Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unexpected and disruptive changes in admissions associated with an infectious-like event experienced at a hospital in Berkshire, England around May of 2012.

Aims: To study the effect of a large infectious-like event on admissions to, and bed occupancy in, a very large acute hospital in Reading (western Berkshire) England, observed to commence in the early part of 2012. These changes occurred in parallel with infectious-like spread of an agent leading to increased medical admissions across the whole of Berkshire. Study Design: Longitudinal study of hospital admissions, bed occupancy and deaths. Place and Duration of Study: Admissions and deaths at the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (England) between April 2008 and September 2013. Methodology: A running 12 month total of admissions, deaths and occupied beds was constructed from aggregated hospital admission and discharge data. Trends were analysed by admission type, discharge destination, specialty, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) primary diagnosis and Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) v4 chapter. Results: Admissions, deaths and occupied beds all showed a simultaneous step-like increase around March to June of 2012, which led to considerable operational pressure and a marked reduction in elective overnight surgery due to reduced bed availability. The increase in in-hospital Original Research Article Jones; BJMMR, 6(1): 56-76, 2015; Article no.BJMMR. 2015.184 57 deaths exhibited a curious time cascade which was specific for various diagnoses. Deaths first increased for those with cancers or intestinal conditions in January 2012, followed by hepatic, diabetic and asthma in February 2012, then a time series of other conditions, through to arthritis and arthrosis conditions in July 2012. All of these occurred at a time when deaths across the whole of the UK showed a large and unexpected increase. Conclusion: A new type of infectious event is strongly implicated which appears to exert its clinical effects via some form of immune impairment. The agent leads to a persistent infection. The immune modifying virus, cytomegalovirus, which (in other studies) is associated with a 20% higher odds ratio for all-cause mortality, has been circumstantially implicated, however, this requires confirmation.
Social networking for scientists: an analysis on how and why academics use ResearchGate

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the usage and utility of ResearchGate (RG), which is a social networking site where scientists disseminate their work and build their reputations. In a sample consisting largely of American and European academics, the authors analyzed the ways they use the site, what they thought about the site’s utility, and the effects of usage on career outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The authors employed an online survey approach to target scientists who have an active RG account. Scientists who were not users were also recruited in order to get a better idea of the reasons for their nonuse. Findings Most academics who have an RG account did not use it very heavily. Users did not perceive many benefits from using the site, and RG use was not related to career satisfaction or informational benefits, but was related to productivity and stress. Research limitations/implications Systematic research is needed to explore positive and negative consequences of using professional social media in academia, especially productivity and stress. Findings also suggest that RG needs to increase user engagement. Originality/value This study is one of the first to closely examine how and why people in academia use professional social media sites and whether usage leads to perceived benefits and effects on more general career outcomes.
Achados fundoscópicos em crianças portadoras de anemia falciforme no estado do Rio Grande do Norte

Purpose: To point out the main fundoscopic findings in children with sickle cell trait hemoglobinopathies. Methods: We studied 26 patients with sickle cell hemoglobinopathies in the ophthalmological ward at the Hospital Universitario Onofre Lopes, Natal, RN. The patients were submitted to a research questionnaire and the results were statistically evaluated by the c2 test. Results: The average age was 10,6 years, with visual acuity equal or better than 20/25 in the majority, except for three eyes which presented other associated pathologies. The most frequent type was SS in 57.7% (15/26) of cases, followed by SC e SA in 15.4% (4/26) each, and by S-Thal in 11.5% (3/26). The frequency of sickle cell retinopathy was higher after 10 years of age, being more frequent, in relative values, in type S-Thal (100%) and, in absolute values, in type SS (9 cases). The two most common findings were venous tortuosity (12/26) and "black sunburst" (7/26). Conclusion: We observed that the incidence of retinopathy in sickle cell increased with age over 10 years and no evidence of proliferative disease was found. Therefore, we emphasize the need for early ophthalmological examination in carriers of sickle cell disease as a form of preventing future complications.
To what extent does the Leiden manifesto also apply to altmetrics? A discussion of the manifesto against the background of research into altmetrics

Purpose – Hicks et al. (2015) have formulated the so-called Leiden manifesto, in which they have assembled the ten principles for a meaningful evaluation of research on the basis of bibliometric data. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – In this work the attempt is made to indicate the relevance of the Leiden manifesto for altmetrics. Findings – As shown by the discussion of the ten principles against the background of the knowledge about and the research into altmetrics, the principles also have a great importance for altmetrics and should be taken into account in their application. Originality/value – Altmetrics is already frequently used in the area of research evaluation. Thus, it is important that the user of altmetrics data knows the relevance of the Leiden manifesto also in this area.
Antecedents of consumer intention to follow and recommend an Instagram account

