Prediction of Key Symptoms of Learning Disabilities in School-Age Children Using Rough Sets

This paper highlights the prediction of learning disabilities (LD) in school-age children using rough set theory (RST) with an emphasis on application of data mining. In rough sets, data analysis start from a data table called an information system, which contains data about objects of interest, characterized in terms of attributes. These attributes consist of the properties of learning disabilities. By finding the relationship between these attributes, the redundant attributes can be eliminated and core attributes determined. Also, rule mining is performed in rough sets using the algorithm LEM1. The prediction of LD is accurately done by using Rosetta, the rough set tool kit for analysis of data. The result obtained from this study is compared with the output of a similar study conducted by us using Support Vector Machine (SVM) with Sequential Minimal Optimisation (SMO) algorithm. It is found that, using the concepts of reduct and global covering, we can easily predict the learning disabilities in children

Prediction of Learning Disabilities in School Age Children using SVM and Decision Tree

This paper highlights the prediction of Learning Disabilities (LD) in school-age children using two classification methods, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Decision Tree (DT), with an emphasis on applications of data mining. About 10% of children enrolled in school have a learning disability. Learning disability prediction in school age children is a very complicated task because it tends to be identified in elementary school where there is no one sign to be identified. By using any of the two classification methods, SVM and DT, we can easily and accurately predict LD in any child. Also, we can determine the merits and demerits of these two classifiers and the best one can be selected for the use in the relevant field. In this study, Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) algorithm is used in performing SVM and J48 algorithm is used in constructing decision trees.

Performance Improvement of Fuzzy and Neuro Fuzzy Systems: Prediction of Learning Disabilities in School-age Children

Learning Disability (LD) is a classification including several disorders in which a child has difficulty in learning in a typical manner, usually caused by an unknown factor or factors. LD affects about 15% of children enrolled in schools. The prediction of learning disability is a complicated task since the identification of LD from diverse features or signs is a complicated problem. There is no cure for learning disabilities and they are life-long. The problems of children with specific learning disabilities have been a cause of concern to parents and teachers for some time. The aim of this paper is to develop a new algorithm for imputing missing values and to determine the significance of the missing value imputation method and dimensionality reduction method in the performance of fuzzy and neuro fuzzy classifiers with specific emphasis on prediction of learning disabilities in school age children. In the basic assessment method for prediction of LD, checklists are generally used and the data cases thus collected fully depends on the mood of children and may have also contain redundant as well as missing values. Therefore, in this study, we are proposing a new algorithm, viz. the correlation based new algorithm for imputing the missing values and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for reducing the irrelevant attributes. After the study, it is found that, the preprocessing methods applied by us improves the quality of data and thereby increases the accuracy of the classifiers. The system is implemented in Math works Software Mat Lab 7.10. The results obtained from this study have illustrated that the developed missing value imputation method is very good contribution in prediction system and is capable of improving the performance of a classifier.

A Study on Non Performing Assets of Public Sector Banks in India with Special Reference to State Bank of Travancore

The reforms in Indian banking sector since 1991 is deliberated mostly in terms of the significant measures that were implemented in order to develop a more vibrant, healthy, stable and efficient banking sector in India. The effect of a highly regulated banking environment on asset quality, productivity and performance of banks necessitated the reform process and resulted the incorporation of prudential norms for income recognition, asset classification and provisioning and capital adequacy norms, in line with international best practices. The improvements in asset quality and a reduction in non-performing assets were the primary objective enunciated in the reform measures. In this context, the present research critically evaluates the trend in movement of nonperforming assets of public sector banks in India during the period 2000-01 to 2011-12, thereby facilitates an evaluation of the effectiveness of NPA management in the post-millennium period. The non-performing assets is not a function of loan/advance alone, but is influenced by other bank performance indicators and also by the macroeconomic variables. In addition to explaining the trend in the movement of NPA, this research also explained the moderating and mediating role of various bank performance and macroeconomic indicators on incidence of NPA

