Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patients' expectations and satisfaction in a teaching hospital outpatient clinic, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objective: To assess the expectations and study of patients receiving outpatient hospital care. Design: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted using a structured questionnaire form on a random sample of outpatient clinic attendants. Setting: The outpatient department clinics at King Fahad University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Subjects: A sample of 1232 subjects attending 6 outpatient clinics. Methods: Direct interviewing of subjects using a structured questionnaire was carried out. Information collected were basic demographic data regarding subjects expectations and satisfaction regarding aspects of outpatient health care. The assessed questionnaire reliability was 71%. Results: The highest rate of satisfaction was regarding the set of investigations carried out while the lowest rate was regarding waiting time. There were significant mismatches between subjects' expectations and what was really offered to them regarding doctor-patient communication and continuity of care. Conclusion: The study has revealed reasonable rates of good satisfaction of patients with outpatient care and a clear degree of mismatchment between patients' expectations regarding continuity of care and doctor-patient communication and what was actually offered in these two respects.
Feather waste as a thermal insulation solution: Treatment, elaboration and characterization

The adoption of sustainable behaviors in terms of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions leads us to search for green, biodegradable, renewable and abundantly available materials. Chicken feather waste is an abundant by-product and its valuation offers a potential solution to these problems. The aim of this work is to improve energy efficiency in construction by developing new insulation materials based on feather waste. Feathers are hazardous, odiferous waste and unfit for direct valorization. It was necessary to carry out different treatments (ethanol, acetone, sodium dodecyl sulfate, hydrogen peroxide and conventional detergents) in order to evaluate their effectiveness in eliminating various foreign bodies resulting from the slaughter, storage or transport of these wastes, also their effects on the physicochemical properties of these residues. The second part of this work is devoted to the development and characterization of new insulation materials, which answers to the energy efficiency regulations in the building in the form of needle-punched nonwoven. The results of the treatments showed efficacy at concentrations between 1 and 2%, but the best results were attributed to treatment with the detergent imopon DPL-V and sodium dodecyl sulfate with no significant differences in structure and the chemical composition; this finding was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The treated fibers were then separated from the rachis manually and inserted into the industrial manufacturing line, with different percentage of wool and cotton waste have been added. Six samples have been developed and characterized in terms of physical and thermal properties. The developed samples have a competitive characteristic in terms of thermal conductivity with values between 0.0313 and 0.04465 W/(m.K). Thus, these insulators will provide an alternative solution for building insulation and environmentally friendly materials.
Relationship Between EFL Learners' Autonomy and Speaking Strategies they Use in Conversation Classes

The present study was conducted at Parsayan Language Institute in Isfahan, Iran. The students in pre- intermediate and intermediate classes were examined to investigate the relationship between degrees of learner autonomy, use of strategies for coping with speaking problems and the learners’ success in their speaking classes. To determine the degree of correlation among degree of learner autonomy, use of strategies for coping with speaking problems, and success in speaking classes, a validated questionnaire was distributed among 50 participants. The participants were required to self-report the strategies they use when they have problems during speaking English and to report their degree of learner autonomy as an English language learner by choosing one of the items on the questionnaire. The analysis of the obtained results showed that learners with low speaking grades were weaker in comparison with learners with high speaking grades during the use of strategies for coping with speaking problems on the whole. Similarly, learners with low speaking grades reported themselves as less autonomous when compared to high proficiency learners of English, although the difference was not significant between the group of learners in average speaking grade and high grade level. The first desirable endpoint should be some kind of modification on the curriculum of language teaching in terms of development of learner autonomy. More chances for developing autonomy should be offered to the students so that they would get used to it and be more successful in communication skills. Keywords: Learner Autonomy, Strategies for Coping with Speaking Problems in English, Speaking Classes
Volumetric assessment of solid pulmonary nodules on ultralow-dose CT: a phantom study.