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of consumers’ perceived enjoyment and usefulness on their intention to follow and recommend an official account of a brand community on Instagram through satisfaction, following a perception-evaluation-intention chain. ,The present study suggests that both perceived enjoyment and usefulness have a positive influence on satisfaction, which in turn affects intended following and recommendation of an account on Instagram. Data are collected from 548 members of a fashion brand community official Instagram account. After the validation of measurement scales, the hypotheses are contrasted using a structural equation model. ,Results show that both perceived enjoyment and usefulness have a positive effect on satisfaction with the Instagram account, which in turn positively affects the intention to follow and recommend the account. Specifically, satisfaction fully mediates the influence of perceptions on intentions, except for the influence of perceived usefulness on intended recommendation as these variables are also directly linked. ,The findings help managers to understand consumers’ behavioral intentions on Instagram and note the relevant role of perceived enjoyment and usefulness in creating a satisfactory experience in this context. ,Nowadays, brands and users are continuously joining Instagram and, as a result of its growing importance, there is a need to better understand consumer behavior in this context. This research analyses the antecedents of both the intention to follow and recommend an account on Instagram.
Do natural language search engines really understand what users want?: A comparative study on three natural language search engines and Google

Purpose – The main purpose of this research is to determine whether the performance of natural language (NL) search engines in retrieving exact answers to the NL queries differs from that of keyword searching search engines. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 40 natural language queries were posed to Google and three NL search engines: Ask.com, Hakia and Bing. The first results pages were compared in terms of retrieving exact answer documents and whether they were at the top of the retrieved results, and the precision of exact answer and relevant documents. Findings – Ask.com retrieved exact answer document descriptions at the top of the results list in 60 percent of searches, which was better than the other search engines, but the mean value of the number of exact answer top list documents for three NL search engines (20.67) was a little less than Google's (21). There was no significant difference between the precision for Google and three NL search engines in retrieving exact answer documents for NL queries. Practical implications – The results imply that all NL and keyword searching search engines studied in this research mostly employ similar techniques using keywords of the NL queries, which is far from semantic searching and understanding what the user wants in searching with NL queries. Originality/value – The results shed light into the claims of NL search engines regarding semantic searching of NL queries.
Impacts of Differences in Epidemiological Case Definitions on Prevalence for Upper-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders

Objective: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate prevalence based on variations in case definitions used for epidemiological studies of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Background: Prior studies of MSDs have mostly relied on a single case definition based on questionnaires. Method: In a multicenter prospective cohort study, we systematically collected data to evaluate impacts of differences in case definitions of MSDs on prevalence of three common musculoskeletal disorders: (a) shoulder tendinosis, (b) lateral epicondylalgia, and (c) carpal tunnel syndrome. Production workers were from 21 employment settings in three diverse U.S. states and performed widely varying work. All workers completed laptop-administered structured interviews, two standardized physical examinations, and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Case definitions included symptoms only, and symptoms plus physical examinations and/or NCS. Results: A total of 1,227 subjects had complete health data at baseline. The prevalence for shoulder tendinosis is 23.0% if only glenohumeral pain is used for a case definition, compared with 8.0% if a combination of pain plus a positive supraspinatus test is used. The prevalence for lateral epicondylalgia varied on the basis of lateral elbow pain (12.0%), pain plus tenderness on palpation (9.9%), or pain plus tenderness on palpation plus resisted wrist or middle finger extension (3.5%). Carpal tunnel syndrome prevalence varied on the basis of tingling or numbness in a median nerve–served digit (29.9%) or tingling or numbness plus NCS abnormalities consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome (9.0%). Conclusion: Variations in epidemiological case definitions have major impacts on prevalence of common MSDs. Wide-ranging differences in prevalence may have impacts on purported risk factors that need to be determined.
Force-on-Force Handgun Practice

