Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological and psychological responses and cognitive performance with a window view

A window view, including nature, decreases stress and improves well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a window view on physiological and psychological responses and cognitive performance. Twenty-six participants were exposed to two viewing conditions (closed blinds and window view) in real and virtual environments. Skin temperature, skin conductance, heart-rate variability, and electroencephalography were examined. Cognitive tests were conducted for the participants after an environmental exposure for 5 min. During the exposure and tests, participants with a window view recorded higher skin temperature, lower skin conductance, and lower heart rate than those with closed blinds by 0.1 °C, 0.12 μS, and 0.98 bpm, respectively. Physiological responses indicated that participants with a window view were less stressed than those with closed blinds. Short-term working memory with a window view, compared with closed blinds, improved significantly (by 6%) in the real environment; however, the increase was not significant in the virtual environment. Short-term working memory was affected by self-reported concentration and relaxed mood based on visual comfort. Moreover, the physiological responses in the virtual environment were similar to those in the real environment. This result indicates that a window view improves stressful conditions in both real and virtual environments.
Versatile, high bandwidth, RF and microwave photonic Hilbert transformers based on Kerr micro-combs

We experimentally demonstrate bandwidth-tunable RF photonic Hilbert transformer based on an integrated Kerr microcomb source. The micro-comb is generated by an integrated micro-ring resonator with a free spectral range of 48.9 GHz, yielding 75 micro-comb lines in the telecom C-band. By programming and shaping the generated comb lines according to calculated tap weights, we demonstrate high-speed Hilbert transform functions with tunable bandwidths ranging from 1.2 GHz to 15.3 GHz, switchable center frequencies from baseband to 9.5 GHz, and arbitrary fractional orders. The experimental results show good agreement with theory and confirm the effectiveness of our approach.
Variation in Semiotic Mediation across Face-to-Face and Computer-Based Secondary School Mathematics Lessons in a School in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract This study, conducted in one high-achieving secondary school in a disadvantaged area in the Western Cape province of South Africa, asks whether mathematics teachers alter their “talk” across the face-to-face and computer-based lessons. Data were gathered through video recordings of teacher/student interactions across ten face-to-face and computer-based mathematics lessons conducted by two teachers. Findings indicate that the teachers studied significantly altered their “talk” across the two contexts, with a medium effect size. Further, a significant association at a medium effect level between any two of the three variables—location of lesson, “talk” type and scale of interaction—was found. In particular, teachers used significantly less mathematical talk in the computer lessons. As language is the primary mediator of conceptual acquisition (Vygotsky, 1978), this calls into question what mathematical concepts are learnt in a computer-based lesson.
Deep Learning Algorithm-Based MRI Image in the Diagnosis of Diabetic Macular Edema

This study investigates the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on a deep learning algorithm in the diagnosis of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. A total of 96 patients with DME were randomly divided into the experimental group (N = 48) and the control group (N = 48). A deep learning 3D convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) algorithm for MRI images of patients with DME was designed. The application value of this algorithm was comprehensively evaluated by MRI image segmentation Dice value, sensitivity, specificity, and other indicators and diagnostic accuracy. The results showed that the quality of MRI images processed by the 3D-CNN algorithm based on deep learning was significantly improved, and the Dice value, sensitivity, and specificity index data were significantly better than those of the traditional CNN algorithm (P < 0.05). In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of MRI images processed by this algorithm was 93.78 ± 5.32%, which was significantly better than the diagnostic accuracy of 64.25 ± 10.24% of traditional MRI images in the control group (P < 0.05). In summary, the 3D-CNN algorithm based on deep learning can significantly improve the accuracy and sensitivity of MRI image recognition and segmentation in patients with DME, can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in patients with DME, and has a good clinical application value.
Application of Classical Kalman filtering technique in assimilation of multiple data types to NeQuick model

This study attempts to improve estimation of ionospheric electron density profiles over Korea and adjacent areas by employing classical Kalman filtering technique to assimilate Total Electron Content (TEC) data from various sources into the NeQuick model. Successive corrections method was applied to spread the effect of TEC data assimilation at a given location to others that lacked TEC observations. In order to reveal that the assimilation results emulate the complex ionospheric changes during geomagnetic storms, the selected study days included both quiet (Kp ≤ 3) and disturbed geomagnetic conditions in the year 2015. The results showed that assimilation of TEC data derived from ground-based GPS receivers can improve the root mean squared error (RMSE) associated with the NeQuick model estimation of ionospheric parameters by ≥ 56 %. The improvement of RMSE achieved by assimilating TEC data that were measured using ionosondes was ~50 %. The assimilation of TEC observations made by the COSMIC radio occultation technique yielded results that depicted RMSE improvement of > 10 %. The assimilation of TEC data measured by GPS receiver onboard Low Earth Orbiting satellites yielded results that revealed deterioration of RMSE. This outcome might be due to either the fact that the receivers are on moving platforms and these dynamics might have not been accounted for during TEC computation or limitation of the assimilation process. Validation of our assimilation results with global ionosphere TEC data maps as processed at the center for orbit determination in Europe (CODE) revealed that both depicted similar TEC changes, showing response to a geomagnetic storm.
Program Evaluation of SeeMe™: Understanding Frailty Together

