Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Target Maintenance in Gaming via Saliency Augmentation: An Early-Stage Scotoma Simulation Study Using Virtual Reality (VR)

This study addresses the importance of salience placement before or after scotoma development for an efficient target allocation in the visual field. Pre-allocation of attention is a mechanism known to induce a better gaze positioning towards the target. Three different conditions were tested: a simulated central scotoma, a salience augmentation surrounding the scotoma and a baseline condition without any simulation. All conditions were investigated within a virtual reality VR gaming environment. Participants were tested in two different orders, either the salient cue was applied together with the scotoma before being presented with the scotoma alone or the scotoma in the wild was presented before and, then, with the augmentation around it. Both groups showed a change in gaze behaviour when saliency was applied. However, in the second group, salient augmentation also induced changes in gaze behaviour for the scotoma condition without augmentation, gazing above and outside the scotoma following previous literature. These preliminary results indicate salience placement before developing an advanced stage of scotoma can induce effective and rapid training for efficient target maintenance during VR gaming. The study shows the potential of salience and VR gaming as therapy for early AMD patients.
Hopf bifurcation analysis for depth control of submersible vehicles

Abstract : Control of a modern submarine is a multi-dimensional problem coupling initial stability, hydrodynamic and control system response. The loss of stability at moderate to high speeds is examined using a nonlinear Hopf bifurcation analysis. Complete linear state feedback is used for demonstration purposes for depth control at level attitude and for a fixed nominal speed. Control time constant, nominal and actual speeds, metacentric height, and stern to bow plane deflection ratio are used as the main bifurcation parameters. A complete local bifurcation mapping provides a systematic method for evaluating the bounds of controllability for control system design parameters for a submarine with a given set of hydrodynamic coefficients. The submarine and its potential design modifications are then verified with a nonlinear simulation program.
New Technologies in Public Administration

Research on the relationship between technology dynamics and Public Administration (PA) began some years ago and was inspired by the realization that technological development has produced a far-reaching interaction with PA. It is emphasized how technological development and PA influence each other, as investments are managed by public agencies. There are some branches of PA that heavily rely on technology for their activities; such as the defense sector, the space agencies, the agencies for environmental protection, and those that are responsible for food control and safety and so on. Some technological advancements have found fertile ground in PA. The impact of technologies such as ICT or space technologies on PA is from a political and social point of view the most important. The adoption of such technologies can make it possible to offer more services to citizens. The adoption of new technologies can also enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the bureaucratic apparatus and can even influence positively the mechanisms of political representation. The most interesting applications of technology are those relating to earth observations because these are able to strengthen enormously security and transportation systems, to foster the development of some production activities such as agriculture and fishing, and to improve air navigation and territorial control systems. The contributions included in this work revolve around the application of ICT in the activities and structures of PA of some European countries. In particular, these contributions discuss the various development stages of the implementation of e-government as well as the different actors of PA itself.
Elevated total bile acid levels during late pregnancy are associated with the risk of small-for-gestational-age infants

Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is common in pregnant women and is diagnosed by detecting serum total bile acid (TBA) levels. We aimed to investigate the association between serum total bile acid (TBA) levels during late pregnancy and the incidence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants in a Chinese population.Methods The present study was a retrospective cohort study that included 11811 eligible mother-and-singleton-offspring pairs. The correlations between TBA levels and birth sizes, including birth weight, birth length, head circumference and chest circumference, were explored. The relative risk (RR) with 95%CI for SGA infants were estimated among subjects with ICP by multiple logistic regression analysis.Results Serum TBA levels were inversely linked with birth sizes. According to TBA levels, 11120 pregnant women were controls, 563 mild ICP, and 128 severe ICP. Birth sizes in ICP groups were lower than control group, and were the lowest in severe ICP group. Further analysis showed that 24.51% neonates were SGA infants among subjects with mild ICP (adjusted RR: 3.44; 95%CI: 2.72, 4.34) and 39.06% among subjects with severe ICP (adjusted RR: 6.54; 95%CI: 4.27, 10.02), higher than 7.39% among controls. For adjusted models, linear regression analysis showed that each 1μmol/L increase in TBA levels was associated with 11.1g (95%CI: -12.7, -9.5) decrease in birth weight, 0.045cm (95%CI: -0.053, -0.036) decrease in birth length, 0.034cm (95%CI: -0.040, -0.028) decrease in head circumference, and 0.041cm (95%CI: -0.047, -0.034) decrease in chest circumference, respectively.Conclusion Elevated TBA levels during late pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of SGA infants.
Effects of Intracerebroventricular Administration of Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor Inhibitor on Microglia

