Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
E3: Emotions, Engagement and Educational Games

This study is an investigation of ways to collect student engagement and gameplay data from a digital educational game called Quantum Spectre in order to understand student engagement in such digital environments, and the effect of certain affective states on student gameplay behavior. Proposed study participants are elementary school students, 5 th graders, who will play the game over the course of multiple class sessions. Previous research findings suggest that there is an interesting inter-relation between frustration and confusion that requires more attention; the indices of frustration and confusion are influenced by the amount of external support provided. Based on these initial findings, the proposed dissertation experiment will concentrate on significant patterns of frustration and confusion along with their effect on student gameplay and further engagement with the environment.
Cervicothoracic Lordosis Can Influence Outcome After Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Background: Previous studies on the correlation between cervical sagittal balance with improvement in quality of life showed significant results only for parameters of the anterior translation of the cervical spine (such as C2-C7 SVA). Objective: We test whether a new parameter, cervicothoracic lordosis, can predict clinical success in this type of surgery. Methods: The focused group involved patients who underwent surgical treatment of cervical degenerative disk disease by the posterior approach, due to myelopathy, radiculopathy or a combination of both. Neurologic deficit was measured before and after surgery with the Nurick Scale, postoperative quality of life, physical and mental components of SF-36 and NDI. Cervicothoracic lordosis and various sagittal balance parameters were also measured. Cervicothoracic lordosis was defined as the angle between: a) the line between the centroid of C2 and the centroid of C7; b) the line between the centroid of C7 and the centroid of T6. Correlations between postoperative quality of life and sagittal parameters were calculated. Results: Twenty-nine patients between 27 and 78 years old were evaluated. Surgery types were simple decompression (laminectomy or laminoforaminotomy) (3 patients), laminoplasty (4 patients) and laminectomy with fusion in 22 patients. Significant correlations were found for C2-C7 SVA and cervicothoracic lordosis. C2-C7 SVA correlated negatively with MCS (r=-0.445, p=0.026) and PCS (r=-0.405, p=0.045). Cervicothoracic lordosis correlated positively with MCS (r=0.554, p= 0.004) and PCS (r=0.462, p=0.020) and negatively with NDI (r=-0.416, p=0.031). Conclusion: The parameter cervicothoracic lordosis correlates with improvement of quality life after surgery for cervical degenerative disk disease by the posterior approach.
Direct measurement of transversely isotropic DNA nanotube by force–distance curve-based atomic force microscopy

DNA origami is one of the most promising ways to create novel two-dimensional (2D) and 3D structures, assemble inorganic and organic materials, and synthesise functional micro/nano systems. In particular, DNA origami structures consisting of nanotube configurations can function as mechanical components for encapsulating materials such as gold particles or drug proteins, due to their tubular structure, relatively high rigidity, high aspect ratio and other desirable characteristics, but certain mechanical properties such as radial rigidity have yet to be fully determined experimentally. A report is presented on the direct measurement of the radial modulus of a DNA nanotube structure by force–distance curve-based atomic force microscopy, in a magnesium ion solution. A Hertz model, corrected using the finite-element method to achieve greater realism, was employed to determine the DNA nanotube's actual radial modulus in two states, corresponding to the rigidity of a porous and electrostatically repulsive nanotube lattice, and the rigidity of a packed and elastic honeycomb lattice. Furthermore, the biphasic radial modulus was verified by estimation of the inter-helix electrostatic force and torsional rigidity of a six-helix DNA nanotube, with results comparable to those reported elsewhere. The anisotropy of the DNA nanotube honeycomb lattice revealed by the authors’ radial measurements should be useful when developing new DNA structures and may enable further applications that utilise DNA origami structures as a mechanical component.
Structural Learning in a Visuomotor Adaptation Task Is Explicitly Accessible

Abstract Structural learning is a phenomenon characterized by faster learning in a new situation that shares features of previously experienced situations. One prominent example within the sensorimotor domain is that human participants are faster to counter a novel rotation following experience with a set of variable visuomotor rotations. This form of learning is thought to occur implicitly through the updating of an internal forward model, which predicts the sensory consequences of motor commands. However, recent work has shown that much of rotation learning occurs through an explicitly accessible process, such as movement re-aiming. We sought to determine if structural learning in a visuomotor rotation task is purely implicit (e.g., driven by an internal model) or explicitly accessible (i.e., re-aiming). We found that participants exhibited structural learning: following training with a variable set of rotations, they more quickly learned a novel rotation. This benefit was entirely conferred by the explicit re-aiming of movements. Implicit learning offered little to no contribution. Next, we investigated the specificity of this learning benefit by exposing participants to a novel perturbation drawn from a statistical structure either congruent or incongruent with their prior experience. We found that participants who experienced congruent training and test phase structure (i.e., rotations to rotation) learned more quickly than participants exposed to incongruent training and test phase structure (i.e., gains to rotation) and a control group. These results suggest that structural learning in a visuomotor rotation task is specific to previously experienced statistical structure and expressed via explicit re-aiming of movements.
Closed-Cell Foam Behavior Under Dynamic Loading-III. Impact Loading of High. Density Foams

