Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility and feasibility of an online self-administered food frequency questionnaire for use among adult Norwegians

Background New methods of dietary assessment are increasingly making use of online technologies. The development of a new online food frequency questionnaire warranted investigation of its feasibility and the reproducibility of its results. Objective To investigate the feasibility and reproducibility of a newly developed online FFQ (WebFFQ). Design The semiquantitative WebFFQ was designed to assess the habitual diet the previous year, with questions about frequency of intake and portion sizes. Estimations of portion sizes include both pictures and household measures, depending on the type of food in question. In two independent cross-sectional studies conducted in 2015 and 2016, adults were recruited by post following random selection from the general population. In the first study, participants (n = 229) filled in the WebFFQ and answered questions about its feasibility, and in two subsequent focus group meetings, participants (n = 9) discussed and gave feedback about the feasibility of the WebFFQ. In the second study, the WebFFQ’s reproducibility was assessed by asking participants (n = 164) to fill it in on two separate occasions, 12 weeks apart. Moreover, in the second study, participants were offered personal dietary feedback, a monetary gift certificate, or both, as incentives to complete the study. Results In the feasibility study, evaluation form results showed that participants raised issues regarding the estimation of portion size and the intake of seasonal foods as being particularly challenging; furthermore, in the focus group discussions, personal feedback on diet was perceived to be a more motivating factor than monetary reward. In the reproducibility study, total food intake was lower in the second WebFFQ; however, 63% of the food groups were not significantly different from those in the first WebFFQ. Correlations of food intake ranged from 0.62 to 0.90, >86% of the participants were classified into the same or adjacent quartiles, and misclassification ranged from 0 to 3%. Average energy intake was 3.5% lower (p = 0.001), fiber showed the least difference at 1.6% (p = 0.007), and sugar intake differed the most at −6.8% (borderline significant, p = 0.08). Percentage energy obtained from macronutrients did not differ significantly between the first and second WebFFQs. Conclusion Our results suggest that at group level, the WebFFQ showed good reproducibility for the estimations of intake of food groups, energy, and nutrients. The feasibility of the WebFFQ is good; however, revisions to further improve portion size estimations should be included in future versions. The WebFFQ is considered suitable for dietary assessments for healthy adults in the Norwegian population.
Effects of overstory tree density, site preparation and ground vegetation on natural Scots pine seedling emergence and survival in northern boreal pine forests

Natural regeneration is commonly used forest regeneration method in Northern Finland. It is not known however, what would be the optimal overstory density and ground vegetation composition for seedling emergence and survival, and if site preparation is needed to accompany overstory density manipulation. We studied the effects of overstory density (unthinned control and thinning to 50, 150 and 250 trees ha-1) and ground vegetation removal (mechanical site preparation with disc trenching) on the number of naturally germinated pine seedlings and survival of individual seedlings during 8-11 years. Bare mineral soil was a superior seedbed compared to intact vegetation cover, even though also mortality rate was high on mineral soil. Greater cover of lingonberry, crowberry and slash had a negative effect on seedling number. Seedling mortality was initially high (60% died during the first two years) but decreased throughout the first five years. The mineral soil in the elevated part of disc trencher track showed twice the survival rate in the bottom part of the track. High coverage of small haired mosses was associated with poorer seedling survival. An overstory density of 50-150 trees ha-1 with site preparation seems to be an efficient treatment to promote regeneration under these circumstances.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE SERVICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES

The complex and dynamic environment in which modern companies operate requires frequent organizational changes that are used as a mechanism for adapting the company's business to market requirements, in order to improve or maintain a competitive advantage. Mergers and acquisitions, as a complex form of organizational change of companies, represent a relevant problem area of ​​research. Since the success of organizational change depends on two important factors, leaders and employees, the aim of this research is to identify the interdependence of transformational leadership, job satisfaction and commitment to organizational change by employees in the post-acquisition period. The research results show that there is interdependence between transformational leadership, job satisfaction and commitment to organizational change in the post-acquisition period. The empirical research was conducted in 2021, using a survey method. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and single as well as multiple regression method. A sample of 129 respondents was taken into accounts, who are employed in companies in the Republic of Serbia that have gone through the acquisition process in the last five years.
Structural damping of self-acting compliant foil journal bearings

