Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinctive Features of Spatial Perspective-Taking in the Elderly

This study aimed to ascertain the characteristics of spatial perspective-taking ability—assumed to be a form of imaginary body movement in three-dimensional space—in the elderly. A new task was devised to evaluate the development of this function: 20 children, 20 university students, and 20 elderly people (each group comprising 10 men and 10 women) were asked to locate themselves in different vantage points. The relationship between angular deviations from the participants to the points from which perspectives were to be obtained did not differ between the elderly and university students. However, the performance of the elderly and children was inferior to that of the university students with respect to the general response time and percentage of correct responses, which indicates that imaginary body movement can be maintained in normal aging, and an apparent decline in the spatial perspective-taking ability of the elderly may arise from other cognitive information processes.
Development and validation of a new algorithm for attribution of neuropsychiatric events in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm to assist the attribution of neuropsychiatric (NP) events to underlying disease in SLE patients. METHODS Phase 1 identified and categorized candidate items to be included in the algorithm for the attribution of an NP event to SLE and their relative weights through a literature-informed consensus-driven process. Using a retrospective training cohort of SLE, phase 2 validated items selected in phase 1 and refined weights through a data-driven process, fitting items as independent variables and expert evaluation (clinical judgement) as reference standard in logistic models. Phase 3 consisted of a validation process using an external multicentre retrospective SLE cohort. RESULTS Phase 1 identified four different items: timing of the NP event, type of event, confounding factors and favouring factors. The training and validating cohorts included 228 and 221 patients, respectively. Each patient experienced at least one NP event characterized using the ACR case definition. In these samples, items selected in phase 1 showed good performance in discriminating patients with NPSLE: the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve using dichotomous outcomes was 0.87 in the training set and 0.82 in the validating set. Relevant cut-offs of the validated score identify events with a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI 93.2, 100) and 86.3% (95% CI 76.2, 93.2) in the training and validating cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSION A new algorithm based on a probability score was developed and validated to determine the relationship between NP events and SLE.
Author ' s personal copy Parsing recursive sentences with a connectionist model including a neural stack and synaptic gating

It is supposed that humans are genetically predisposed to be able to recognize sequences of context-free grammars with centre-embedded recursion while other primates are restricted to the recognition of finite state grammars with tail-recursion. Our aim was to construct a minimalist neural network that is able to parse artificial sentences of both grammars in an efficient way without using the biologically unrealistic backpropagation algorithm. The core of this network is a neural stack-like memory where the push and pop operations are regulated by synaptic gating on the connections between the layers of the stack. The network correctly categorizes novel sentences of both grammars after training. We suggest that the introduction of the neural stack memory will turn out to be substantial for any biological ‘hierarchical processor’ and the minimalist design of the model suggests a quest for similar, realistic neural
A Space Apart

This article examines how the preschool child is enabled to withdraw from the peer group and create a private, individual space within the institutional collective. The question under consideration is, “What factors are necessary to enable a child to create and maintain a withdrawal space in the preschool? ” Data were collected through ethnographic fieldwork at two Montessori schools in the south of Sweden. Analysis of the results reveals that a child is enabled through a combination of two elements: a level of opportunity to create a space and a level of defense of a created space. These two factors are dependent on the teachers’ ability to correctly identify space creation, alongside their desire for the child’s space creation effort to be successful.
Laser-Vision-Based Measurement and Analysis of Weld Pool Oscillation Frequency in GTAW-P An image-processing algorithm was developed for extracting the pool oscillation frequency, and several experiments with varying weld joint penetration for traveling and stationary weld pools were conducted

An innovative laser-vision-based sensing method is proposed to measure weld pool oscillation frequency in pulsed gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW-P). A low-power five-line laser pattern is projected onto the entire weld pool surface as well as its reflection is intercepted by an imaging plane and captured by a high-speed camera. By observing and analyzing the change of the captured laser images during the base current period, it is found that the variation of reflected laser lines is periodic and has a strong relationship with the weld pool oscillation. A novel image processing algorithm is also developed for extracting the pool oscillation frequency. Several experiments with varying weld joint penetration for traveling and stationary weld pools were conducted, and the oscillation frequency extracted. Experimental results show that the weld pool oscillation is capable of being observed by this method. The extracted frequencies were verified, and the oscillation frequency of partial penetration is higher than the complete joint penetration, along with an abrupt transition. The image processing method and algorithm demonstrated good robustness and effectiveness, and could be used to monitor and control weld joint penetration in real time.
Opisthorchiasis-associated biliary stones: light and scanning electron microscopic study.

