Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
START (STrAtegies for RelaTives) coping strategy for family carers of adults with dementia: qualitative study of participants’ views about the intervention

Objectives To analyse the experience of individual family carers of people with dementia who received a manual-based coping strategy programme (STrAtegies for RelaTives, START), demonstrated in a randomised-controlled trial to reduce affective symptoms. Design A qualitative study using self-completed questionnaires exploring the experience of the START intervention. Two researchers transcribed, coded and analysed completed questionnaires thematically. Setting Three mental health and one neurology dementia clinic in South East England. Participants Participants were primary family carers of a patient diagnosed with dementia who provided support at least weekly to their relative. We invited those in the treatment group remaining in the START study at 2 years postrandomisation (n=132) to participate. 75 people, comprising a maximum variation sample, responded. Primary and secondary outcome measures (1) Important aspects of the therapy. (2) Continued use of the intervention after the end of the therapy. (3) Unhelpful aspects of the therapy and suggestions for improvement. (4) Appropriate time for intervention delivery. Results Carers identified several different components as important: relaxation techniques, education about dementia, strategies to help manage the behaviour of the person with dementia, contact with the therapist and changing unhelpful thoughts. Two-thirds of the participants reported that they continue to use the intervention's techniques at 2-year follow up. Few participants suggested changes to the intervention content, but some wanted more sessions and others wanted the involvement of more family members. Most were happy with receiving the intervention shortly after diagnosis, although some relatives of people with moderate dementia thought it should have been delivered at an earlier stage. Conclusions Participants’ varied responses about which aspects of START were helpful suggest that a multicomponent intervention is suited to the differing circumstances of dementia carers, providing a range of potentially helpful strategies. The continued use of the strategies 2 years after receiving the intervention could be a mechanism for the intervention remaining effective.
Evidence for a new strangeness-one pseudoscalar meson

The J/subP/=0/sup -/ partial waves of the K.pi pi. system in the reactions K/sup plus-or-minus/p.-->. K/sup plus-or-minus/. pi. /sup +/. pi. /sup -/p at 13 GeV are presented. Structure in intensities and relative phase variations suggest the existence of a pseudoscalar resonance, the K', with a mass of approx.1400 MeV and a width of approx.250 MeV decaying predominantly into epsilonK. (AIP)
Examining the effects of residential self-selection on internal and external validity: an interaction moderation analysis using structural equation modeling

Abstract Empirical studies on the land use–travel relationship have begun to consider the confounding or moderating effect of residential self-selection on the relationship. The studies were mainly focused on how to control for selection bias in relation to its threat to internal validity, but the bias also harms external validity through its interaction with explanatory variables. This study further considers this interaction moderation using partial least squares structural equation modeling, which compared to its covariance-based counterpart, can easily specify a large number of interaction indicators and include both reflective (compact land use) and formative (life situation inclined to automobile travel) constructs. Tested in Seoul, South Korea, structural equation models find that a considerable proportion of the land use effect on travel time is attributed to the self-selection. Regarding the interaction moderation, it turns out to significantly affect external validity: in a study area with more automobile-inclined residents than Seoul, compact land use may exert a stronger effect on automobile travel reductions and transit travel increases.
Behavioral Intention of Using Virtual Reality in Learning

This study integrated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the four stages of Kolb's learning style-concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conception, and active experimentation to investigate the factors affecting students' behavioral intention to use a virtual reality headset (VRH) in learning. The research model, constructed using structural equation modeling, included the four constructs of the UTAUT, namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating condition. Hypotheses on whether the four stages of Kolb's learning style and the four constructs of the UTAUT significantly affect behavioral intention to use VRHs in learning were proposed and tested through inference analysis. The results show that only the concrete experience stage of Kolb's learning style has a positive and significant effect on users' behavioral intention to use VRHs in learning, whereas all four constructs of the UTAUT do. These findings should be applied by educational institutions to increase VRH use in learning.
Vt balancing and device sizing towards high yield of sub-threshold static logic gates

Operating digital circuits in the sub-threshold region is potentially a solution for ultra low-power applications. However, simply reducing supply voltage well below threshold voltage causes functional yield degradation. In this paper, we show that imbalanced VT of pMOS and nMOS transistors and VT mismatch of paired transistors are especially detrimental to sub-threshold functional yield. We propose a variability-driven digital gate design approach which includes balancing process-corner VT shifts of nMOS/pMOS transistors with a low-overhead bulk-bias circuitry and a gate-sizing approach that yields close to minimum size transistor dimensions. Results of Monte-Carlo simulations of a ring oscillator with 31 stages show that our solution can help to achieve a mean frequency speedup of 51.91% and energy/cycle saving of 19.67% on average.
Exit, Punishment and Rewards in Commons Dilemmas: An Experimental Study

