Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Friend/foe Identification Accuracy And Shooting Performance: Effects Of Prior Task Loading And Time Pressure

The current dismounted soldier and the soldier of the future will be “loaded” with more information processing tasks while they perform shooting tasks. It is conceivable that some increased level of cognitive tasking may be performed simultaneously with required shooting tasks. The effect of cognitive load on shooting performance has been previously examined (Scribner and Harper, 2001). This study concentrated on the effect of various cognitive workload demands on a friend-foe discrimination shooting task in a singleand dual-task scenario. In light of this, it is imperative that the soldier not be overburdened mentally, which may result in decreased survivability and lethality. Specifically, this study was designed to examine the ability of the soldier to perform friend-foe target discrimination and shooting accuracy, with varying target exposure times, friendly target signatures, and varying cognitive load demands (working memory recall task). Using the Small Arms Simulator Testbed (SAST) we examined the effects of manipulations of working memory load and sustained information transfer, on shooting performance (as measured by target acquisition and friend/foe discrimination indices). Additionally, we investigated subjective measures of workload and stress. A secondary task, administered aurally, was given to subjects to attend to while they performed shooting (friend/foe discrimination task) scenarios: working memory recall task. Each type of task consisted of three levels of difficulty. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the memory recall task during shooting and non-shooting conditions. Furthermore, results showed that workload increased as a function of task demand, with associated decreases in shooting performance.
Family Control and Corporate Governance: Evidence from Taiwan

A recent stream of literature shows that family control is central in most countries of the world, but little research exists regarding family control and corporate governance. This paper analyses family control and corporate governance using a sample of Taiwanese firms. The results suggest that family control is even more prevalent than previously suggested and that a non-linear relation exists between family control and relative firm performance. Family-controlled firms that have low levels of control have lower relative performance than both family-controlled firms with high levels of control and widely held firms. This is consistent with the conflict of interest between majority and minority shareholders being the greatest when the majority shareholder’s level of control is high enough to influence a firm’s decision-making process but ownership is low enough that the benefits of expropriation outweigh the costs. Furthermore, a positive valuation effect exists when controlling families hold less than 50% of a firm’s board seats. Taken together, the results in this paper suggest that when family control is central, high levels of family ownership and low levels of family board representation are effective ways of mitigating the separation of cash flow rights and control and, thus, decreasing the conflict of interest between majority and minority shareholders.
The critical thinking dispositions of students around coffee plantation area in solving algebraic problems

The present study aimed at describing the dispositions of students around a coffee plantation in solving algebraic problems, especially those pertaining to fraction and comparison. Critical thinking disposition denotes the initial milestone to developing students’ critical thinking skills. The study investigated four components of critical thinking dispositions, comprising of truth-seeking, open-mindedness, self-confidence, and inquisitiveness. The subjects under investigation were 45 students at the second grade of a junior high school situated around Garahan coffee plantation in Jember district, East Java, Indonesia. The study covered several phases, inter alia, (1) describing problems on Algebra to the students, (2) recording any activities of the research subjects when doing tasks given, (3) analyzing the students’ answer sheets based on four components of critical thinking dispositions, (4) conducting method triangulation projected to confirm the preliminary findings on the students critical thinking dispositions, and (5) determining the students’ critical thinking dispositions based on the results of direct observation, video recording, and interview. The study gained several findings related to the students’ dispositions. First, the students’ tendency in truth-seeking was characterized by their analysis on the problems given on themes regarding coffee. This prevented them from making mistakes as they checked some information, be it known or unknown, as the bases for problem solving. However, not every student was aware of what was unknown about the problem or what was required to solve the problem. Second, their tendency in open-mindedness was evinced by the fact that they were assured of their answer as they related it to their experience in planting coffee. Nevertheless, some students tended to ask their parent when they had to determine the amount of diameter comparison between two logs to be connected. Third, they tended to be confident in solving problems given as they had experienced the activities described in the problem when they assisted their parents in planting coffee, but still some students had yet to be sure of their answers as they lacked the experience in planting coffee. Lastly, they tended to possess sound inquisitiveness concerning various issues pertinent to solving algebraic problems, especially themed on coffee. They acquired the inquisitiveness by observing the actual activity in their environment. Nonetheless, their inquisitiveness could not be generalized to algebraic lessons at school.
Innovative modeling of the crack path and stress intensity factor for arbitrary shaft configurations

