Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distance Education for Basic Surgical Skills Using Homemade Tools—DIY Methods for Emergency Situations

The aim of our research was to establish a reproducible curriculum that offers the possibility to gain basic surgical skills (knot tying, suturing, laparoscopy basics) through distance education in emergency situations by using tools available in the household. Forty-six volunteering third- and fourth-year medical students were involved in the study. The distance education system was set up using homemade or easily obtainable tools (an empty can, shoe box, sponge, etc.) to teach surgical knotting, suturing, and basic laparoscopic skills. The reachable learning objectives were contrasted with the original course plan. Feedback from the students has been collected. The students’ results were compared to the regular course of the previous years. Seventy-nine percent of the original learning objectives could be reached completely, and 15% partially. The necessary tools were available for 82% of the students. The students evaluated the course for 4.26 in general and 4.86 considering the circumstances (on a 5-level-scale). The homemade trainers were assessed over four as an acceptable substitution. Students’ exam results decreased only by 7% compared to the previous two years. Basic surgical skills can be educated with acceptable efficiency and student satisfaction using distance teaching and homemade tools. This is the first study where not only the simulators but the surgical instruments were replaced with household tools and evaluated by a reproducible curriculum.
Enhancing the user authentication process with colour memory cues

ABSTRACT The authentication process is the first line of defence against potential impostors, and therefore is an important concern when protecting personal and organisational data. Although there are many options to authenticate digital users, passwords remain the most common authentication mechanism. However, with password numbers increasing, many users struggle with remembering multiple passwords, which affects their security behaviour. Previous researchers and practitioners have attempted to suggest ways to improve password memorability and security simultaneously. We introduce novel approach that utilises colour as a memory cue to increase password memorability and security. A longitudinal study examined in total over 3000 passwords that were created, learnt and recalled (password process) over a period of five-weeks. By adding colour to the password process, our results suggest that password memorability and security can be increased simultaneously. Through giving the user the option of choosing the colours (compared with colours being preselected), encourages users to create more personal and meaningful memory cues when creating their passwords. Additionally, colour also provided another security parameter by increasing password entropy. These unique results have practical implications for researchers and practitioners that could positively impact password security, and the financial losses suffered due to password security breaches.
BASS. XXI. The Data Release 2 Overview

The BAT AGN Spectroscopic Survey (BASS) is designed to provide a highly complete census of the key physical parameters of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) that power local active galactic nuclei (AGNs) (z ≲ 0.3), including their bolometric luminosity (L bol), black hole (BH) mass (M BH), accretion rates (L bol/L Edd), line-of-sight gas obscuration (N H), and the distinctive properties of their host galaxies (e.g., star formation rates, masses, and gas fractions). We present an overview of the second data release of BASS (DR2), an unprecedented spectroscopic AGN survey in spectral range, resolution, and sensitivity, including 1449 optical (∼3200 Å–1 μm) and 233 near-IR (1–2.5 μm) spectra for the brightest 858 ultrahard X-ray (14–195 keV) selected AGNs across the entire sky and essentially all levels of obscuration. This release provides a highly complete set of key measurements (emission-line measurements and central velocity dispersions), with 99.9% measured redshifts and 98% BH masses estimated (for unbeamed AGNs outside the Galactic plane). The BASS DR2 AGN sample represents a unique census of nearby powerful AGNs, spanning over 5 orders of magnitude in AGN bolometric luminosity (L bol ∼ 1040–1047 erg s−1), BH mass (M BH ∼ 105–1010 M ⊙), Eddington ratio (L bol/L Edd ≳ 10−5), and obscuration (N H ∼ 1020–1025 cm−2). The public BASS DR2 sample and measurements can thus be used to answer fundamental questions about SMBH growth and its links to host galaxy evolution and feedback in the local universe, as well as open questions concerning SMBH physics. Here we provide a brief overview of the survey strategy, the key BASS DR2 measurements, data sets and catalogs, and scientific highlights from a series of DR2-based works pursued by the BASS team.
Relevance of Diabetic Retinopathy with AGEs and Carotenoid Levels Assessed by Skin Sensors