Microglia play an important role in innate immunity in the brain and are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, as well as neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) regulates the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of microglia and macrophages. Although previous studies have demonstrated that repeated oral administration of a CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 leads to microglia elimination, systemic administration of PLX3397 affects also peripheral macrophages. Therefore, to establish a method for selective elimination of microglia is needed in order to investigate the roles of microglia independently from peripheral macrophages particularly in systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of PLX3397 on microglia.
Will privacy concerns limit the ability of smart phone technologies to help foster collaborative school travel

The global position system (GPS) functionality in modern Smartphones has the capability of pinpointing an individual’s position at any given time. As a result, a wide variety of apps are now available, providing the user with location-specific services, tailored to their location in space and time. In a transportation sense, such functionality has potential for providing users with visibility of current and future potential transport options. Understanding where an individual is, where they have been and might be in the immediate future, and knowledge of their typical schedules and historic trace patterns means that opportunistic, collaborative travel opportunities might be possible. A key issue with such a concept, however, is the extent to which individuals are prepared to share information on their whereabouts, schedules and travel habits with others. This concept is being explored as part of the 6th Sense Transport project and this paper looks specifically at using smartphone technology to visualize lift-sharing opportunities for the morning school run, and the associated privacy issues. Findings from a study of parents of primary-age children suggested that such a ‘real-time’ travel option visualization system (RTOVS) must consider both who a user’s personal information is given to and the type of information given to be successfully adopted by users. This is because the benefits it offers must outweigh the privacy risks perceived by the users. Additionally, the survey results indicated that such a system will be particularly attractive to the educated, employed, high-income household with time-scheduling pressures.
Human Resource Management and Operational Readiness as Measured by Refresher Training on Navy Ships

Abstract : The Navy in 1973 instituted a Human Goals Plan to ensure both a high level of combat effectiveness and personnel excellence. For the current study, scores earned by ships during Refresher Training (REFTRA) were used as a dependent measure of combat effectiveness or readiness for combat. The indices on the Human Resource Management (HRM) Survey were used as the independent measure of personnel or organizational excellence. The nature and strength of the relationship between these two measures is the focus of this study. It was hypothesized that the more effective the human resource management system within a ship, the higher the REFTRA scores. REFTRA scores were obtained for 34 ships that had been surveyed as part of the HRM program. Each ship had either one or two scores, depending on which type of REFTRA--full or interim--has been conducted. Using the overall weighted REFTRA averages for the 16 ships that had undergone full REFTRA, the correlation coefficients between REFTRA and those perceptions assessed by the HRM Survey strongly supported the research hypothesis. All coefficients were in the predicted direction and over half reached significance at the . 01 level of confidence. The highest correlations were found with indices that stressed team effort and coordination. The strongly positive relationships were not sustained using the unweighted averages of interim REFTRA. Comparison of extreme groups on the HRM Survey indices revealed that the high HRM ships scored up to 4.16 points higher in REFTRA.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Autistic Adults in the UK: A Mixed-Methods Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with mental health declines in the general population. Those with pre-existing vulnerabilities are known to be at particular risk. This may include autistic people, who have high levels of mental and physical health problems. Yet little is currently known about the impact of the pandemic on autistic people. Using an online survey, this mixed-methods study gathered data from 133 autistic adults in the United Kingdom (UK), about their experiences of the pandemic in relation to their mental health. Results indicated that the mental health impact of the pandemic on autistic adults was variable. A sizeable minority reported improvements in their mental health associated with COVID-19 restrictions. By contrast, most participants described an overall negative impact their levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Analysis of qualitative data using thematic analysis highlighted four themes that contributed to mental health changes in autistic adults: (i) adjusting to changes to the social world, (ii) living with uncertainty, (iii) disruptions to self-regulation, and (iv) barriers to fulfilling basic needs. Based on these findings, we discuss recommendations about how to support autistic people; both as the pandemic persists and once normality ensues.
Brand Awareness of Private University College, Melaka (PUCM)

Background: In the research field of Private University College, Melaka and from the viewpoint of Melaka residents, brand awareness plays a crucial role in their development. Objectives: This paper identifies the impact of brand awareness, namely brand recognition, brand recall, Top of Mind Awareness; TOMA and brand knowledge. Method: Using an online survey, the study collects data in Melaka from 300 respondents among residents in Melaka. We used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the links between dependent variable and independent variables. Result: The results analyzed by correlation show that: (1) brand recognition has a significant positive influence on brand awareness; (2) brand recall has a significant positive influence on brand awareness; (3) Top of mind awareness (TOMA) has a significant positive influence on brand awareness; (4) brand knowledge has a significant positive influence on brand awareness. Conclusion: From these elements we identified that brand recognition and brand recall were the most influences towards PUCM brand awareness. In the future research, researchers include all elements of brand awareness which is brand dominance and brand opinion will provide more valid research outcome.
Ultra‐Thick Paleoregolith Layer Detected by Lunar Penetrating Radar: Implication for Fast Regolith Formation Between 3.6 and 2.35 Ga

