Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title page Title: Development of CuidaTEXT: a text message intervention to support Latino dementia family caregivers Short running head: Development of CuidaTEXT

Objectives: To describe the development of CuidaTEXT: a tailored text message intervention to support Latino dementia family caregivers. Methods: CuidaTEXT is informed by the Stress Process Framework and Social Cognitive Theory. We developed and refined CuidaTEXT using a mixed-method approach that included thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. We followed six user-centered design stages, including the selection of design principles, software vendor collaboration, evidence-based foundation, caregiver and research/clinical advisory board guidance, sketching and prototyping, and usability testing among five Latino caregivers. Results: CuidaTEXT is a bilingual 6-month long intervention tailored to caregiver needs that includes: 1) 1-3 daily automatic messages (n=244) about logistics, dementia education, selfcare, social support, end-of-life, care of the person with dementia, behavioral symptoms and problem-solving strategies; 2) 783 keyword-driven text messages for further help with the above topics; 3) live chat interaction with a coach for further help; 4) a 19-page reference booklet summarizing the purpose and functions of the intervention. CuidaTEXT’s prototype scored 97 out of 100 in the System Usability Scale. Conclusions: CuidaTEXT’s prototype demonstrated high usability among Latino caregivers. CuidaTEXT’s feasibility is ready to be tested. Clinical Implications: CuidaTEXT’s usability and its potential for widespread implementation holds promise in supporting Latino caregivers.
A two-step metagenomics approach for prey identification from the blood meals of common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus)

The feeding behaviour of the sanguivorous common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) facilitates the transmission of pathogens that can impact both human and animal health. To formulate effective strategies in controlling the spread of diseases, there is a need to obtain information on which animals they feed on. One DNA-based approach, shotgun sequencing, can be used to obtain such information. Even though it is costly, shotgun sequencing can be used to simultaneously retrieve prey and vampire bat mitochondrial DNA for population studies within one round of sequencing. However, due to the challenges of analysing shotgun sequenced metagenomic data such as false negatives/positives and typically low proportion of reads mapped to diet items, shotgun sequencing has not been used for the identification of prey from common vampire bat blood meals. To overcome these challenges and generate longer mitochondrial contigs which could be useful for prey population studies, we shotgun sequenced common vampire bat blood meal samples (n=8) and utilised a two-step metagenomic approach based on combining existing bioinformatic workflows (alignment and de novo mtDNA assembly) to identify prey. Further, we validated our results to detections made through metabarcoding. We accurately identified the common vampire bats’ prey in seven out of eight samples without any false positives. We also generated prey mitochondrial contig lengths between 138bp to 3231bp (mean=985bp, SD=981bp). As we develop more computationally efficient bioinformatics pipelines and reduce sequencing costs, we can expect an uptake in metagenomics dietary studies in the near future.
Predictions of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant (B.1.1.529) Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain Structure and Neutralizing Antibody Interactions

The genome of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was released on November 22, 2021, which has caused a flurry of media attention due the large number of mutations it contains. These raw data have spurred questions around vaccine efficacy. Given that neither the structural information nor the experimentally-derived antibody interaction of this variant are available, we have turned to predictive computational methods to model the mutated structure of the spike protein’s receptor binding domain and posit potential changes to vaccine efficacy. In this study, we predict some structural changes in the receptor-binding domain that may reduce antibody interaction without completely evading existing neutralizing antibodies (and therefore current vaccines).
Mathematical expressions describing enzyme velocity and inhibition at high enzyme concentration

Abstract Enzyme behaviour is characterised in the laboratory using diluted solutions of enzyme. However, in vivo processes usually occur at [S T ] ≈ [E T ] ≈ K m . Furthermore, the study of enzyme action involves characterisation of inhibitors and their mechanisms. However, to date, there have been no reports proposing mathematical expressions that can be used to describe enzyme activity at high enzyme concentration apart from the simplest single substrate, irreversible case. Using a continued fraction approach, equations can be easily derived for the most common cases in monosubstrate reactions, such as irreversible or reversible reactions and effector (inhibitor or activator) kinetic interactions. These expressions are an extension of the classical Michaelis-Menten equations. A first analysis using these expressions permits to deduce some differences at high versus low enzyme concentration, such as the greater effectiveness of allosteric inhibitors compared to catalytic ones. Also, they can be used to understand catalyst saturation in a reaction. Although they can be linearised, these equations also show differences that need to be taken into account. For example, the different meaning of line intersection points in Dixon plots. All in all, these expressions may be useful tools for modelling in vivo and biotechnological processes.
Are we Ready to Use Microchip Implants? An International Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background and purpose: Despite their clear relevance to human life, microchip implants are still widely viewed as negative, threatening our privacy and raising growing concerns about our health. This paper aims to investigate the important factors influencing people’s perception of microchip implants and their willingness to use them for different purposes. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted in three European countries and the data were analysed using the group Structural Equation Modeling approach. Only complete answers to the online survey questionnaire items were used representing a convenience sample of 804 respondents. Results: The results show that perceived ease of use, usefulness and perceived trust are significant predictors of intention to use microchip implants. Perceived trust is influenced by privacy and technology safety. Concerns about painful procedures and other health concerns reduce the perceived usefulness of microchip implants. Apart from the predictor health concerns, the results were similar in all countries. Conclusion: Based on the presented results, researchers interested in investigating the actual use of microchip implants can establish a solid foundation for their research. The results may assist policy makers in developing the regulations to ensure the safe use of microchip implants and allow for a higher level of security. As a follow-up, investigation of changes in the acceptance of microchip implants following the threat of a global pandemic is proposed.
Structuring and functionalization of non-metallic materials using direct laser interference patterning: a review

