research efforts on standardized scales and preconceived measurable outcomes have resulted in a loss of other important data. This study's confirmatory and holistic approach to evaluation illuminates important information concerning commonly ignored variables when using traditional evaluation models. The evaluative research study described focuses on three often overlooked behavioral variables in one SOC initiative, KidsNet Georgia, of Rockdale County, GA. These variables are: (a) using cohort analysis over time; (b) costing out services utilized; and (c) focusing on behavioral indicators and chance over time. The evaluative strategy, data collection, data, and cost analysis are discussed along with implications for practice with severe emotional disturbance youth and their families.

The associations between two vital GSTs genetic polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in the Chinese population: evidence from 71 studies.

BackgroundThe genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) have been suspected to be related to the development of lung cancer while the current results are conflicting, especially in the Chinese population.MethodsData on genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) from 68 studies, glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) from 17 studies and GSTM1-GSTT1 from 8 studies in the Chinese population were reanalyzed on their association with lung cancer risk. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using forest plots. 9 subgroups were all or partly performed in the subgroup analyses. The Galbraith plot was used to identify the heterogeneous records. Potential publication biases were detected by Begg's and Egger's tests.Results71 eligible studies were identified after screening of 1608 articles. The increased association between two vital GSTs genetic polymorphisms and lung cancer risk was detected by random-effects model based on a comparable heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis showed a significant relationship between squamous carcinoma (SC), adenocarcinoma (AC) or small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and GSTM1 null genotype, as well as SC or AC and GSTT1 null genotype. Additionally, smokers with GSTM1 null genotype had a higher lung cancer risk than non-smokers. Our cumulative meta-analysis demonstrated a stable and reliable result of the relationship between GSTM1 null genotype and lung cancer risk. After the possible heterogeneous articles were omitted, the adjusted risk of GSTs and lung cancer susceptibility increased (fixed-effects model: ORGSTM1 = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.27, P<0.001; ORGSTT1 = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.26, P<0.001; ORGSTM1-GSTT1 = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.61, P = 0.004).ConclusionsAn increased risk of lung cancer with GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype, especially with dual null genotype, was found in the Chinese population. In addition, special histopathological classification of lung cancers and a wide range of gene-environment and gene-gene interaction analysis should be taken into consideration in future studies.

Research on the Algorithm of Automatic Urban Traffic Congestion Identification

A method of traffic congestion identification based on traffic assignment model and SA-PC method is presented through analysis of municipal traffic congestion characteristic. Whether traffic congestion occurs or not is considered as a special classification problem. If the branch road of city is not affected by the signal light, the traffic situation is divided into tow parts: congestion and unimpeded. Using data associated with the traffic parameter for congestion and non congestion, an incremental SA-PC method is trained to detect whether traffic congestion occur or not. Experimental results based on microcosmic traffic simulation indicate that this method is not only feasible but also effective.

Brain-to-Brain (Mind-to-Mind) Interaction at Distance: A Pilot Study

The hypothesis to detect a sequence of events by analyzing the EEG activity of two human partners spatially separated and connected only mentally, was explored sending to a member of the couple a sequence of silence-signal events and analyzing the EEG activity of the second member of the couple. By using a special classification algorithm and five couples of participants characterized by a long friendship and a capacity in maintaining a focused mental concentration, we observed an overall percentage of correct coincidences of 78%, ranging from one-hundred percent for the first two segments, to approximately forty-three percent of the last two. The percentages of coincidences of the first five segments of the protocol were above eighty percent.Furthermore a robust statistically significant correlation was observed in the alpha band in twelve out fifteen pairs of recordings.The observed results seem supporting the possibility to connect two brains at distance excluding conventional means, paving the way to devise a sort of mental telecommunication at distance.