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and carotenoids, the major prooxidants and antioxidants in vivo, respectively, are thought to be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). To estimate AGEs and carotenoid levels simultaneously in patients with DM, we used noninvasive fingertip skin sensors. The study population included 249 eyes of 249 Japanese subjects (130 men, 119 women; mean age ± standard deviation, 69.9 ± 12.0 years). Ninety-three patients had DM, which included diabetic retinopathy (DR) (n = 44) and no DR (NDR) (n = 49), and 156 controls. Compared to the controls (0.44 ± 0.07 arbitrary unit (A.U.)), the AGEs scores were significantly higher in DM (0.47 ± 0.09, p = 0.029) and DR (0.49 ± 0.08, p = 0.0006) patients; no difference was seen between NDR (0.45 ± 0.09, p = 0.83) and controls. Multivariate analyses indicated that a higher AGEs level is a risk factor for DR (r = 0.030, p = 0.0025). However, the carotenoid scores did not differ in any comparisons between the controls (327.7 ± 137.0 O.D.) and patients with DM (324.7 ± 126.4, p = 0.86), NDR (320.4 ± 123.6, p = 0.93), or DR (329.4 ± 130.8, p = 0.93). The carotenoid scores correlated negatively with the AGEs scores (r = −0.21, p = 0.0007), and reflected the Veggie intake score (p < 0.0001). In patients with DM, estimations of AGEs and carotenoid levels using skin sensors can be useful for assessing their risk of DR and vegetable intake, respectively.
Integrating Automatic Speech Recognition Technology Into Vocabulary Learning in a Flipped English Class for Chinese College Students

Although the automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology is increasingly used for commercial purposes, its impact on language learning has not been extensively studied. Underpinned by the sociocultural theory, the present work examined the effects of leveraging ASR technology to support English vocabulary learning in a tertiary flipped setting. A control group and an experimental group of college students participated in a 14-week study. Both groups had their English classes in a flipped fashion, but the experimental group was assigned with ASR-assisted oral tasks for pre-class self-learning. The pre- and post-intervention in-class task performance of both groups was audio-recorded and transcribed for data analysis. The triadic complexity-accuracy-fluency (CAF) framework was adopted to evaluate the participants' vocabulary learning. The between- and within-subjects effects were examined mainly through procedures of MANCOVA and mixed-design repeated measures ANCOVA. Results showed that on all the metrics of lexical complexity and speed fluency, the experimental group outperformed the control group, and had significant growth over time. On the other hand, the control group only improved significantly overtime on the G-index. On lexical accuracy, there was no significant difference between the two groups, and the within-subjects effect was not significant for either group. The findings lent some support to Skehan's Trade-off Hypothesis and discussions were conducted regarding the triarchic CAF framework.
Shift-Invariant Recognition By the Conjunction of Basic Invariant Patterns

An approach to shift-invariant pattern recognition is presented, based on the conjunction of Basic Invariant Patterns (BIPs). In this approach, the invariance to complex shapes is built from the invariance to simple basic patterns. Each basic pattern is recognized at any given location by localized detectors for this pattern. Complex shapes are then treated as conjunctions of the basic patterns. To test the ideas, a simple shift-invariant system was implemented with input shapes being line drawings written on a simulated visual eld. It was shown by simulation and mathematical analysis that a small set of simple BIPs allowed the system to recognize in a shift-invariant way a large number of more complicated shapes. The number of inputs having non-unique decompositions into BIPs is negligible compared to the overall number of input shapes. An application of the model to shift-invariant recognition of \real" images was also examined and tested on low resolution gray level images. A biologically plausible scheme was implemented having the abilities of shift-invariant recognition in a simulated visual eld of a cell from IT region of the brain. After the model was trained to di erentiate between images of faces and other images, it was tested on several test sets. The results show that BIPs can also be de ned for gray level images and shift-invariance can be obtained for complex images from the shift-invariance of the BIPs. The use of overlapping BIPs makes the scheme sensitive to con guration of the image.
Experimental Investigation on the Effects of Coffee Husk Ash as Partial Replacement of Cement on Concrete Properties

The production of cement results in the depletion of natural resources and consumption of huge energy and CO2 emissions to the environment that cause global warming and climate change. To alleviate the problem, there is a growing interest of researchers to find an alternative material to partially cement by industrial and agricultural wastes. This research was therefore aimed to examine the potential of using coffee husk ash (CHA) as partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in C-25 concrete production. Concrete mixtures were prepared by partially replacing cement with CHA in different proportions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) by weight with a constant w/c of 0.5. The consistency, setting time, workability, compressive strength, water absorption, sulphate attack, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and thermo gravimetric (TGA) tests were conducted on concrete samples. The test results revealed that the workability of mixtures showed a decreasing trend with an increase in the share of the CHA content in which the measured slump flow values ranged between 15 and 35 mm. Contrarily, the setting time of concrete mixtures showed an increasing trend with an increase in CHA content. The initial and final setting times were in the range of 67–126 minutes and 310–524 minutes, respectively, which is in the range of the standards. The compressive strength of concrete decreased with an increase in the share of the CHA, in which the results were measured in the range of 35.1–22.7 MPa for the 28th day sample with 5% and 20% of CHA, respectively. However, it increases as the curing days increase, whereas the water absorption of the concrete increases as the CHA increases but decreases as the curing days increase due to the porous nature of the CHA. From the study microstructure of concrete using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis results show that the C-S-H gel would be from 950–1100 cm−1 wavenumber and at 500oC, and the CHA sample was decomposed and mass loss was observed at 500oC. In general, it was also observed that, from the compressive strength, the concrete satisfies its design strength up to 10% replacement level without compromising the performance of concrete.
Service encounter and repurchase intention in fitness centers: perceived value as a mediator and service innovativeness as a moderator