The lifetime of most engineering structures and components is known to depend on the presence of defects, such as holes, cracks or voids usually introduced during a manufacturing process. In many cases, the crack growth, extension and propagation within a body, still remains a challenging problem in fracture mechanics. The present paper proposes an extended analytical model based on a section method to predict the fracture direction and compute the stress intensity factors for a cracked shaft under mixed-mode loading conditions. The advantage of the present formulation is mainly related to its capability of predicting the direction of crack propagation within a shaft under coupled longitudinal, flexural and torsional loading conditions. The analytical results are straightforwardly compared with the theoretical expressions available from the handbooks and the numerical solutions found with the extended finite element method. The present approach agrees quite well with the theoretical and numerical results already proposed in the literature, thus confirming its potentials for accurate computations of the crack propagation and stress intensity factors for arbitrary configurations.
Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction Using Enriched Chitosan Conduits

The repair of peripheral nerve traumatic lesions still represents a major cause of perma- nent motor and sensory impairment. In case of substance loss, a nerve guide should be used to bridge the proximal with the distal stump of the severed nerve. The effectiveness of hollow nerve guides is limited by the delay of axonal growth due to the absence of a regeneration substrate inside the conduit. To fasten up nerve regeneration, nerve guides should thus be enriched by a luminal filler. In this study, we investigated, in a 12-mm rat sciatic nerve defect experimental model, the effectiveness of chitosan-based conduits of different acetylation filled either with a hyaluronic acid gel (NVR gel) or with a magnetic fibrin hydrogel, in comparison with traditional autografts. Results showed that all types of artificial nerve conduits led to functional recovery not significantly different from auto grafts. By contrast, morphological and morphometrical analyses showed that the best results among nerve guides were found in medium degree of acetylation (DAII: ∼ 5%) chitosan conduits enriched with the NVR gel.
Modelling disease risk for amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis in non-human primates using machine learning

Abstract Objective: Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is found in humans and non-human primates, but quantifying disease risk prior to clinical symptoms is challenging. We applied machine learning to identify the best predictors of amyloidosis in rhesus macaques from available clinical and pathology records. To explore potential biomarkers, we also assessed whether changes in circulating serum amyloid A (SAA) or lipoprotein profiles accompany the disease. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using 86 cases and 163 controls matched for age and sex. We performed data reduction on 62 clinical, pathological and demographic variables, and applied multivariate modelling and model selection with cross-validation. To test the performance of our final model, we applied it to a replication cohort of 2,775 macaques. Results: The strongest predictors of disease were colitis, gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, endometriosis, arthritis, trauma, diarrhoea and number of pregnancies. Sensitivity and specificity of the risk model were predicted to be 82%, and were assessed at 79 and 72%, respectively. Total, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower, and SAA levels and triglyceride-to-HDL ratios were significantly higher in cases versus controls. Conclusion: Machine learning is a powerful approach to identifying macaques at risk of AA amyloidosis, which is accompanied by increased circulating SAA and altered lipoprotein profiles.
Cavitation Erosion of Metallic Materials

Cavitation erosion normally occurs in a fluid dynamic system, which can cause failure of metal parts. It is a complicated process involving the interaction of electrochemical corrosion and mechanical wear. In this paper, various research methods for cavitation erosion behavior are reviewed. The present techniques of cavitation erosion degree measurement and different period determination include mass loss, volume loss, pit number, pit depth and surface roughness. 2D and 3D microstructure characterization observations are applied to discuss the evolution process and micro-zone damage. Hardness, residual stress and ratio of hardness to elastic modulus are good indicators for the degradation of surface mechanical properties. Electrochemical examinations are integrated to investigate the effect of cavitation on passive film and cavitation erosion mechanism. Furthermore, the influencing factors (mechanical properties, material chemical composition and microstructure) and the cavitation erosion characteristics of several metals (i.e. carbon steel, copper, stainless steel and titanium alloy) are introduced and summarized. Normally, the addition of Mn, Co, Cr, C and N can increase the cavitation erosion resistance. High hardness, high yield/tensile and toughness strength, good work-hardening property, fine grains are advantageous to the resistance to cavitation erosion. The cavitation erosion preferentially occurs on the lower intensity phase, which absorbs cavitation impact energy and mitigates the damage degree of a high strength phase. The interface between phases and grain boundary are also the weak spots to be attacked in the initiation and propagation of cavitation erosion. For passive metals, stainless steel and titanium alloy, the passive film is in a metastable state of depssivation/repassivation under cavitation. In a strongly corrosive medium, the synergetic effect of cavitation and corrosion promotes the thinning and semiconducting property change of the passive film.
The Impact of Pressure Dressing on Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia: Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Methods: The study involved 112 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups-with and without pressure dressing-and followed prospectively. The calcium levels were measured at 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively, respectively. Hypocalcemia was diagnosed when patients were symptomatic or calcium level was below 8.0 mg/dL. Dressing and drain were removed at the 48th hour of postoperatively.
New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences

Bilinguals have twice as many words in their mental lexicon as compared to monolinguals. There means that bilinguals are slower and less accurate in lexical processing when compared to monolinguals. This study investigates whether Turkish-English bilinguals (n= 48) differ from Turkish monolinguals (n= 53) in their perception of Turkish words. Both groups were instructed to decide if the visually presented Turkish words were either real words or nonwords in a lexical decision task Response times and the accuracy of the answers were recorded. In line with the results in the literature, it was shown that bilinguals were slower and less accurate than monolinguals in processing Turkish words. The results were discussed in the light of psycholinguistic models of lexical processing
Tactile Feeling Display using Functional Electrical Stimulation

We proposed an electro-cutaneous display which stimulate three types of mechanoreceptors in human skin separately. We call these stimuli “tactile primary colors. ” Two methods are suggested. One is to use array electrodes that are properly weighted. The other is to use anodic current stimulation as well as cathodic current. We also developed experimental system and tested these methods. Qualitative results suggested that the designed stimuli succeeded in activating desired mechanoreceptors’ axons.
Digital Learning to Improve Safe and Effective Prescribing: A Systematic Review

With the aim to modernize and harmonize prescribing education, the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT) Working Group on education recommended the extensive use and distribution of digital learning resources (DLRs). However, it is unclear whether the complex task of prescribing medicine can be taught digitally. Therefore, the aim of this review was to investigate the effect of diverse DLRs in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics education. Databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and CENTRAL were systematically searched. Sixty‐five articles were included in the analyses. Direct effects on patients were studied, but not detected, in six articles. Skills and behavior were studied in 11 articles, 8 of which reported positive effects. Knowledge acquisition was investigated in 19 articles, all with positive effects. Qualitative analyses yielded 10 recommendations for the future development of DLRs. Digital learning is effective in teaching knowledge, attitudes, and skills associated with safe and effective prescribing.
Memory State Feedback RMPC for Multiple Time-Delayed Uncertain Linear Systems with Input Constraints

This paper focuses on the problem of asymptotic stabilization for a class of discrete-time multiple time-delayed uncertain linear systems with input constraints. Then, based on the predictive control principle of receding horizon optimization, a delayed state dependent quadratic function is considered for incorporating MPC problem formulation. By developing a memory state feedback controller, the information of the delayed plant states can be taken into full consideration. The MPC problem is formulated to minimize the upper bound of infinite horizon cost that satisfies the sufficient conditions. Then, based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii function, a delay-dependent sufficient condition in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) can be derived to design a robust MPC algorithm. Finally, the digital simulation results prove availability of the proposed method.
Morphological classification and structural parameters for early-type galaxies in the Coma cluster

We present the results of an isophotal shape analysis of three samples of galaxies in the Coma cluster. Quantitative morphology, together with structural and photometric parameters, is given for each galaxy. Special emphasis has been placed on the detailed classication of early-type galaxies. The three samples are: i) a sample of 97 early-type galaxies brighter than mB = 17.00 falling within one degree from the center of the Coma cluster; these galaxies were observed with CCD cameras, mostly in good to excellent resolution conditions; ii) a magnitude complete sample of 107 galaxies of all morphological types down tomB = 17.00 falling in a circular region of 50 arcmin diameter, slightly ocentered to the North-West of the cluster center; the images for this and the next sample come from digitized photographic plates; iii) a complete comparison sample of 26 galaxies of all morphological types down to mR = 16.05 (or mB ' 17.5), also in a region of 50 arcmin diameter, but centered 2.6 degrees West of the cluster center. The reliability of our morphological classications and structural parameters of galaxies, down to the adopted magnitude limits, is assessed by comparing the results on those galaxies for which we had images taken with dierent instrumentation and/or seeing conditions, and by comparing our results with similar data from other observers.
Topographic positions and land use impacted soil properties along Humbo Larena-Ofa Sere toposequence, Southern Ethiopia