Abstract Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is a laser-based surface structuring method that stands out for its high throughput, flexibility and resolution for laboratory and industrial manufacturing. This top–down technique relies on the formation of an interference pattern by overlapping multiple laser beams onto the sample surface and thus producing a periodic texture by melting and/or ablating the material. Driven by the large industrial sectors, DLIP has been extensively used in the last decades to functionalize metallic surfaces, such as steel, aluminium, copper or nickel. Even so, DLIP processing of non-metallic materials has been gaining popularity in promising fields such as photonics, optoelectronics, nanotechnology and biomedicine. This review aims to comprehensively collect the main findings of DLIP structuring of polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors and other non-metals and outline their most relevant results. This contribution also presents the mechanisms by which laser radiation interacts with non-metallic materials in the DLIP process and summarizes the developed surface functions and their applications in different fields.
Investigation of the influence of recyclate content on Poisson number of composites

Abstract Composite materials are used in many industries. Their mechanical and physical properties as well as their low weight make them suitable for use in many constructions. Their wide application generates a problem with their disposal. Therefore, it is necessary to design new materials based on waste from polyester–glass laminates in order to introduce a closed circuit in the composite production process. The article presents research aimed at determining solid material composites with polyester–glass recyclate, in order to use these materials for modeling the structure. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of recyclate to the polyester–glass composite on the deformation and the value of the Poisson number of the material. During the study, samples from composites with the addition of polyester–glass recyclate were used. Samples made in accordance with the standard for plastics PN-EN ISO 527-4_2000P were subjected to static tensile test on a universal testing machine, with variable load parameters. During the test, the longitudinal and transverse elongations of the samples were measured using a strain gauge measuring system. On the basis of the measurements, the values of Poisson numbers were determined, which allowed for a preliminary assessment of the impact of the recyclate content in the composite on its deformability.
On some reciprocal matrices with elliptical components of their Kippenhahn curves

Abstract By definition, reciprocal matrices are tridiagonal n-by-n matrices A with constant main diagonal and such that ai,i+1ai+1,i= 1 for i = 1, . , n − 1. We establish some properties of the numerical range generating curves C(A) (also called Kippenhahn curves) of such matrices, in particular concerning the location of their elliptical components. For n ≤ 6, in particular, we describe completely the cases when C(A) consist entirely of ellipses. As a corollary, we also provide a complete description of higher rank numerical ranges when these criteria are met.
Transient high thyroid stimulating hormone and hypothyroidism incidence during follow up of subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract Objectives. Given the high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), defined as high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal free thyroxine (FT4), and uncertainty on treatment, one of the major challenges in clinical practice is whether to initiate the treatment for SCH or to keep the patients under surveillance. There is no published study that has identified predictors of short-term changes in thyroid status amongst patients with mild elevation of TSH (4.5–10 mIU/L). Subjects and Results. A cohort study was conducted on patients with SCH detected through a general population screening program, who were followed for six months. This project identified factors predicting progression to hypothyroid status, persistent SCH and transient cases. A total of 656 participants joined the study (431 controls and 225 were patients with SCH). A part of participants (12.2%) developed biochemical hypothyroidism during the follow-up, while 73.8% of the subjects became euthyroid and the remained ones (13.4%) stayed in the SCH status. The incidence of overt hypothyroidism for participants with TSH above 6.9 mIU/L was 36.7%, with incidence of 42.3% for females. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) positivity is an important predictor of development of hypothyroidism; however, it could be also positive due to transient thyroiditis. Conclusions. It can be concluded that females with TSH above 6.9 mIU/L, particularly those with free triiodothyronine (FT3) and FT4 in the lower half of the reference range, are more likely to develop biochemical hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is recommended to give them a trial of levothyroxine replacement. It is also recommended to repeat TSH after six months for male subjects and participants with baseline TSH equal or less than 6.9 mIU/L.
Usability Evaluation and Prototype Fidelity: Users and Usability Professionals

