Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dependence and perceived difficulty in daily activities in community-living stroke survivors 2 years after stroke: a study of instrumental structures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is a need for better understanding of the structure of instruments for functional outcome assessment after discharge from rehabilitation. One purpose of the study was to contribute to the analysis of instrumental dimensionality. Another purpose was to compare disability in stroke patients within the younger age range 2 years after onset of stroke with that at discharge with respect to both dependence and patients' perceived difficulty and to extend the assessments with instrumental activities. METHODS We studied 68 stroke survivors aged 18 to 71 years at onset (59% aged <55 years) by means of interviews in their home, using activities from the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Instrumental Activity Measure (IAM) for ratings of dependence and perceived difficulty. Rasch analysis was used to construct calibrated linear measures and to evaluate the level of fit. RESULTS Acceptable models for comparison of dependence between discharge and follow-up were found for the physical and the social-cognitive items in FIM. However, personal care and social-cognitive items showed an increased level of dependence at follow-up compared with at discharge. A combination of physical activities from FIM and IAM also gave acceptable models for both dependence and perceived difficulty, and the hierarchical orders of activities are presented. In general, there was agreement between the ratings of dependence and perceived difficulty, but with some discrepancies. Men found it harder to be independent in such instrumental activities as cooking and cleaning than women; the opposite was true for small-scale shopping and locomotion outdoors. Subjects aged > or =55 years had slightly higher level of dependence and perceived difficulty in IAM activities than those below that age. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the hierarchical order of activities should be taken into account in follow-up studies. Differences in the environment between hospital and home, as well as differences in support and motivation, might explain the relatively larger degree of dependence at follow-up compared with at discharge and indicate the need for further rehabilitation efforts. Instrumental activities could be combined with FIM activities in a model. For individual items, ratings of both dependence and perceived difficulty may provide further insight into the disablement process.
"Quality of life": a brand new concept for research and practice in psychiatry.

Since the '70s, the assessment of quality of life (QOL) has grown from a 'small cottage' industry to a formal discipline within a coherent theoretical framework, accepted methods, and manifold applications. In recent years, QOL has become increasingly popular as a useful variable tailored to assess the overall impact of diseases and medical treatments from the patient's point of view. In this updating paper, we describe the most frequently used instruments, and discuss the conceptual and practical issues concerning QOL evaluation, as applied to the study of mental disorders. In addition, we present a unifying definition of QOL that has recently been developed by the World Health Organization. Finally, we conclude that QOL measures are potentially useful methods to be applied to research and clinical practice in psychiatry -- especially when used to demonstrate the impact of mental illnesses and the possible benefits of therapeutic interventions.
An exploration of the relationship between poor parent-child attachment and callous-unemotional traits in a sample of high-risk young offenders

Part one is a systematic literature review examining the relationship between poor attachment and psychopathic traits. The review is split into to two distinct areas: literature examining the parent-child relationship and psychopathy is discussed first, followed by research from the psychoanalytic field utilising object relations and Rorschach methods. Part two is an empirical paper exploring the relationships between poor parent-child attachment and callous-unemotional traits in a sample of high risk young offenders. This research was completed as part of a joint project (statement of joint research in appendix 1) with Ruth Dawson, which examined a range of risk factors associated with callous-unemotional traits in young offenders. Part three is a critical appraisal of the research process. It contains a brief outline of my interest in the research area and a discussion about the selection of measures of attachment, callous-unemotional traits and delinquency, paying particular the attention to issues around the use of self-report methods. It also includes a reflection on some of the issues associated with working in Secure Training Centres (STC’s) and some personal reflections on working with young offenders.
Comparative genomics of the tardigrades Hypsibius dujardini and Ramazzottius varieornatus

Tardigrada, a phylum of meiofaunal organisms, have been at the center of discussions of the evolution of Metazoa, the biology of survival in extreme environments, and the role of horizontal gene transfer in animal evolution. Tardigrada are placed as sisters to Arthropoda and Onychophora (velvet worms) in the superphylum Ecdysozoa by morphological analyses, but many molecular phylogenies fail to recover this relationship. This tension between molecular and morphological understanding may be very revealing of the mode and patterns of evolution of major groups. Similar to bdelloid rotifers, nematodes and other animals of the water film, limno-terrestrial tardigrades display extreme cryptobiotic abilities, including anhydrobiosis and cryobiosis. These extremophile behaviors challenge understanding of normal, aqueous physiology: how does a multicellular organism avoid lethal cellular collapse in the absence of liquid water? Meiofaunal species have been reported to have elevated levels of HGT events, but how important this is in evolution, and in particular in the evolution of extremophile physiology, is unclear. To address these questions, we resequenced and reassembled the genome of Hypsibius dujardini, a limno-terrestrial tardigrade that can undergo anhydrobiosis only after extensive pre-exposure to drying conditions, and compared it to the genome of Ramazzottius varieornatus, a related species with tolerance to rapid desiccation. The two species had contrasting gene expression responses to anhydrobiosis, with major transcriptional change in H. dujardini but limited regulation in R. varieornatus. We identified few horizontally transferred genes, but some of these were shown to be involved in entry into anhydrobiosis. Whole-genome molecular phylogenies supported a Tardigrada+Nematoda relationship over Tardigrada+Arthropoda, but rare genomic changes tended to support Tardigrada+Arthropoda.
The Development of Imagery in Dance: Part I: Qualitative Findings from Professional Dancers