Special Educators’ Conceptualizations of Emotional Disturbance and Educational Placement Decision Making for Middle and High School Students

The purposes of this study were to examine secondary school special educators’ perspectives on (1) the relative importance of the academic, mental health, and behavioral elements of the emotional disturbance (ED) special education classification in relation to determining eligibility for students with suspected ED, and (2) factors that are relevant both to education placement decision making for students classified with ED and to decision making regarding the degree of restrictiveness of education placements, including highly restrictive, alternative placements. A national survey was conducted with 1,025 middle and high school special educators. Results indicated that aggression was the most important factor for considering ED eligibility, followed by psychiatric diagnoses and, lastly, academic factors such as grades and achievement scores. Effectiveness was rated as very important in determining a student’s education placement, whereas financial cost and logistical issues were rated as less important. Some differences emerged between middle school and high school participants on items related to determining education placement. Compared to middle school educators, high school educators indicated that students themselves play a more active role in determining education placement. High school educators also indicated that they are more likely to consider homebound instruction and computer/web-based programs and that they better meet the vocational needs of students classified with ED. Middle school special educators indicated that they better meet the behavioral and emotional needs of students classified with ED.

Applied Information Technology and Electronic Materials in Interpretation

In the new ages of application of applied technology and teaching form in every universities, many different modes have been tried and some roles can be seen clearly during the course. Learning efficiency and interpretation efficiency can also be seen during this course,and the author has studied information-applied technology and electronic materials for autonomous leaning of autonomous learners. Applied information technology is very necessary in this course for the urgent need for its developments. At the same time, the proper application of electronic materials is also analyzed, the author finds out that electronic materials have their own special classification and special characteristics. It is the special characteristics that make the electronic materials play more important roles in interpretation.

Whose IQ is it?—Assessor bias variance in high-stakes psychological assessment.

Assessor bias variance exists for a psychological measure when some appreciable portion of the score variation that is assumed to reflect examinees' individual differences (i.e., the relevant phenomena in most psychological assessments) instead reflects differences among the examiners who perform the assessment. Ordinary test reliability estimates and standard errors of measurement do not inherently encompass assessor bias variance. This article reports on the application of multilevel linear modeling to examine the presence and extent of assessor bias in the administration of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) for a sample of 2,783 children evaluated by 448 regional school psychologists for high-stakes special education classification purposes. It was found that nearly all WISC-IV scores conveyed significant and nontrivial amounts of variation that had nothing to do with children's actual individual differences and that the Full Scale IQ and Verbal Comprehension Index scores evidenced quite substantial assessor bias. Implications are explored.

Arrangement and processing of monographic publications in youth sections of public libraries

ABSTRACTA systematic and transparent layout of library material on book shelves of public libraries is one of the essential conditions for successful viewing and searching of materials. The research tried to determine the contemporary classification system of library material for the youth. The data needed for the research was gathered and analyzed by a questionnaire completed by five randomly selected central public libraries. Special collections, arrangement and classification of certain fiction and specialized monographic publications for infants, teenagers and adolescents were analyzed. It was of our interest to observe whether the libraries assign the elements of a call number - which are evident on the library material and in online catalogs – according to standards and current instructions. The article also focuses on the unity and differences of the technical processing, and on color and/or image of labels which additionally explain the classification and the contents of the monographic publications for the youth.

Symbolic Lizards: Forms of Special Purpose Classification of Animals among the Nage of Eastern Indonesia

ABSTRACTThe Nage people of Flores island, eastern Indonesia, recognize an unnamed (or “covert”) life-form category comprising several named kinds of lizards as a distinct component of their folk zoological taxonomy, a general purpose classification of animals based primarily on universally observable morphological and behavioral features. Exploring symbolic values of lizards evidenced in Nage thought and practice, this essay considers how far lizards might also compose a unitary symbolic class and whether symbolic similarity and contrast may inform Nage taxonomy. The answer is in both cases negative. Typically, symbolic classes cross-cut the major divisions of a folk taxonomy of animals, thereby associating, on symbolic grounds (such as common association with spiritual beings), animals belonging to diverse life-forms such as snakes, birds, and fish. With reference to this and other findings, exploration of Nage lizard classification serves to introduce a discussion of general differences between folk taxonomy and symbolic classification of animals as well as circumstances in which folk taxonomic and symbolic categories are likely to coincide. Attention is also given to utilitarian categories as another form of special purpose, non-taxonomic classification, and with reference to specific practical uses Nage make of lizards, it is shown how the various members of the Nage folk taxon “lizard” similarly do not compose a single class. Contradicting a time-honored view most closely associated with Mary Douglas, the essay thus provides a comprehensive, critical demonstration of how animal classification in a given society need not compose a conceptual unity.