AIM Biliary stones are frequently encountered in areas endemic for opisthorchiasis in Thailand. The present study was to describe the prevalence and pathogenesis of these stones. METHODS Gallstones and/or common bile duct stones and bile specimens from 113 consecutive cholecystectomies were included. Bile samples, including sludge and/or microcalculi, were examined for Opisthorchis viverrini eggs, calcium and bilirubin. The stones were also processed for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study. RESULTS Of the 113 cases, 82 had pigment stones, while one had cholesterol stones. The other 30 cases had no stones. Most of the stone cases (76%, 63/83) had multiple stones, while the remainder had a single stone. Stones were more frequently observed in females. Bile examination was positive for O. viverrini eggs in 50% of the cases studied. Aggregates of calcium bilirubinate precipitates were observed in all cases with sludge. Deposition of calcium bilirubinate on the eggshell was visualized by special staining. A SEM study demonstrated the presence of the parasite eggs in the stones. Numerous crystals, morphologically consistent with calcium derivatives and cholesterol precipitates, were seen. CONCLUSION Northeast Thailand has a high prevalence of pigment stones, as observed at the cholecystectomy, and liver fluke infestation seems involved in the pathogenesis of stone formation.
Mapping the core mass function on to the stellar initial mass function: multiplicity matters

Observations indicate that the central portions of the present-day prestellar core mass function (hereafter CMF) and the stellar initial mass function (hereafter IMF) both have approximately log-normal shapes, but that the CMF is displaced to higher mass than the IMF by a factor F ∼ 4 ± 1. This has led to suggestions that the shape of the IMF is directly inherited from the shape of the CMF – and therefore, by implication, that there is a self-similar mapping from the CMF on to the IMF. If we assume a self-similar mapping, it follows (i) that F=NO/η, where η is the mean fraction of a core’s mass that ends up in stars and NO is the mean number of stars spawned by a single core; and (ii) that the stars spawned by a single core must have an approximately log-normal distribution of relative masses, with universal standard deviation σO. Observations can be expected to deliver ever more accurate estimates of F, but this still leaves a degeneracy between η and NO, and σO is also unconstrained by observation. Here we show that these parameters can be estimated by invoking binary statistics. Specifically, if (a) each core spawns one long-lived binary system, and (b) the probability that a star of mass M is part of this long-lived binary is proportional to Mα, current observations of the binary frequency as a function of primary mass, b(M1), and the distribution of mass ratios, pq, strongly favour η ∼ 1.0 ± 0.3, NO∼4.3±0.4, σO ∼ 0.3 ± 0.03 and α ∼ 0.9 ± 0.6; η > 1 just means that, between when its mass is measured and when it finishes spawning stars, a core accretes additional mass, for example from the filament in which it is embedded. If not all cores spawn a long-lived binary system, db/dM1 < 0, in strong disagreement with observation; conversely, if a core typically spawns more than one long-lived binary system, then NO and η have to be increased further. The mapping from CMF to IMF is not necessarily self-similar – there are many possible motivations for a non-self-similar mapping – but if it is not, then the shape of the IMF cannot be inherited from the CMF. Given the limited observational constraints currently available and the ability of a self-similar mapping to satisfy them, the possibility that the shape of the IMF is inherited from the CMF cannot be ruled out at this juncture.
Variability in the Incidence of miRNAs and Genes in Fragile Sites and the Role of Repeats and CpG Islands in the Distribution of Genetic Material

Background Chromosomal fragile sites are heritable specific loci especially prone to breakage. Some of them are associated with human genetic disorders and several studies have demonstrated their importance in genome instability in cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs responsible of post-transcriptional gene regulation and their involvement in several diseases such as cancer has been widely demonstrated. The altered expression of miRNAs is sometimes due to chromosomal rearrangements and epigenetic events, thus it is essential to study miRNAs in the context of their genomic locations, in order to find significant correlations between their aberrant expression and the phenotype. Principal Findings Here we use statistical models to study the incidence of human miRNA genes on fragile sites and their association with cancer-specific translocation breakpoints, repetitive elements, and CpG islands. Our results show that, on average, fragile sites are denser in miRNAs and also in protein coding genes. However, the distribution of miRNAs and protein coding genes in fragile versus non-fragile sites depends on chromosome. We find also a positive correlation between fragility and repeats, and between miRNAs and CpG islands. Conclusion Our results show that the relationship between site fragility and miRNA density is far more complex than previously thought. For example, we find that protein coding genes seem to be following similar patterns as miRNAs, if considered their overall distribution. However, once we allow for differences at the chromosome level in our statistical analysis, we find that distribution of miRNA and protein coding genes in fragile sites is very different from that of miRNA. This is a novel result that we believe may help discover new potential correlations between the localization of miRNAs and their crucial role in biological processes and in the development of diseases.
Self-structure and Discrimination: Implications for Coping and Wellbeing