PurposeThis study examined the relationships between service encounter, perceived value, and repurchase intention in the fitness service sector through the theoretical lens of service-dominant logic. In addition, the mediating role of perceived value and the moderating role of service innovativeness were examined.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (n = 806) were drawn from fitness center customers in Taiwan using a convenience sampling technique. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses in the research model.FindingsThe results showed that service encounter had a positive impact on perceived value, which in turn affected repurchase intention. Moreover, the full mediating effect of perceived value was identified in the relationship between service encounter and repurchase intention. In addition, service innovativeness positively moderated the effect of service encounter on repurchase intention.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence on the impact of staff-customer interactions (i.e. service encounter) on customers' perceptions and behaviors and identifies the critical role of perceived value as a mediating mechanism as well as a facilitating role of service innovativeness in enhancing repurchase intention.
How group processes push excluded people into a radical mindset: An experimental investigation

Social exclusion is a condition that seems to allow terrorism to flourish. Since radicalization is argued to occur mostly in the context of group identification and accompanying processes, we hypothesized that these may contribute to pushing excluded individuals toward radicalism. To investigate this, we performed four studies. In Studies 1 to 3, we conducted experiments in which we manipulated exclusion (vs. inclusion), created new in-groups, and measured radicalism intentions in the context of eco- or animal rights extremism. In Study 4, we tested the focal variables in a reanalysis of coded qualitative data on an Islamist sample. In Study 1, the exclusion–radicalism link revealed to be mediated by in-group sympathy as opposed to out-group antipathy. Studies 2 to 4 specifically identified perceived group threat as a driver of radicalism in the aftermath of exclusion. This work provides first experimental evidence for the catalyzing power of relationships in the exclusion–radicalism link.
The Anfinsen Dogma: Intriguing Details Sixty-Five Years Later

The pioneering experiments of Anfinsen on the oxidative folding of RNase have been revisited discovering some details, which update the statement of his dogma and shed new light on the leading role of the correct disulfide in the attainment of the native structure. CD analysis, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and enzyme activity indicate that native disulfides drive the formation of the secondary and tertiary structures that cannot be entirely formed in their absence. This opposes a common opinion that these structures are first formed and then stabilized by the native disulfides. Our results also indicate that a spontaneous re-oxidation of a reduced RNase cannot produce a complete recovery of activity, as described by many textbooks; this can be obtained only in the presence of a reshuffling solution such as GSH/GSSG.
Development and Evaluation of Cannabidiol Orodispersible Tablets Using a 23-Factorial Design

Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) are pharmaceutical formulations used to obtain fast therapeutic effects, usually recommended for geriatric and pediatric patients due to their improved compliance, bioavailability, ease of administration, and good palatability. This study aimed to develop ODTs with cannabidiol (CBD) phytocannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa used in the treatment of Lennox–Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. The tablets were obtained using an eccentric tableting machine and 9 mm punches. To develop CBD ODTs, the following parameters were varied: the Poloxamer 407 concentration (0 and 10%), the type of co-processed excipient (Prosolv® ODT G2—PODTG2 and Prosolv® EasyTab sp—PETsp), and the type of superdisintegrant (Croscarmellose—CCS, and Soy Polysaccharides—Emcosoy®—EMCS), resulting in eleven formulations (O1–O11). The following dependent parameters were evaluated: friability, disintegration time, crushing strength, and the CBD dissolution at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min. The dependent parameters were verified according to European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) requirements. All the tablets obtained were in accordance with quality requirements in terms of friability (less than 1%), and disintegration time (less than 180 s). The crushing strength was between 19 N and 80 N. Regarding the dissolution test, only four formulations exhibited an amount of CBD released higher than 80% at 30 min. Taking into consideration the results obtained and using the Modde 13.1 software, an optimal formulation was developed (O12), which respected the quality criteria chosen (friability 0.23%, crushing strength of 37 N, a disintegration time of 27 s, and the target amount of CBD released in 30 min of 99.3 ± 6%).
Fourier Integral Operator Model of Market Liquidity: The Chinese Experience 2009–2010