Background Perley Health has implemented SeeMe™: Understanding frailty together (www.perleyhealth.ca), a comprehensive approach to care that integrates the assessment and management of frailty, with an emphasis on goals of care planning. Methods Program evaluation over the first year of SeeMe™ used a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative data from surveys, goals of care preferences, hospital transfers, and qualitative data from interviews. Results The SeeMe™ training is an effective way to educate nurses and physicians in long-term care about frailty. For residents with documented care preferences prior to SeeMe™, there was a 15% reduction in the number of residents who preferred to be transferred to hospital post-SeeMe™ implementation. There was no significant decrease in hospital transfers during the first year the program was introduced. Conclusion After the roll-out of SeeMe™, nurses, physicians, and families reported high satisfaction with the program, and nurses reported an increase in knowledge and confidence. There was also a reduction in the number of residents and families selecting to transfer to hospital. This suggests that the education from SeeMe™ influenced residents and families to choose less invasive interventions in the context of frailty and quality of life goals.
Firm patenting and types of innovation. An empirical investigation on patenting determinants in developing countries

ABSTRACT The literature has accumulated numerous pieces of evidence and trends as far as developed countries’ firm patenting is concerned. To date only a small amount of information concerning developing countries’ firm patenting is available. This paper contributes to the literature by accounting for the determinants of firm patenting in developing countries. The core assumption of this paper is that the occurrence of firm patenting is positively related to innovation strategies. As a result, we place the emphasis on the diverse ways to innovate and we identify their effects on a firm’s probability to patent. Our findings indicate that despite the weaknesses of the patenting systems in developing countries, the probability to patent an innovation occurs when it is new to the market type, whether it is a product or a process (after controlling for many other effects).
Evaluating interproximal and occlusal lesion severity with a dual SWIR transillumination/reflectance probe

We have developed a clinical probe capable of acquiring simultaneous, multispectral short wavelength infrared (SWIR) reflectance and occlusal transillumination images of lesions on tooth proximal and occlusal surfaces to reduce the potential of false positives and enhance diagnosis. The dual probe was 3D printed and the imaging system uses an InGaAs camera and broadband light sources at 1310 nm for occlusal transillumination and 1600 nm for cross- polarization reflectance measurements. In this study a mathematical model to estimate the penetration depth of “hidden” occlusal lesions from the SWIR images was developed. We compared the model’s estimated lesion depth on 18 extracted teeth with lesions against microCT measurements. Although the model estimated depth deviates from that measured in microCT at higher depths, there is a good linear correlation (R2 = 0.93) between the estimated depth from SWIR images and the measured depth using microCT. SWIR occlusal transillumination images at 1300 nm also provide information about interproximal lesion penetration depth which can be directly viewed from the occlusal surface. SWIR occlusal transillumination and reflectance depth measurements on 49 natural interproximal lesions were compared with microCT measurements. There was significant correlation between the depths measured with SWIR occlusal transillumination (R2 = 0.81) and reflectance (R2 = 0.19) compared with the depths measured with microCT.
The role of professional self-care practices in lowering anxiety among Filipino teachers enrolled in graduate studies