A series of two studies was undertaken to investigate the development of imagery among dancers and how dance teachers might affect the imagery development process. The first study is reported here, the second in Part II. For the present study, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 female (n = 9) and male (n = 5) professional dancers from a range of ages and dance forms. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and content-analyzed with NVivo 4.0. Results fell into three categories: Early Experiences, Teachers, and Imagery Changes. Findings included few dancers having been taught about imagery, and that dancers often preferred teachers who gave plenty of images so that each dancer could use images that suited his or her own needs. As dancers became more accomplished, imagery typically changed toward more frequent, complex, and kinesthetic images. Suggestions for further research and ideas for practical application are provided.
Teacher Self-concept and Student Culture in the First Year of Teaching

[When I plan] I see myself. I . close my eyes and . see myselfjust like in a [video] replay. I see myself presenting material [and] I go through it, step by step; [I’m] not just thinking [and] talking, but [I see] an actual . picture . , [my] interaction with [the students], and their faces. Maybe that’s the [source] of [the] frustration . [that] I’m feeling. I don’t know anybody’s face; I don’t [know their] personalities!
Effect of intravenous anesthesia with propofol versus isoflurane inhalation anesthesia in postoperative pain of inguinal herniotomy: a randomized clinical trial

Postoperative pain is a common problem after inguinal herniotomy. We aimed to compare the intravenous anesthesia effects of propofol and isoflurane inhalation anesthesia on postoperative pain after inguinal herniotomy. In a randomized clinical trial, 102 eligible patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided in two groups. In the first group, propofol was used for the maintenance of anesthesia, while isoflurane was used in the second group. The patient’s heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation before, during and after surgery, recovery time and postoperative pain were measured immediately, 2, 4 and 6 hours after surgery and compared between two groups. T-test, and repeated measurement test were used for statistical analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed in heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). Propofol has higher effect in easing postoperative pain of patients than isoflurane, but no difference in postoperative complications, including chills, nausea and vomiting, occurs in both two groups. Propofol is effective in declining the postoperative pain of patients after anesthesia in comparison with isoflurane. Moreover, due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of propofol, it is preferred to isoflurane and the authors recommended it to be used.
A multiple case study investigating the influence of homeschool parents' perceptions of success on the learning environment

The purpose of this instrumental multiple case study was to understand how a select group of homeschool parents in the U.S. defines success as it pertains to their children’s education, and how their ideas about success influence the learning environment that they established. The study examined the cases of eight homeschool families from the perspective of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. I used Tomlinson’s methodology of differentiated instruction as the conceptual framework, and I examined the cases with particular emphasis on this framework’s primary pedagogical constructs of content, process, and product. I collected data through an open-ended questionnaire, interviews with the parents, primary educator interviews, and a focus group. I coded and analyzed the data using methodological approaches proposed by Stake (1995, 2006) so that I could paint textual pictures of each of the individual cases and present an aggregate portrait of all participant cases. The findings revealed that homeschool families’ definitions of success are comprised of academic proficiency, love of learning, ability to think critically, communication skills, healthy relationships, strength of character, and spiritual security. With regard to the learning environment, the findings further revealed that, in order to accomplish these goals, these families focus on curriculum choice, involvement with external educational resources, integration of subjects, teaching to the child’s strengths, discussion and questioning, mastery of subject matter, independence, and practical application.
Weight-bearing passive dorsiflexion of the hallux in standing is not related to hallux dorsiflexion during walking.