In this series, the behavior of closed cell foams to dynamic loads has been under examination. In Part I, models for the stress-strain behavior of low density foams were considered. In Part II, the effect of distributed and concentrated loads on brittle and flexible low-density foams was examined. It was further noted that one criterion for classifying a foam as brittle is that the tear strength of the foam is low relative to its compressive strength. It is noted that low density foams are formed either by extruding molten thermoplastic containing volatile fluids from
Youth self-harm in low- and middle-income countries: Systematic review of the risk and protective factors

Background: Self-harm (defined here as an act of intentionally causing harm to own self, irrespective of the type, motive or suicidal intent) is one of the strongest antecedents of suicide in youth. While there have been a number of studies of youth self-harm in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is currently no systematic review of studies of prevalence rates and risk and protective factors. Aim: To systematically review the evidence relating to the prevalence rates and forms of self-harm in youth in LMICs and its relationship to family economic status, family functioning, relationship with the peer group, social relationships and academic performance. Methods: Electronic searches of three databases, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus, were performed. In total, 27 school-, community- and hospital-based studies evaluating self-harm in LMICs with youth focus (with participants between 12 and 25 years) were included. Results: The self-harm was divided into suicidal and non-suicidal depending on the nature of self-harm. The 12-month prevalence rates of non-suicidal self-harm varied from 15.5% to 31.3%, and the range of suicidal behaviour rates was from 3.2% to 4.7%. Banging and hitting were the most common in the community-based studies, followed by cutting, scratching and wound picking. Self-poisoning with pesticides was most commonly reported in hospital-based studies. Risk factors for self-harm were family conflict, peer groups with members indulging in self-harm, truancy and school absenteeism. Protective factors were having an understanding family, having friends and higher school competence. Risk factors for suicidal thoughts and attempts were lack of close friends and history of suicide by a friend. Conclusion: The 12-month prevalence rates of youth self-harm in LMICs are comparable to high-income countries (HICs). The profile of risk and protective factors suggests that family-based interventions could be useful in treatment and prevention. Future studies should aim for greater consistency in assessment methods and the constructs under evaluation.
Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing chronic Q fever in patients with central vascular disease.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to describe the value of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in diagnosing chronic Q fever in patients with central vascular disease and the added value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnostic combination strategy as described in the Dutch consensus guideline for diagnosing chronic Q fever. METHODS 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm or aorto-iliac reconstruction and chronic Q fever, diagnosed by serology and positive PCR for Coxiella burnetii DNA in blood and/or tissue (PCR-positive study group). Patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm or aorto-iliac reconstruction without clinical and serological findings indicating Q fever infection served as a control group. Patients with a serological profile of chronic Q fever and a negative PCR in blood were included in additional analyses (PCR-negative study group). RESULTS Thirteen patients were evaluated in the PCR-positive study group and 22 patients in the control group. 18F-FDG PET/CT indicated vascular infection in 6/13 patients in the PCR-positive study group and 2/22 patients in the control group. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a sensitivity of 46% (95% CI: 23-71%), specificity of 91% (95% CI: 71-99%), positive predictive value of 75% (95% CI:41-93%) and negative predictive value of 74% (95% CI: 55-87%). In the PCR-negative study group, 18F-FDG PET/CT was positive in 10/20 patients (50%). CONCLUSION The combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT, as an imaging tool for identifying a focus of infection, and Q fever serology is a valid diagnostic strategy for diagnosing chronic Q fever in patients with central vascular disease.
Functional Specialization of Cellulose Synthase Isoforms in a Moss Shows Parallels with Seed Plants1[OPEN]