Folder versus tag preference in personal information management

Users’ preferences for folders versus tags was studied in 2 working environments where both options were available to them. In the Gmail study, we informed 75 participants about both folder‐labeling and tag‐labeling, observed their storage behavior after 1 month, and asked them to estimate the proportions of different retrieval options in their behavior. In the Windows 7 study, we informed 23 participants about tags and asked them to tag all their files for 2 weeks, followed by a period of 5 weeks of free choice between the 2 methods. Their storage and retrieval habits were tested prior to the learning session and, after 7 weeks, using special classification recording software and a retrieval‐habits questionnaire. A controlled retrieval task and an in‐depth interview were conducted. Results of both studies show a strong preference for folders over tags for both storage and retrieval. In the minority of cases where tags were used for storage, participants typically used a single tag per information item. Moreover, when multiple classification was used for storage, it was only marginally used for retrieval. The controlled retrieval task showed lower success rates and slower retrieval speeds for tag use. Possible reasons for participants’ preferences are discussed.

Expedited patent examination for green inventions: Developing countries' policy choices

Innovation in green technology is important. Patent rights can provide incentives for green technology research and development. Expedited patent examination for green inventions has emerged as a policy instrument to provide such incentives. Developing countries were never opposed to patents for green technologies. China and Brazil have led the way by offering expedited examinations for green patent applications. More developing countries are expected to follow. Expedited examination for green technologies is consistent with the intellectual property system objectives and is justified by the clear social benefit from green technologies. Introducing such expedited programs in developing countries has sufficient advantages. Existing models of expedited programs for green technologies are analyzed to generalize key issues and to discern suitable policy choices for developing countries. When introducing such programs, a balanced definition for green technology is preferred; a special classification requirement is premature and is not recommended; a pre-examination search requirement is generally recommended to balance patent office workloads, and a green patent database is recommended.

Characterisation of land surface phenology and land cover based on moderate resolution satellite data in cloud prone areas — A novel product for the Mekong Basin

Information on vegetation phenology and land cover for the area of the Mekong Basin are derived for the year 2010, based on optical satellite data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). On account of almost persistent cloud cover in the rainy season, the application of optical remote sensing data presents a challenging exercise and demands special data processing and classification methods. An Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series is produced based on data from both platforms AQUA and TERRA, with dropouts and noise being effectively reduced by applying an adaptive Savitzky–Golay filter. Thereby, different parameterisation is applied dependent on the number of harvest cycles, which are defined by an initial harmonic analysis, based on an EVI time series of 5years. Information on land cover is derived by a multistep unsupervised classification approach optimised for regions with frequent cloud cover, based on multispectral monthly and seasonal composites, amplitude and phase information from a 11-year EVI time series (2001–2011), and phenological metrics from 2010. Moreover, the environmental heterogenic conditions in the region are addressed by a regionally tuned clustering approach based on physiographic subregions and the use of auxiliary geodata. The results obtained demonstrate that the adapted approach performs satisfactory in terms of accuracy under given conditions.

Perspectives in taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Astragalus (Fabaceae): a review

The genus Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) is reviewed from both phyloenetic and taxonomic points of view. As the largest genus of flowering plants it has attracted many researchers, but much work remains to be done. A short taxonomic history with special focus on infrageneric classification of the genus, a list of phylogenetic studies including the applied markers and sampling strategies as well as a short discussion on evolution of morphological characters are presented.

Lessons from Morality-Based Social Identity: The Power of Outgroup “Hate,” Not Just Ingroup “Love”

Based on the unique features of morality, we suggest that group memberships rooted in moral convictions are a special classification of inherently threatening social groups in which outgroup “hate” naturally occurs with ingroup “love.” Three studies explored emotional reactions to ingroups and outgroups by individuals whose group memberships were either morality-based or non-morality-based. Results of each study indicated that individuals in morality-based groups reported less positive ingroup emotions and more negative outgroup emotions and threat than did those in non-morality-based groups. Additionally, strength of morality-based identification was predicted by attitudes about both the ingroup and the outgroup, but only attitudes about the ingroup predicted identification for non-morality-based groups. Together, these studies suggest a necessary interdependence of ingroup positivity and outgroup negativity for social groups based in morality. We conclude that negative outgroup-related emotions may be just as important as positive ingroup-related emotions for social identification based on moral convictions.

