Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retention of Manual Control Skills in Multi-Axis Tracking Tasks

This paper presents the results of a training and retention experiment conducted to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the acquisition, decay, and retention of skill-based manual control behavior in a compensatory dual-axis roll and pitch attitude tracking task. In this study, thirty-eight fully task-naive participants were trained in a fixed-base setting in the Human-Machine Interaction Laboratory at Delft University of Technology and subsequently divided into three matched groups based on their training performance and control behavior. Performance of the first group was re-evaluated after a period of non-practice of six months, whereas the second group was retested at both three and six months after training, and skill retention of the third group was measured after two, four, and six months. The goal of the experiment was to model the decay curve of skill-based manual control behavior and to determine the re-acquisition rate of lost skills compared to their initial acquisition rate. To explicitly quantify changes in manual control skills, learning curve models were fitted to metrics of task performance and control activity. The results suggest that control skills decay following a negatively accelerating decay curve and that lost skills are re-acquired at a higher rate than their initial development rate.
Encouraging more open-ended recall in child interviews

The goal of child forensic interviewers is to obtain as much information as possible through open-ended recall. Unfortunately, typically interviewers quickly switch to focused questions. This article suggests a way of eliciting more open-ended recall by using the narrative elaboration (NE) procedure, which includes four initial prompts about event participants, context, actions, conversations, and thoughts. The procedure uses line drawings on cards as prompts and requires pre-training; although it substantially increases open-ended recall, in practice it is too time-consuming for regular use. The original NE procedure is compared with two streamlined versions with 3- to 7-year-olds: using NE cards with no pre-training and simply providing parallel NE verbal prompts without using the cards. The children in the streamlined NE interview with verbal prompts were found to provide as much additional information as those in the full NE interview, and considerably more than those in the control interview. Therefore, incorporating NE verbal prompts near the beginning of child interviews is an easy way to increase the amount of information that children provide in open-ended recall.
A four-week fundamental motor skill intervention improves motor skills in eight to 10-year-old Irish primary school children

Abstract Aim: To determine if a four-week fundamental motor skills intervention improves fundamental motor skills in Irish school children. Methods: 100 Primary School boys (n = 58) and girls (n = 42) participated in this study (Age 9 ± 1 years, equally divided into a control and intervention group. Proficiency was assessed qualitatively using the Fundamental Motor Skills Quotient (FMSQ) pre and post intervention, and between gender. Results: There was no change in the control group over time (p = 0.54; Mean change = 0.06 [−0.14 to 0.26]; Cohen’s d = 0.01 [Trivial]). In the intervention group, both the male (p ≤ 0.001; Mean diff = 0.893 [7.79 to 10.08]; Cohen’s d = 2.24 [V. Large]), and female group (p ≤ 0.001; Mean diff = 11.85 [10.45 to 13.25]; Cohen’s d = 3.54 [V. Large]) significantly improved fundamental motor skills scores. A four-week intervention is effective at improving FMSQ.
Cultural views and practices related to breastfeeding

Background: The feeding method of neonates and babies and, especially, the issue of breastfeeding is one of the most important for public health. Despite the sensitization, the intention and recommendations of the world scientific community, only 39% of babies, on an international level, are fed during the first six months of their lives exclusively with mother’s milk. Aim: The present study attempted a bibliographic review of the studies about cultural practices and beliefs for breastfeeding. The research question focused on whether cultural and social standards lead up to what degree a process as breastfeeding is accepted by the mothers in a society. Method: We studied all articles at the period 1988-2008 in the Pubmed which associated the initiation and duration of breastfeeding with the cultural status of a certain society. The key-words were society, breastfeeding, initiation, duration, cultural status. Results: The process of breastfeeding is often not determined by biological factors, but it is mainly based on the habits, standards and behaviors existing in each society. Views on the function of female breasts, the quality of mother’s milk as well as traditional practices related to breastfeeding are often the reasons that lead to how much this process is accepted by the mothers. Conclusion: Public health policies worldwide must take into account and study the cultural status of a society in order to create favorable conditions for the initiation and duration of breastfeeding.
Research in TESOL: An Investigation of Trends and Types of Research over the Last Ten Years

This paper provides a systematic review of the research around teaching English as a second or foreign language over the last ten years. The review aims to help second and foreign language researchers to recognize the trends that have impacted English teaching and learning research. More than 400 articles from four leading journals (TESOL Journal, TESOL Quarterly, ELT Journal, and Second Language Research) were reviewed to examine the trends and method that were used. The findings suggested that the research interests in the TESOL field have changed as many topics and trends have risen based on students’ academic and social needs. Topics such as teaching methodology, digital literacy, and using technology to teach English have dominated the research during the last decade.
Digital Holography Efficiency Experiments for Tactical Applications