ABSTRACT A common challenge among educators who enroll in graduate school is the balancing of their dual roles as teachers and graduate students. This exposes them to potential mental health concerns, such as anxiety. This cross-sectional study examined the role of professional self-care practices in alleviating anxiety among Filipino teachers enrolled in graduate studies. A survey was administered among 134 Filipino teachers enrolled in a Master’s degree program in education. Findings suggest that the majority of respondents had low levels of anxiety. Younger teachers, with less teaching experience, had higher anxiety scores. Moreover, younger male teachers exhibited significantly higher daily balance self-care, while teachers assigned in senior high school exhibited higher cognitive strategies self-care. Lastly, teachers who frequently practiced all dimensions of self-care were more likely to have lowered anxiety levels. These results signal the need for schools to implement programs to promote self-care among teachers, especially those pursuing graduate studies.
Optimizing the Method for Differentiation of Macrophages from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Macrophage is a very promising cell type for cancer immunotherapy, yet it is difficult to obtain enough functional macrophages for clinical cell therapy. Herein, we descibe a reliable method to produce functional macrophages through the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). By optimizing the size control of embryoid bodies (EBs), we accelerated the differentiation process of macrophages and increased the production of macrophages without attenuating macrophage functions. Our final yield of macrophages was close to 50-fold of starting iPSCs. The macrophages showed phagocytic capacity in vitro and a xenograft tumor model. M0 macrophages could be further polarized into M1 and M2 subtypes, and M1 cells exhibited typical proinflammatory characteristics. Moreover, we found that hematopoietic differentiation originated from the outside of EB and matured inward gradually. Taken together, our protocol provides an effective method for the generation of macrophages comparable to blood-derived macrophages, which provides potential value for cell therapy and gene editing studies.
Apples to Apples? A Comparison of Real-World Tolerability of Antiretrovirals in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis

We previously characterized a human betaretrovirus and linked infection with the development of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). There are in vitro and in vivo data demonstrating that antiretroviral therapy used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be repurposed to treat betaretroviruses. As such, PBC patients have been treated with nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), alone and in combination with a boosted protease inhibitor or an integrase strand transfer inhibitor in case studies and clinical trials. However, a randomized controlled trial using combination antiretroviral therapy with lopinavir was terminated early because 70% of PBC patients discontinued therapy because of gastrointestinal side effects. In the open-label extension, patients tolerating combination therapy underwent a significant reduction in serum liver parameters, whereas those on NRTIs alone rebounded to baseline. Herein, we compare clinical experience in the experimental use of antiretroviral agents in patients with PBC with the broader experience of using these agents in people living with HIV infection. While the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects in the PBC population appears somewhat increased compared to those with HIV infection, the clinical improvement observed in patients with PBC suggests that further studies using the newer and better tolerated antiretroviral agents are warranted.
Binary Type-II Heterojunction K7HNb6O19/g-C3N4: An Effective Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution without a Co-Catalyst

The binary type-II heterojunction photocatalyst containing g-C3N4 and polyoxoniobate (PONb, K7HNb6O19) with excellent H2 production activity was synthesized by decorating via a facile hydrothermal method for the first time. The as-fabricated Nb–CN-0.4 composite displayed a maximum hydrogen evolution rate of 359.89 µmol g−1 h−1 without a co-catalyst under the irradiation of a 300 W Xenon Lamp, which is the highest among those of the binary PONb-based photocatalytic materials reported. The photophysical and photochemistry analyses indicated that the hydrogen evolution performance could be attributed to the formation of a type-II heterojunction, which could not only accelerate the transfer of photoinduced interfacial charges, but also effectively inhibit the recombination of electrons and holes. This work could provide a useful reference to develop an inexpensive and efficient photocatalytic system based on PONb towards H2 production.
Predicting the Risk of Mortality in Children using a Fuzzy-Probabilistic Hybrid Model

Introduction The mortality risk in children admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) is usually estimated by means of validated scales, which only include objective data among their items. Human perceptions may also add relevant information to prognosticate the risk of death, and the tool to use this subjective data is fuzzy logic. The objective of our study was to develop a mathematical model to predict mortality risk based on the subjective perception of PICU staff and to evaluate its accuracy compared to validated scales. Methods A prospective observational study in two PICUs (one in Spain and another in Latvia) was performed. Children were consecutively included regardless of the cause of admission along a two-year period. A fuzzy set program was developed for the PICU staff to record the subjective assessment of the patients' mortality risk expressed through a short range and a long range, both between 0% and 100%. Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM2) and Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System 28 (TISS28) were also prospectively calculated for each patient. Subjective and objective predictions were compared using the logistic regression analysis. To assess the prognostication ability of the models a stratified B-random K-fold cross-validation was performed. Results Five hundred ninety-nine patients were included, 308 in Spain (293 survivors, 15 nonsurvivors) and 291 in Latvia (282 survivors, 9 nonsurvivors). The best logistic classification model for subjective information was the one based on MID (midpoint of the short range), whereas objective information was the one based on PIM2. Mortality estimation performance was 86.3% for PIM2, 92.6% for MID, and the combination of MID and PIM2 reached 96.4%. Conclusions Subjective assessment was as useful as validated scales to estimate the risk of mortality. A hybrid model including fuzzy information and probabilistic scales (PIM2) seems to increase the accuracy of prognosticating mortality in PICU.
Measurement of Thermal Resistance of Woven Fabrics in Natural and Forced Convections