On Energy Efficiency in Collaborative Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Network: A Review

Energy-efficiency in target tracking applications has been extensively studied in the literature of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). However, there is little work which has been done to survey and summarize this effort. In this paper, we address the lack of these studies by giving an up-to-date State-of-the-Art of the most important energy-efficient target tracking schemes. We propose a novel classification of schemes that are based on the interaction between the communication subsystem and the sensing subsystem on a single sensor node. We are interested in collaborative target tracking instead of single-node tracking. In fact, WSNs are often of a dense nature, and redundant data that can be received from multiple sensors help at improving tracking accuracy and reducing energy consumption by using limited sensing and communication ranges. We show that energy-efficiency in a collaborative WSN-based target tracking scheme can be achieved via two classes of methods: sensing-related methods and communication-related methods. We illustrate both of them with several examples. We show also that these two classes can be related to each other via a prediction algorithm to optimize communication and sensing operations. By self-organizing the WSN in trees and/or clusters, and selecting for activation the most appropriate nodes that handle the tracking task, the tracking algorithm can reduce the energy consumption at the communication and the sensing layers. Thereby, network parameters (sampling rate, wakeup period, cluster size, tree depth, etc.) are adapted to the dynamic of the target (position, velocity, direction, etc.). In addition to this general classification, we discuss also a special classification of some protocols that put specific assumptions on the target nature and/or use a "non-standard" hardware to do sensing. At the end, we conduct a theoretic comparison between all these schemes in terms of objectives and mechanisms. Finally, we give some recommendations that help at designing a WSN-based energy efficient target tracking scheme.

Study on the Classification and Recycling Mode of Retired or Scrapped Equipment

Weaponry is an important component of national defence economy and even national economy, its construction and development are closely related to economic problems. Under the situation that the exhausting of natural resources and environmental pollution can't be ignored, the paper centred on the assortment problems of retired or scrapped equipment, classify the equipment from three aspects: special degree, recycle mode and combined classification. Analize the application range, advantages and disadvantages of Army Collect and Dispose mode, Manufacturers Collect and Dispose mode and The Third Party Collect and Dispose mode in detail. On the basis, research the match problems between different assortment and recycling mode of retired or scrapped equipment.

IIvotes ensemble for imbalanced data

In the paper we present IIvotes --a new framework for constructing an ensemble of classifiers from imbalanced data. IIvotes incorporates the SPIDER method for selective data pre-processing into the adaptive Ivotes ensemble. Such an integration is aimed at improving balance between sensitivity and specificity evaluated by the G-mean measure for the minority class in comparison with single classifiers also combined with SPIDER. Using SPIDER to pre-process specific learning samples inside the ensemble improves sensitivity of derived component classifiers. At the same time the controlling mechanism of IIvotes ensures that overall accuracy and thus specificity is kept at a reasonable level. The new proposed IIvotes ensemble was thoroughly evaluated in a series of experiments where we tested it with symbolic decision trees and rules and non-symbolic Naive Bayes component classifiers. The results confirmed that combining SPIDER with an ensemble improved the performance in terms of the G-mean measures in comparison to a single classifier with SPIDER for all tested types of classifiers and two SPIDER pre-processing options weak and strong amplification. These advantages were especially evident for decision trees and rules where differences between single and ensemble classifiers with SPIDER were more significant for both pre-processing options than for Naive Bayes. Moreover, the results demonstrated advantages of using a special abstaining classification strategy inside IIvotes rule ensembles, where component rule-based classifiers may refrain from predicting a class when in doubt. Abstaining rule ensembles performed much better with regard to G-mean than their non-abstaining variants.

Assessing Speech Acts of Curses and Prayers in Persian

Speech acts are of great importance primarily within the bounds of semantics and should be on the basis of mutually shared background information between hearer and speaker. Curses and prayers are commonly used in everyday language. Whenever someone does a favour to us, we may say a prayer to God for him/her. We may curse at someone for making us angry or sad. By and large, we express our inner feelings and attitudes towards the hearer through saying prayers or curses; therefore, they are involved in expressive speech acts. The present article delivers a special classification of prayers and curses which are as follows: a) prayers and curses which are closely associated with our culture, tradition and religion; b) prayers and curses which have been progressed and produced gradually and no specific cultural root can be traced for them. This type of speech acts is itself classified into two categories: the first one is composed of prayers and curses which are frequently used by children in different contexts and the second category comprises those prayers and curses which English speakers have in common with Persian speakers.