This paper proposes and motivates a dynamical model of the Chinese stock market based on linear regression in a dual state-space connected to the original state-space of correlations between the volume-at-price buckets by a Fourier transform. We apply our model to the price migration of orders executed by Chinese brokerages in 2009–2010. We use our brokerage tapes to conduct a natural experiment assuming that tapes correspond to randomly assigned, informed, and uninformed traders. Our analysis demonstrates that customers’ orders were tightly correlated—in the highly nonlinear sense of prediction by the neural networks—with Chinese market sentiment, significantly correlated with the returns of the Chinese stock market, and exhibited no correlations with the yield of the bellwether bond of the Bank of China. We did not notice any spike of illiquidity transmitting from the US Flash Crash in May 2010 to trading in China.
Farm waste utilization among farmers in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria: Implication for extension education service delivery

The study examined the utilization of farm waste among farmers in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit data from 120 farmers in the study area. Results revealed that more than half (58.4%) of the respondents were crop farmers who grow majorly maize and cassava on a subsistence scale. The major farm wastes generated in the area were maize cobs, husk and stalk (62.5%) and cassava stalk and peels (60%). Majority of the farmers got rid of their farm waste through burning while more than half of the respondents do not utilize the waste they generate from their farms. The major constraints militating against farm waste utilization includes inadequate access to extension services, inadequate awareness of benefits of farm waste, inadequate facilities for processing of farm wastes to other products and low knowledge on usage of farm waste. Logistic regression modelling results revealed that farmers who are more likely to utilize their farm waste efficiently are those with higher level of education and more years of experience in farming. It was therefore recommended that extension agencies should embark on enlightenment campaigns and trainings of farmers on various innovative ways of farm wastes utilization in order to facilitate more efficient and environmental friendly farm waste utilization initiatives in the area. Keywords. Assessment, Farmers, Farm Waste, Kwara State, Utilization.
The Collateral Premium and Levered Safe-Asset Production

Banks are vital suppliers of money-like safe assets, which they produce by issuing short-term liabilities and pledging collateral. But their ability to create safe assets varies over time as leverage constraints fluctuate. I present a model to describe private safe-asset production when intermediaries face leverage constraints. I measure bank leverage constraints using bank-intermediated basis trades. The collateral premium — a strategy long Treasuries used more often as repo collateral and short Treasuries used less often — has a positive expected return of 22 basis points per year because the collateral premium compensates for bank leverage risk.
The efficacy of a voluntary, community-based program in preventing recurrence of child maltreatment: Community Support for Families

ABSTRACT Community-based, voluntary child maltreatment prevention programs are a critical, yet under-studied, element of child maltreatment prevention and are particularly vital to the success of differential response (DR) programs. This study describes the 25% of families who are referred from Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families DR to a voluntary post-DR community program (Community Support for Families (CSF)), assesses the safety outcomes of subsequent reports and substantiated subsequent reports within 18 months of their initial report, and analyzes the family and case characteristics associated with the outcomes. CSF engages families, works with them to strengthen natural and community-based supports, and connect families to needed services. A higher percentage of Black and Latino families were referred to the CSF than white families, likely driven by higher poverty rates. Forty percent of families had a subsequent report and 11% had a substantiated subsequent report. Program participation was associated with lower odds of a substantiated subsequent report compared to families who were referred but did not participate. Program participation was not associated with preventing a subsequent report. This study adds to the scant literature on community maltreatment prevention programs.
Behavioral Analysis of EEG Signals in Loss-Gain Decision-Making Experiments

Extraction and analysis of the EEG (electroencephalograph) information features generated during behavioral decision-making can provide a better understanding of the state of mind. Previous studies have focused more on the brainwave features after behavioral decision-making. In fact, the EEG before decision-making is more worthy of our attention. In this study, we introduce a new index based on the reaction time of subjects before decision-making, called the Prestimulus Time (PT), which have important reference value for the study of cognitive function, neurological diseases, and other fields. In our experiments, we use a wearable EEG feature signal acquisition device and a systematic reward and punishment experiment to obtain the EEG features before and after behavioral decision-making. The experimental results show that the EEG generated after behavioral decision due to loss is more intense than that generated by gain in the medial frontal cortex (MFC). In addition, different characteristics of EEG signals are generated prior to behavioral decisions because people have different expectations of the outcome. It will produce more significant negative-polarity event-related potential (ERP) in the forebrain area when the humans are optimistic about the outcomes.