Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Issues faced by people with amputation(s) during lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation: A thematic analysis

Background: Successful rehabilitation is essential to improve the physical and mental outcomes of people with lower limb amputation(s). Individuals have different goals and expectations of successful rehabilitation and experience issues that affect their quality of life. Objectives: To determine factors affecting lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation from people with amputation(s), important for studies focusing on prosthetic and socket design and fitting because they provide context of need and user issues. Study design: Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. Methods: Ten people with amputation(s) were self-selected from a survey identifying factors affecting lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation. The telephone interviews were semistructured exploring the biggest impactors on and frustrations with rehabilitation and the socket. A thematic analysis was completed by following the undermentioned steps: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and reporting. Results: Five distinct but interrelated themes were identified: External to Prosthesis, Body Impactors, Consequences of Ill-Fit, Prosthesis Irritants, and Work and Social Impact. Those living with amputation(s) mentioned prosthetic-related issues affecting their work and social life, including difficulties wearing their prosthesis all day, the socket's rigidity, and the ability to participate in hobbies. Conclusions: The study provides new insights into the issues experienced during prosthetic rehabilitation, highlighting impacts beyond just physical health consequences. The study provides an evidence base for areas of the rehabilitation journey which could be improved to improve the quality of life of people with amputation(s).
A SiGe HBT power amplifier with 40% PAE for PCS CDMA applications

This paper presents for the first time a high efficiency SiGe HBT based CDMA power amplifier (PA) for PCS handset applications. Under IS-95 CDMA modulation at 1.88 GHz and 3.4 V bias voltage, the two-stage amplifier exhibits 41% power-added efficiency and 30 dBm linear output power with -46 dBc adjacent-channel-power-ratio (ACPR) and 23 dB gain. The SiGe HBTs used in the amplifier were fabricated in a production qualified 8-inch SiGe BiCMOS production process. This performance demonstrates for the first time that SiGe technology can provide competitive performance for PCS wireless handset PA applications.
Theoretical and Numerical Analysis of Soil-Pipe Pile Horizontal Vibration Based on the Fractional Derivative Viscoelastic Model

To describe the mechanical properties of the system of pipe pile-soil reasonably and accurately, the constitutive relations of the soil around pile and pile core soil are characterized by the fractional derivative viscoelastic model. We assume that the radial and circumferential displacements of the soil around the pile and pile core soil are the functions of r, θ, and z. The horizontal dynamic control equations of soil layers are derived by using the fractional derivative viscoelastic model. Considering the fractional derivative properties, soil layer boundary condition, and contact condition of pile and soil, the potential function decomposition method is used to solve the radial and circumferential displacements of the soil layer. Then, the force of unit thickness soil layer on the pipe pile and the impedance factor of the soil layer are obtained. The horizontal dynamic equations of pipe pile are established considering the effect of soil layers. The horizontal dynamic impedance and horizontal-swaying dynamic resistance at the pile top are obtained by combining the pipe pile-soil boundary conditions and the orthogonal operation of trigonometric function. Numerical solutions are used to analyze the influence of pile and soil parameters on the soil impedance factor and horizontal dynamic impedance at pile top. The results show that the horizontal impedance factors of the soil layer and horizontal dynamic impedance of pipe pile by using the fractional derivative viscoelastic model can be degraded to those of the classical viscoelastic model and the elastic model. For the fractional derivative viscoelastic model of soil layer, the influence of soil around pile on the dynamic impedance is greater than that of pile core soil. The model parameter TOa, the inner radius of pipe pile, and the pile length have obvious effects on the horizontal impedance of the soil layer and pipe pile, while the influence of the pile core soil on the pile impedance is smaller.
Potency of Secretome in Reproductive Regenerative Medicine

Aging will arise in all biological creatures. The process is including decreased function of various organs and physical alterations. According to anti-aging medicine, the process of aging considered a disease that can be prevented, treated, and even treated returned to its optimal state like still young. Reproductive aging is marked by total plasma testosterone levels in men decrease between 1-2% per year starting around age 40. The decreasing in testosterone is multifactorial. Adult stem cells especially MSC in the niche microenvironment of stem cells are the functional units of tissue homeostasis and regeneration. MSC media has a therapeutic effect obtained from the secretion and release of the trophic molecule, which is now known as the secretome. MSCs may support or attract components of the stem cell niche and / or mimic non-existent niche cell paracrine signals. IGF is present in the MSC secretome and promotes the production of testosterone by Leydig.
Fine sediments as a granular source for civil engineering