This study investigated the effect of prototype fidelity on the information obtained from a usability test with potential users of a software product. Users engaged in a series of structured tasks using one of three prototypes which emulated a Microsoft® Windows 95™ based library search computer system and which differed only in their fidelity (low = paper; medium = screen shots, high = interactive Visual Basic prototype). Results indicated there were no significant differences as a function of prototype in the number and severity of problems encountered nor in the subjective evaluation of the product. More importantly, there was a high degree of commonality in the specific problems uncovered by users using the three prototypes. Other noteworthy results were that: (1) usability professionals (through informal heuristics analysis) and users differed in the incidence and commonality of problems identified, and (2) usability professionals did not agree in their ratings of problem severity.
Different Paths of Neolithisation of the North-Eastern Part of Central Europe

Abstract Origins of the Neolithic in the north-eastern part of Central Europe were associated with migrations of groups of the Linear Pottery culture after the mid-sixth millennium BC, as in other parts of Central Europe. During these migrations, a careful selection of settlement regions took place, in terms of the ecological conditions most favourable for agriculture. The enclave-like pattern of the Neolithic settlement persisted into the fifth millennium BC when these enclaves were inhabited by post-Linear groups. The remaining areas, inhabited by hunter-gatherers, were not subject to direct Neolithisation. However, there are some indications of contact between farmers and hunter-gatherers. This situation changed from c. 4000 BC onwards because of the formation and spectacular territorial expansion of the Funnel Beaker culture (TRB). This archaeological unit for the first time covered in a relatively compact way the territory under consideration. The human substratum of this process consisted of both hunter-gatherers and farmers. Consequently, one can discourse about Neolithisation as such only in the former case. Not all Late Mesolithic hunter-gatherers accepted TRB patterns. Those communities still successfully carried on traditional lifestyle, gradually supplementing it with pottery (para-Neolithic). Their Neolithisation ended perhaps only in the first half of the second millennium BC.
Dynamic threshold voltage damascene metal gate MOSFET (DT-DMG-MOS) technology for very low voltage operation of under 0.7 V

We propose dynamic threshold-voltage damascene metal gate MOSFET (DT-DMG-MOS) technology for very low voltage operation (under 0.7 V). In this technology the metal gate is formed by the damascene gate process and directly connected to the well region (Si-body). Therefore, the connection between gate electrode and silicon body can be more easily fabricated in the DT-DMG transistor than with conventional technologies. Furthermore, we found that low threshold voltage (about 0.15 V reduction for CMOS), high drive current, excellent subthreshold swing (about 60 mV/decade), and uniform electrical characteristics (great reduction of threshold voltage deviation) were obtained in the transistors with midgap work function metal gates (Al/TiN or W/TiN) and low supply voltage (0.7 V).
Multiplayer Modeling via Multi-Armed Bandits

This paper focuses on player modeling in multiplayer adaptive games. While player modeling has received a significant amount of attention, less is known about how to use player modeling in multiplayer games, especially when an experience management AI must make decisions on how to adapt the experience for the group as a whole. Specifically, we present a multi-armed bandit (MAB) approach for modeling groups of multiple players. Our main contributions are a new MAB framework for multiplayer modeling and techniques for addressing the new challenges introduced by the multiplayer context, extending previous work on MAB-based player modeling to account for new group-generated phenomena not present in single-user models. We evaluate our approach via simulation of virtual players in the context of multiplayer adaptive exergames.
Using learning style theory to improve learning and teaching in the engineering classroom

This workshop introduces a method for the enhancement of engineering education based on learning style theory. The material is presented in three parts. The first part describes four learning styles or preferences which are derived from the manner in which individuals perceive and process information. Part two of the presentation is designed to facilitate practical application of learning style theory in the engineering classroom. The third part of the presentation discusses the connection between learning style theory and Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive objects and engineering design. <<ETX>>
Customer Lifetime Value in Mobile Games: a Note on Stylized Facts and Statistical Challenges

We analyze a series of empirical properties exhibited by customer lifetime value data, including zero-inflation, heavy tails, and the varying behaviour of inter-purchase times and purchase size. Rather than focusing on specific models already established in the literature (e.g., RFM or Pareto/NBD), what is emphasized here are empirical properties of mobile games data which may lead to revisit certain assumptions of existing models.
Supply chain integration using a maturity scale

