Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences on the Road to Redemption

Redemption research examines how much time must pass after a criminal offense before an offender is considered “redeemed. ” This study adds to redemption research by using a nationally representative sample from the United States to determine whether years to redemption found in prior research replicate and will be the first to determine whether there are gender differences. We also explore factors that influence who makes it to the redemption point. Findings reveal that while men reach the redemption point after 10 years, women reach the redemption point after 4 years. Policy implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effect of Aquatic Intervention on the Gross Motor Function and Aquatic Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Effect of Aquatic Intervention on the Gross Motor Function and Aquatic Skills in Children with Cerebral Palsy The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of an aquatic intervention on the gross motor function and aquatic skills of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-nine children with CP, aged 5 to 14, were recruited. Fourteen children completed an aquatic intervention (EG), and 13 children served as controls (CG). Two participants dropped out due to events (illness) unrelated to the intervention. The aquatic intervention lasted 6 weeks (2 sessions per week at 55 minutes per session) with a follow-up period of 3 weeks. The outcome measures were the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) for motor function and the Water Orientation Test Alyn 2 (WOTA 2) for aquatic skills assessment. A significant improvement was observed in the secondary assessment of GMFM and WOTA 2. In contrast to the aquatic skills improvement, the GMFM change was not maintained at follow-up. Our results indicate that children with CP can improve gross motor function on dry land and aquatic skills with a 6-week water intervention. The intervention period was too short for sustainable improvement in dry-land motor skills after intervention (followup), but time was sufficient to achieve sustainable improvements in aquatic skills.
Limb splinting for intravenous cannulae in neonates: a randomised controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula site joint immobilisation by splint application on functional duration of peripheral IV cannula in neonates. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Participants: Neonates requiring continuous IV infusion for an expected duration of more than or equal to 72 hours. Intervention: Eligible cannulations were randomised to either “splint” or “no-splint” group. In the splint group, a cardboard splint was used to immobilise the joint at peripheral IV cannula site. No attempt was made to immobilise the limb in the no-splint group. Outcome measure: Functional duration of a peripheral IV cannula measured as interval from time of insertion to the development of predefined sign of removal (extravasation, blockage, inflammation). Results: A total of 69 peripheral IV cannulations in 54 neonates were randomised to either the splint (n = 33) or no-splint group (n = 36). Both groups were comparable in birth weight, gestation, site of cannulation and nature of fluids administered. Mean functional duration of cannula was lesser in the splint group compared to the no-splint group (h; 23.5 (SD15.9) vs 26.9 (SD15.5), mean difference: −3.3 h, 95% CI −11.02 to 4.3 h) although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.38). Extravasation at cannula site was found be the commonest indication for cannula removal in both the groups (84% vs 76.5%). Conclusion: Joint immobilisation with splint at cannula site did not improve the functional duration of peripheral IV cannula.
Digital Militarism: Israel’s Occupation in the Social Media Age

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Physiological predictors of behavioral dysregulation in adults with traumatic brain injury: A novel ecological momentary assessment method

Each year in the United States 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), making TBI one of the leading causes of death and disability. Difficulty self-regulating behavior is considered a hallmark deficit of TBI and can impede positive rehabilitation outcomes. Traditional clinic-based assessments with TBI cohorts are often compromised due to inaccurate self-reporting caused by self-awareness and/or memory challenges. This project developed out of the need for more adequate and objective assessment methods of behavior after TBI. The aim of this study was to identify physiological states that may serve as real world, real-time prodromes of behavioral dysregulation when compared to direct behavioral observation during task performance. Adults with TBI (N=14) were asked to complete a protocol of challenging, problem-solving tasks selected due to their potential to elicit negative responses believed to be indicative of dysregulation and result in task breakdown behaviors. Participants wore a portable biosensor band throughout the completion of all research tasks, which allowed for continuous physiological recordings of heart rate, breathing rate, and heart rate variability. Physiology was then synchronized with post hoc behavioral ratings conducted by trained clinicians from video recordings and analyzed through hierarchical linear mixed model methods to assess both between- and within-subject contribution related to the outcome. Testing was conducted at ReMed of Pittsburgh, a community-based brain injury rehabilitation program. This study was funded in part through the National Science Foundation’s Integrative Graduate Education & Research Traineeship (IGERT) Program in the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology and the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Dean’s Research Development Fund, all at the University of Pittsburgh.
Psoriatic scales: a promising source for the isolation of human skin‐derived antimicrobial proteins