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the dynamic characteristics of corrugated foil (bump foil) strips used in compliant surface foil journal bearings and dampers. An the experimental method described herein, a test facility with a journal supported by a compliant foil journal bearing was built. The nonrotating journal was driven by two shakers which were used to simulate dynamic forces acting on bump foil strips. The dynamic structural stiffness and equivalent viscous damping coefficients are calculated based on the experimental meaurements for a wide range of operating conditions. The results are compared to the analytical predictions obtained by a theoretical model developed earlier
Team-Based Learning: Null Results in an Introductory University Nutrition Course

Abstract Team-based learning (TBL) is a proven teaching technique that has been employed in many disciplines and may improve performance of lower-performing students. However, much of the TBL literature involves graduate students in the health professions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether students in an undergraduate, introductory nutrition course instructed using TBL would have improved academic performance compared to students instructed in the same course taught using lecture plus other interactive learning strategies (Lecture+). There was no difference in academic outcomes between TBL and Lecture + students. While all students gave positive course evaluations, and the instructor enjoyed both methods of instruction, there were no differences in outcomes.
Spatiotemporal trends in diabetes-related mortality by school district in the state of Michigan, United States

OBJECTIVES This study examined the spatiotemporal epidemiological status of diabetes-related death in relation to school district boundaries in the state of Michigan, United States. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted using death records spanning the years 2007–2014 in Michigan, with school districts as the geographic unit of analysis. Geocoding was performed for each death record. Cluster analysis used spatial autocorrelation with local Moran’s I, and spatiotemporal analysis used the Space Time Pattern Mining tool in ArcGIS Pro 2.1. RESULTS The study revealed spatial clusters of high-high locations of diabetes-related mortality rate by school district in Michigan from 2007 to 2014. Spatiotemporal analysis showed grids with intensifying, consecutive, sporadic, and persistent hotspots of diabetes-related death in the Lansing, Royal Oak, Flint City, Berkley, Detroit City, East Lansing, South Lake, and Holt public school districts. These school districts should be prioritized for school-based diabetes prevention programs CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated the presence of various hotspots of diabetes-related deaths within the state of Michigan across the 8-year period of analysis. Understanding spatial and temporal hotspots could further improve our ability to evaluate diabetes burden across both time and space.
Sensitivity optimization of a rhodopsin-based fluorescent voltage indicator

The ability to optically image cellular transmembrane voltage at millisecond-timescale resolution can offer unprecedented insight into the function of living brains in behaving animals. The chemigenetic voltage indicator Voltron is bright and photostable, making it a favorable choice for long in vivo imaging of neuronal populations at cellular resolution. Improving the voltage sensitivity of Voltron would allow better detection of spiking and subthreshold voltage signals. We performed site saturation mutagenesis at 40 positions in Voltron and screened for increased ΔF/F0 in response to action potentials (APs) in neurons. Using a fully automated patch-clamp system, we discovered a Voltron variant (Voltron.A122D) that increased the sensitivity to a single AP by 65% compared to Voltron. This variant (named Voltron2) also exhibited approximately 3-fold higher sensitivity in response to sub-threshold membrane potential changes. Voltron2 retained the sub-millisecond kinetics and photostability of its predecessor, with lower baseline fluorescence. Introducing the same A122D substitution to other Ace2 opsin-based voltage sensors similarly increased their sensitivity. We show that Voltron2 enables improved sensitivity voltage imaging in mice, zebrafish and fruit flies. Overall, we have discovered a generalizable mutation that significantly increases the sensitivity of Ace2 rhodopsin-based sensors, improving their voltage reporting capability.
Absorption-dominant microwave shielding properties of Sn0.2Fe2.8O4-graphite-PVDF ternary nanocomposite films

Absorption-dominant microwave shields are in high demand for mitigating the effect of electromagnetic interference (EMI) on devices and the environment. In this paper, we describe the development of absorption enhanced ternary nanocomposites and their EMI shielding capability. Polymer based shields have been fabricated by dispersing conducting graphite and magnetic spinel ferrite Sn0.2Fe2. 8O4 nanoparticles in electroactive polymer polyvinylidene fluoride. Shielding effectiveness (SE) values in the expected range of 10–30 dB in the X-band region, were achieved with as low as 30–50 wt% of pristine graphite and 1–10 wt% of Sn0.2Fe2. 8O4. The industrial standard of 99% shielding (SE ⩾ 20 dB) was obtained with 50 wt% of graphite. The composites exhibit absorption as the dominant mechanism of shielding. The percentage SE due to absorption is about 70% and is tuned upwards by the increase in ferrite concentration. The composites were characterized by x-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry; thermal analysis confirms their stability. The thin, flexible films fabricated by the simple and cost-efficient technique of solution casting will be extremely valuable as wrap-on shields for X-band microwave attenuation.
Notes on screw product operations in the formulations of successive finite displacements