The objective of this paper is to report the values of thermal resistance in natural and convection heat transfer modes through woven fabrics. An instrument developed on the principle of the guarded hot plate method will be discussed. The instrument is precise up to two decimal places and the accuracy is approximately 14%. The fabrics were tested in a natural as well as forced convective mode with air velocity of 1m/s flowing parallel over the fabric surface. It was observed that the thermal resistance of the fabric in forced convection is less than that in the natural convective mode. The thermal resistance can be predicted with the help of a statistical model when all the constructional parameters are taken together. A polynomial equation consisting of linear, interaction and square terms based on the response surface modelling was developed for both the conditions of heat flow. It was observed that as all constructional parameters, such as warp and weft count, thread spacing, thickness, fabric weight a.
Price duration curve and cost of renewable energy for electricity generation for power development plan of Thailand (PDP 2018)

Electricity supply security has become one of the main concerns in the national energy supply plan. Diversification of fuels used for electricity generation is therefore a major tool for energy acquisition. The fuels used for electricity generation are natural gas, coal, hydropower, oil, imported from neighboring countries, and renewable energy. There have been four major groups of generators in Thailand, who are Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT, a state enterprise), Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Small Power Producers (SPPs), and Very Small Power Producers (VSPPs). In addition to those major groups of producers, there have been import and exchange of electricity with neighboring countries, such as Lao PDR and Malaysia. The latest Power Development Plan of Thailand (PDP 2018), issued in April 2019, provides detailed plan of supply of electricity until 2037. The plan includes electricity supply from fossil fuels and renewable energy, which are subjected to different generation costs. Possible price duration curves for annual supplies in 2037 is derived, and the average generation costs from 2018 till 2037 are estimated. The cost proportion electricity from renewable energy is planned to increase from 7.5% in 2018 to 21.7% in 2037, which indicates a significant substitution of renewable energy for traditional fossil fuels.
Comparing Spot Urine Protein: Creatinine Ratio 24-Hour Urinary Protein Estimation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background & Objective: A simple blood test (urea and creatinine) and a urine test may indicate renal function deterioration and presence of microalbuminuria, which is also the first clinical signs of renal dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus. This cost effective test easy to perform even in the absence of advance facilities in a hospital. That is why we planned to conducted this study to assess the comparison between of spot urine protein:creatinine ratio with 24-hour urinary protein in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This prospective hospital based clinical study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, over a period of six months from 10th May 2018 to 9th November 2019 through a consecutive sampling technique. All the patients having age more than 18 years of both gender, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this study. Three cc blood was taken to determine the serum creatinine levels and twenty-four hour 2ml urine sample was also collected to determine the urinary protein levels. The proteinuria ≥300mg/dl in 24-hour urine sample was considered as significant proteinuria. Kappa statistics was used to find agreement between spot urine protein and 24 hours urinary protein. Results: A total 95 patients were evaluated and their mean age was 41.91±14.29 years, with male predominance (n = 66, 69.4%). Average 24 hour urinary protein was 1216.99±949.51mg and spot-urine evaluation of protein was 1919.12±2129.25mg. The agreement between spot urinary protein creatinine ratio and 24 hour urinary protein was found in 82.1% of cases through Kappa statistics and the calculated agreement between the two procedures was 0.975 which provides sufficient agreement to use spot urine protein:creatinine ratio in routine diagnosis of proteinuria. Conclusion: The study have shown that the protein:creatinine ratio for a random urine sample might be used to rule out the presence of significant proteinuria as defined by a quantitative measure of the 24-hour urine protein excretion.
Teachers’ needs and agency in times of low-fee private schools: The case of Kenya

Abstract The proliferation of low-fee private schools (LFPSs) in the global South is one manifestation of the marketization of education. LFPS literature on teachers emphasize exploitation, de-professionalization, and higher accountability, but teachers’ own voice and representation has largely been absent. Based on interviews with 35 Kenyan LFPS and public-school teachers in one urban and one rural area, this paper partly fills this gap by investigating teachers’ own experiences with marketization. The different teachers’ needs and sense of professionalism showed great similarities, yet their type of employment shaped their work and agency. LFPSs alleviated public school (hereafter PS) overcrowding, but high pupil mobility in the education market affected teaching and learning in both LFPS and PSs negatively. LFPS teachers adopted strategies (teaching-to-the-test, deviating from pre-scripted lessons) to retain and attract pupils to keep their jobs.