Substantial research demonstrates the negative effects of discrimination on the psychological wellbeing of stigmatised groups. While the ultimate goal should be to reduce occurrences of discrimination, in the interim it is important to identify resiliency factors which may reduce the impact of discrimination. Given that being the victim of discrimination is likely to be experienced as a form of stress, research from the stress and coping literature can be used to inform knowledge in this area. In line with this literature, we examine self-concept structure as a resiliency factor. Self-concept structure refers to how people organise their self-beliefs and incorporates: (a) the number of different identities they subscribe to, (b) the degree to which they see their identities as similar or different, (c) the coherency and stability of selfbeliefs and (d) the degree to which people can recognise and articulate their self-beliefs. In order to explore the role of self-concept structure in the context of discrimination we employ three surveys and two experiments, with a total of 577 participants from multiple stigmatised groups including women, international students and same-sex attracted people. Using regression models we examine two forms of self-structure (self-complexity and self-clarity) and whether they mediate and/or moderate the relationships between discrimination, stress, depression and anxiety symptomology. The findings indicate that having clear, coherent and stable self-beliefs may reduce the negative impact of discrimination on depressive symptomology. Furthermore, using a values based intervention from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy appears to be a means to reduce the impact of reading discriminatory articles on mood (a possible precursor to experiencing depressive symptoms). We conclude by discussing the clinical implications for the assessment of psychopathology in stigmatised populations and treatment targets to address the stigmatised self-concept. SELF-STRUCTURE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING 4
Facial Symmetry Perceptions in College Students

There has been a significant amount of research conducted investigating facial symmetry. Much research shows support that symmetrical faces will be perceived as more attractive, friendly, and dateable. Perrett, Burt, Penton-Voak, Lee, Rowland, and Edwards (1999) made significant advancement to symmetry and attractiveness perceptions. The current study sought to replicate and extend previous work. The participants were given a demographic form followed by four pictures (2 symmetrical, 2 asymmetrical, 2 women, 2 male) utilized in prior research. Next, participants were given a twelve item questionnaire assessing perceptions of the targets in pictures. We hypothesized that individuals would report a greater likelihood to trust, date, and befriend more symmetrical faces versus the asymmetrical faces. Results revealed that there was significant support for trust in symmetrical faces. Implications of the findings will be of particular interest to plastic surgeons, marketers, and people in the fashion industry.There has been a significant amount of research conducted investigating facial symmetry. Much research shows support that symmetrical faces will be perceived as more attractive, friendly, and dateable. Perrett, Burt, Penton-Voak, Lee, Rowland, and Edwards (1999) made significant advancement to symmetry and attractiveness perceptions. The current study sought to replicate and extend previous work. The participants were given a demographic form followed by four pictures (2 symmetrical, 2 asymmetrical, 2 women, 2 male) utilized in prior research. Next, participants were given a twelve item questionnaire assessing perceptions of the targets in pictures. We hypothesized that individuals would report a greater likelihood to trust, date, and befriend more symmetrical faces versus the asymmetrical faces. Results revealed that there was significant support for trust in symmetrical faces. Implications of the findings will be of particular interest to plastic surgeons, marketers, and people in the fashion industry.
Engagement of secondary school teachers in Namibia: Relational context effects

The aim of this study was to investigate relational antecedents of work engagement for secondary school teachers and to determine whether specific psychological conditions mediate the effects of relational factors on work engagement. A cross-sectional survey was used. The participants were 502 secondary school teachers in Namibia (females = 64.7%, Afrikaans-speaking = 49%). They completed the following measuring instruments: Co-worker and Supervisor Relationships Scales, Emotional Exhaustion Scale, Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Psychological Conditions Scale and the Work Engagement Scale. Data were analysed using Mplus 7.3. The results showed that low emotional exhaustion and high psychological meaningfulness and availability explained work engagement. Relational factors (i.e. co-worker relations, supervisor relations, and emotional exhaustion) influenced psychological meaningfulness and safety strongly, and psychological availability moderately. Supervisor relationships and emotional exhaustion indirectly influenced work engagement via psychological meaningfulness. Co-worker relationships and emotional exhaustion indirectly affected work engagement via psychological availability. The results provide support for a relational model of work engagement.
Comparative analysis of integrated diaphragmatic electromyography during three different modalities of mechanical ventilation (NAVA, PSV and PCV)