Commons dilemmas are interaction situations where a common good is provided or exploited by a group of individuals so that optimal collective outcomes clash with private interests. Although in these situations, social norms and institutions exist that might help individuals to cooperate, little is known about the interaction effects between positive and negative incentives and exit options by individuals. We performed a modified public good game experiment to examine the effect of exit, rewards and punishment, as well as the interplay between exit and rewards and punishment. We found that punishment had a stronger effect than rewards on cooperation if considered by itself, whereas rewards had a stronger effect when combined with voluntary participation. This can be explained in terms of the ‘framing effect’, i.e., as the combination of exit and rewards might induce people to attach higher expected payoffs to cooperative strategies and expect better behaviour from others.
A novel optimized LCL-filter designing method for grid connected converter

This paper presents a new LCL-filters optimized designing method for grid connected voltage source converter. This method is based on the analysis of converter output voltage components and inherent relations among LCL-filter parameters. By introducing an optimizing index of equivalent total capacity of all filter components, with clear physical meaning of minimum cost and volume, a set of optimal values of attenuation ratio and inductance-split-ratio is obtained for deciding all LCL-filter parameters. With this method, filter overall capacity can be minimized while the grid limit of switching frequency distortion is fulfilled. Compared to the existing methods, the proposed method contains only four steps without try-and-error process, so it is efficient and easy to implement. Simulation results of a 50kVA grid-connected inverter with two sets of LCL-filter parameters under different optimizing condition are presented to verify the reasonability and feasibility of the method.
Primary School Teachers’ Opinions on Teaching the Environmental Studies Subject Outside of the Classroom

Abstract With the curriculum reform of the basic school in the Republic of Slovenia, the experiential learning and conducting classes outside the classroom become one of the more important starting points for the subject of Environmental Studies, which is taught in the first three years. With the empirical study, we wanted to research which location is most often selected by educators for Environmental Studies outside the classroom, how often they conduct such activities, which work methods they use, how many hours out of total subject hours for Environmental Studies they dedicate to teaching outside the classroom, and in what form they wish to acquire additional knowledge on this subject. We discovered that educators, when teaching the subject of Environmental Studies outside the classroom, most often use an area located in direct vicinity of the school, and that the largest percentage of participants very often teaches the subject of Environmental Studies outside the classroom once per month. Both analyses showed certain statistically significant differences regarding the location of the school and the educator’s years of employment. The results showed that educators, when teaching the subject of Environmental Studies outside the classroom, most often use the method of direct observation, while the least used methods are work with texts and learning resources. Predominantly, educators dedicate up to 30% of total planned hours of the subject of Environmental Studies to conducting class outside the classroom. The analysis showed that educators want to obtain additional information, knowledge, and competence for teaching Environmental Studies outside the classroom primarily by examples of good practices.
A Proximal Stochastic Gradient Method with Progressive Variance Reduction