This dissertation analyzes the system efficiencies (multiplicative losses) of a digital holography (DH) system for tactical applications and is comprised of four unique contributions. For the first contribution, the performance of DH in the on-axis phase shifting recording geometry is compared to a similar, well-studied wavefront sensor for deep turbulence, the self-referencing interferometer (SRI), which has known efficiency losses. Wave-optics simulations with deep-turbulence conditions and noise were conducted and the results show that DH outperforms the SRI by 10’s of dB due to DH’s strong reference beam. In the second contribution, an experiment with DH in the off-axis image plane recording geometry was conducted with a continuous-wave laser with near-ideal laser coherence to quantity the major system efficiencies. The experimental results show that the mixing efficiency (37%) is the dominant efficiency loss; however, excess reference (75%) and signal noise (3%-100%) are significant efficiency losses as well. For the third contribution, additional experiments show that the the mixing efficiency depends on the coherence efficiency of the master oscillator (MO) laser, which degrades with range. Here, the MO laser was phase modulated to represent multi-longitudinal mode operation and rapid-frequency fluctuations. The experimental results show that DH effectively measures the coherence efficiency to within 3.2% from the spectral models for both effects. Since the MO laser spectrum is related to the coherence efficiency, the losses as a function of range can be well determined from the MO laser spectrum. Finally, in the fourth contribution, further experiments showed that if the MO laser has significant low frequency laser frequency noise, the coherence efficiency can be increased by decreasing the hologram measurement time (from 100 ms to 100μs), thus filtering the laser frequency noise
Physical activity in patients with asthma

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) has been extensively investigated in COPD, curiously there is very limited data for asthma. AIMS: We aimed to investigate levels of PA in adult asthmatics, and to identify associations between PA and lung function. METHODS: We measured PA (steps per day, SPD) in 146 stable asthma patients (severe asthma/SA, n=63; mild-to-moderate asthma/MA, n=83) and 29 healthy controls (HC) by accelerometry (SenseWear Armband) for one week. We measured lung function: airflow limitation (FEV 1 ; PEF), airway resistance (sR eff by bodyplethysmography; R5Hz by impulse oscillometry/IOS) and small airway dysfunction (frequency dependence of resistance/ FDR abs by IOS). In addition, we assessed symptom control (ACQ-5) and dosage of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). RESULTS: In unadjusted analyses, SA showed significantly lower SPD [median 6174 (4822–9277)] compared to MA and HC (reduction by 21% and 31%, respectively; p In multivariate linear regression analyses adjusting for common confounders, R5Hz and FDR abs were the best lung function predictors for SPD in asthma (p abs remained independent predictors after further adjustment for poor symptom control and high dose ICS treatment (p CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is substantially reduced in patients with severe asthma. Impulse oscillometric assessments of airway resistance and small airway dysfunction in a tidal breathing maneuver are the best indicators for physical activity limitation in asthma.
Googling Politics: Parties, Sources, and Issue Ownerships on Google in the 2017 German Federal Election Campaign

Democratic election campaigns require informed citizens. Yet, while the Internet allows for broader information through greater media choices, algorithmic filters, such as search engines, threaten to unobtrusively shape individual information repertoires. The purpose of this article is to analyze what search results people encounter when they employ various information orientations, and how these results reflect people’s attributions of issue ownership. A multimethod approach was applied during the 2017 German Federal Election campaign. First, human search behavior depicting various information orientations was simulated using agent-based testing to derive real search results from Google Search, which were then manually coded to identify information sources and ascribe issue ownerships. Second, a survey asked participants about which issues they attribute to which party. We find that search results originated mainly from established news outlets and reflected existing power relations between political parties. However, issue-ownership attributions of the survey participants were reflected poorly in the search results. In total, the results indicate that the fear of algorithmic constraints in the context of online search might be overrated. Instead, our findings (1) suggest that political actors still fail to claim their core issues among political search results, (2) highlight that news media (and thus existing media biases) feature heavily among search results, and (3) call for more media literacy among search engine users.
Enhanced Li+ Conduction within Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Gel Electrolytes via Reduced Cation–Polymer Interaction