ABSTRACT Across the world, every year, several millions of tons of sediments are dredged in harbours. These sediments, which are sometimes polluted, represent an interesting granular resource for the civil engineering. For this study, fine sediments are chosen because of the difficulties to evacuate them after dredging, in comparison to sands, induced by their high water content, the presence of organic matters, their mechanical behaviour and, in some cases, the presence of pollutants. The paper shows the study carried out with fine sediments from harbours of the north of France. The authors propose recommendations to optimize the re-use of these sediments in considering technical, environmental and economical criteria. A re-use process has been studied in laboratory and tested on field site.
Segmentation of the Aorta and Pulmonary Arteries Based on 4D Flow MRI in the Pediatric Setting Using Fully Automated Multi‐Site, Multi‐Vendor, and Multi‐Label Dense U‐Net

Automated segmentation using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been developed using four‐dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To broaden usability for congenital heart disease (CHD), training with multi‐institution data is necessary. However, the performance impact of heterogeneous multi‐site and multi‐vendor data on CNNs is unclear.
Sense and Avoid (SAA) Flight Test and Lessons Learned

*† ‡ § ** †† ‡‡ Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are being used extensively in the military, government, and private sectors to perform what were once manned missions. However, authorization to operate UAS unrestricted within organized airspace systems among civil air traffic remains virtually nil even though procedures and systems allowing for remote, even transcontinental, control of UAS and communication with air traffic controllers are in place and demonstrate robustness. The major technological barrier is the lack of an onboard sense and avoid (SAA) system capable of providing UAS with the ability to avoid collisions with other aircraft. Two Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) programs were established to address this need. AFRL’s Sensors Directorate and Air Vehicles Directorate are working jointly to develop SAA system components. The Sensors Directorate is developing electro optical (EO) based “sense” or detection sensor technology, and the Air Vehicles Directorate is developing the autonomous “avoid” or maneuvering technology. In addition to the EO system, the Air Vehicles Directorate is incorporating Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) information for the detection of conflicting traffic. AFRL recently conducted a series of SAA flight tests to evaluate the performance of these systems during flight. The SAA hardware and software were installed in a Learjet (LJ), which acted as a surrogate High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAS. The LJ was flown in various near-collision encounter scenarios with aircraft representative of general aviation (GA) and commuter transport class platforms acting as intruder aircraft on a collision course. This paper describes the component technologies which comprise the SAA system, the accomplishments achieved and lessons learned from the flight test activities.
Strategische afstemming en de effectiviteit van bedrijfsopleidingen

This thesis focuses on whether HRD programs and other learning activities are more effective when companies consider HRD goals and objectives more carefully prior to designing such programs. In other words: does the HRD policymaking process influence HRD effectiveness? In most cases, the researcher merely gains an insight into the strategies the company has planned for the future, the so called ‘intended strategy’ (Mintzberg, 1994). That is why this thesis studies the effectiveness of the realised strategy, which is reflected in the term ‘strategic HRD aligning’.
An Approach to the Evaluation and Management of the Obese Child With Early Puberty

Abstract With the declining age at onset of puberty and increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, early breast development in young obese girls has become a more frequent occurrence. Here, we examine available literature to answer a series of questions regarding how obesity impacts the evaluation and management of precocious puberty. We focus on girls as the literature is more robust, but include boys where literature permits. Suggestions include: (1) Age cutoffs for evaluation of precocious puberty should not differ substantially from those used for nonobese children. Obese girls with confirmed thelarche should be evaluated for gonadotropin-dependent, central precocious puberty (CPP) to determine if further investigation or treatment is warranted. (2) Basal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels remain a recommended first-line test. However, if stimulation testing is utilized, there is a theoretical possibility that the lower peak LH responses seen in obesity could lead to a false negative result. (3) Advanced bone age (BA) is common among obese girls even without early puberty; hence its diagnostic utility is limited. (4) Obesity does not eliminate the need for magnetic resonance imaging in girls with true CPP. Age and clinical features should determine who warrants neuroimaging. (5) BA can be used to predict adult height in obese girls with CPP to inform counseling around treatment. (6) Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) leads to increased adult height in obese girls. (7) Obesity should not limit GnRHa use as these agents do not worsen weight status in obese girls with CPP.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Ex-Gang Members as They Transition into and Out of Gangs

ABSTRACT To the extent that existing gang research is grounded predominantly in quantitative methodology, the subjective and retrospective experience of gang members is often overlooked. With this in mind, the present study adopts a qualitative approach to explore the individual trajectories of gang members, illuminating the psychological processes associated with change to develop understanding of gang membership, identity and desistance. The narratives of five ex-gang members were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore their experiences as they transitioned in and out of the gang. Superordinate themes of “Positioning self in a social world,” “Solutions to identity, meaning and belonging,” and “Catalysts for change” shed light on the similarities and divergence across their experience and are discussed in respect of existing literature. Implications for policy, practice and future research are discussed.
Spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in non-ventilated COVID-19 patients