Interaction between ventilator and patient's breathing control represents a challenging field of research. The present study presents the comparison among varying level of assistance under three different modalities of mechanical ventilation (i.e., NAVA, PSV and PCV) on a group of fifteen patients with prolonged weaning. Integrated effort of (i) diaphragmatic electromyography and (ii) inspiratory/expiratory time delays under the three modalities were computed. Integrated effort of inspiratory time delay was lower under NAVA compared to PSV and PCV at less comfortable level of assistance. Integrated effort of expiratory time delay was lower under NAVA compared to PCV and lower under PSV compared to NAVA, both at most and less comfortable level of assistance. Our findings showed better patient-ventilator interaction under assisted ventilator support modes, especially under NAVA, compared to PCV.
Effects of selective heart rate reduction with ivabradine on left ventricular remodelling and function: results from the SHIFT echocardiography substudy

Aims The SHIFT echocardiographic substudy evaluated the effects of ivabradine on left ventricular (LV) remodelling in heart failure (HF). Methods and results Eligible patients had chronic HF and systolic dysfunction [LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%], were in sinus rhythm, and had resting heart rate ≥70 bpm. Patients were randomly allocated to ivabradine or placebo, superimposed on background therapy for HF. Complete echocardiographic data at baseline and 8 months were available for 411 patients (ivabradine 208, placebo 203). Treatment with ivabradine reduced LVESVI (primary substudy endpoint) vs. placebo [−7.0 ± 16.3 vs. −0.9 ± 17.1 mL/m2; difference (SE), −5.8 (1.6), 95% CI −8.8 to −2.7, P< 0.001]. The reduction in LVESVI was independent of beta-blocker use, HF aetiology, and baseline LVEF. Ivabradine also improved LV end-diastolic volume index (−7.9 ± 18.9 vs. −1.8 ± 19.0 mL/m2, P= 0.002) and LVEF (+2.4 ± 7.7 vs. −0.1 ± 8.0%, P< 0.001). The incidence of the SHIFT primary composite outcome (cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization for worsening HF) was higher in patients with LVESVI above the median (59 mL/m2) at baseline (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.03–2.56, P= 0.04). Patients with the largest relative reductions in LVESVI had the lowest event rates. Conclusion Ivabradine reverses cardiac remodelling in patients with HF and LV systolic dysfunction.
Merging metacognitive tools for use in higher education to facilitate meaningful learning

The current trend towards student-centred teaching and learning is bringing about a change in emphasis in Higher Education: a shift from promoting effective teaching towards developing an understanding of how students learn. Prevalent literature calls for more emphasis on the students‟ learning process through increased metacognition and critical reflection. This research revolves around the premise that learning takes place through the interaction of cognition (thinking), affectation (feeling) and conation (doing). Consequently, this study presents a model of teaching and learning in Higher Education through the integrated use of metacognitive tools, namely, Vee Heuristics and Concept Mapping along with an awareness of how students prefer to learn. This research suggests that when metacognitive tools are merged, students are empowered to embark upon a meta-learning journey which eventually leads to critical reflection and meaningful learning. In the Action Research carried out in the first phase, University students‟ work products, from the University of Malta, are used to trace the effect of a learner‟s mental operations on the learner‟s use of Vee Heuristics and Concept Mapping as the learner embeds and retrieves new and scaffolded knowledge. The analysis of data reveals the powerful effect which this combination of learning tools yielded on student achievement. The model presented yielded successful meaningful learning; however, one cannot assume that the same results will be produced if this model is used by other teachers. This reflection led to an emergent multilevel mixed method design in the second phase where the role of the teacher was highlighted to illustrate that teachers must see the purpose and value of the tools they are using. The teaching and learning process becomes most effective when teachers plan intentional approaches in response to how students are learning. Action research promotes a cyclical process and I am coming to a personal understanding that the tools and strategies did help me to create a meaningful learning environment which adequately responds to the „learning-how-to-learn‟ concept. However, at the heart of quality teaching was my continuous reflective approach about the learning process and my own practice. I started this research by fallaciously assuming that focusing solely on the learner would bring about meaningful learning. However, the research has demonstrated that both students and lecturers are equally important and they should be seen as partners in achieving the intended learning outcome.