Purpose – Outsourcing of non-core activities and the subsequent vertical disintegration within manufacturing organisations have necessitated the need for process integration in the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to develop a maturity scale to assess supply chain integration and hence improvement in supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research involved carrying out a questionnaire survey of UK manufacturing companies. In total, 29 responses were analysed. Findings – The insight gained from the research is that the “soft” collaborative issues rather than the “hard” technological issues are the main drivers to improved supply chain performance. Most of the companies surveyed are still grappling with internal process integration with very few companies achieving closer integration with their customers. Practical implications – Empirical evidence is found about an organisation's true stage of supply chain integration which affects its performance. Hard and soft variables or certain combinations of these do have a positive or negative effect on organisational performance. Originality/value – A maturity scale is developed to capture an organisation's stage of supply chain integration. This scale also draws on relationships with organisational performance. As a maturity scale, it also shows direction or migratory paths to higher stages of supply chain integration.
Power Control for Multigroup Multicast Cell-Free Massive MIMO Downlink: Invited Paper

We consider a multigroup multicast cell-free multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) downlink system with short-term power constraints. In particular, the normalized conjugate beamforming scheme is adopted at each access point (AP) to keep the downlink power strictly under the power budget regardless of small scale fading. In the considered scenario, APs multicast signals to multiple groups of users whereby users in the same group receive the same message. Under this setup, we are interested in maximizing the minimum achievable rate of all groups, commonly known as the max-min fairness problem, which has not been studied before in this context. To solve the considered problem, we first present a bisection method which in fact has been widely used in previous studies for cell-free massive MIMO, and then propose an accelerated projected gradient (APG) method. We show that the proposed APG method outperforms the bisection method requiring lesser run time while still achieving the same objective value. Moreover, the considered power control scheme provides significantly improved performance and more fairness among the users compared to the equal power allocation scheme.
Mathematical model of a plated-through hole under a load induced by thermal mismatch

A mathematical model simulating a plated-through hole (PTH) under a thermal load is proposed to predict PTH reliability. The PTH is treated as a system of disks joined to a barrel. Under the load, the disks bend and the barrel undergoes either tension or compression. The resulting failures are predicted by computing failure indicators. Also presented are simple formulas to estimate some of these failure indicators. >
High selectivity and CM suppression microstrip balanced BPF and balanced-to-balanced diplexer

In this paper, a new compact microstrip balanced bandpass filter (BPF) and balanced-to-balanced diplexer are designed with high selectivity and common-mode (CM) suppression. The equivalent differential-mode (DM) and CM half-circuits of the proposed balanced BPF and balanced-to-balanced diplexer are analyzed in detail. Under the DM excitation, the filtering topology is formed by two coupling quarter-wavelength resonators (QWR) and source-load short-ended feedlines. Two transmission zeros can be generated near the DM passband edge to achieve high selectivity. Under the CM excitation, the transmission zero generated by the coupling between the QWR and short-ended feedline can be adjusted by the shorted stub loaded at the center to the DM passband. Moreover, the mutual loading effect of the filters with two coupling uniform resonators is approximately equivalent to a uniform resonator coupling shorted stub. Hence, the mutual loading effect of two balanced BPFs can generate new transmission zeros to deepen the stopband and improve CM suppression without deterioration of high selectivity and CM suppression performance within the DM passband. Finally, the compact balanced BPF and balanced-to-balanced diplexer by combining two balanced BPFs without extra matching network are designed and fabricated, and good agreement can be obtained between the experimental and simulated results.
Trapezblechstege im Verbundbau

Die Anwendung von trapezförmig gekanteten Stegen im Verbundbrückenbau bietet zahlreiche Vorteile. Durch die Einbindung des gekanteten Stahlstegs in den Betongurt ist die direkte Übertragung von Schubkräften und Biegemomenten in der Verbundfuge möglich. Die zusätzliche Anordnung von randnahen Kopfbolzen steigert die Tragfähigkeit und verbessert die Gebrauchstauglichkeit der Verbundfuge. Da die Kopfbolzen nahe zum Bauteilrand des Stahlbetongurts angeordnet werden, muss der Einfluss dieser randnahen Ausbildung, insbesondere die hervorgerufenen Spaltzugkräfte, berücksichtigt werden. Dieser Beitrag stellt Forschungsergebnisse von experimentellen und numerischen Untersuchungen zu einer Längsschub‐ und einer Querbiegebeanspruchung der Verbundfuge dar. Es wird das Tragverhalten der Verbindung erläutert. Außerdem werden Bemessungsgleichungen für diese Beanspruchungen bereitgestellt sowie konstruktive Hinweise gegeben.