A Study on Futures Trading in Commodities With Special Reference to Rubber

Futures trading in Commodities has three specific economic functions viz. price discovery, hedging and reduction in volatility. Natural rubber possesses all the specifications required for futures trading. Commodity futures trading in India attained momentum after the starting of national level commodity exchanges in 2003. The success of futures trading depends upon effective price risk management, price discovery and reduced volatility which in turn depends upon the volume of trading. In the case of rubber futures market, the volume of trading depends upon the extent of participation by market players like growers, dealers, manufacturers, rubber marketing co-operative societies and Rubber Producer’s Societies (RPS). The extent of participation by market players has a direct bearing on their awareness level and their perception about futures trading. In the light of the above facts and the review of literature available on rubber futures market, it is felt that a study on rubber futures market is necessary to fill the research gap, with specific focus on (1) the awareness and perception of rubber futures market participants viz. (i) rubber growers, (ii) dealers, (iii) rubber product manufacturers, (iv) rubber marketing co-operative societies and Rubber Producer’s Societies (RPS) about futures trading and (2) whether the rubber futures market is fulfilling the economic functions of futures market viz. hedging, reduction in volatility and price discovery or not. The study is confined to growers, dealers, rubber goods manufacturers, rubber marketing co-operative societies and RPS in Kerala. In order to achieve the stated objectives, the study utilized secondary data for the period from 2003 to 2013 from different published sources like bulletins, newsletters, circulars from NMCE, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Warehousing Corporation and traders. The primary data required for this study were collected from rubber growers, rubber dealers, RPS & Rubber Marketing Co-operative Societies and rubber goods manufacturers in Kerala. Data pertaining to the awareness and perception of futures trading, participation in the futures trading, use of spot and futures prices and source of price information by dealers, farmers, manufacturers and cooperative societies also were collected. Statistical tools used for analysis include percentage, standard deviation, Chi-square test, Mann – Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, Augmented Dickey – Fuller test statistic, t- statistic, Granger causality test, F- statistic, Johansen co – integration test, Trace statistic and Max –Eigen statistic. The study found that 71.5 per cent of the total hedges are effective and 28.5 per cent are ineffective for the period under study. It implies that futures market in rubber reduced the impact of price risks by approximately 71.5 per cent. Further, it is observed that, on 54.4 per cent occasions, the futures market exercised a stabilizing effect on the spot market, and on 45.6 per cent occasions futures trading exercised a destabilizing effect on the spot market. It implies that elasticity of expectation of futures market in rubber has a predominant stabilizing effect on spot prices. The market, as a whole, exhibits a bias in favour of long hedges. Spot price volatility of rubber during futures suspension period is more than that of the pre suspension period and post suspension period. There is a bi-directional association-ship or bi-directional causality or pair- wise causality between spot price and futures price of rubber. From the results of the hedging efficiency, spot price volatility, and price discovery, it can be concluded that rubber futures market fulfils all the economic functions expected from a commodity futures market. Thus in India, the future of rubber futures is Bright…!!!

Study on Microcredit in Kerala with Special Reference to Employment and Income Generation through Microenterprises and Livelihood Projects

This study aimed to study the evolution and substance of microfinance as a major tool for combating poverty at the global and national level. The development of micro finance in Kerala is briefly discussed. It also indicates the importance and role of microcredit in bringing the poor up in the society through entrepreneurial initiatives. The current trends in the field are also discussed, leading to the need of the present research.

Veränderungen im Öko-Lebensmittelkonsum in Familien mit Kindern und deren Hintergründe