Geometrical interpretations of two line-based formulations of successive finite displacements, Dimentberg's formulation and a linear formulation, are discussed in this paper. The interpretations are based on the fact that the pitch of the screw product of two unit line vectors is consistent with Parkin's definition of pitch. Finite twists in Dimentberg's formulation are shown to be the screw product of unit line vectors divided by the scalar product of unit line vectors. On the other hand, Finite twists in the linear formulation are interpreted as the screw product of unit line vectors divided by the scalar product of direction-cosine vectors.
A low cost induction motor drive based on the passivity theory approach

In this paper a new low cost induction motor drive for high performance applications is proposed. The system employs only one microcontroller and achieves both torque and speed regulation. The control system is based on the passivity theory and computes the reference torque, rotor angle and speed according to a reference speed signal, without any information about rotor quantities and load torque. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, experimental results and discussion are presented.
The effect of personal pronouns on users and the social role of conversational agents

ABSTRACT There is a growing tendency for users to expect conversational agents (CAs) to recognise social cues and follow interpersonal communication principles to enhance their subjective evaluation. Therefore, this paper studies how personal pronouns should be used by CAs in response to users. We conducted a 3 (CAs’ personal pronoun) × 3 (users’ personal pronoun) × 2 (participants’gender) mixed design. this study used mixed methods based on an experimental design, including ratings, forced choices and interviews, for mutual confirmation. The findings indicate that first, users prefer that CAs use second-person pronouns. Second, there is also turn-taking and convergence tendency between users and CAs in personal pronoun use. Third, there are gender differences in personal pronoun preferences and relationship positions toward CAs. These results can inform personalised voice interaction and humanlike design and help build closer relationships between users and CAs in future human–computer interactions.
VARIABEL ANTESEDEN DAN KONSEKUENSI PEMANFAATAN SISTEM INFORMASI (STUDI EMPIRIS PADA PEMERINTAHAN KABUPATEN DI PULAU MADURA)

The purpose of this research are (I) to give an empirical evidence that performance expectation, effort expectation, social factors, fit on tasks and conditions which facilitating user will affect the level o f interest in usage o f information system, and (2) to give an empirical evidence that interest in an usage o f information system will effect a utilization o f the information system. The respondents o f the research are employment that using information technology system in finishing its job. Data has gathered by questionnaires and documentation. Sample total is 50 respondents. The result o f research with partial regression indicated that variables o f antecedent are namely performance expectation, effort expectation, and conditions which facilitating a utilization o f the information system, significantly affect the interest o f usage the information system, while social factors andfit to task not significantly effect on interest in usage o f information system. The result o f research with partial regression indicated that variable o f consequence namely interest in usage o f information system significantly affect utilization information system.
Increase of Efficiency of an AC-DC Power Factor Correction Boost Converter by a Novel Soft-switching Technique

Abstract A novel implementation of a high power factor boost converter with increased efficiency is described. In this converter, a new zero-voltage transition technique is used for soft switching of the main and auxiliary switches; also, no additional voltage and current stresses on the main and auxiliary switches occur. The operating modes, theoretical analysis, and design considerations of the proposed converter are explained in detail. To evaluate the performance of the proposed converter, simulation and experimental results for a 400-V, 50-kHz, 0.5-kW prototype AC-DC power factor correction converter is presented. Finally the simulation and experimental results are given to verify its rationality and practicability.
Pseudo-minimum time control of mechanical systems

Two controllers are proposed as substitutes to the theoretical minimum-time controller for position control of a mechanical system. One of them is based on a sliding mode control approach with a nonlinear switching function, the other one uses a fuzzy representation of the optimal switching function. Performances, stability and robustness of these alternative controllers are analyzed theoretically and by simulation.
INFLUENCE OF ONLINE BRAND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON BRAND TRUST AND BRAND LOYALTY

This study examines the effect of online brand community customer engagements on brand loyalty,through various online customer-to-community relationships, and trust. Data was randomly collected from 720 members of an online brand community page using an online questionnaire and analysed with Structural Equations Modelling (SEM). The study found that online brand community activities influenced customer-product relationships, and not customer-brand nor customer-company relationships. None of the customer relationships mediate the link between online brand community and trust. Trust, however partially mediates between customer-product relationships and brand loyalty, as well as between customer-company relationships and brand loyalty. Trust of the online community was confirmed to lead to loyalty. For industry practitioners, these findings support the need to ensure favourable customer/product related activities, experience and word of mouth within the online community. It also demonstrates the possibility of brand extension and brand trust at lower costs. The paper contributes to industrial and academic knowledge of virtual brand community and its effects.
Stress doesn’t kill us, it’s our reaction: exploring the relationship between coping mechanisms and correctional officer PTSD