STUDY DESIGN Case control study. OBJECTIVE To explore the validity of the assumptions underpinning the Hubscher maneuver of hallux dorsiflexion in relaxed standing, by comparing the relationship between static and dynamic first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint motions in groups differentiated by normal and abnormal clinical test findings. BACKGROUND Limitation of motion at the first MTP joint during gait may be due to either structural or functional factors. Functional hallux limitus (FHL) has been proposed as a term to describe the situation in which the first MTP joint shows no limitation when non-weight bearing, but shows limited dorsiflexion during gait. One clinical test of first MTP joint limitation during standing (the Hubscher maneuver or Jack's test) has become widely used in physical therapy, orthopedic, and podiatric assessments, supposedly to assess for the presence of hallux limitations during gait. The utility of the test is based on an assumption that restriction during the static maneuver is predictive of functional limitation at this joint during gait. Despite a lack of evidence for the validity of such an assumption, the outcome of the static test is often used to infer risk of overuse injury or as an outcome for functional therapy. This paper examines the validity of the assumptions supporting this widely used static test. METHODS AND MEASURES First-MTP-joint motion was assessed using an electromagnetic motion tracking system in cases (n = 15) demonstrating clinically limited passive hallux dorsiflexion in relaxed standing, and in 15 controls matched for age and gender and demonstrating a clinically normal Hubscher maneuver. Maximum hallux dorsiflexion was measured with the subject non-weight bearing (seated), during relaxed standing, and during normal walking. RESULTS Hallux dorsiflexion was similar in cases and controls when motions were measured non-weight bearing (cases mean +/- SD, 55.0 degrees +/- 11.0 degrees; controls mean + SD, 55.0 degrees +/- 10.7 degrees), confirming the absence of structural joint change. In relaxed standing, maximum dorsiflexion was 50% less in cases (mean +/- SD, 19.0 degrees +/- 8.9 degrees) than in the controls (mean +/- SD, 39.4 degrees +/- 6.1 degrees; P < .001), supporting the initial test outcome and confirming the visual test observation of static functional limitation in the case group. During gait, however, cases (mean +/- SD, 36.4 degrees +/- 9.1 degrees), and controls (mean +/- SD, 36.9 degrees +/- 7.9 degrees) demonstrated comparable maximum dorsiflexion (P = .902). There was no significant relationship between static and dynamic first MTP joint motions (r = 0.186, P = .325). CONCLUSION The clinical test of limited passive hallux dorsiflexion in stance is a valid test only of hallux dorsiflexion available during relaxed standing. There is no association between maximum dorsiflexion observed during a static weight-bearing examination and that occurring at the same joint during walking.
Comparative language fuzz testing: programming languages vs. fat fingers

We explore how programs written in ten popular programming languages are affected by small changes of their source code. This allows us to analyze the extend to which these languages allow the detection of simple errors at compile or at run time. Our study is based on a diverse corpus of programs written in several programming languages systematically perturbed using a mutation-based fuzz generator. The results we obtained prove that languages with weak type systems are significantly likelier than languages that enforce strong typing to let fuzzed programs compile and run, and, in the end, produce erroneous results. More importantly, our study also demonstrates the potential of comparative language fuzz testing for evaluating programming language designs.
Optimal and Second Best Timing of Environmental Cleanups

Yearly allocations to EPA Superfund cleanups are relatively fixed, but like other federal agencies, the EPA is given significant flexibility over where to clean sites that do not pose an immediate threat to human health. Given that Superfund cleanups are associated with local economic benefits, such as increased housing values, we show in a theoretical model that spatially heterogeneous economic conditions can influence the optimal and second-best timing of environmental cleanups. When a localized environmental problem is identified, there may be an incentive for the regulator to wait to clean it up in order to use cleanup funds at sites where immediate productivity gains from remediation are more valuable. Using carefully calibrated Monte Carlo simulations, we find that expected welfare costlessly increases by . 05%-. 25% at site locations (i.e., a 0.2%-1.0% increase in consumption) if the EPA were to account for economic criteria in ordering their cleanup decisions. JEL Codes: Q52, Q58, H4
DENTAL SERVICES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS ITS REGULAR UTILIZATION AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Background: Regular utilization of dental services is key to the attainment of optimal oral health state, an integral component of general health and well being needed for effective productivity by working personnel. Objective: This study assessed the rate and pattern of dental service utilization among civil servants and their attitudes towards its regular use. Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select participants from the Federal Secretariat in Ibadan, Nigeria. A structured, standardized, pretested and self-administered questionnaire was utilized to elicit responses on dental services and attitudes towards their regular utilization. Responses to knowledge and attitude questions were scored and categorized. Chi-squared test was used to test associations between variables at 5% level of significance. Results: A total of 400 civil servants participated in the study. Their mean age was 44.0 ±7.3years. Many 291(72.8%) were well informed about dental health care and services, but few 156 (39%) had ever utilized it. Of the utilizers, 32 (20.5%) visited within the previous one year period, while others last visited in more than one year period. Few 17 (10.9%) of the utilizers visited for routine dental checks, 103 (66%) for acute pain relief, while the rest had other dental health care needs. The majority 312 (78.0%) showed positive attitude towards regular dental service utilization and this improved with higher educational attainment, improved level of income, being aware of dental services and having ever utilized it (all p<0.05). Conclusion: Despite the awareness and positive attitude towards regular dental service use, their utilization rate was relatively low, episodic and problem driven. Appropriate oral health promotion strategies to enhance utilization of preventive dental services are strongly recommended for them.
Motivation and satisfaction among polyclinic volunteers at the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