We consider the problem of minimizing the sum of two convex functions: one is the average of a large number of smooth component functions, and the other is a general convex function that admits a simple proximal mapping. We assume the whole objective function is strongly convex. Such problems often arise in machine learning, known as regularized empirical risk minimization. We propose and analyze a new proximal stochastic gradient method, which uses a multistage scheme to progressively reduce the variance of the stochastic gradient. While each iteration of this algorithm has similar cost as the classical stochastic gradient method (or incremental gradient method), we show that the expected objective value converges to the optimum at a geometric rate. The overall complexity of this method is much lower than both the proximal full gradient method and the standard proximal stochastic gradient method.
Pleiotropic effects of angiopoietin-2 deficiency do not protect mice against endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND In sepsis and various other inflammatory conditions, elevated circulating levels of angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) are detected, but the precise functional role of Ang2 in these conditions is not well understood. Here, we investigated the contribution of Ang2 to the inflammatory response and renal function impairment in a mouse model of endotoxaemia. METHODS Ang2-deficient mice and wild-type littermates were challenged with lipopolysaccharide [LPS; 1500 EU/g, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]. In additional experiments, wild-type C57Bl/6 mice were depleted of circulating neutrophils by antibody treatment (NIMPR14) prior to LPS challenge to study the role of neutrophils in regulating LPS-induced cytokine release. After 8 or 24 h of LPS challenge, the mice were sacrificed and organs were harvested. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed for endothelial adhesion molecules (P-selectin, E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) and plasma cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, KC, MIP-2), respectively. To assess renal function, blood urea nitrogen levels in plasma and albumin-to-creatinine ratio in urine were measured. RESULTS Upon LPS challenge, expression levels of various endothelial adhesion molecules in Ang2-deficient mice were reduced in an organ-specific manner. In contrast, in these mice, plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased compared with their wild-type littermates, possibly due to decreased neutrophil glomerular influx. Importantly, the absence of Ang2 did not protect the mice from acute kidney injury (AKI) upon LPS challenge. CONCLUSIONS The absence of Ang2 release upon LPS challenge induces pleotropic effects with regard to endothelial activation and systemic inflammation, but does not protect mice from LPS-induced AKI.
Surgical Management of Bilateral Exudative Retinal Detachment Associated with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose To report a case of bilateral bullous exudative retinal detachment in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) which was attached by vitrectomy and internal drainage of the subretinal fluid. Methods A 47-year-old man affected by bilateral atypical CSC with a bullous retinal detachment with subretinal exudate. A fluorescein angiogram (FAG) showed multiple points of leakage and staining of subretinal fibrosis. A tentative diagnosis of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome was made and the patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. However, the subretinal fluid was not absorbed. He was then treated with vitrectomy and internal drainage of subretinal fluid. Results The retina was attached successfully in both eyes. Visual acuity improved to 20/50 in his left eye but did not improve in the right eye due to subretinal fibrotic scarring and atropic changes on the macula. Conclusions Our case suggests that the surgical management of bullous exudative retinal detachment is safe and necessary.
Leader–member exchange (LMX) differentiation and work outcomes: conceptual clarification and critical review

According to Leader-member Exchange (LMX) theory, leaders develop different quality relationships with followers in their team (termed LMX differentiation). An important theoretical question concerns how different LMX relationships within a team affect followers’ work outcomes. This paper provides a critical review of the concept of LMX differentiation. We propose that the LMX differentiation process leads to patterns of LMX relationships that can be captured by three properties (central tendency, variation, and relative position). We describe a taxonomy illustrating the different ways these properties have been conceptualized and measured. We identify two approaches to LMX differentiation as being a ‘perspective of the team’ (that are shared amongst team members) or a ‘perspective of the follower’ (subjective perceptions unique to each follower). These perspectives lead to different types of measures that predict different outcomes at the individual and team levels. We describe theoretical models employed to explain the effects of LMX differentiation (justice, social comparison and social identity theories). Generally, the lower the within-team variation in LMX or the more a team member’s LMX is higher than the mean team LMX, the better are the work outcomes, but many moderators condition these effects. Finally, we identify some key areas for future research.
Values and psychological well-being among adolescents – are some values ‘healthier’ than others?

Abstract We analyzed links between psychological well-being (PWB: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, relationships, purpose, self-acceptance) and values among 147 adolescents. Values corresponded with PWB: Openness to change correlated positively with Autonomy and negatively with Purpose in Life; Self-enhancement negatively with Environmental Mastery, Personal Growth and Positive Relationships; Self-transcendence positively with Personal Growth and Positive Relationships; Conservation negatively with Autonomy, but positively with Purpose in Life. We identified four value clusters: ‘Young wolves’ (strong openness and self-enhancement) experienced stronger autonomy but a lower positive relationships; ‘Post-materialists’ (openness and self-transcendence), experienced stronger autonomy and positive relationships; ‘spiritual traditionalists’ (conservation and self-transcendence), had higher sense of personal growth and positive relationships; and the ‘undecided’ (no dominating value set) experienced lower autonomy and personal-growth.
Approximate identification of automata

A technique is described for the identification of probabilistic and other nondeterministic automata from sequences of their input/output behaviour. For a given number of states the models obtained are optimal in well defined senses, one related to least-mean-square approximation and the other to Shannon entropy. Practical and theoretical investigations of the technique are outlined.
User Acceptance of Internet Banking: An Empirical Study in China

The increasing popularity of the Internet in China has created great challenges and opportunities for various business sectors. The banking industry is no exception. To sustain business competitiveness, more and more financial institutions are providing Internet banking services. Thus, there is a need for research to investigate the way in which Internet banking site features ultimately influence online banking usage. Based on technology acceptance model and D&M IS success model, an integrated research model was developed relating Internet banking site quality to customers' beliefs (perceived usefulness and ease of use), attitudes (satisfaction) and intentions. Data collected from 313 respondents were tested against the research model. The results strongly support all of the six proposed hypotheses. Several managerial implications and guidelines for Internet banking site design are discussed.
Menopausal hormone therapy and new-onset diabetes in the French Etude Epidemiologique de Femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de l ’ Education Nationale ( E 3 N ) cohort