ABSTRACT Developing research demonstrates that correctional officers (CO's) are at a higher risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than the general population, less is known about the relationship between how CO's cope with stress. Most CO's will be exposed to chronic stress and trauma while working in prisons, with approximately one-third of CO's eventually suffering from PTSD. It is important to explore the relationship between coping and PTSD because if certain coping styles are associated with different levels of PTSD, this could be used to inform training and programming for officers. This study examines officer coping and whether they impact the severity of PTSD symptoms among a group of approximately 245 correctional officers across seven adult state institutions from one Southern state. While controlling for exposure to violence and trauma experienced while on the job and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), this study explores whether multiple problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanisms are associated with the level of PTSD symptoms experienced by CO's. Results indicated multiple problem- and emotion-focused coping mechanisms were significantly related to PTSD symptoms, even when controlling for exposure to violence and trauma, ACEs, and other controls. Implications these findings have for practice, and directions for future research are discussed.
Impact of Sublingual Nitroglycerin on the Assessment of Computed Tomography–derived Fractional Flow Reserve: An Intraindividual Comparison Study

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nitroglycerin (NTG) on the assessment of computed tomography–derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR). Materials and Methods Seventy-seven patients with suspected coronary artery disease were recruited, and they underwent computed tomography angiography (CCTA) before and after NTG administration. The CT-FFRs were compared at 2 CCTAs. The difference was compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Patients were divided into normal and stenosis groups according to CCTA results. Vessels in the stenosis group were further divided into different groups based on coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and stenosis degree. The poststenotic CT-FFR differences before and after NTG (DCT-FFR) were calculated to evaluate the impact of stenosis degree and CACS. Terminal CT-FFRs derived from CCTAs before and after NTG in total and vessel-specific levels were compared in the normal group. Results Of 47 patients in the stenosis group, poststenotic CT-FFR was significantly increased after NTG at per-vessel level. By taking CT-FFR of 0.75 or lower as the threshold, 5 and 4 patients showed abnormal CT-FFR before and after NTG, respectively. No significant differences were noted among the various stenosis degree and CACS groups regarding DCT-FFR. Of 30 patients in the normal group, terminal CT-FFR was significantly increased after NTG in total level and vessel-specific level of left anterior descending and right coronary artery, but not in the left circumflex. Conclusions Both post lesion and distal vessel CT-FFR significantly improved after the administration of GTN with the degree of change not affected by stenosis severity or CACS.
Investigation of Prestressed Concrete Frame Behavior with Neural Networks

To date, concrete structure modeling has involved the development of mathematical models of concrete structure behavior derived from human observation of, and reasoning with, experimental data. An alternative, discussed in this paper, is to use a computation and knowledge representation paradigm, called neural networks, developed by researchers in connectionism (a subfield of artificial intelligence) to model concrete structure behavior. The main benefits in using a neural-network approach are that all behavior can be represented within a unified environment of a neural network and that the network is built directly from experimental data using the self-organizing capabilities of the neural network, i.e., the network is presented with the experimental data and learns the relationships between stresses and strains. Such a modeling strategy has important implications for modeling the behavior of modern, complex concrete structures. In this paper, the behavior of prestressed concrete frames is modeled with a backpropagation neural network. The preliminary results of using networks to model concrete structure look very promising.
Novice Teachers’ Implementation of Music in the Preschool Classrooms

: This study examines the level of implementation of music by novice preschool teachers in central region of Malaysia. It also sought to investigate whether there is any difference in novice teachers’ implementation of music in relation to teaching subject option and age group. The specific content of the instrument items for implementation of music was developed by examining the 'Creativity Component of Physical and Aesthetic Strand in the National Preschool Curriculum Standard’ (Ministry of Education Malaysia, 2010). This instrument also reflected the previous work of Wu (1999), Kwan (2006) and Chan and Kwan (2010). The sample consisted of 315 novice teachers. The mean score of novice preschool teachers’ implementation of music was 3.13 and the standard deviation was . 57. There was a significant difference in teachers’ implementation of music in relation to teaching subject option for singing activities. The significant difference was also existed in teachers’ implementation of music in relation to age group for sound exploration activities. It is hoped that the findings and recommendations of this study will contribute towards the improving the implementation of music by novice preschool teachers in their classrooms.