Aim: Pneumothorax (PNX), pneumomediastinum (PMD) and subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) are COVID-19 complications related to positive-pressure ventilation. We analyzed the pathophysiology of these complications without ventilation. Patients & methods: Out of 1845 admitted COVID-19 patients, we retrospectively collected data for 15 patients, from a tertiary medical center, from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. Results: Five patients suffered from spontaneous PNX, 8/15 developed PMD and 8/15 developed SCE. The mean BMI was 29.7, as most patients were obese or overweight. Most patients had lymphocytopenia and increased C-reactive protein, ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Eleven patients succumbed to the disease. Conclusion: Risk factors of spontaneous PNX, PMD and SCE in COVID-19 patients need further investigations by conducting more comprehensive case–control studies.
Antecedents and Consequences of University Brand Identification

This research aims to examine the impact of university brand personality, university brand knowledge and university brand prestige on university identification. The study also aims to examine the impact of university identification on advocacy intentions, suggestions for improvements, university affiliation and participation in future activities. In order to execute the study, descriptive research design has been implemented. The study is based on primary data collected through structured questionnaire. A total of 285 respondents have been taken for this study. The findings of the study revealed that all three antecedents; university brand personality, university brand knowledge and university brand prestige has significant positive impact on university identification. Among three antecedents, university brand knowledge has the greatest impact on university identification. Similarly, the findings also revealed that there is significant positive impact of university identification on advocacy intentions, suggestions for improvements, university affiliation and participation in future activities. Likewise, the greatest consequence of university identification is advocacy intentions.
Brought to Light: How Ultraviolet Disinfection Can Prevent the Nosocomial Transmission of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought to light the role of environmental hygiene in controlling disease transmission. Healthcare facilities are hot spots for infectious pathogens where physical distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are not always sufficient to prevent disease transmission. Healthcare facilities need to consider adjunct strategies to prevent transmission of infectious pathogens. In combination with current infection control procedures, many healthcare facilities are incorporating ultraviolet (UV) disinfection into their routines. This review considers how pathogens are transmitted in healthcare facilities, the mechanism of UV microbial inactivation and the documented activity of UV against clinical pathogens. Emphasis is placed on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) that are commonly transmitted in healthcare facilities. The potential benefits and limitations of UV technologies are discussed to help inform healthcare workers, including clinical studies where UV technology is used in healthcare facilities.
Internationalizing Malawian Higher Education: towards more beneficial academic mobility.

Aim: This study investigated the intentions, opportunities, and barriers to engaging in a meaningful internationalization of higher education in Malawi.Methods: This was cross-sectional research that was done between June and October 2021. Using a purposive (judgmental) sampling, we recruited 212 respondents from various institutions of higher education in Malawi. Multilinear regression analysis was used to analyze the factors with the P-value set at 0.05 level of statistical significance. Results: The results indicated that the majority of the respondents were males (63.7%) who fell into 30 years age bracket. Further, the results from the multilinear regression analysis indicate that Institutional collaboration (ß=0.326, p=0.000, CI=0.27—0.383), clear Policy on Mobility (ß=0.146, p=0.0.004, CI=0.047-0.246), experience (ß=0.083, p=0.117, CI=-0.021-0.186), academic rank (ß=0.114, p=0.000, CI=0.069-0.159) were positively statistically significant variables, whereas on the other hand, Occupation (ß=-0.131, p=0.002, CI=-0.213-0.49), academic qualification (ß=-0.106, p=0.013, CI=-0.19-0.023 and mobilityImportance (ß=-0.116, p=0.022, CI=-0.215-0.017) were negatively significant variables respectively.Conclusion and Recommendations: institutions need to invest in international and inter-institutional collaboration, clarify policy direction regarding academic mobility, keep track and linkages with mobile faculty, create a conducive social and formal institutional culture that attracts back mobile faculty, and reduce staff turnover.
Ingestion Into the Upstream Wheelspace of an Axial Turbine Stage