BACKGROUND The Olympic and Paralympic Games rely heavily on volunteers to provide many essential services, including medical care of athletes. OBJECTIVE This preliminary investigation sought to characterise the motivational influences and factors responsible for the satisfaction of Olympic and Paralympic healthcare volunteers. METHODS The 2002 Winter Games polyclinic healthcare volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit information about their motives for volunteering and the factors that contributed to their satisfaction with their volunteer experience. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the motivation or satisfaction summary scores based on event worked. There was a strong positive correlation between motivation and satisfaction. Physician respondents had a lower mean motivation score than did non-physician volunteers. CONCLUSIONS There were no significant motivational differences between Olympic and Paralympic volunteers, but there were several differences noted between physician and non-physician volunteers. The 2002 polyclinic volunteers appear to have been motivated by a complex process best described as "enlightened self interest," and all were generally well satisfied with their experience. These results may assist organisers of future Games in selecting appropriately motivated volunteer personnel and creating rewarding work environments for them.
Seven- to 11-Year-Olds’ Developing Ability to Recognize Natural Facial Expressions of Basic Emotions

Being able to recognize facial expressions of basic emotions is of great importance to social development. However, we still know surprisingly little about children’s developing ability to interpret emotions that are expressed dynamically, naturally, and subtly, despite real-life expressions having such appearance in the vast majority of cases. The current research employs a new technique of capturing dynamic, subtly expressed natural emotional displays (happy, sad, angry, shocked, and disgusted). Children aged 7, 9, and 11 years (and adults) were systematically able to discriminate each emotional display from alternatives in a five-way choice. Children were most accurate in identifying the expression of happiness and were also relatively accurate in identifying the expression of sadness; they were far less accurate than adults in identifying shocked and disgusted. Children who performed well academically also tended to be the most accurate in recognizing expressions, and this relationship maintained independently of chronological age. Generally, the findings testify to a well-developed ability to recognize very subtle naturally occurring expressions of emotions.
Dynamic Control of a Flow-Rack Automated Storage and Retrieval System

In this paper we propose a control scheme based on coloured Petri net (CPN) for a flow-rack automated storage and retrieval system. The AS/RS is modelled using Coloured Petri nets, the developed model has been used to capture and provide the rack state. We introduce in the control system an optimization module as a decision process which performs a real-time optimization working on a discrete events time scale. The objective is to find bin locations for the retrieval requests by minimizing the total number of retrieval cycles for a batch of requests and thereby increase the system throughput. By solving the optimization model, the proposed method gives according to customers request and the rack state, the best bin locations for retrieval, i.e. allowing at the same time to satisfy the customers request and carrying out the minimum of retrieval cycles.
Nutritional and cognitive relationships and long-term mortality in patients with various dementia disorders.

BACKGROUND Subjects with dementia are at risk for protein-energy malnutrition. OBJECTIVE To study the nutritional status, the short-term effects of adapted nutritional routines and the long-term mortality in subjects admitted for evaluation of cognitive dysfunction. DESIGN prospective observational study. SETTING University Hospital. SUBJECTS A total of 231 patients (80 +/- 7 years, 65% women). METHODS Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), serum concentrations of albumin, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid and haemoglobin as well as Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE, 0-30 p) results and co-morbidity were recorded at hospital admittance and before discharge. Seven years later, mortality was registered. RESULTS Mean BMI was in the normal range (23.3 +/- 4) as were the biochemical indices, and they did not vary among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), mild cognitive impairment, mixed dementia and other diagnoses. A BMI of <23 was found in 108 (52%) subjects. Weight and MMSE score correlated weakly (r = 0.18, P < 0.01) at inclusion. During a median hospital stay of 3 weeks, an average weight gain of 0.5 +/- 1.8 kg (P < 0.001) and an increase in MMSE score of 0.9 +/- 3 (P < 0.001) was observed. However, these changes did not correlate. A BMI of <23 was associated with an increased risk for 7-year mortality (OR 3, 95% CI = 1.3-6.7), which was independent of age, male gender, dementia diagnosis and co-morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Nutritional status did not vary in patients with various dementia diagnoses. A BMI of <23 was related to reduced 7-year survival, but this result was independent of co-morbidity, male gender and age.