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore human factors aspects of reality-based “force-on-force” (FoF) handgun practice through a within-subjects field experiment that assessed subjective stress measurements, biomarker regulation, performance outcomes, and behavioral adaptations. Background: FoF handgun practice is a recent training asset for armed officers whereby dynamic opponents may act, react, and even retaliate with specially designed marker ammunition. Predesigned scenarios enable trainees to practice in a simulated real-life environment. Method: A sample of experienced military personnel (N = 20) ran a handgun workshop in two conditions: FoF practice and traditional cardboard-target practice. Intra-individual assessments included anticipated distress, subjective stress, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), shooting accuracy, and directly observable training seriousness. Results: Compared with the standard cardboard practice condition, FoF exposure caused significant increases in anticipatory distress, subjective stress, and sAA secretion. Furthermore, participants’ first encounter with FoF practice (vs. cardboard practice) substantially degraded their shooting performance and had a significant positive impact on the earnestness with which they approached their mission during the workshop. Conclusion: FoF practice is an effective training tool for armed officers because it simulates a realistic work environment by increasing task-specific stress such that it affects important outcomes of professional performance and leads to desirable behavioral changes during training. Application: Potential applications of this research include the introduction of biomarker assessments in human factors research and the design, based on reality-based practice, of effective training procedures for high-reliability professionals.
Optimum receiver design for wireless broad-band systems using OFDM. I

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is the technique of choice in digital broad-band applications that must cope with highly dispersive transmission media at low receiver implementation cost. In this paper, we focus on the inner OFDM receiver and its functions necessary to demodulate the received signal and deliver soft information to the outer receiver for decoding. The effects of relevant nonideal transmission conditions are thoroughly analyzed: imperfect channel estimation, symbol frame offset, carrier and sampling clock frequency offset, time-selective fading, and critical analog components. Through an appropriate optimization criterion (signal-to-noise ratio loss), minimum requirements on each receiver synchronization function are systematically derived. An equivalent signal model encompassing the effects of all relevant imperfections is then formulated in a generalized framework. The paper concludes with an outline of synchronization strategies.
Neonatal Tetanus in Nigeria: One Social Scourge too many!

Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates in Nigeria and every case is an embarrassment to the health services provided in the country. Nigeria is one of 27 countries that account for 90 percent of the global burden of NNT. Major contributors to the persistently high incidence of NNT in the country include declining tetanus toxoid vaccine coverage rate among pregnant women and delivery by untrained personnel. We believe that the major thrust in preventing NNT should be the improvement in the coverage rate of the five-dose schedule. This could be achieved by incorporating this schedule into the School Health Programme. Its overall elimination in the country requires the concerted efforts of several stakeholders – adolescents and women of childbearing age, including pregnant women, health care providers at all levels, educational and other sectors. Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics Vol.31(1) 2004: 1-9
Blurred image restoration using the type of blur and blur parameter identification on the neural network

As a rule, blur is a form of bandwidth reduction of an ideal image owing to the imperfect image formation process. It can be caused by relative motion between the camera and the original scene, or by an optical system that is out of focus. Today there are different techniques available for solving of the restoration problem including Fourier domain techniques, regularization methods, recursive and iterative filters to name a few. But without knowing at least approximate parameters of the blur, these filters show poor results. If incorrect blur model is chosen then the image will be rather distorted much more than restored. The original solution of the blur and blur parameters identification problem is presented in this paper. A neural network based on multi-valued neurons is used for the blur and blur parameters identification. It is shown that using simple single-layered neural network it is possible to identify the type of the distorting operator. Four types of blur are considered: defocus, rectangular, motion and Gaussian ones. The parameters of the corresponding operator are identified using a similar neural network. After a type of blur and its parameters identification the image can be restored using several kinds of methods. Some fundamentals of image restoration are also considered.
Measuring Individual Differences in Driver Inattention

Objective: The aim of this research was (a) to study driver inattention as a trait-like variable and (b) to provide new evidence of validity for the Attention-Related Driving Errors Scale (ARDES). Background: Driving inattention is approached from an individual differences perspective. We are interested in how drivers vary in their propensity to experience failures of attention and in the methods to measure these differences. Method: In a first sample (n = 301), we tested, via confirmatory factor analysis, a new theoretical model for the ARDES. In a second sample (n = 201), we evaluated the relationship between inattention and internal and external sources of distraction and social desirability bias in ARDES responses. A subsample (n = 65) was reevaluated to study temporal stability of the ARDES scores. Results: Errors measured by the ARDES can be classified according to the driving task level at which they occur (navigation, maneuvering, or control). Differences in ARDES scores based on collision history were observed. ARDES was related to internal sources of distraction and was independent of the level of exposure to distracting activities. Test-retest showed a high degree of stability in ARDES scores. Low correlations were found with a social desirability measure. Conclusion: ARDES appears to measure a personal trait that remains relatively stable over time and is relatively independent of distracting activities. New evidence of validity emerged for this self-report. Application: ARDES can be used to measure individual differences in driving inattention and to help tailor preventive interventions for inattentive drivers. It can serve as an instrument of driver self-assessment in educational and training contexts.
Static Anthropometric Dimensions in a Population of Iranian High School Students