Regulatory uncoupling of primary and secondary cellulose synthases occurred independently in mosses and seed plants and is associated with convergent evolution of secondary wall structure. The secondary cell walls of tracheary elements and fibers are rich in cellulose microfibrils that are helically oriented and laterally aggregated. Support cells within the leaf midribs of mosses deposit cellulose-rich secondary cell walls, but their biosynthesis and microfibril organization have not been examined. Although the Cellulose Synthase (CESA) gene families of mosses and seed plants diversified independently, CESA knockout analysis in the moss Physcomitrella patens revealed parallels with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) in CESA functional specialization, with roles for both subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization. The similarities include regulatory uncoupling of the CESAs that synthesize primary and secondary cell walls, a requirement for two or more functionally distinct CESA isoforms for secondary cell wall synthesis, interchangeability of some primary and secondary CESAs, and some CESA redundancy. The cellulose-deficient midribs of ppcesa3/8 knockouts provided negative controls for the structural characterization of stereid secondary cell walls in wild type P. patens. Sum frequency generation spectra collected from midribs were consistent with cellulose microfibril aggregation, and polarization microscopy revealed helical microfibril orientation only in wild type leaves. Thus, stereid secondary walls are structurally distinct from primary cell walls, and they share structural characteristics with the secondary walls of tracheary elements and fibers. We propose a mechanism for the convergent evolution of secondary walls in which the deposition of aggregated and helically oriented microfibrils is coupled to rapid and highly localized cellulose synthesis enabled by regulatory uncoupling from primary wall synthesis.
Connectivity among populations of bicolor damselfish ( Stegastes partitus) along the Mesoamerican barrier reef.

Connectivity is a critical measure affecting the evolution and ecology of species. The purpose of this thesis was to assess connectivity between populations of Stegastes partitus at seven sites along the Mesoamerican barrier reef. First, seven novel microsatellite markers were developed to allow the assessment of genetic population structure in S. partitus in conjunction with existing markers. Next, population structure and stability was evaluated at seven sampling locations encompassing both atoll and barrier reef regions along the Mesoamerican barrier reef. Results indicate significant but temporally unstable genetic population structure suggesting high but unpredictable patterns of gene flow between sites. Further study utilizing multi-locus genotype population assignment techniques revealed dispersal over relatively short distances and temporally variable dispersal direction. These results suggest population structure may be dependent on local processes and that local management may be effective for some reef fishes, however time-series data are necessary to fully understand population connectivity.
Can vitamin D supplementation in infancy prevent type 1 diabetes?

Several recent European studies suggested that supplementing infants with vitamin D during their first year might prevent type 1 diabetes. A dose of 50 microg/day was associated with decreased diabetes risk in Finland, but the effectiveness of lower doses was not examined. The recommended dietary intake of vitamin D for U.S. infants is 5 microg/day and the tolerable upper level is 25 microg/day. There is no evidence that intakes between 5 and 25 microg/day would reduce diabetes incidence, but it would seem prudent to ensure that infants reach at least the lower end of this range.
In vitro comparison of the new in-line monitor BMU 40 versus a conventional laboratory analyzer.

Reliable information about different blood parameters is essential in maintaining hemodynamics, perfusion, and gas exchange during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). For this purpose, a precise and continuous monitoring is needed. The objective of this in vitro study was to compare a novel continuous in-line blood parameter monitoring system versus a reference laboratory analyzer. The study was conducted as an in vitro prospective experimental study during a CPB simulation. The reliability of BMU 40 was tested in monitoring the pO2, oxygen saturation (SO2), and hematocrit (Hct) under physiological and extreme conditions with regards to temperature, oxygenation, and blood concentration. Four different tests were performed and conducted with five sensors each. Correlation analyses and Bland-Altman analyses were performed. A total of 350 measurement points were compared. All monitored values of blood parameters correlated highly with laboratory values (all r values >.90). Test 1: Biases of pO2 (act) varied from -3.24 mmHg (+/- 6.86 mmHg) up to 6.0 mmHg (+/- 17.89 mmHg). The biases of pO2 (37 degrees C) ranged from -3.52 mmHg (+/- 6.01 mmHg) up to 68.8 mmHg (+/- 67.82 mmHg). Test 2: The biases standard deviations (SD) for Hct ranged from -0.35% (+/- .79%) up to 2.35% (+/- .91%). The biases (SD) for SO2 varied from -. 45% (+/- .86%) up to . 85% (+/- 1.01%). Test 3: The biases (SD) of Hct ranged from -1.00% (+/- 1.84%) up to -. 67% (+/- 1.49%). Test 4: The biases (SD) for SO2 varied from -. 36% (+/- 1.60%) up to . 48% (+/- .90%). The BMU 40 is a reliable device in measuring the partial oxygen pressure (pO2), SO2, and Hct under normal physiological and extreme conditions with regards to temperature, oxygenation, and blood concentration in simulation of CPB. The algorithm to calculate pO2 (37 degrees C) under hypothermic conditions needs to be adjusted. (Before the official market launch a new software version of the BMU 40 has been developed. The algorithm to calculate pO2 (37 degrees C) under hypothermic conditions has been improved and the miscalculation eliminated. )
Direct-on-Filter α-Quartz Estimation in Respirable Coal Mine Dust Using Transmission Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Partial Least Squares Regression