Lunar paleoregolith was formed by repeated asteroid impact and space weathering and then buried by later lava flows, serving as important records for early solar system history. However, direct observational evidence for the paleoregolith layer is rather limited. We present the evidence for the existence of the paleoregolith layer by processing 60 MHz lunar penetrating radar data acquired by the Chang’E‐3 Yutu rover. We find successive reflections with reversed polarities due to a low permittivity (paleoregolith) layer sandwiched in two high permittivity (lava) layers. From modeling and migration imaging of radar reflections, we determine an ultra‐thick paleoregolith layer (∼5–9 m) beneath the Eratosthenian unit and on the top of the Imbrian unit, suggesting a high regolith production rate of 5.8–10.5 m/Ga between late Imbrian and early Eratosthenian periods compared to the previous estimation ∼2 m/Ga, implying fast regolith formation and possible high meteoric flux during these periods.
The Effects of Technology Turnover on Workplace Productivity Perceptions

Abstract : The productivity paradox is a theory that suggests that investments in Information Technology (IT) do not necessarily lead to associated gains in the productivity of the organization (Malakoff 2000; Hitt and Brynjolfsson, 1996). This perception leads practitioners to question if acquiring new IT systems for the sake of having the latest technology will make their organization any more productive (Liebmann, 1996). Understanding the problem that is facing the practitioners, this research was undertaken to attempt to answer some of the underlying questions relating to the perceptions held about the relationship between IT expenditures and workplace productivity with respect to Air Force communication squadrons.
Boundary behaviour of open discrete mappings on Riemannian manifolds. II

The boundary behaviour of classes of ring mappings, which generalize quasiconformal mappings in the sense of Gehring, is under investigation. Theorems proving that they have continuous boundary extensions are established in terms of prime ends of regular domains. Results on the equicontinuity of mappings in these classes in the closure of a fixed domain are also established in these terms. Bibliography: 45 titles.
Zero to Maker: Learn (Just Enough) to Make (Just About) Anything

Are you possessed by the urge to invent, design, and make something that others enjoy, but don't know how to plug into the Maker movement? In this book, you'll follow author David Lang's headfirst dive into the Maker world and how he grew to be a successful entrepreneur. You'll discover how to navigate this new community, and find the best resources for learning the tools and skills you need to be a dynamic maker in your own right. Lang reveals how he became a pro maker after losing his job, and how the experience helped him start OpenROV - a DIY community and product line focused on open source undersea exploration. It all happened once he became an active member of the Maker culture. Ready to take the plunge into the next Industrial Revolution? This guide provides a clear and inspiring roadmap. Take an eye-opening journey from unskilled observer to engaged maker-entrepreneur Enter the Maker community to connect with experts and pick up new skills Use a template for building a maker-based entrepreneurial lifestyle Learn from the organizer of the first-ever Maker Startup Weekend Be prepared for exciting careers of the future
An improved morphological staging method of midpalatal suture and its relationship with cervical vertebrate maturation (CVM) method

Background (1) Establish an improved morphological staging method of midpalatal suture. (2) Investigate the correlation between morphological stages of midpalatal suture (MPS stage) and cervical vertebrate maturation (CVM) stages. (3) Compare effects of traditional tooth-borne rapid maxillary expansion (RME) at different MPS stages. Methods 1076 CBCT images (675 females, 401 males, 6.0 to 21.0 years old) are included. MPS stages are classified based on observation of horizontal view. Correlation between MPS stage and CVM stage are investigated by Spearman correlation coefficient and diagnostic test analysis. Effects of traditional tooth-borne RME at different MPS stages were analyzed based on pre- and post-expansion dental casts. Results Five stages of midpalatal suture are established. Spearman coefficient between MPS stage and CVM stage is 0.803. Diagnostic pairs with the largest area under ROC curve (AUC) value are: CS 6 - MPS 5,CS 5 - MPS 4s2,CS 1 - MPS 1, CS 4 - MPS 4s1, CS 2 - MPS 1, CS 3 - MPS 3. 309/340 (90.9%) of individuals at CS 1-3 are at MPS 1-3, 31/340 (9.1%) are at MPS 4s1. 107/324 (31.2%) of individuals at CS 4 are at MPS 3, 151/324 (46.6%) are at MPS 4s1. Conclusion (1) An improved morphological staging method of midpalatal suture is established. (2) MPS stages have close relationship with CVM stages. (3) Pre-treatment CBCT is recommended for individuals at CS 4 to estimate the possibility of skeletal expansion with traditional tooth-borne RME.
Immune Checkpoint Molecules B7-H6 and PD-L1 Co-Pattern The Tumor Inflammatory Microenvironment: Associations and Clinical Significance in Human Breast Cancer