Patients with psoriasis, a chronic, hyperproliferative and noninfectious skin disease, suffer surprisingly fewer cutaneous infections than would be expected. This observation led us to the hypothesis that a local “chemical shield” in the form of antimicrobial proteins provides psoriatic skin with resistance against infection. We subsequently began a systematic analysis of in vitro antimicrobially active proteins in psoriatic‐scale extracts. A biochemical approach with rigorous purification and characterization combined with antimicrobial testing identified a number of mostly new human antibiotic peptides and proteins. In this review, we will focus on the most prominent antimicrobial proteins in psoriatic‐scale extracts, which we identified as the S100‐protein psoriasin, human β‐defensin 2 (hBD‐2), RNase 7, lysozyme, and human neutrophil defensin 1–3. Apart from these cutaneous, antimicrobial proteins, only a few others, including hBD‐3, have been characterized. A great number of minor antimicrobial proteins await further structural characterization.
Positioning products in business-to-consumer electronic commerce: differential effects of product positioning on affect and cognition

Continuous progress in the capabilities of Internet technologies has enabled the creation of Virtual Product Experiences (VPEs) in business-to-consumer electronic commerce. While issues surrounding VPEs have gained some attention in information systems research, studies of VPEs are still few and far between. However, it has been demonstrated that the concept of presence is an important determinant of consumer reactions to VPEs. Presence is defined as the experience of virtual objects as actual physical objects. While researchers have studied the primary antecedents and cognitive reactions to presence, affective reactions have not been addressed. Further, the positioning of the product in electronic commerce as important factor influencing these cognitive and affective reactions has thus far not been considered. The current research builds on literature from information systems, marketing, and psychology to hypothesize effects of presence on affective and cognitive reactions, as well as the role of product positioning. A laboratory experiment was conducted, followed by a field experiment to test the hypothesized relationships in different contexts. The results of this research demonstrate the importance of affective reactions, in addition to cognitive reactions, to presence. The research also shows an influence of product positioning on affective and cognitive reactions in complex ways.
The repeatability and validity of questionnaires assessing occupational physical activity--a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to review systematically the repeatability and validity of questionnaires used to assess occupational physical activity among healthy adults. METHODS We searched PubMed and Embase using occupational, work-related, job-related, physical activity, motor activity, and questionnaires as keywords. Two reviewers independently performed article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The methodological quality and results of the studies were evaluated based on an existing checklist. The level of evidence and repeatability, criterion, and construct validity were rated. RESULTS We included 31 papers describing 30 questionnaires in the review. Repeatability was assessed in 22 studies, 11 used appropriate measures to assess 12 questionnaires. Intra-class correlation coefficients and weighted Cohen's kappa ranged between 0.43-0.95. Six studies used appropriate measures to assess criterion validity of 13 questionnaires. One questionnaire, the Tecumseh Self Administered Occupational Physical Activity Questionnaire (TOQ), showed good criterion validity against a physical activity (PA) record. Eighteen studies used appropriate measures to assess the construct validity of 23 questionnaires. Comparison included those against accelerometers, maximal oxygen uptake, questionnaires, and body composition measures. None showed good construct validity. CONCLUSIONS There is strong evidence for good reliability of four questionnaires. None of the reviewed questionnaires showed good criterion validity compared to objective measures. Compared to PA records, moderate-to-good validity was observed for two questionnaires. Objective measures of occupational PA are needed.
A psychometric evaluation of the job demands resources scale in South Africa

The aims of this study were to investigate the construct validity, construct equivalence and reliability of a measuring instrument of job demands and resources, and to assess the differences between the job demands and resources in different organisations in South Africa. Stratified, random samples (N = 2717) of employees in different organisations were taken. Five reliable factors were extracted using principal component analysis with a varimax rotation, namely overload, growth opportunities, organisational support, advancement, and job insecurity. All factors, except organisational support, showed acceptable equivalence for different organisations. Statistically significant differences were found between the perceptions of job demands and resources in different organisations.
Finite Horizon Stochastic Knapsacks with Applications to Yield Management