Im Rahmen der Arbeit wird den Fragen nachgegangen, inwiefern der Konsum von Öko-Lebensmitteln in Familien mit Kindern im zeitlichen Verlauf Veränderungen unterliegt und worin Veränderungen im Öko-Lebensmittelkonsum in Familien mit Kindern begründet sind. Aus den hierzu gewonnenen Erkenntnissen werden Schlussfolgerungen für die Konsumentenforschung und das Marketing von Öko-Produkten gezogen. Theoretische Grundlage stellen der Familienzyklus sowie Forschungsergebnisse zum Konsumentenverhalten in Familien und zum Konsum von Öko-Lebensmitteln in Familien dar. Für die empirische Bearbeitung der Forschungsfragen wurde ein qualitatives Forschungsdesign gewählt. Der Forschungsprozess gliederte sich in drei Wellen der Datenerhebung und -auswertung. Im Rahmen dessen wurden Eltern mithilfe problemzentrierter Interviews zur Entwicklung des Öko-Konsums in ihren Familien befragt. Die Interviews wurden computergestützt und in Anlehnung an die Kodierprozeduren offenes und axiales Kodieren der Grounded Theory ausgewertet. Ergebnis der Datenanalyse sind drei Zusammenhangsmodelle, die zu einer Erklärung von Veränderungen im Öko-Lebensmittelkonsum von Familien beitragen. Veränderungen können demnach erstens in einer Erhöhung der Konsumintensität während einer Schwangerschaft bestehen. Als Bedingungen hierfür konnten ein verstärktes Bewusstsein für Öko-Produkte, die körperliche Konstitution der Mutter sowie die Unterstützung durch die soziale Umwelt identifiziert werden. Weitere Bedingungen stellen Lebensmittelskandale sowie eine gute Verfügbarkeit von Öko-Produkten dar. Handlungsstrategien der Eltern beziehen sich auf das Wohlergehen des noch ungeborenen Kindes (Förderung der Gesundheit, Erhalten der zukünftigen Lebenswelt, Orientierung für die spätere Ernährung des Kindes) sowie auf das Wohlergehen der werdenden Mutter (Förderung der Gesundheit, Förderung des Wohlbefindens, Umgang mit schwangerschaftsbedingten Beschwerden). Zweitens können Veränderungen des Öko-Lebensmittelkonsums in einer Erhöhung der Konsumintensität ab dem Zeitpunkt der Umstellung der Ernährung eines Kindes auf eine Beikosternährung bestehen. Bedingungen hierfür sind eine verstärkte Beachtung von Öko-Produkten, die körperliche Konstitution des Kindes, die Abstimmung von Familien- und Baby-Kost, der Austausch mit und die Unterstützung durch die soziale Umwelt sowie der Wunsch von Eltern, einen Beitrag zum Öko-Landbau zu liefern. Bedingungen können außerdem eine gute Verfügbarkeit von Öko-Produkten sowie der Einfluss von Medien darstellen. Handlungsstrategien der Eltern beziehen sich auf die Ernährung des Kindes (Förderung der Gesundheit, Förderung der Geschmackssozialisation) und auf die Ernährung der restlichen Familie (effiziente Beschaffung und Verwendung von Lebensmitteln, Förderung des Wohlbefindens der Eltern). Drittens können Veränderungen im Öko-Lebensmittelkonsum in Familien in einem Rückgang der Konsumintensität während des Übergangs von Kindern ins Jugendalter bestehen. Bedingungen hierfür bestehen in der Konsequenz, mit der Eltern konventionellen Lebensmittelwünschen ihrer Kinder nachgeben, in der Beurteilung von Lebensmitteln durch die Eltern sowie in der Intensität, mit der Kinder ihre Wünsche einfordern. Handlungsstrategien der Eltern sind darauf ausgerichtet Kindern einen Wunsch zu erfüllen, sich gegenüber diesen liberal zu verhalten, Konflikte mit Kindern zu vermeiden oder diese ihre eigenen Erfahrungen sammeln zu lassen. Die Ergebnisse tragen zu einer theoretischen Fundierung des Zusammenhangs zwischen Familienzyklus und dem Öko-Lebensmittelkonsum in Familien bei und zeigen, dass dieser ein sinnvolles theoretisches Bezugssystem für Veränderungen der Konsumintensität von Öko-Produkten darstellt. Für die Konsumentenforschung tragen die Ergebnisse zu einem differenzierten Verständnis von Ober- und Untergrenzen von Familienzyklusstadien bei. Es zeigt sich weiterhin, dass Veränderungen des Öko-Konsums unter anderem unter dem Einfluss der sozialen Umwelt stehen. Im Hinblick auf das Marketing kann insbesondere geschlussfolgert werden, dass bei bestimmten Produktkategorien die Bedürfnisse jugendlicher Zielgruppen verstärkt berücksichtigt werden sollten. Zur Bindung junger Familien ist darauf hinzuwirken, einen Mehraufwand bei der Beschaffung von Öko-Produkten auszuschließen. Für die Ansprache der Zielgruppe Schwangere erscheinen Kommunikationsbotschaften geeignet, die sich auf das Wohlbefinden von Kind und Mutter und auf Nachhaltigkeitsaspekte beziehen. Eltern mit Kindern im Übergang zu einer Beikosternährung könnten gezielt durch Kommunikationsbotschaften angesprochen werden, die in Zusammenhang mit der Förderung der Gesundheit und der Geschmacksozialisation von Kindern stehen.

Lost in Research - Wissensmanagement in komplexen (psychoanalytischen) Forschungsprojekten

