Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Construction of the Mobility to Participation Assessment Scale for Stroke (MPASS) and Testing Its Validity and Reliability in Persons With Stroke in Thailand

Objectives This study was conducted to develop the Mobility to Participation Assessment Scale for Stroke (MPASS) and assess its content validity, internal consistency, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, and convergent validity in people with stroke living in the community. Methods The MPASS was developed using published data on mobility-related activity and participation timing in elderly individuals, and then reviewed by community physical therapists. Content validity was established by reaching a consensus of experienced physical therapists in a focus group. The MPASS was scored for 32 participants with stroke (mean age 61.75±4.92 years) by 3 individual testers. Reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using the Cronbach alpha coefficient (α), and convergent validity using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) to compare the MPASS to the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index as a referent test of mobility. Results The MPASS consists of 8 items, and its scoring system provides information on the ability of people with stroke to reach a movement level enabling them to live in society, including interactions with other people and safe living in the community. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were excellent (ICC, 0.948; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.893 to 0.982 and ICC, 0.967; 95% CI, 0.933 to 0.989, respectively). Internal consistency was good (α=0.877). The convergent validity was moderate (r=0.646; p<0.001). Conclusions The newly developed MPASS showed acceptable construct validity and high reliability. The MPASS is suitable for use in people with stroke, especially those who have been discharged and live in the community with the ability to initiate sitting.
Poly-(vinyl alcohol) composite films reinforced with carboxylated functional microcrystalline cellulose from jute fiber

Bio-based materials have attracted ample research interest due to their intrinsic beneficial impact on human society. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from a variety of bioresources is one of the most prominent candidate in this regard. Herein, the MCC was synthesized from jute fiber by a facile ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation method resulting in carboxylic functional groups on the fiber surface. The carboxylated MCC was utilized to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films in a solution casting method. The surface chemistry, thermal properties, and surface morphology of MCC and MCC-PVA composite films were studied by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The SEM images confirmed the rod-like MCC with average particle diameter 4.6 μm and length in 48.4 μm. The FT-IR spectroscopy suggested the complete removal of lignin and hemicellulose from jute fiber. A peak at 1730 cm−1 was introduced in MCC due to oxidation with APS. The MCC was readily dispersible in water, and chemical interaction with –OH group of PVA was spontaneous due to the carboxylation in MCC. The absorption peak of –OH groups in MCC-PVA composite films were shifted, somewhat disappeared and weakened due to the intra and intermolecular hydrogen bonding of MCC and OH groups in PVA. Thermogravimetric analysis expressed the thermal behavior of MCC and MCC-PVA composite films. The char formation at 500°C of the two different composite films was 15% and 16%, respectively. The stability of MCC-PVA composite films at elevated temperatures is the indication of potential application as flame retardant material.
RAEN: Rate Adaptation for Effective Nodes in Backscatter Networks

A backscatter network, as a key enabling technology for interconnecting plentiful IoT sensing devices, can be applicable to a variety of interesting applications, e.g., wireless sensing and motion tracking. In these scenarios, the vital information-carrying effective nodes always suffer from an extremely low individual reading rate, which results from both unpredictable channel conditions and intense competition from other nodes. In this paper, we propose a rate-adaptation algorithm for effective nodes (RAEN), to improve the throughput of effective nodes, by allowing them to transmit exclusively and work in an appropriate data rate. RAEN works in two stages: (1) RAEN exclusively extracts effective nodes with an identification module and selection module; (2) then, RAEN leverages a trigger mechanism, combined with a random forest-based classifier, to predict the overall optimal rate. As RAEN is fully compatible with the EPC C1G2 standard, we implement the experiment through a commercial reader and multiple RFID tags. Comprehensive experiments show that RAEN improves the throughput of effective nodes by 3×, when 1/6 of the nodes are effective, compared with normal reading. What is more, the throughput of RAEN is better than traditional rate-adaptation methods.
Finger Displacement Sensing: FEM Simulation and Model Prediction of a Three-Layer Electrode Design

