Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient and therapist perspectives on physical therapy outcome measures and engagement after stroke: A case study

ABSTRACT Background Outcome measures are highly recommended in stroke physical therapy, however, most of the existing research has been performed from the provider perspective. Understanding the patient perspective of outcome measures in conjunction with the therapist perspective may help to better support patient engagement and autonomy. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore patient and therapist perspectives on physical therapy outcome measures post-stroke. Methods This qualitative case study of a Canadian rehabilitation facility is based on patient-oriented research principles, with three patient partners embedded in the research team. Data collection included chart reviews, observations of physical therapy sessions, patient interviews, and therapist interviews. Field notes of observations and interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Ten patients and seven therapists participated. Analysis revealed the following two themes: 1) tracking progress; and 2) partnership. Tracking progress included the expectations patients had for improvement, the importance of objectively measuring change and the functional improvement observed day by day. Partnership described the relationship between therapist and patient including communication, encouragement and affirmation, the therapist as expert and the gradual shift in autonomy from therapist to patient. Conclusion Patients valued the objective results of outcome measures and were encouraged by measurable changes. Maximizing the use of physical therapy outcome measures may improve patient engagement and support relational autonomy.
Non-parametric tests for clustering in Lyα absorption systems

A previous analysis of the Lyα absorption lines of Q0420-388 is extended to 17 other Lyα samples, as well as to 100 simulated synthetic Lyα samples containing no correlation originally. The departure of the probability distribution function of line intervals from the Poisson statistics is shown to be significant for 11 samples at the 98% confidence level and for 3 at 80%; the Weibull statistics that was suggested to model the effect of line-blending with k = 1.72 fits well to all the samples except one.
The Role of the Fibronectin Synergy Site for Skin Wound Healing

Skin is constantly exposed to injuries that are repaired with different outcomes, either regeneration or scarring. Scars result from fibrotic processes modulated by cellular physical forces transmitted by integrins. Fibronectin (FN) is a major component in the provisional matrix assembled to repair skin wounds. FN enables cell adhesion binding of α5β1/αIIbβ3 and αv-class integrins to an RGD-motif. An additional linkage for α5/αIIb is the synergy site located in close proximity to the RGD motif. The mutation to impair the FN synergy region (Fn1syn/syn) demonstrated that its absence permits complete development. However, only with the additional engagement to the FN synergy site do cells efficiently resist physical forces. To test how the synergy site-mediated adhesion affects the course of wound healing fibrosis, we used a mouse model of skin injury and in-vitro migration studies with keratinocytes and fibroblasts on FNsyn. The loss of FN synergy site led to normal re-epithelialization caused by two opposing migratory defects of activated keratinocytes and, in the dermis, induced reduced fibrotic responses, with lower contents of myofibroblasts and FN deposition and diminished TGF-β1-mediated cell signalling. We demonstrate that weakened α5β1-mediated traction forces on FNsyn cause reduced TGF-β1 release from its latent complex.
Density functional theory and ab‐initio molecular dynamics calculations on the opto‐electronic, spintronic, and energies of pure and TiOx doped monatomic γ‐graphyne