Background To reduce the radiation exposure from chest computed tomography (CT), ultralow-dose CT (ULDCT) protocols performed at sub-millisievert levels were previously tested for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules (PNs). The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of ULDCT and iterative image reconstruction on volumetric measurements of solid PNs. Methods CT datasets of an anthropomorphic chest phantom containing solid microspheres were obtained with a third-generation dual-source CT at standard dose, 1/8th, 1/20th and 1/70th of standard dose [CT volume dose index (CTDIvol): 0.03-2.03 mGy]. Semi-automated volumetric measurements were performed on CT datasets reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and advanced modelled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE), at strength level 3 and 5. Absolute percentage error (APE) evaluated measurement accuracy related to the effective volume. Scan repetition differences were evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed influence of different scan parameters on APE. Proportional differences (PDs) tested the effect of dose settings and reconstruction algorithms on volumetric measurements, as compared to the standard protocol (standard dose-FBP). Results Bland-Altman analysis revealed small mean interscan differences of APE with narrow limits of agreement (-0.1%±4.3% to -0.3%±3.8%). Dose settings (P<0.001), reconstruction algorithms (P<0.001), nodule diameters (P<0.001) and nodule density (P=0.011) had statistically significant influence on APE. Post-hoc Bonferroni tests showed slightly higher APE when scanning with 1/70th of standard dose [mean difference: 3.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5-4.3%; P<0.001], and for image reconstruction with ADMIRE5 (mean difference: 1.8%, 95% CI: 1.0-2.5%; P<0.001). No significant differences for scanning with 1/20th of standard dose (P=0.42), and image reconstruction with ADMIRE3 (P=0.19) were found. Scanning with 1/70th of standard dose and image reconstruction with FBP showed the widest range of PDs (-16.8% to 23.4%) compared to standard dose-FBP. Conclusions Our phantom study showed no significant difference between nodule volume measurements on standard dose CT (CTDIvol: 2 mGy) and ULDCT with 1/20th of standard dose (CTDIvol: 0.10 mGy).
Raman spectroscopy for characterization of soot and other carbonaceous materials

Raman spectroscopy is well known as a method that can be used to study the structural characteristics of carbon materials such as soot and carbon black. In this work, a Raman spectroscopy setup was used to record spectra of various carbonaceous samples under different experimental conditions. The wave-number range of interest was from 900 to 3300 cm-1, which includes the first and second order Raman peaks of carbonaceous materials. In addition to the Raman spectral features a fluorescence background was observed, which could be related to organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The recorded spectra were analyzed using different deconvolution protocols to identify contributions from various spectral features relating to soot nanostructure. These deconvolution protocols were compared in terms of goodness-of-fit parameters. Furthermore, the influence of the laser radiation on spectral features was studied. Thus, the intensity variation of Raman and fluorescence signal were measured as function of laser power and exposure time, and the depolarization ratio for the primary peaks were estimated. The effects of heating the soot were studied from room temperature to 800 C in air to obtain information regarding soot oxidation. The study has shown that Raman spectroscopy is a useful technique for structural characterization of soot and carbon black via their vibrational modes. Also, it was shown that care must be taken in experimental planning since parameters such as laser intensity and ambient conditions may influence the resulting data. (Less)
Process porosity and mechanical performance of fused filament fabricated 316L stainless steel

Purpose This study aims to investigate the correlation between build orientation characteristics, part porosity and mechanical properties of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process to provide insight into pore formation mechanisms and to establish guidelines for optimal process configurations. Design/methodology/approach Micro computed tomography and metallographic sections provide the basis for a correlation between porosity and extrusion path. Using the correlations found in this study, the way to improve printing strategies and filament properties can be deduced directly from an analysis of the print path and the final influence on mechanical performance. Findings With metal-FFF 3D printing technology, near-dense parts (0.5 Vol.%) can be fabricated. The pore architecture is strongly connected to the build direction and print strategy with parallel, elongated pore channels. Mechanical values of FFF samples are similar to metal injection-molded (MIM) parts, except the elongation to fracture. The high difference of yield strength of sintered samples compared to laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) samples can be attributed to the finer grains and a Hall–Petch hardening effect. The conclusions derived from this study are that the presented process is capable of producing comparable part qualities compared to MIM samples, with higher build rates in comparison to LPBF processes. Originality/value 316L stainless steel was successfully manufactured via FFF. This paper also addresses the effects of scanning strategies on the resulting porosity and proposes improvements to reduce residual porosity, thus increasing the mechanical performance in the future.
Handing over the Keys: A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Automation in Driving

ABSTRACT This article presents a qualitative driving simulator study designed to understand the experience of giving up control to automated processes in semiautonomous driving systems. The study employed an experience prototyping methodology, with 12 drivers (4 female) completing 2 sessions in a high-fidelity driving simulator. Condition A simulated a normally functioning car, while Condition B simulated a semiautonomous system that monitors driver behavior and takes evasive action when danger is detected. The simulator experience was used to ground wider discussion of automation and the experience of driving, which was explored through a semistructured interview. Results identify design challenges for autonomous driving systems; the loss of user agency and confidence, and handling the change between manual and automated control. Opportunities were identified; in augmenting rather than removing human abilities, and in providing new learning opportunities for drivers.
Testing Effect: A Further Examination of Open-Book and Closed-Book Test Formats.