There is a growing and significant interest in home-based therapy or telerehabilitation for physiological disabilities, for example, as a result of stroke. These technologies allow more flexibility in implementing rehabilitation sessions and offer the potential to reduce the economic burden of outpatient appointments and reduce the reliance on healthcare systems. However, extra effort needs to be made to make such systems effective. This paper investigates the feasibility of a home-based device, which is capable of detecting minute movements of patients’ fingers in regular training and testing sessions, addressing ease of use, motivation of practice, as well as feedback and guidance on performance. Toward this aim, the measuring techniques that are compatible with these targets were investigated. Based on a customizable three-layer electrodes design for use with an MGC3030 motion sensor IC, a finite-element method simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics and a nonlinear regression analysis using MATLAB were carried out. Four nonlinear equations were introduced to describe the motion of the index and middle fingers in the electrical field (E-field) generated. The form of the prediction models agrees with the hypothesis based on the quasi-static E-field sensing theory. In addition, these prediction models fit well with the relationship between finger distance and the voltage signals detected. With the prediction model, the targeted system is capable of detecting combined movements of two fingers at a resolution of 0.94 mm in a portable smart device for robust hand rehabilitation.
Effect of Four Groups of GO-CF/EP Composites with Ideal Infiltration Structure and Different Layering Ways on Damping Properties

In this paper, four groups of graphene oxide and carbon fiber hybrid-reinforced resin matrix (GO-CF/EP) composites with different layering ways were prepared by a vacuum infiltration hot pressing system (VIHPS). The damping properties of the specimens with different layering ways were tested by the force hammer method, and the micromorphology of the specimens was photographed by scanning electron microscope. The experimental results showed that the damping properties of GO-CF/EP composites gradually increased with the increase in the number of Y-direction layers. The [XYXYXY]6 has the best damping property, with a damping ratio of 1.187%. The damping ratio is 5.3 times higher than that of [XXXXXX]6 layer mode, and the first-order natural frequency is 77.7 Hz. This is mainly because the stiffness of the X-direction layer is larger than that of the Y-direction layer, and its resistance to deformation is considerable. Therefore, its decay rate is slower. The Y-direction layer has weak resistance to deformation and fast energy attenuation. The increase in the number of Y-direction layers will lead to the overall increase in, and the improvement of, the damping properties of GO-CF/EP composites.
Switching charge states in quasi-2D molecular conductors

Abstract 2D molecular entities build next-generation electronic devices, where abundant elements of organic molecules are attractive due to the modern synthetic and stimuli control through chemical, conformational, and electronic modifications in electronics. Despite its promising potential, the insufficient control over charge states and electronic stabilities must be overcome in molecular electronic devices. Here, we show the reversible switching of modulated charge states in an exfoliatable 2D-layered molecular conductor based on bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene molecular dimers. The multiple stimuli application of cooling rate, current, voltage, and laser irradiation in a concurrent manner facilitates the controllable manipulation of charge crystal, glass, liquid, and metal phases. The four orders of magnitude switching of electric resistance are triggered by stimuli-responsive charge distribution among molecular dimers. The tunable charge transport in 2D molecular conductors reveals the kinetic process of charge configurations under stimuli, promising to add electric functions in molecular circuitry.
Alloiococcus otitidis—Cause of Nonspecific Acute Sinusitis: First Case Report and Review of Literature

Although most sinus infections are viral, potential bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis can migrate during a viral respiratory infection from the nasopharynx into the sinus cavity causing sinusitis. Alloiococcus otitidis is a commensal of the external auditory canal and is considered one of the potential middle ear pathogens. Unlike most otopathogens, A. otitidis is rarely found in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals. This difficult-to-culture organism has not previously been described as a causative agent of sinusitis. Here we describe one case of acute sinusitis due to A. otitidis and review previous knowledge of this controversial organism based on recent literature.
Efficacy of neem and zinc coated urea on productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract Nitrogen (N) fertilizer-use efficiency (20 − 50%) is low in wheat fields in India. Coated urea can increase N-use efficiency in wheat, but a desirable coating for use with urea is not widely accepted yet. Therefore, to study the efficacy of coated urea on productivity and economics of wheat, an experiment was conducted at Research Farm of SKUAST-J, India, during winter season of 2017 − 2018 and 2018 − 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of various doses of different types of coated urea viz prilled urea, Neem coated urea (NCU), Zinc coated urea (ZnCU), and Neem + Zinc coated urea (NCU + ZnCU). Different doses of coated urea fertilizers showed significant effect on the growth, yield, economics, and nutrient uptake of wheat crop. Application of 100% of recommended (Rec.) nitrogen (N) through ZnCU + Rec. Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn) (T8) showed significantly better growth, yield attributing characters and grain and straw yield, during both the years of study and remained statistically at par with the application of 85% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T7), 100% of Rec. N through NCU + ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T11), 85% of Rec. N through NCU + ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn(T10) and 100% of Rec. N through NCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T5). Similarly, nutrient uptake (N, K and Zn), net returns, and B:C ratio were also observed to be significantly higher with the application of 100% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn than other treatments. However, maximum mean Agronomic use efficiency (AUE) and Recovery use efficiency (RUE) of 36.2% and 30.0%, respectively, were found with the application of 85% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T7) over the application of100% of Rec. N through urea + Rec. P, K, & Zn(T2).
The assessment of science classroom creativity: scale development