In this work, density functional theory and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations are performed on TiOx (ie, x = 1‐3) doped γ‐graphyne to modify its structural, opto‐electronic, and spintronic characteristics. Obtained negative binding energies (Eb) values and MD calculations suggest that TiOx substitution in γ‐graphyne is thermodynamically stable. Furthermore, the direction of charge transfer occurs from TiO1(2) clusters to the γ‐graphyne, whereas in case of TiO3, γ‐graphyne lends its charge carriers to impurity cluster. TiO2(3) cluster doping converts nonmagnetic γ‐graphyne to a magnetic material having ~2.00 μB magnetic moment. TiO doped γ‐graphyne displays nonmagnetic narrow band indirect semiconductor behavior at M‐point with ~1.0 eV band gap. Since TiO2(3) cluster doped γ‐graphynes carried magnetic behavior, hence displayed spin polarized band structures. During spin down band, TiO2 doped γ‐graphyne carries ~0.7 eV band gap having n‐type dopant nature. Similarly, during spin up channel, TiO3 doped γ‐graphyne carries ~0.9 eV direct band gap semiconductor behavior. Blue shift appears in absorption and extinction coefficient plots after TiOx substitution in γ‐graphyne. Likewise, static reflectivity and refractive index parameters are improved having maximum of 0.65 and 8 peak intensities, respectively. Our obtained results suggest a viable way forward for making functional hybrid γ‐graphynes to be used in opto‐electronic and spintronic device applications.
Comparison of three methods of tonometry in normal subjects: Goldmann applanation tonometer, non-contact airpuff tonometer, and Tono-Pen XL

Objective We aimed to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements via three different tonometers: the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), the Tono-Pen® XL (TPXL), and a non-contact airpuff tonometer (NCT). Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 200 eyes from 200 patients. Right eyes of all patients were included in this study. IOP was measured via GAT, NCT, and TPXL by three physicians. Each physician used one of the tonometers. Measurements via the three devices were compared. Results The mean IOP was 15.5±2.2 mmHg (range 10–22) with the GAT, 16.1±3.0 (range 9–25) with the TPXL, and 16.1±2.8 (range 10–26) with the NCT. Bland–Altman analysis showed that the mean difference between measurements from the NCT and the GAT was 0.6±2.3 mmHg. The mean difference between the TPXL and GAT measurements was 0.7±2.5 mmHg. The mean difference between the NCT and TPXL measurements was −0.02±3.0 mmHg. There was no significant difference between the groups according to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. P-values were 0.998 for NCT–TPXL, 0.067 for NCT–GAT, and 0.059 for TPXL–GAT. Conclusion The NCT and TPXL provide IOP measurements comparable to those of the gold standard GAT in normotensive eyes.
Who is vulnerable to energy poverty in the Global North, and what is their experience?

Energy poverty is a fast rising government agenda in the Global North, and is subject to a substantial academic literature. Energy poverty is experienced when people do not have adequate access to energy services (light, heat, warmth, and cooling) to live a decent life. Plans to transition to a low‐carbon economy in the Global North have raised concerns about the impacts of environmental policy on more vulnerable citizens. A just transition is highly risky for energy poor households, who enter into the transition at a disadvantage. Understanding this starting point is critical in ensuring the energy poor are able to participate in a just transition, and are not subject to further disadvantage. Here, using a realist evaluation approach, I summarize the empirical literature on the experience of energy poverty in the Global North, in doing so characterizing who tends to be vulnerable to this problem, and painting a picture of their life experience. I show how energy poverty links to poverty, and how people from commonly disadvantaged social categories (disabled people, single parents, and people from ethnic minorities) are more likely to experience energy poverty. I describe the homes of people experiencing energy poverty, and their coping practices, as well as outlining the effects of energy poverty on health, social life, and home finances. In conclusion, I point to the weaknesses and gaps in the current literature, and suggest some important avenues of research for the future. This includes bringing energy poverty evidence into more extensive conversation with a just transitions agenda.
Intermediate fragmentation surrounding vineyards favours the Coleoptera community within the crop