B7-H6 and PD-L1 belong to the B7 family co-stimulatory molecules fine-tuning the immune response. This report exposes for the first time the clinical implication of B7-H6 protein expression in relation with PD-L1 status and Natural Killer Cells infiltration as potential biomarkers in tumor inflammatory microenvironment. Herein, we explore the expression levels of B7-H6 protein by cancer cells and immune infiltrating cells in human breast cancer tissues and evaluate their associations with PD-L1 expression, NK cell status and clinical pathological features as well as the prognosis. Immunohistochemistry labeling method was used to assess B7-H6 and PD-L1 proteins expression by cancer and immune cells. Associations between immune checkpoint, major clinicopathological variables and survival rates were analyzed. B7-H6 protein was revealed in both breast and immune cells. Tumor B7-H6 expression is highly associated with Her2 over expression. B7-H6 + immune cells are highly related to SBR grade and associated with PD-L1 and NK cells status. Survival analysis showed that patients with low expression of B7-H6 by cancer cells had better prognosis. Conversely, B7-H6 + immune cells were significantly associated with longer survival. Our result strongly suggests an interaction between B7 molecules that contributes to a particular design of the inflammatory microenvironment. This may influence the efficiency of therapies based on antibodies blocking the PD-L1/PD1 pathway and can explain why the clinical benefits are seen only in a fraction of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Mobile Phone Usage on Change of Athletes Sleep Behaviour because of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in India

Many researchers during several decades have proved that sleep is a key factor for enhancing performance in sports. Henceforth, this study is to investigate the impact of a mobile phone on changes in athletes sleep behaviour because of COVID-19 lockdown in India. For which, the survey conducted among 550 sports persons representing various Universities (300 male/250 female) across various states of India using simple random sampling technique, and Sleep Quality Assessment (PSQ: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) was used to find out the level of sleep disturbance in athletes. The composed data were analysed using a percentile. The results of this study showed that the mobile phone usage during COVID-19 lockdown in India out of 550 athletes’ data was collected in which 6.4 ⸓ of athletes with a score of 4 in the scale were not distracted due to COVID-19 lock down they underwent regular sleeping schedule there was no change in their circadian rhythm, 40.4 ⸓ of athletes with a score of 6 which means there was a high level of distraction in sleep due to COVID-19 lock down and 23⸓ of the athletes suffered a very high level of sleep destruction during COVID-19 lock down. Which showed a changed sleep behaviour of sports persons. Conclusion and Recommendations: Lack of exercise during COVID-19 lockdown changed the sleep behaviour in athletes. Which made an addiction towards mobile phone usage. This study concludes that regular exercise enhances sleep and also keeps athletes from over usage of mobile phones.
Fits and Misfits: The Impact of Individual Differences on Psychological Empowerment in Healthcare

This paper acknowledges the labor productivity problem in healthcare, and investigates individual differences as determinants of psychological empowerment, which may be a partial solution to the problem. Using data from 363 clinical nurses, two individual differences - aversive personalities and job/organization fit - representing a bipolar division of employees, were examined for their linkage with psychological empowerment. As hypothesized, the aversive personality psychopathy was negatively linked to empowerment. Employees with longer time in healthcare, higher in religiosity, whose job-related needs are satisfied by the hospital, and who believe that their abilities are a good fit with their job demands are more likely to be psychologically empowered. Easy, reliable tests to screen for high psychopathy in hiring and placing individuals in jobs in which empowerment is desired, and managerial interventions to increase need satisfaction and demand-ability fit, may increase empowerment and thus productivity with no increase in wage costs.
Stress and Challenge at the Top: The Paradox of the Successful Executive

Successful executives - a profile of drive and ambition executive stress - the risks of success preventive stress management - what works and what doesn't profiles of male executives - able men in trying times profiles of female executives - the ladies at the top meeting the challenge - messages from the top loneliness - a lethal problem forming healthy attachments - key to the paradox.