The development of advanced electrolytes compatible with lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries is crucial for meeting ever growing energy storage demands. One such class of materials, single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SIPEs), prevents the formation of ion concentration gradients and buildup of anions at the electrode surface, improving performance. One of the ongoing challenges for SIPEs is the development of materials that are conductive enough to compete with liquid electrolytes. Presented herein is a class of gel SIPEs based on crosslinked poly(tetrahydrofuran) diacrylate that present enhanced room temperature conductivities of 3.5 × 10-5 S/cm when gelled with lithium metal relevant 1,3-dioxolane/dimethoxyethane, 2.5 × 10-4 S/cm with carbonate solutions, and approaching 10-3 S/cm with dimethyl sulfoxide. Remarkably, these materials also demonstrate high ionic conductivity at low temperatures, 1.8 × 10-5 S/cm at -20 °C in certain solvents. Most importantly however, when contrasted with ident.
STUDY ON PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF ANTI-DIABETIC DRUGS AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS WITH COMPLICATION IN SOUTH INDIAN TEACHING HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern of anti-diabetic agents with respect to glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in a Type 2 diabetes patient with complication. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted as per the protocol approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. The patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with complication were identified, and those who had measured HbA1c level during previous follow ups were included in the study. All demographic, drug prescriptions, and clinical data of patients were collected and documented in a suitably designed case report form. Descriptive analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 20. Results: Based on the study criteria, 644 patients were selected and enrolled for the study. The majority of study subjects 494 (76.7%) were male and 415 (64.4%) were belonged to the age group 45-64 years. 252 (39.1%) of the patient, had normal weight followed by 234 (36.3%) were overweight, and 142 (22.1%) patients were obese. The prescription pattern showed the majority of patients 509 (79%) patients had 1-2 anti-diabetic medication followed 133 (20.7%) patient prescribed with 3-4 anti-diabetic drug. An insulin was prescribed in 507 (63.4%) patients and among oral anti-diabetic drugs, metformin 283 (43.9%), glimepiride 140 (21.7%), and voglibose 88 (13.7%) was most commonly prescribed. Conclusion: Among all the anti-diabetic drugs, the insulin was highly preferred over oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) to control the glycemic level, and metformin accounted for the most commonly prescribed OHAs. In the second generation of sulfonylureas class, glimepiride and glipizide were most prescribed. Keywords: Anti-diabetic agents, Diabetes mellitus, Prescription pattern.
Effects of IV iron treatment with ferumoxytol on health-related quality of life of patients with iron deficiency anemia

I n the United States and worldwide, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common types of anemia. In industrialized countries, most IDA cases are linked to abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, cancer, postpartum bleeding, or chronic kidney disease. The etiology of IDA in such patients represents the common pathophysiologic processes that lead to IDA, including blood loss, malabsorption, inadequate iron intake, and inflammatory disease. Iron is essential for the function of many key proteins including hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (involved in oxygen transport and exchange), cytochromes (energy generation), various enzymes (cell proliferation and neurotransmission), and immune function. Iron deficiency can, therefore, have significant physiologic consequences that may have an impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) . The impact of disease on people and their experiences as they receive treatments are in many cases best captured through reports from the patients themselves using validated assessment instruments. Many symptoms such as fatigue, depression, or discomfort and their degree of impact
Pressure ulcer management in Oman: nurses’ knowledge and views

Background: Pressure ulcers (PrUs) have a significant impact on health system expenditure and patient’s quality of life. It is a global problem. Many studies were undertaken in regard to PrU prevention and management. In Oman, no studies have been conducted to investigate nurses’ knowledge on prevention and management of PrUs. The purpose of this descriptive sequential explanatory mixed-method study was to explore the nurses’ level of knowledge in relation to prevention and management of PrUs in Oman. Methods: A mixed method design was used and the study was conducted over two Phases. In Phase I, a questionnaire was developed to explore nurses’ knowledge on PrU, policy, and resources. The main section of the questionnaire was the Pieper-Zulkowski Pressure Ulcer knowledge test (PZ-PUKT) which tests the knowledge on PrU. Another two sections were developed including questions about wound policy and resources available for PrU prevention and management in Oman. The questionnaire was distributed to nurses who were working in surgical, medical, orthopaedic, CCU, and ICU wards/units in seven hospitals. In Phase II study, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 of the questionnaire respondents. Interviews took approximately 30 minutes, were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analysed using the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) model as the a priori framework. Results: In Phase I, 478 questionnaires were analysed. The knowledge test results showed the overall mean percent score for correctly answered questions was 51% suggesting a low level of knowledge. There was a significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge and age (P=0.001) and between knowledge and years of experience (P=0.001) with knowledge increasing with age and years of experience. In Phase II, four themes were identified from the interviews: knowledge, attitude, and practice (framework themes) and perception of role. Findings indicated positive and negative attitudes towards the care of PrUs. Some nurses stated feeling rewarded when they see wounds improving while others said they could not work with patients independently because they lacked the knowledge and the skills needed. There was variation in the management of PrU between hospitals. Both studies indicated that the wound management policy did not include enough information to guide nurses. Conclusion: Overall the nurses’ level of knowledge on PrU was relatively low. Most nurses were not familiar with wound management policy or different PrU prevention and management strategies. Nurses are aware of the risk of PrUs and try their best to manage them with the available resources however more training is required.
Team Meeting 101: An Investigation of Cognitive Engagement and Self-Efficacy in a Unique Active Learning Instructional Technique