Insects of the order Coleoptera play an essential role in agricultural sustainability by supporting many ecosystem services (such as biological control, nutrient cycling or pollination). In agroecosystems, the Coleoptera community may be influenced by the surrounding landscape, which can provide living resources, like food or shelter, during different seasons, originating spillover movements between different environments. The present study aimed to evaluate the response of the Coleoptera community to the landscape surrounding vineyards at different buffers. For that, Coleoptera were sampled in six wine protected designation of origin (PDO) regions of Portugal (35 vineyards), and landscape configuration and composition metrics were calculated at buffers of 500, 750, 1000, 1500 and 2000 m radii around the vineyards. In total, 2954 Coleoptera individuals belonging to 36 families were collected. The most abundant families were Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae and Latridiidae. Results indicated that intermediate habitat fragmentation levels, particularly in semi‐natural areas and vineyards, favoured Coleoptera biodiversity in vine‐producing regions. Moreover, the range of activity of Coleoptera seems to be larger than 1000 m. This work constitutes an important contribution to understanding the response of the Coleoptera community to the landscape context in vineyards in Portugal and contributes to the theoretical framework about the influence of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity.
Perfil de morbidade de crianças hospitalizadas em um hospital público: implicações para a Enfermagem

One aimed to know the causes of hospitalization among children under fi ve years in a public hospital in Parana to subsidize nursing actions. A descriptive, quantitative, exploratory study was carried out, with inferential statistical analysis. One assessed 722 medical records from 2005-2009. It was observed that children under one year had more hospitalizations (42%) than those with one to fi ve years; a higher percentage of male admissions (65%); respiratory diseases predominated (56%) compared to all other; mean length of stay of 9.4 days for those under one year and 8.3 days for children under fi ve years; 95% were discharged
Computational Aerodynamic Optimization of Wind-Sensitive Irregular Tall Buildings

Wind-induced loads and motions play a critical role in designing tall buildings and their lateral structural systems. Building configuration represented by its outer shape is a key parameter in determining these loads and structural responses. However, contemporary architecture trends towards creating taller buildings with more complex geometrical shapes to offer unique designs that become a signature on the map of the world. As a result, evaluating wind-induced motions on such structures becomes more challenging to be evaluated and predicted. This paper presents a computational performance-based aerodynamic optimization with minor imposed modifications that have little to no impact on architectural and structural design intent. The developed tool aims to assist both architects and engineers to seek a sustainable optimal design decision at the early stage of design by employing different computational technological tools in an automated manner. A computational optimization methodology consisting of a computational fluid dynamic coupled with finite element analysis and embedded within a radial basis function surrogate model is proposed to mitigate wind-induced loads on tall buildings. In addition, a numerical example implementing the proposed methodology on selected case study is presented and discussed. The proposed approach was able to achieve a minimization of 13.83% and 23.12% for along-wind and across-wind loads, respectively, which is translated to a reduction in structural response by 12.95% and 14.31% in maximum deflection for along-wind and across-wind directions, respectively.
Experiences of Classroom Teachers on Mathematics Teaching in the Process of Distance Education

Bu araştırmada, uzaktan eğitim sürecinde sınıf öğretmenlerinin matematik öğretimine ilişkin deneyimlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden fenomenoloji deseninde yürütülen araştırmanın katılımcıları, amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden ölçüt örnekleme yöntemi ile belirlenen 20 sınıf öğretmeninden oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın verileri, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığı ile toplanmış ve içerik analizi yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmada, sınıf öğretmenlerinin uzaktan yürütülen matematik öğretimi sürecinde, ders planının aşamalarına uymadıkları, ölçme ve değerlendirme etkinliklerini sonuç odaklı gerçekleştirdikleri ve öğrencilerin matematik ödevlerini kendi kendilerine yaptıklarından emin olmadıkları sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır. Bunun yanında, derse devamı ve motivasyonu artırmak için veli ile iletişim kurma, dersi eğlenceli şekilde sürdürme ve oyunlaştırma gibi faaliyetler yaptıkları da belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, sınıf öğretmenlerinin uzaktan yürütülen matematik derslerini somutlaştıramama ve materyalleri etkili kullanamama gibi problemler yaşadıkları, uzaktan eğitim nedeniyle bazı matematik kazanımlarını anlatmakta zorlandıkları, web araçlarını yeterince kullanamadıkları da araştırmanın sonuçları arasındadır. Araştırmada sınıf öğretmenleri, devam sorunu yaşayan öğrencilerin büyük çoğunluğunun tablet, bilgisayar ve internete ulaşma problemi yaşadıklarını da belirtmişlerdir
Depression Level Among Thyroid Disorder Patients and Its Correlation