If assessment is the purpose of testing, open-book tests may defeat the purpose. However, a goal of education is to build knowledge, and based on the literature, open-book tests may not be inferior to closed-book tests in promoting long-term retention of information. Participants studied Swahili-English pairs and either re-studied or took an initial quiz, which was cued recall or recognition in an open-book or closed-book format. One week later, the final closed-book recognition test showed higher performance in the quizzed conditions than in the study-twice condition, replicating the testing effect. However, performance was similar across the quizzed conditions, indicating that testing promoted long-term retention regardless of test format (open-book versus closed-book) and test type (cued recall versus recognition). Open-book tests are not inferior to closed-book tests in building knowledge and can be particularly useful in online classes because preventing cheating is difficult when closed-book tests are administered online.
Use of Social Media among Dental Students of Farooqia Dental College, Mysore: A Study

Social Media has become a popular method for students to share information and knowledge and to express emotions. They enable students to exchange videos files, text messages, pictures and knowledge sharing. They enable students. They provide an opportunity for students to improve social networking and learning processes, which promotes knowledge in society. This paper intends to identify purposes and most popular SNSs and to address the benefits, problems associated with use of SNSs among dental students of Farooqia Dental College, Mysore. The study used a questionnaire in order to discover the use of SNS. A well structured questionnaires were distributed among 130 students during the academic session 2012-13 out of 125 (96.15%) filled questionnaires returned 122 (93.84%) were found fit for analysis and out of which 3(2.31%) were considered unusable. The study found that major reasons for frequent use of SNSs are to find information and to interact with their friends. The study discovered that Wikipedia, WebDental and SciSpace are the most popular SNSs used by dental students.
A Study of Internet Addiction: Status, Causes, and Remedies - Focusing on the alienation factor -

This paper examines internet addiction from the perspective of consumer studies. Internet addiction could be an interesting issue for consumer studies because it is a sort of consumer behavior that has drawn a lot of social concerns in rapidly informatized era. First, the paper explores the status quo of internet addiction in Korea through the analysis of a questionnaire survey. Secondly, it explains causes of internet addiction focusing on alienation in addition to personality and demographic factors. Thirdly, it describes the characteristics of the behavior of internet-addictive users clustered by internet addiction degree. Based on these descriptions and analyses, the study provides suggestions for establishing more effective consumer policies and educational programs to help limit the growth of internet addiction.
Association between non-parturient post-partum hypocalcaemia and the interval from calving to first ovulation in Holstein-Friesian cows

This study was undertaken to quantify the effect of episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia on the interval from calving to first ovulation. It incorporated three separate surveys during early lactation of 44 and 60 cows at Mutdapilly Research Station and 56 cows at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute. Twenty-five, 37 and 39% of cows respectively, experienced episodes later than 3 days after calving, of non-parturient post-partum hypocalcaemia, when plasma calcium concentration fell below 2.00 mmol/l. Episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia did not affect the interval to first post-partum ovulation in the two experiments conducted at Mutdapilly Research Station but ovulation was significantly delayed in cows that experienced episodes of subclinical hypocalcaemia at Wollongbar Agricultural Institute.
The Effects Of Education On Labor Productivity : Differences Between Tradable And NonTradable Industries

This research focuses on the differences in labor productivity between tradable and non-tradable industries, and the contribution of human capital to the differences between these two sectors. We find that while productivity rose substantially in the tradable sector, in the non-tradable sector, output per worker has remained the same; although, the rise in human capital in both sectors does not differ significantly. This paper emphasizes that heterogeneous ability of individuals as well as a double duality both in the labor market and the higher-education might explain these facts. The double duality in the economy permits a separation of individuals by their ability, which can explain the differences in labor productivity between sectors.
Managerial competencies, human resource development initiatives and business performance: a case of tourism sector in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe

The study sought to analyse the influence of managerial competencies on business performance in the tourism sector. The research was conducted in Matabeleland North Province towns of Hwange and Victoria Falls. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed amongst Tourism enterprises. The response rate was a 67% i.e. 100 out of the 150 distributed questionnaires. The descriptive multiple case study research design was used as data was collected from different entrepreneurial business enterprises. The data was analysed using the SPSS version 20 software. The analysis of data was in the form of both descriptive and inferential statistics, which made use of the linear regression model and chi-square testing especially when testing the hypotheses. The study found that there was a strong relationship between managerial competencies, human resource development and business performance in the tourism sector. The researcher established that if managers were equipped with the requisite competency skills they were more forthcoming to training and development initiatives and hence this resulted in them being able to adapt easily towards the ever-changing business environment especially in the tourism sector.
Success in Mobile and Ubiquitous Learning: Indicators of Effectiveness

Mobile and ubiquitous learning has been a key focus in e-learning and practising broadly worldwide. Among the research publications in this area, a majority of them focused on evaluating the effectiveness of relevant practices and reported positive outcomes. To interpret such results, the contexts in which mobile devices were used for learning and the indicators of effectiveness adopted for evaluation are of prime importance. However, the use of those indicators in relation to the contexts of practice has not been adequately studied. This paper presents a systematic review on the use of various indicators of effectiveness for the practices of mobile and ubiquitous learning. The review covers a total of 50 cases from relevant literature for the period 2007–2016. Regarding the contexts of practice, the results show that 92% of the cases involved the use of mobile devices for accessing online or offline information; 40% involved social interaction among peers or between students and teachers; and 74% involved the apps or learning materials developed for specific courses. The indicators of effectiveness revolved around 10 categories, namely learning achievements, perceived usefulness, motivation, ease of use, satisfaction, learning attitude, cognitive load, system usage, self-efficacy, and social engagement. Results also show that studies of mobile and ubiquitous learning practices mostly focused on specific courses with less than 100 participants. Based on the findings, a number of limitations in interpreting the success of mobile learning practices are discussed.
Acupuncture and Acupuncture-Related Therapies Are Well-Tolerated and Can Effectively Provide Pain Relief in the Pediatric Population

Introduction: Acupuncture, a complementary and alternative medical therapy, has become a viable treatment option for patients in Western society during the last few decades. Objective: The aim of this research was to analyze acupuncture and acupuncture-related therapies (ARTs) performed in a pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A 3-year retrospective review was performed on all inpatient and outpatient pediatric acupuncture services. Results: During the 3-year study period, 174 patients were seen 1090 times. The average patient age was 13.9 years. Patients were seen an average of 6.3 times. Of these encounters, 95.6% occurred in the clinic and 4.4% occurred in the hospital. Headache or migraine was the most common diagnosis. Acupuncture and ARTs performed included: 96% acupuncture body needling; 90% electroacupuncture; 49% laser therapy; 32% auricular acupuncture; and 27% moxibustion. Active pain was present in 72% of the patients encountered. The average pain score was 5.5 prior to intervention and 2.2 following treatment (P < 0.001). There were no improvements in pain scores for 8% of the patients with active pain, while 40% of patients achieved complete resolution of their pain. There were no adverse events. Conclusions: Acupuncture is a well-tolerated, safe, and effective resource for the pediatric population and is a viable option for pediatric pain management.
Low-Latency Communication with Computational Complexity Constraints

Low-latency communication is one of the most important application scenarios in next-generation wireless networks. Often in communication-theoretic studies latency is defined as the time required for the transmission of a packet over a channel. However, with very stringent latency requirements and complexity constrained receivers, the time required for the decoding of the packet cannot be ignored and must be included in the total latency analysis through accurate modeling. In this paper, we first present a way to calculate decoding time using per bit complexity metric and introduce an empirical model that accurately describes the trade-off between the decoding complexity versus the performance of state-of-the-art codes. By considering various communication parameters, we show that including the decoding time in latency analyses has a significant effect on the optimum selection of parameters.
The Influence of Stakeholder Pressure and Environmental Performance on Corporate Social and Enviromental Disclosure and its Implication on the Value of the Firm ( The Study on Mining Companies Listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2011-2015 )

This study aims to test and analyze; (1) the influence of stakeholders pressure on CSED, (2) the influence of environmental performance on CSED, (3) the influence of CSED on value of the firm. This study uses saturated sampling method (census) in which all the population is sampled. The type of study which is used is the casuality, the type of data which is used is secondary data from the annual report which is published by mining companies that are listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2011-2015 by using content analysis with data collection using documentation techniques through the official website www.idx. co.id. Data analysis technique uses SEM-PLS statistics. The results show: (1) stakeholder pressure influences on CSED, (2) environmental performance has an influence on CSED, (3) CSED influences on value of the firm.