ABSTRACT Science education should help unleash the creative potential of students, for which an instrument to accurately assess creativity is required. This study aims to develop and validate such a scale to assess science classroom creativity (SCC), which is the creativity expressed by students in the process of learning either individually or collectively in a science classroom. This study is carried out in the following four stages to achieve this goal: (1) item generation, (2) scale development, (3) scale validation, and (4) scale application. The results of this study indicate that the developed SCC scale with 49 items is a valid and reliable instrument that consists of nine components: cognitive/affective student characteristics, internal/external engagement in science class, science classroom environment, cognitive/emotional support of the science teacher, and individual/collective creative behaviour. Furthermore, the application of the scale provides science teachers with opportunities to: understand creativity more deeply, think reflectively about their teaching practice, and produce differentiated instructional designs to promote creativity.
The design of radio frequency energy harvesting and radio frequency‐based wireless power transfer system for battery‐less self‐sustaining applications

In this paper, the RF energy harvesting system and RF‐based wireless power transfer system are proposed and designed for battery‐less self‐sustaining application. For energy harvesting, the designed antenna array improves the received RF power effectively and also can harvest RF energy in multi‐frequency bands. For wireless power transfer, the proposed helical antenna realizes the system design in miniaturization. Subsequently, the T shape LC matching network are designed between the antenna and the rectifying circuit to obtain more power transmission. The measured results show that the proposed Wi‐Fi rectifier and 433 MHz rectifier offer a maximum conversion efficiency of 66.8% and 76% in case of the input power is −3 dBm and 0 dBm, respectively. Finally, the performance of the RF‐based wireless power transfer system and RF energy harvesting system are attested by experimentally measurement, the measured results indicate that these systems can be used to power electronic.
Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake Is Associated with Low Grip Strength in Elderly Korean Females

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory properties and have recently been considered essential factors for maintaining muscle health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid intakes and sarcopenia by assessing grip strength in elderly Koreans who are at risk of sarcopenia. This study was conducted on 5529 individuals (2449 males and 3080 females) aged ≥65 years from the raw data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2019. In this study, we analyzed the association between EPA and DHA intake, calculated from a 24-h recall method data, and grip strength, a diagnostic criterion for sarcopenia. The cut-off values for low grip strength were <26 kg for males and <18 kg for females, which were set for the Asian population. The results indicated that elderly females consuming EPA and DHA below the adequate intake (AI) had significantly lower grip strength (p < 0.0001) and, had a higher percentage contribution from carbohydrates, but a significantly lower percentage contribution from protein (p < 0.0001), compared to elderly females consuming EPA and DHA at or above the AI. In addition, after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of low grip strength were 0.777 times lower among elderly females consuming EPA and DHA at or above the AI than those consuming EPA and DHA below the AI (95% confidence interval: 0.616–0.979, p = 0.0322). These results suggest that sufficient intake of EPA and DHA is pivotal to mitigate a reduction in grip strength and to improve the quality of nutrient intake among elderly females.
Analysis of spatiospectral lobes in installed F404 engine noise radiation