Objective: Patients with thyroid disorders were found to experience depression due to several factors. The aims of this study was to measure depression level among thyroid disorder patients and examine the correlation between depression and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and free Thyroxine (fT4), stressful life events and social support level. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out at one of the non-profit hospital at central region of Peninsular Malaysia. 153 thyroid patients were selected by using simple random sampling technique. The ethical approval was sought from IIUM Research Ethics Committee (IREC563) and the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) (NMRR-15-2127-28667). Several tools were used in this study including Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42), list of Life Threatening Experiences (LTE), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS); and Thyroid Function Test including TSH and fT4 were reviewed from the patient’s file. A correlation test was used to analyse the data by using SPSS version 21.0. Results: About 15% (n=23) out of 153 thyroid disorder patients had varies degree of depression (males - 7.8% (n=3) and females – 17.3% (n=20)). Also, there were positive correlation between depression and TSH (r=0.235, p=0.03), stressful life events (r=0.264, p=0.001) and negative correlation (r=-0.068, p=0.402) with perceived social support from family. Conclusion: These findings suggested that thyroid disorder patients had depression and the factors associated with depression were high TSH level, recent stressful life events and low social support from the family. These factors can be considered while assessing thyroid disorder patients who had symptoms of depression.
A Survey on the Rationale Usage of Antimicrobial Agents in Small Animal Clinics and Farms in Trinidad and Jamaica

The extensive and indiscriminate use of antibiotics is known to contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Unfortunately, there are no public records of antimicrobial use (frequency or dosage) administered to animals in two major CARICOM (Caribbean Community) countries: Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. Surveillance would promote amendments and discussion on a Caribbean antimicrobial-use protocol. In this study, an online survey was conducted using cross-sectional qualitative interviews via email, targeting veterinary clinicians working in clinics and farms in Trinidad and Jamaica, to identify how antimicrobials are used in the two countries. Out of the thirty-two (32) clinicians interviewed in Trinidad, 22 (68.75%) were small animal practitioners, and 10 (45.45%) were mixed practitioners. While in Jamaica, a total of Twenty six (26) clinicians responded, of which 17 of them (65.38%) were small animal practitioners and nine (34.62%) were mixed practitioners. A total of 95.2% of clinics and farms in Jamaica and 87.1% in Trinidad did not use standard antimicrobial protocols, which could be due to the limited availability of resources. The broad-spectrum antibiotic, amoxicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most commonly used drugs in small animal practices in both countries (71.9% and 53.8% in dogs), (78.1% and 65.9% in cats); amoxicillin is also used frequently in mixed animal practice in Jamaica (44.4% in goats, 33.3% in cattle and 22.2% in sheep and pigs), while procaine penicillin and streptomycin was the most frequently used in mixed practice in Trinidad (60% in cattle and goats, 50% in sheep), which could explain the potentially increased risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Stickiness on Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) Service: Consumption Value Theory, Flow, and Social Influence Theory Perspective

Smartphone has become the main stream product recently; especially the app creates diverse contents and generates new business models. The Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) service is one the most frequent used apps. It not only changes the communication behavior but also creates new approaches toward business. Therefore, current study aims to examine the predictors of stickiness of MIM service among smartphone users. The research framework was grounded on the theory of consumption value theory, perceived value and social influence theory with the objective to evaluate why people stick on the MIM service. Data collected from 495 respondents were analyzed by using structural equation model (SEM). The results pointed out that consumption value and social environment all impact the continuance Intention usage in MIM service. Further, privacy concern negatively impacts consumption value. Therefore, current study showed that the social influence is the main reason to prompt continuance usage as well as the stickiness behavior. The implication of current research provides reference for MIM service marketers in marketing and operation.
Culture and COVID-19: Impact of Cross-Cultural Dimensions on Behavioral Responses