The upstream wheelspace of an axial air turbine stage complete with nozzle guide vanes (NGV’s) and rotor blades (430 mm mean diameter) has been tested with the objective of examining the combined effect of NGV’s and rotor blades on the level of mainstream ingestion for different seal flow rates.A simple axial clearance seal was used with the rotor spun up to 6650 rpm by drawing air through it from atmospheric pressure with a large centrifugal compressor. The effect of rotational speed was examined for several constant mainsteam flow rates by controlling the rotor speed with an air brake.The circumferential variation in hub static pressure was measured at the trailing edge of the NGV’s upstream of the seal gap and was found to significantly affect ingestion. The hub static pressure distribution on the rotor blade leading edges was rotor speed dependent and could not be measured in the experiments. The Denton 3D C.F. D. computer code was used to predict the smoothed time dependent pressure field for the rotor together with the pressure distribution downstream of the NGV’s.The level and distribution of mainstream ingestion, and thus the seal effectiveness, was determined from nitrous oxide gas concentration measurements and related to static pressure measurements made throughout the wheelspace.With the axial clearance rim seal close to the rotor the presence of the blades had a complex effect. Rotor blades in connection with NGV’s were found to significantly reduce mainstream ingestion seal flow rates, but a small level of ingestion existed even for very high levels of seal flow rate.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
Development of a Database to Manage Rockfall Hazard

Rock slope problems along roadways in Tennessee are inevitable given the development of the highway system and local terrain. Varied geology and large numbers of rock cuts along the roads make these problems difficult to manage. Previously, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has taken a reactive approach to rockfall management. There has been no central depository of rockfall information, and no systematic approach to dealing with rockfall problems. The Tennessee Rockfall Database was developed to provide a more active approach to rockfall management. This database includes not only a hazard rating system, but also includes information on site geology, rockfall questionnaires sent to maintenance personnel as well as information on all boring logs, pictures and reports currently stored by the department. It keeps all rockfall information stored by TDOT easily accessible in the event of a problem, and allows for a more comprehensive approach in managing rockfall across the state. Previously this information was stored in a variety of locations and was not cross-referenced. The database allows the department to build a statewide picture of rockfall problems and provides a means of rationally comparing rockfall sites in order to compare hazards and plan future mitigation.
Association Between Learning Approaches and Medical Student Academic Progression During Preclinical Training

Purpose Students have diverse learning preferences that can impact the achievement of learning outcomes. However, there is a lack of unequivocal evidence for an association between the learning preferences and academic success. The purpose of the study was to examine the association between learning approaches and academic success of medical students during the basic science curriculum. Methods In this cross-sectional comparative study, low-achieving (n=80) and high-achieving students (n=50) from semesters 1 through 3 of the Ross University School of Medicine’s basic science curriculum completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) short-form to provide data on their learning approaches. Student’s-t test was applied to find statistical differences in learning approaches of low and high achievers, and point-biserial was used to analyze the correlation between academic performance and learning approaches. Mean sum scores with standard deviation on ASSIST short-form scales (deep, surface, and strategic approaches) as well as subscales are reported. Results High-achieving students reported a preference for using deep and strategic learning approaches compared to low-achieving students (p < 0.05). Low achievers indicated that they predominantly used the surface approach to learning (p<0.05). Yet, “fear of failure,” a subscale of the surface approach, was greater among high achievers. Additionally, significant gender differences were found on subscales of “lack of purpose,” “syllabus bound,” “unrelated memorization” (surface approach), and “time management” and “organized studying” (strategic approach). Conclusion Our results suggest that low-achieving medical students’ predominant reliance on the surface approach to learning may affect their academic success and that it may be worthwhile to help medical students become aware of the effectiveness of their individual preferred learning approaches early on in their training. Identification and adoption of optimal learning approaches should increase the achievement of successful learning outcomes.
Signaling through the S1P−S1PR Axis in the Gut, the Immune and the Central Nervous System in Multiple Sclerosis: Implication for Pathogenesis and Treatment

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling molecule with complex biological functions that are exerted through the activation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors 1–5 (S1PR1–5). S1PR expression is necessary for cell proliferation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis and, importantly, for the egress of lymphocytes from secondary lymphoid organs. Since the inflammatory process is a key element of immune-mediated diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), S1PR modulators are currently used to ameliorate systemic immune responses. The ubiquitous expression of S1PRs by immune, intestinal and neural cells has significant implications for the regulation of the gut–brain axis. The dysfunction of this bidirectional communication system may be a significant factor contributing to MS pathogenesis, since an impaired intestinal barrier could lead to interaction between immune cells and microbiota with a potential to initiate abnormal local and systemic immune responses towards the central nervous system (CNS). It appears that the secondary mechanisms of S1PR modulators affecting the gut immune system, the intestinal barrier and directly the CNS, are coordinated to promote therapeutic effects. The scope of this review is to focus on S1P−S1PR functions in the cells of the CNS, the gut and the immune system with particular emphasis on the immunologic effects of S1PR modulation and its implication in MS.