Background: Anthropometric dimensions of the end users should be measured in order to create a basis for manufacturing of different products. This study was designed to measure some static anthropometric dimensions in Iranian high school students, considering ethnic differences. Method: Nineteen static anthropometric dimensions of high school students were measured and compared among different Iranian ethnicities (Fars, Turk, Kurd, Lor, Baluch, and Arab) and different genders. Results: In this study, 9,476 subjects (4,703 boys and 4,773 girls) ages 15 to 18 years in six ethnicities were assessed. The difference among ethnicities was statistically significant for all dimensions (p values < .001 for each dimension). Conclusion: This study showed statistically significant differences in 19 static anthropometric dimensions among high school students regarding gender, age, and ethnicity.
Stigma and disclosure as barriers to regular dental care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape, South Africa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the oral health care experiences of people living with HIV in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape (WC) and also to identify the role of stigma and discrimination in the oral health care experiences for people living with HIV in KZN and the WC. Design/methodology/approach – This study was a survey among HIV-positive people attending selected Community Health Centres and regional hospitals, HIV clinics in KZN and WC provinces in South Africa. The sample consisted of people living with HIV that were 18 years or older and who had given written, informed consent. A cross-sectional study structure has been employed using a standardized format using a semi-structured interview and an administered questionnaire to collect data. The study classified participants as living in metropolitan or non-metropolitan areas. Findings – Apprehension of loss of confidentiality, stigma and discrimination were the barriers that deterred participants from seeking care. Resp.
Should Drivers Be Operating Within an Automation-Free Bandwidth? Evaluating Haptic Steering Support Systems With Different Levels of Authority

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare continuous versus bandwidth haptic steering guidance in terms of lane-keeping behavior, aftereffects, and satisfaction. Background: An important human factors question is whether operators should be supported continuously or only when tolerance limits are exceeded. We aimed to clarify this issue for haptic steering guidance by investigating costs and benefits of both approaches in a driving simulator. Methods: Thirty-two participants drove five trials, each with a different level of haptic support: no guidance (Manual); guidance outside a 0.5-m bandwidth (Band1); a hysteresis version of Band1, which guided back to the lane center once triggered (Band2); continuous guidance (Cont); and Cont with double feedback gain (ContS). Participants performed a reaction time task while driving. Toward the end of each trial, the guidance was unexpectedly disabled to investigate aftereffects. Results: All four guidance systems prevented large lateral errors (>0.7 m). Cont and especially ContS yielded smaller lateral errors and higher time to line crossing than Manual, Band1, and Band2. Cont and ContS yielded short-lasting aftereffects, whereas Band1 and Band2 did not. Cont yielded higher self-reported satisfaction and faster reaction times than Band1. Conclusions: Continuous and bandwidth guidance both prevent large driver errors. Continuous guidance yields improved performance and satisfaction over bandwidth guidance at the cost of aftereffects and variability in driver torque (indicating human–automation conflicts). Application: The presented results are useful for designers of haptic guidance systems and support critical thinking about the costs and benefits of automation support systems.
Age Effect on Jumping Techniques and Lower Limb Stiffness During Vertical Jump

The spring-mass system is a reasonable model of the whole phenomenon of musculotendinous stiffness of the lower limbs. This study was to investigate the developmental effect on jumping techniques and lower-limb stiffness during vertical jumping. Nine children and nine adults participated in the study. A Peak high-speed camera was synchronized with a Kistler force plate (600Hz) to collect the biomechanics parameters. Differences between mean values were analyzed by a t-test for independent samples. The present research showed that during downward countermovement, the 18-year-old group produced a larger displacement of ankle, knee, and CG in crouch phase (p < .05) and higher vertical ground reaction forces, whereas the CG was lowest (p < .05), and that the group produced greater leg and joint stiffness (p < .05) to create larger elastic energy generation and storage. For the 6-year-old group, the lower extremity could not be extended completely during push phase. Thus, the lack of prestretch, lower stiffness, and incomplete extension in the 6-year-old group is thought to influence jumping performance.