The finite horizon stochastic knapsack combines a secretary problem with an integer knapsack problem. It is useful for optimizing sales of perishable commodities with low marginal costs to impatient customers. Applications include yield management for airlines, hotels/motels, broadcasting advertisements, and car rentals. In these problems,K types of customers arrive stochastically. Customer type,k, has an integer weightw k , a valueb k , and an arrival rate? k( t) (which depends on time). We consider arrivals over a continuous time horizon [0;T] to a "knapsack" with capacityW. For each arrival that fits in the remaining knapsack capacity, we may (1) accept it, receivingb k , while giving up capacityw k ; or (2) reject it, forgoing the value and not losing capacity. The choice must be immediate; a customer not accepted on arrival is lost. We model the problem using continuous time, discrete state, finite horizon, dynamic programming. We characterize the optimal return function and the optimal acceptance strategy for this problem, and we give solution methods. We generalize to multidimensional knapsack problems. We also consider the special case wherew k= 1 for allk. This is the classic airline yield problem. Finally, we formulate and solve a new version of the secretary problem.
Negative permittivity and permeability of gold nanostructured thin films in UV–vis region

Abstract. We report the growth of gold nanostructured thin films by cylindrical direct current magnetron sputtering at room temperature. The grown gold nanostructures are mostly rod shape with short lengths of <20 nm and show negative optical parameters in the UV–vis region. So far negative permittivity and permeability were only reported for complex artificial structures. In a case of simple structures such as gold nanostructures, the negative optical parameters were only predicted by simulation methods and considered ideal structures. The small size of gold nanoparticles and the thickness of nanostructured thin films could be the reason of negative permittivity and permeability in our case. The optical properties of the samples were defined experimentally by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and their quality was assessed through multitechnique characterization using transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy dispersed x-ray.
The 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule, Chile earthquake: Nucleation and rupture propagation controlled by a subducted topographic high

Knowledge of seismic properties in an earthquake rupture zone is essential for understanding the factors controlling rupture dynamics. We use data from aftershocks following the Maule earthquake to derive a three‐dimensional seismic velocity model of the central Chile forearc. At 36°S, we find a highvp (>7.0 km/s) and high vp/vs(∼1.89) anomaly lying along the megathrust at 25 km depth, which coincides with a strong forearc Bouguer gravity signal. We interpret this as a subducted topographic high, possibly a former seamount on the Nazca slab. The Maule earthquake nucleated at the anomaly's updip boundary; yet high co‐seismic slip occurred where the megathrust is overlain by lower seismic velocities. Sparse aftershock seismicity occurs within this structure, suggesting that it disrupts normal interface seismogenesis. These findings imply that subducted structures can be conducive to the nucleation of large megathrust earthquakes, even if they subsequently hinder co‐seismic slip and aftershock activity.
Heuristic Search for Generalized Stochastic Shortest Path MDPs

Research in efficient methods for solving infinite-horizon MDPs has so far concentrated primarily on discounted MDPs and the more general stochastic shortest path problems (SSPs). These are MDPs with 1) an optimal value function V* that is the unique solution of Bellman equation and 2) optimal policies that are the greedy policies w.r. t. V*. This paper’s main contribution is the description of a new class of MDPs, that have well-defined optimal solutions that do not comply with either 1 or 2 above. We call our new class Generalized Stochastic Shortest Path (GSSP) problems. GSSP allows more general reward structure than SSP and subsumes several established MDP types including SSP, positive-bounded, negative, and discounted-reward models. While existing efficient heuristic search algorithms like LAO* and LRTDP are not guaranteed to converge to the optimal value function for GSSPs, we present a new heuristic-search-based family of algorithms, FRET (Find, Revise, Eliminate Traps). A preliminary empirical evaluation shows that FRET solves GSSPs much more efficiently than Value Iteration.
TEACHERS' EXPERIENCES OF GEORGIA'S EARLY MATH INTERVENTION PROGRAM: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the perceptions that K-5 teachers have toward Georgia’s mandated Early Intervention Math Program (EIP) on at risk learners in an elementary school in a rural, North Georgia community. The following questions guided the study: 1. How do K-5 teachers describe their experience with Georgia’s Early Intervention Math Program as an early math intervention for at-risk learners? 2. How do participants describe their experiences with Georgia’s EIP regarding student math preparedness? 3. How do participants perceive the EIP program in comparison to the regular education math program? The setting for this study was a rural elementary school with a population of 751 students. Participants included 10 teachers from K-5 that have experience working with the EIP program. Interviews, focus groups, and reflective journals were coded and analyzed for major themes. The following themes were identified: EIP model of delivery is important to the success of the students; lack of support, funding, and training is crippling the EIP program; and teachers are determined to support students and intervene even if no formal program is in place to do so. Teacher participants felt as though the resources and training provided for them were not adequate; however, they were determined to provide appropriate interventions for their students to help them achieve success. Future research would be helpful on this same topic with a different demographic population, a more focused look at individual delivery models, and a survey of teacher preparation programs to identify gaps in learning for new teachers.
Informal and formal learning of general practitioners