In order to help reduce silicosis in miners, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) is developing field-portable methods for measuring airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS), specifically the polymorph α-quartz, in mine dusts. In this study we demonstrate the feasibility of end-of-shift measurement of α-quartz using a direct-on-filter (DoF) method to analyze coal mine dust samples deposited onto polyvinyl chloride filters. The DoF method is potentially amenable for on-site analyses, but deviates from the current regulatory determination of RCS for coal mines by eliminating two sample preparation steps: ashing the sampling filter and redepositing the ash prior to quantification by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. In this study, the FT-IR spectra of 66 coal dust samples from active mines were used, and the RCS was quantified by using: (1) an ordinary least squares (OLS) calibration approach that utilizes standard silica material as done in the Mine Safety and Health Administration's P7 method; and (2) a partial least squares (PLS) regression approach. Both were capable of accounting for kaolinite, which can confound the IR analysis of silica. The OLS method utilized analytical standards for silica calibration and kaolin correction, resulting in a good linear correlation with P7 results and minimal bias but with the accuracy limited by the presence of kaolinite. The PLS approach also produced predictions well-correlated to the P7 method, as well as better accuracy in RCS prediction, and no bias due to variable kaolinite mass. Besides decreased sensitivity to mineral or substrate confounders, PLS has the advantage that the analyst is not required to correct for the presence of kaolinite or background interferences related to the substrate, making the method potentially viable for automated RCS prediction in the field. This study demonstrated the efficacy of FT-IR transmission spectrometry for silica determination in coal mine dusts, using both OLS and PLS analyses, when kaolinite was present.
Direct Au and Cu wire bonding on Cu/low-k BEOL

The purpose of this work is to develop a technique which allows for direct Cu and Au wire bonding on Cu/low-k BEOL Si chips. In order to accomplish bond pad cleanliness and minimum oxidation, a thin organic self assembled monolayer (SAM) has been used, which protects the metal surface. A number of organic compounds have been evaluated and the process of application onto Si wafers optimized. The processing of the organic layers is performed at wafer level, before dicing the individual chips, providing protection up to the wire bonding process. Patterned Cu features on oxide have been tested, achieving a close to 100% bond stick rate. Further work is being performed on optimization of the SAM coating process on 8" Si wafers and reliability of the bonds and the coating itself. Direct bonding of Cu and Au wire onto Cu bond pads has been achieved. Preliminary results on various organic coatings for Cu pad protection show promising application of this technology. Moreover, the further broadening of these results to full Cu/low-k BEOL Si devices has been demonstrated. Ease of manufacturability of the process and reliability of the results, could lead to a trouble-free scaling of this technology into industrial dimension.
Nonlinear feedback control of chaos in permanent magnet synchronous motor

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) will demonstrate chaotic phenomena when its parameters fall into a certain area. The performance of PMSM will degrade because of chaos. Therefore, chaos should be suppressed or eliminated. According to the features of this practical plant, the drawbacks of existing control methods are analyzed, and the nonlinear feedback control method is suggested to control the chaos in PMSM. The nonlinear feedback principle is developed using the direct axis and the quadrature axis stator voltage as manipulated variables. The control target will become a unique asymptotically stable equilibrium under the nonlinear feedback principle, by this way, the controlled states can reach the target and the control objective can be implemented. This method can be physically realized using nonlinear state feedback. The control forces can be put into effect at any time. The target of the method may be any point in the strange attractor. The influence of the model error and the measurement noise upon the control performance is studied via simulations. Simulation results show the effectiveness of this method under the presence of the model error and the measurement noise
Ankle Pathologic Gait Assistance of a Hip Exoskeleton: Simulation and Experiment

This letter presents a simulation framework for hip assistance in ankle pathologies. We first constructed the neuromuscular walking model, then designed the parameters for assistance torques for stance and swing legs. The parameter values were determined by carrying out dynamic optimizations that takes into account the human-exoskeleton interactive dynamics. The case studies involved abnormal gaits with foot drop, and foot drop and plantarflexion failure. We conducted clinical trials on Charcot–Marie–Tooth patients with various degree of severity using the assistance torque generated by the simulation. We evaluated the gait speed for different gait types with different assistance timings. Our results show that the assistance customization of various gait types is essential for maximizing the assistance effect.