Spatiospectral lobes are still-unexplained phenomena seen in noise radiation from multiple high-performance aircraft. These lobes are observed as multiple peaks in noise spectra at a given field location or as multiple local maxima in noise directivity at a single frequency. Using hybrid beamforming with a 120-microphone near-field array, the lobe characteristics are studied for a GE F404 engine installed on a T-7A aircraft at different engine conditions. Both the measured and reconstructed fields show multiple spatiospectral lobes at different engine conditions, and the overall noise directivity is identified as being the superposition of multiple distinct lobes. The individual lobes appear, shift aft, and then disappear with increasing frequency, which is opposite the behavior of overall noise directivity. The lobes are ray-traced back to the jet centerline to determine an apparent acoustic source location and it is concluded that each lobe originates from a different source within the jet.
Titania Derived from NH2-MIL-125(Ti) Metal–Organic Framework for Selective Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Propylene Carbonate

ABSTRACT Titanium dioxide was prepared using titanium-based metal–organic framework (MOF) i.e., NH2-MIL-125(Ti) as a metal precursor. NH2-MIL-125(Ti) was synthesized then calcined at 400 °C, 500 °C, 550 °C, and 600 °C. The properties of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) and produced TiO2 were investigated using various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS). A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe surface morphology and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to analyze elemental composition of prepared samples. PXRD pattern confirms TiO2 anatase phase formation when Ti-MOF was calcined up to 500 °C, whereas the formation of TiO2 rutile phase at calcination temperature of 600 °C. The photocatalytic activities of produced TiO2 photocatalysts were investigated for the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to propylene oxide.
Changes in the Choroidal Thickness following Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

We evaluated the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) on choroidal thickness, and studied its association with the therapeutic response in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). The clinical features of 78 eyes with chronic CSC treated with IVB from October 2014 to June 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Visual acuity (VA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were analyzed at baseline, 1 month following initial IVB, and the last follow-up examination. Cases showing complete recovery (resolved eyes; n = 60) were compared with those with persistent subretinal fluid (refractory eyes; n = 18). The relationship between the potential risk factors and subretinal fluid resolution was examined using logistic regression. SFCT was significantly decreased along with the CRT following IVB at the resolved state. SFCT reduction following 1 month of IVB was notably greater in the resolved eyes. The association of refractory eyes with hypertension (p = 0.003) and a thinner baseline SFCT (p = 0.024) was significant. In most of the patients with chronic CSC, VA and CRT remarkably improved following treatment with IVB. Early changes in the SFCT following IVB were associated with the therapeutic response. Patients with hypertension and a thinner baseline SFCT could be unresponsive to IVB.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Relation to Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Dietary Factors among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) significantly affects the course of diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in deterioration of insulin sensitivity and metabolic control, as well as many cardiometabolic complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between cardiovascular biomarkers, nutritional status, dietary factors and the occurrence of MetS among 120 participants from northeast Poland (adolescents with type 1 DM and healthy peers). MetS was assessed using several criteria: nutritional status by anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis by bioelectrical impedance, and diet using a food diary and questionnaire. MetS was diagnosed in every third diabetic. Compared to healthy peers, MetS patients had higher total body fat (26% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and visceral fat (77 cm2 vs. 35 cm2, p < 0.001), and lower total antioxidant status (1.249 mmol/L vs. 1.579 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Additionally, their diet was rich in saturated fatty acids, but low in dietary fiber as well as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The group of diabetics reported many inappropriate eating behaviors. The combination of those with the presence of an excessive content of visceral fat tissue and abnormal values of MetS components may negatively affect metabolic control, thus accelerating the development of cardiometabolic complications.
A Pilot Study on Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) Use for Cooling Operations, and on GHP Site Selection in Tropical Regions Based on a Case Study in Thailand

In order to reduce electricity consumption, the vertical loop geothermal heat pump (GHP) system coupled with a normal air conditioner was installed in an experimental room in the Parot Racha Building, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand for a comparative, long-term measurement program. The decrease in electricity consumption was approximately 30%. On the basis of the data derived from our measurements, the underground temperature seemed to be consistent and lower than the average outside air temperature, over two years. The underground system consisted mainly of two 50-m-long drilling wells and pipes with a total length of 170 m. The well performance was not examined, but both soil and groundwater aquifer (Bangkok aquifer) at 25 to 50 m. could be utilized for the cooling operation. Moreover, the major controlling factors of electricity consumption were found to be the outside air temperatures and the underground water circulation temperatures. In addition, we considered the geology, underground temperature, and aquifer of Bangkok concluding that almost all Bangkok areas are suitable for GHP installation, except for those where the subsurface temperature is too high compared with the outside air temperature.