Die Wissenschaft weist im Zuge der Entwicklung von der Industrie- zu einer Wissensgesellschaft einschneidende Veränderungen in der Wissensordnung auf, welche sich bis hin zu einem zunehmenden Verlust der wissenschaftlichen Selbststeuerungsmechanismen bemerkbar machen und einen veränderten Umgang mit dem generierten Wissensschatz erfordern. Nicht nur Änderungen in der Wissensordnung und -produktion stellen die Psychoanalyse vor neue Herausforderungen: In den letzten Jahrzehnten geriet sie als Wissenschaft und Behandlungsverfahren zunehmend in die Kritik und reagierte mit einer konstruktiven Diskussion um ein dem Forschungsgegenstand – die Untersuchung unbewusster Prozesse und Fantasien – adäquates psychoanalytisches Forschungsverständnis. Die Auseinandersetzung mit Forderungen gesellschaftlicher Geldgeber, politischer Vertreter und Interessensgruppen wie auch der wissenschaftlichen Community stellt die Psychoanalyse vor besondere Herausforderungen. Um wissenschaftsexternen wie -internen Gütekriterien zu genügen, ist häufig ein hoher personeller, materieller, finanzieller, methodischer wie organisatorischer Aufwand unabdingbar, wie das Beispiel des psychoanalytischen Forschungsinstitutes Sigmund-Freud-Institut zeigt. Der steigende Aufwand schlägt sich in einer zunehmenden Komplexität des Forschungsprozesses nieder, die unter anderem in den vielschichtigen Fragestellungen und Zielsetzungen, dem vermehrt interdisziplinären, vernetzten Charakter, dem Umgang mit dem umfangreichen, hochspezialisierten Wissen, der Methodenvielfalt, etc. begründet liegt. Um jener Komplexität des Forschungsprozesses gerecht zu werden, ist es zunehmend erforderlich, Wege des Wissensmanagement zu beschreiten. Tools wie z. B. Mapping-Verfahren stellen unterstützende Werkzeuge des Wissensmanagements dar, um den Herausforderungen des Forschungsprozesses zu begegnen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden zunächst die veränderten Forschungsbedingungen und ihre Auswirkungen auf die Komplexität des Forschungsprozesses - insbesondere auch des psychoanalytischen Forschungsprozesses - reflektiert. Die mit der wachsenden Komplexität einhergehenden Schwierigkeiten und Herausforderungen werden am Beispiel eines interdisziplinär ausgerichteten EU-Forschungsprojektes näher illustriert. Um dieser wachsenden Komplexität psychoanalytischer Forschung erfolgreich zu begegnen, wurden in verschiedenen Forschungsprojekten am Sigmund-Freud-Institut Wissensmanagement-Maßnahmen ergriffen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird daher in einem zweiten Teil zunächst auf theoretische Aspekte des Wissensmanagements eingegangen, die die Grundlage der eingesetzten Wissensmanagement-Instrumente bildeten. Dabei spielen insbesondere psychologische Aspekte des Wissensmanagements eine zentrale Rolle. Zudem werden die konkreten Wissensmanagement-Tools vorgestellt, die in den verschiedenen Forschungsprojekten zum Einsatz kamen, um der wachsenden Komplexität psychoanalytischer Forschung zu begegnen. Abschließend werden die Hauptthesen der vorliegenden Arbeit noch einmal reflektiert und die geschilderten Techniken des Wissensmanagements im Hinblick auf ihre Vor- und Nachteile kritisch diskutiert.

Studies in stoichiometry with compositional data

Geochemical data that is derived from the whole or partial analysis of various geologic materials represent a composition of mineralogies or solute species. Minerals are composed of structured relationships between cations and anions which, through atomic and molecular forces, keep the elements bound in specific configurations. The chemical compositions of minerals have specific relationships that are governed by these molecular controls. In the case of olivine, there is a well-defined relationship between Mn-Fe-Mg with Si. Balances between the principal elements defining olivine composition and other significant constituents in the composition (Al, Ti) have been defined, resulting in a near-linear relationship between the logarithmic relative proportion of Si versus (MgMnFe) and Mg versus (MnFe), which is typically described but poorly illustrated in the simplex. The present contribution corresponds to ongoing research, which attempts to relate stoichiometry and geochemical data using compositional geometry. We describe here the approach by which stoichiometric relationships based on mineralogical constraints can be accounted for in the space of simplicial coordinates using olivines as an example. Further examples for other mineral types (plagioclases and more complex minerals such as clays) are needed. Issues that remain to be dealt with include the reduction of a bulk chemical composition of a rock comprised of several minerals from which appropriate balances can be used to describe the composition in a realistic mineralogical framework. The overall objective of our research is to answer the question: In the cases where the mineralogy is unknown, are there suitable proxies that can be substituted? Kew words: Aitchison geometry, balances, mineral composition, oxides

Evaluación de la psicopatología del preescolar mediante el Early Childhood Inventory-4 (ECI-4): concordancia entre padres y maestros.= Assessment of psychopathology in preschool age children through the Early Childhood Inventory-4 (ECI-4): Agreement among parents and teachers