Abstract Many forms of active learning are popular in the college classroom, including case studies, role-plays, simulations, problem-based learning, and some discussion-based activities. Team Meeting 101 is an active learning technique that draws from each of these with the goal of helping students apply academic content and build transferable skills. The purpose of this paper is to explore the levels of cognitive engagement this instructional activity generates, as well as the impact it has on students’ self-efficacy. Participants (n = 167) generally indicated high levels of cognitive engagement and had positive perceptions of Team Meeting 101. Statistically significant increases in students’ (n = 124) self-efficacy were also reported in a number of transferable skills following participation in Team Meeting 101. These results suggest that Team Meeting 101 can be an effective instructional technique for educators in the recreation and leisure administration discipline, as well as associated fields like sports management and hospitality management.
Differential input range driver for SAR ADC measurement setup

Differential successive approximation register (SAR) of analog to digital converter (ADC) requires two balancing input signals that have same amplitude with 180⁰ out of phase. Otherwise, it performs inaccurately and degrades the performance during ADC testing procedure. Therefore, an implementation of AD8139 chip single to differential amplifier was chosen as an ADC driver to generate sufficient differential output for the ADC. The chip was placed on a printed circuit board (PCB) to test the functionality as well as the performance of static and dynamic SAR ADC. The result shows that the single-ended input transform into differential voltage outputs. The amplitudes for the amplifier remain equal and is 180° out of phase for DC and AC voltage input signal. Besides, the fabricated 0. 18µm CMOS technology of differential 10-bit SAR ADC is capable of digitising full code digital output and perform 9.5-bit effective number of bit (ENOB) from analog input driving by the ADC driver.
Viral Load as a Predictor of Severity in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic disease in south eastern of Iran, especially in Sistan and Baluchestan province. CCHF is a potentially fatal disease. Many factors are suggested for the prediction of severity in this disease. Objectives: In this study, the viral load in patients admitted to Boo-Ali hospital was determined and the association between viral load and disease severity was evaluated based on DIC severity score in patients with CCHF. Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, we studied patients with confirmed CCHF who were admitted to Boo-Ali hospital, Zahedan, from September 2012 to March 2014. The patients were divided into two groups based on DIC severity score. Then, the viral load in the patients was measured by using RNA as a template for RT-PCR (QIAgene OneStep SYBR GREEN qRT-PCR smart mix) and finally, the two groups were compared. The results were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 (SPSS Inc.). To investigate the correlation between viral load and disease severity, and also to find the viral load differentiating mild cases from severe cases, ROC curve, Mann–Whitney U test, and Independent t-test were used. Results: The total number of patients with confirmed CCHF under the subject of study was 37 (84% male and 16% female) in age range of 17 to 58 years (31.112.2). The mean viral loads on the first and fifth days of admission were 1.3106 and 3.7105 copies/mL, respectively. After grouping patients based on DIC severity, the mean viral load on the first day of admission was 3.2105 copies/mL in the mild CCHF group and 4.3106 copies/m in the severe CCHF group. The viral load had a direct correlation with CCHF severity (P0.001). Serum viral load that differentiated between mild and severe cases of CCHF was determined as 8.6105 copies/mL with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 92%, positive predictive value of 82%, and negative predictive value of 100%. Conclusions: The viral load in patients who suffer from CCHF has a direct significant correlation with disease severity. Viral load above 8.6105 copies/mL on the first day of admission is a predictor of severe CCHF.
A PI+passivity-based control of a wind energy conversion system enabled with a solid-state transformer

In this paper, we propose a new control scheme for a wind energy conversion system connected to a solid-state transformer-enabled distribution microgrid. The system consists of a wind turbine, a permanent magnet synchronous generator, a rectifier and a load which is connected to the distribution grid dc bus. The scheme combines a classical PI placed, in a nested-loop configuration, with a passivity-based controller. Guaranteeing stability and endowed with disturbance rejection properties, the controller regulates the wind turbine angular velocity to a desired value – in particular, the set-point is selected such that the maximum power from the wind is extracted – maximising the generator efficiency. The fast response of the closed-loop system makes possible to operate under fast-changing wind speed conditions. To assess and validate the controller performance and robustness under parameter variations, realistic simulations comparing our proposal with a classical PI scheme are included.