Aims/hypothesis. Two US randomized trials found a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes among women treated by menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with oral conjugated equine estrogen combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of various MHTs, according to their formulation and route of administration, on new-onset diabetes in a cohort of postmenopausal French women. 5
A Novel 99mTc-Labeled Molecular Probe for Tumor Angiogenesis Imaging in Hepatoma Xenografts Model: A Pilot Study

Introduction Visualization of tumor angiogenesis using radionuclide targeting provides important diagnostic information. In previous study, we proved that an arginine-arginine-leucine (RRL) peptide should be a tumor endothelial cell specific binding sequence. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate whether 99mTc-radiolabeled RRL could be noninvasively used for imaging of malignant tumors in vivo, and act as a new molecular probe targeting tumor angiogenesis. Methods The RRL peptide was designed and radiosynthesized with 99mTc by a one-step method. The radiolabeling efficiency and radiochemical purity were then characterized in vitro. 99mTc-RRL was injected intravenously in HepG2 xenograft-bearing BALB/c nude mice. Biodistribution and in vivo imaging were performed periodically. The relationship between tumor size and %ID uptake of 99mTc-RRL was also explored. Results The labeling efficiencies of 99mTc-RRL reached 76.9%±4.5% (n = 6) within 30–60 min at room temperature, and the radiochemical purity exceeded 96% after purification. In vitro stability experiment revealed the radiolabeled peptide was stable. Biodistribution data showed that 99mTc-RRL rapidly cleared from the blood and predominantly accumulated in the kidneys and tumor. The specific uptake of 99mTc-RRL in tumor was significantly higher than that of unlabeled RRL blocking and free pertechnetate control test after injection (p<0.05). The ratio of the tumor-to-muscle exceeded 6.5, tumor-to-liver reached 1.98 and tumor-to-blood reached 1.95. In planar gamma imaging study, the tumors were imaged clearly at 2–6 h after injection of 99mTc-RRL, whereas the tumor was not imaged clearly in blocking group. The tumor-to-muscle ratio of images with 99mTc-RRL was comparable with that of 18F-FDG PET images. Immunohistochemical analysis verified the excessive vasculature of tumor. There was a linear relationship between the tumor size and uptake of 99mTc-RRL with R2 = 0.821. Conclusion 99mTc-RRL can be used as a potential candidate for visualization of tumor angiogenesis in malignant carcinomas.
Causal Interpretations of Psychological Attributes

Maul (this issue) describes a minimalist validation methodology for survey instruments, which he suggests is widely used in some areas of psychology and then critiques this methodology empirically and conceptually. He provides a reduction ad absurdum argument by showing that the specified methodology can lead to absurd results and, therefore, cannot be depended on to yield sensible results. He does a nice job of pointing out the limitations of this methodology. Maul concludes that “affairs might be improved via greater attention to definitional clarity and the a priori articulation of testable theories. ” I agree with this suggestion in those cases in which such theories can be articulated. More generally, a testable interpretation/use argument (IUA) can be taken as a testable theory (e.g., see Kane, 2013), and if one had a strong theory for an attribute, that theory could form the heart of the IUA. Most attributes in the social sciences are not embedded in such strong theories and, therefore, the IUA would be looser and more open ended but it could be articulated a priori and it would have testable assumptions. Basically, we have to work with what we have. In his conclusions, Maul suggests that researchers should view “claims regarding the existence, measurability, and causal efficacy of psychological attributes as hypotheses” and that they should “work in each situation to construct contextually appropriate theory-based explanations for the processes causing variation in item responses. ” I am not optimistic about this as a very workable methodology for a variety of reasons, which are outlined below. In the next section, I make a few brief remarks about Maul’s empirical examples. I then address what I consider a major stumbling block in the more ambitious program mentioned in his concluding remarks, the problem of causality.
The performance measurement revolution: why now and what next?

Asks why business performance measurement has become so topical, so recently. Argues that there are seven main reasons: the changing nature of work; increasing competition; specific improvement initiatives; national and international quality awards; changing organisational roles; changing external demands; and the power of information technology. Evidence to support this assertion is drawn from the academic and practitioner literatures, interviews and discussions with people specialising in the field and a broad review of the current state‐of‐the‐art in business performance measurement. Presents a framework onto which current research in business performance measurement can be mapped and identifies areas which require further work.