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of formal learning from a web-based training and informal (workplace) learning afterwards on the behaviour of general practitioners (GPs) with respect to prescription of antibiotics. Design/methodology/approach To obtain insight in various learning processes, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 GPs. These interviews were transcribed and analysed with a theory-based template, that had been defined beforehand, but with an open mind for emerging themes. Findings The web-based training was perceived by GPs to change their prescription behaviour, mostly as a result of informal learning processes. Being a research participant and being a supervisor appeared to create most opportunities for informal learning. Practical implications The current research shows that being a research participant and/or a supervisor enhance informal learning activities, for example, reflection and social interaction, and thereby formal training becomes more effective. It is recommended to remind GPs regularly to reflect on their prescribing behaviour and to stimulate them to reflect and seek social interaction besides participating in formal training. Originality/value Our study adds to the existing literature by considering informal learning processes in an evaluation of the perceived effects of formal training. Our findings have implications for the design and evaluation of formal trainings with the purpose of behavioural change of doctors.
Using Accelerometer and Gyroscopic Measures to Quantify Postural Stability.

CONTEXT Force platforms and 3-dimensional motion-capture systems provide an accurate method of quantifying postural stability. Substantial cost, space, time to administer, and need for trained personnel limit widespread use of biomechanical techniques in the assessment of postural stability in clinical or field environments. OBJECTIVE To determine whether accelerometer and gyroscope data sampled from a consumer electronics device (iPad2) provide sufficient resolution of center-of-gravity (COG) movements to accurately quantify postural stability in healthy young people. DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. SETTING Research laboratory in an academic medical center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 49 healthy individuals (age = 19.5 ± 3.1 years, height = 167.7 ± 13.2 cm, mass = 68.5 ± 17.5 kg). INTERVENTION(S) Participants completed the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test (SOT) with an iPad2 affixed at the sacral level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Primary outcomes were equilibrium scores from both systems and the time series of the angular displacement of the anteroposterior COG sway during each trial. A Bland-Altman assessment for agreement was used to compare equilibrium scores produced by the NeuroCom and iPad2 devices. Limits of agreement was defined as the mean bias (NeuroCom - iPad) ± 2 standard deviations. Mean absolute percentage error and median difference between the NeuroCom and iPad2 measurements were used to evaluate how closely the real-time COG sway measured by the 2 systems tracked each other. RESULTS The limits between the 2 devices ranged from -0.5° to 0.5° in SOT condition 1 to -2.9° to 1.3° in SOT condition 5. The largest absolute value of the measurement error within the 95% confidence intervals for all conditions was 2.9°. The mean absolute percentage error analysis indicated that the iPad2 tracked NeuroCom COG with an average error ranging from 5.87% to 10.42% of the NeuroCom measurement across SOT conditions. CONCLUSIONS The iPad2 hardware provided data of sufficient precision and accuracy to quantify postural stability. Accuracy, portability, and affordability make using the iPad2 a reasonable approach for assessing postural stability in clinical and field environments.
Perceptions of barriers and facilitators in physical activity participation among women in Thiruvananthapuram City, India

Background: Despite the known benefits of physical activity, very few people, especially women, are found to engage in regular physical activity. This study explored the perceptions, barriers and facilitators related to physical activity among women in Thiruvananthapuram City, India. Methods: Four focus group discussions were conducted among individuals between 25 and 60 years of age, in a few areas of Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation limits in Kerala, preparatory to the design of a physical activity intervention trial. An open-ended approach was used and emergent findings were analyzed and interpreted. Results: Women associated physical activity mostly with household activities. The majority of the women considered their activity level adequate, although they engaged in what the researchers concluded were quite low levels of activity. Commonly reported barriers were lack of time, motivation, and interest; stray dogs; narrow roads; and not being used to the culture of walking. Facilitators of activity were seeing others walking, walking in pairs, and pleasant walking routes. Walking was reported as the most feasible physical activity by women. Conclusion: Physical activity promotion strategies among women should address the prevailing cultural norms in the community, and involve social norming and overcoming cultural barriers. They should also target the modifiable determinants of physical activity, such as improving self-efficacy, improving knowledge on the adequacy of physical activity and its recommendations, facilitating goal-setting, and enhancing social support through peer support and group-based activities.