El objetivo principal de este estudio es conocer la concordancia entre informantes, padres y maestros, en cada una de las dimensiones o categorías diagnósticas del Early Childhood Inventory-4 (ECI-4). Además, se pretende analizar la influencia de la presencia de problemas de salud en los padres en la descripción y valoración de la conducta de una muestra de 204 alumnos de preescolar (3 a 6 años) de perfiles socioeconómicos diferentes. Los resultados indican que los padres tienden a valorar con mayor severidad los síntomas, observándose una mayor concordancia entre informantes en los relativos a los trastornos del desarrollo

INFO1010 Ethics in Practice

Slides with associated activities and reading list to Introduce in Practice to Computer Science and IT undergraduates

Working memory in school-aged children: Exhibition intervals and distracters effects in Memonum computerized test

This study assessed visual working memory through Memonum computerized test in schoolchildren. The effects of three exposure times (1, 4 and 8 seconds) have been evaluated, and the presentation of a distractor on the mnemonic performance in the test Memonum in 72 children from a college in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Colombia, aged between 8 and 11 in grades third, fourth and fifth grade. It has been found significant difference regarding the exposure time in the variables number of hits and successes accumulated, showing a better mnemonic performance in participants who took the test during 8 seconds compared to children who took the test during 1 second; in addition, the presence of a distractor showed a significant difference regarding the strengths and successes accumulated. Such distractor is considered a stimulus generator interference that disrupts the storage capacity of working memory in children. Additionally, a significant difference was found with respect to the use of mental rehearsal strategy, indicating that participants who took the test in 4 and 8 seconds, respectively, assigned higher scores than children who took the test in 1 second. A long exposure time to stimuli during Memonum test increases the holding capacity. Also, the use of a distractor affects the storage capacity and this, at the same time, increases the school progression due to the use of mnemonic strategies that children use to ensure the memory of the numerical series

Current status of knowledge about suicide in people with cancer

Aim: To review the current knowledge about suicide in cancer patients. Method: We searchedspecialized databases using keywords for articles published in the last two decades (1990-2010),and compiled and reviewed them in order to: indicate the prevalence of suicide in cancer patientsworldwide and in Colombia, differentiating the data by sex and age; establish the types of cancerthat are associated with suicide, identify risk factors for committing or considering suicide andpresent the strategies of professional and psychological intervention directed at cancer patientswith suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The present article is a review of the information on thesubject. Results: We found that: in cancer patients, the suicide rate is two times higher thanin the general population; depression, suicidal ideation and location of cancer are some of therisk factors for suicide, and there is a lack of published guidelines for professional managementof the suicidal patient with cancer. Conclusion: The need to carry out research on the topic ofsuicide in cancer patients was established.

Effect of joint mobilization on the H Reflex amplitude in people with spasticity

Objective: To determine the effect of ankle joint mobilization on the H reflex amplitude of thesoleus muscle in people with spasticity. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study withcrossover design and simple masking was conducted in 24 randomized subjects to initiate thecontrol or experimental group. Traction and rhythmic oscillation were applied for five minutesto the ankle joint. H wave amplitude changes of Hoffmann reflex (electrical equivalent of themonosynaptic spinal reflex) was assessed, stimulating the tibial nerve at the level of the poplitealfossa and recording in the soleus muscle. In each subject 12 measurements were taken: basalrate, during and after mobilization. Changes in H reflex amplitude were calculated in relationto basal measurement. For each measurement a hypothesis test was performed (Student t test).Results: In groups of patients with brain injury and incomplete spinal cord injury, a significantdifference was found between measurements of both studies, concerning variation in H reflexamplitude during the application of joint mobilization techniques, with a decrease in the experimentalgroup and an increase in the control group. In contrast, no significant differences werefound after mobilization therapy. Patients with complete spinal cord injury showed no significantdifferences in any measurements. Conclusion: We demonstrate the effectiveness of jointmobilization in the decrease of H reflex amplitude in patients with brain injury or incompletespinal cord injury during the mobilization maneuver, but no residual effect after completion ofthe trial. This research showed no evidence regarding excitability reduction in complete spinalcord injury. We suggest that therapeutic interventions to decrease muscle tone based on the jointmobilization should be reconsidered.

Dare to be different : a celebration of freedom in association with Amnesty International.

Los poemas y relatos de esta antología ponen de manifiesto que los principios justicia, libertad, igualdad, entre todas las personas, inspirándose en la labor de Amnistía Internacional, deben aplicarse en nuestra vida cotidiana y no sólo en la política, si queremos un mundo mejor.