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has impacted every sphere of human life across all nations of the world. Countries adapted and responded to the crisis in different ways with varied outcomes and different degrees of success in mitigation efforts. Studies have examined institutional and policy-based responses to the pandemic. However, to gain a holistic understanding of the pandemic response strategy and its effectiveness, it is also important to understand the cultural foundations of a society driving its response behavior. Towards that end, this entry focuses on a few key cultural dimensions of difference across countries and proposes that national culture is related to the protective behavior adopted by societies during COVID-19. The cultural dimensions examined in relation to COVID-19 include the dimensions of individualism vs. collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and femininity, and future orientation. Inferences are drawn from academic research, published data, and discernible indicators of social behavior. The provides pointers for each dimension of culture and proposes that cultural awareness be made an important element of policy making while responding to crises such as COVID-19.
in Observational Evidence for Black Holes in the Universe

A volumetric flow measuring device to measure liquid flowing in a pipe wherein a control pipe is sized for receipt in telescoping relation in the pipe and includes seal means to engage the pipe and to constrain flow through the pipe into and out of the control pipe. The control pipe is of a predetermined cross sectional area and a float member is captivated within the pipe to rise and fall depending upon the water level in the control pipe and the float includes a liquid flow velocity measuring device including a paddle wheel journaled on the float with a portion extending below it to move in response to fluid flow beneath the float and the device further includes a liquid depth measuring device to monitor the level of the float in the pipe and hence the liquid level in the pipe. The device further includes a recording device to record the level of the float in the control pipe as measured by the measuring device and, also, the flow past the float.
Finite element analysis of shear deformation in reinforced concrete shear-critical beams

Abstract The objective of this paper was to study the contribution of shear deformation in reinforced concrete (RC) shear-critical beams. A 2D concrete material model based on smeared fixed crack was presented and incorporated into a commercial finite element (FE) software. A method of calculating shear and flexure deformation separately out of total deformation in the shear span was presented and implemented into the FE analysis. Several experiments of RC shear-critical beams were simulated and good agreement between the experimental and numerical results was obtained in terms of total deformation, flexure deformation, shear deformation and crack patterns. The results show that after shear cracking, the contribution of shear deformation to total deformation increases rapidly. The shear span-to-depth ratio, the longitudinal reinforcement, the shear reinforcement and the load level could be the critical factor to influence the contribution of shear deformation. It appears that for RC shear-critical beams without shear reinforcement, the deformational behaviour is governed by flexure deformation. However, for RC beams with shear reinforcement, the contribution of shear deformation is not negligible after shear cracks develop. Moreover, the measuring method could also affect the measured shear deformation. Finally, future work on experimental investigation into this topic is recommended.
Effect of Staphylococcus aureus Contamination on the Microbial Diversity and Metabolites in Wholewheat Sourdough

Wholewheat sourdough products are becoming increasingly more popular, and Staphylococcus aureus is a common opportunistic pathogen in dough products. The effects of S. aureus contamination (102 cfu/g) on metabolites as well as titratable acidity (TTA), pH, and microbial diversity of sourdough were investigated. S. aureus contamination significantly decreased the content of mannose while increasing the sorbitol in sourdough (p < 0.05). The S. aureus contamination significantly reduced the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as Lactobacillus curvatus, and the TTA values (p < 0.05). Furthermore, S. aureus contamination significantly reduced the content of most esters and acid flavor compounds while significantly increasing the content of 2,4-decadienal (p < 0.05), which is a compound that could have a negative impact on the flavor of sourdough. The PCA model developed based on volatile metabolites data could be used to distinguish contamination of S. aureus in sourdough cultured for 4 h. Sorbitol, 2,3-dimethylundecane, 1-pentanol, and 3-methylbutanoic acid were newly found to be the characteristic metabolites in S. aureus-contaminated sourdough.