Understanding the dynamics and distribution of soil characteristics as influenced by landscape features and land use is critical for making decisions with regards to crop production and other types of proper land use. A field study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between topography position, land use and soil properties along the toposequence of Humbo Larena - Ofa Sere in Wolayita zone, Southern Ethiopia. Five slope classes were considered and a total of five pedons, one on each slope class, were opened and described at the study area. Soil samples collected from identified horizons of each pedon were analyzed for physicochemical properties. Additionally, random surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from adjacent cultivated and grassland soils within a 100 m radius of each pedon; and three composites were made for each slope class. The pedons showed variability in physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of the soils. Field as well as laboratory determinations revealed the dominance of clay fraction in the soils. The existence of buried horizons with abrupt textural and sharp color changes showed the occurrence of lithological discontinuity in the pedon opened at depression. The available P content was higher in cultivated soils, whereas grassland soils had more organic carbon (OC), exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Two soil types; Rhodic Alisols (Clayic) and Pellic Vertisols (Grumic) were identified in the area. Generally, slope and land use influenced soil properties, suggesting the need for different management practices for varying slope gradients and land uses for sustainable agricultural production. Key words: Toposequence, physicochemical properties, land use, pedon, slope gradient, landscape position, soil classification.
Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Nurse / Midwife Educators in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Background: Job satisfaction represents an important element of Nurse Educators' survival which has implications for performance, retention, dedication to the institution, the nursing profession itself and preparing nursing students who are capable of providing high quality patient care. The purpose of the study was to assess overall level of job satisfaction and satisfaction with nine facets of job satisfaction among Nurse/Midwife Educators in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was used for the study. A total population study of Nurse /Midwife Educators in Calabar was undertaken. A self-administered structured questionnaire adapted from the standardized “Employee Opinion Survey” with a reliability of 0.60 to 0.90 coefficient was used for data collection. Data were computer analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 for Windows. Logistic regression was used to verify association between overall job satisfaction and facets/subscales of job satisfaction scale. Results: A total of 50 respondents participated in the study. The mean age of the respondents was 46.9±6.9 while the mean years of working experience was 24.9±6.1. The respondents were made up of (40) 90.0% female and (10) 10.0% male. The mean overall job satisfaction score was 2.63±0.62. The results also revealed that majority of the respondents 41(82.0%) were moderately satisfied with their work while 9(18.0%) were slightly satisfied. Most of the respondents 47(94.0%) were satisfied with the job itself subscale with a mean score of 3.27±0.59, while the least satisfying facet was communication subscale with a mean of 2.50 ± 0.90. Safety and working relationships were significantly related to overall job satisfaction. Conclusion: The study has shown that the few but experienced Nurse/Midwife Educators in Calabar were not fully satisfied with most facets of their work which could have adverse effect on their work output and overall performance. Therefore in order to address the adverse effect of dissatisfaction, it is recommended that all sub-scales of job satisfaction be addressed by employers of Nurse Educators and the Professional Nursing Association with emphasis on safety and working relationships. Keywords: Job satisfaction, Working relationships, Nurse /Midwife Educator, Nigeria
Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Organochlorine Contaminants in Surface Water and Sediment from the İ zmit Bay , Turkey

The concentrations and distribution of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bischlorophenyl-ethane (DDT) and its metabolites were determined in surface water and sediments from the İzmit Bay, Turkey. The results showed that the levels of the total PCBs and total DDTs ranged from <0.003 to 440 ng/L, and <0.003 to 1255 ng/L in water, and from <1 to 674 ng/g dry weight, and <1 to 7286 ng/g dry weight in sediments respectively. Concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in sediment were significantly higher than those in surface water, due to the high affinity of these hydrophobic compounds for sediment phase. Congeners IUPAC Nos. 28, 52, 101 and p,p’-DDT were found frequently in water and sediment samples.