Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic review evaluating the impact of paid home carer training, supervision, and other interventions on the health and well-being of older home care clients

ABSTRACT Background: Interventions to support and skill paid home carers and managers could potentially improve health and well-being of older home care clients. This is the first systematic review of interventions to improve how home carers and home care agencies deliver care to older people, with regard to clients’ health and well-being and paid carers’ well-being, job satisfaction, and retention. Methods: We reviewed 10/731 papers found in the electronic search (to January 2016) fitting predetermined criteria, assessed quality using a checklist, and synthesized data using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results: Ten papers described eight interventions. The six quantitative evaluations used diverse outcomes that precluded meta-analysis. In the only quantitative study (a cluster Randomized Controlled Trial), rated higher quality, setting meaningful goals, carer training, and supervision improved client health-related quality of life. The interventions that improved client outcomes comprised training with additional implementation, such as regular supervision and promoted care focused around clients’ needs and goals. In our qualitative synthesis of four studies, intervention elements carers valued were greater flexibility to work to a needs-based rather than a task-based model, learning more about clients, and improved communication with management and other workers. Conclusions: There is a dearth of evidence regarding effective strategies to improve how home care is delivered to older clients, particularly those with dementia. More research in this sector including feasibility testing of the first home care intervention trials to include health and life quality outcomes for clients with more severe dementia is now needed.
Complex domain nonlocal block-matching denoising based on high-order singular value decomposition (HOSVD)

Block matching 3D collaborative filtering (BM3D) is one of the most popular denoising technique based on data sparsity concept applied to specially structured data. In this paper we develop this technique for complex domain, i.e. for application to complex-valued data. Sparsity as an approximation technique can be addressed directly to complex-valued variables or to real-valued pairs phase/amplitude and real/imaginary parts of complex-valued variables. As a result we arrive to various ways of development and obtain a set of quite different algorithms. The algorithms proposed in this paper are composed from two components: nonlocal patch-wise grouping and high-order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) for grouped data processing. The latter gives data adaptive complex-valued bases for complex-valued data or real-valued bases for joint processing of the pairs phase/amplitude, real/imaginary parts of complex-valued variables. Comparative study of the developed algorithms is produced in order to select the most efficient ones.
Portrait of Political Party Polarization1

To find out, we measure co-voting similarity networks in the US Senate and trace individual careers over time. Standard network visualization tools fail on dense highly clustered networks, so we used two aggregation strategies to clarify positional mobility over time. First, clusters of Senators who often vote the same way capture coalitions, and allow us to measure polarization quantitatively through modularity (Newman, 2006; Waugh et al., 2009; Poole, 2012). Second, we use role-based blockmodels (White et al., 1976) to identify role positions, identifying sets of Senators with highly similar tie patterns. Our partitioning threshold for roles is stringent, generating many roles occupied by single Senators. This combination allows us to identify movement between positions over time (specifically, we used the Kernighan–Lin improvement of a Louvain method greedy partitioning algorithm for modularity [Blondel et al., 2008], and CONCOR with an internal similarity threshold for roles; see Supplementary materials for details).
Hyperactive self-inactivating piggyBac for transposase-enhanced pronuclear microinjection transgenesis

We have developed a unique method for mouse transgenesis. The transposase-enhanced pronuclear microinjection (PNI) technique described herein uses the hyperactive piggyBac transposase to insert a large transgene into the mouse genome. This procedure increased transgene integration efficiency by fivefold compared with conventional PNI or intracytoplasmic sperm injection-mediated transgenesis. Our data indicate that the transposase-enhanced PNI technique additionally requires fewer embryos to be microinjected than traditional methods to obtain transgenic animals. This transposase-mediated approach is also very efficient for single-cell embryo cytoplasmic injections, offering an easy-to-implement transgenesis method to the scientific community.
Automatic background filtering and lane identification with roadside LiDAR data

The high-resolution traffic data (HRTD) of all roadway users is important to connected-vehicle systems, traffic safety analysis, performance evaluation and fuel efficiency study. The roadside LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors can provide HRTD by collecting real-time 3D point clouds of surrounding objects, which is significant to connected-vehicle applications with mixed traffic flow — connected and unconnected road users. The background filtering is a necessary step to improve the accuracy and efficiency of HRTD extraction from raw LiDAR data. At the same time, the lane space information can further enhance the accuracy and reliability of data extraction. This paper presents an algorithm to extract background automatically from the LiDAR data based on the density of points in 3D space; and a multi-classified density-based spatial clustering method (MC-DBSCAN) is developed to identify road lanes automatically. The boundaries of road lanes are automatically located with aggregated trajectories of vehicles. The algorithms were applied for roadside LiDAR data preprocessing at different sites. Data and results from one site are presented in this paper.
The discrimination method as applied to a deteriorated porcelain insulator used in transmission lines on the basis of a convolution neural network

Based on the analysis of the principle and structure of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model used for in-depth learning, an intelligent discriminant diagnosis method for porcelain fuselage insulators in transmission lines is proposed. Firstly, the infrared image of a porcelain insulator is extracted, and then Lenet is used to optimize the network structure. Finally, the model of fixed parameters is formed by training. The model has high classification and judgment robustness and offers accuracy under different conditions such as: temperature, humidity, position of deterioration on the insulator, and thermal load, which allows weight-sharing in the CNN model under different environmental conditions. Based on the experimental data from an infrared heating experiment using a porcelain deteriorated insulator, this work uses the back-propagation gradient descent method to train the model, to form an intelligent detection model for deteriorated insulators. This method has the advantages of high accuracy and robustness, and represents a new method for intelligent detection of deteriorated insulators.
Fuzzy decision support system for solar tracking optimization

This paper presents the design and implementation of a fuzzy decision support system for control of photovoltaic panel movement in order to improve the availability of solar energy and the system's total efficiency. The designed algorithm is implemented on a solar tracking experimental platform using a fuzzy logic control strategy. It makes use of measured values for radiation from appropriate sensors and assures command of the platform's two positioning motors. The solution was developed as a virtual instrument, using a graphical programming environment. This allows for fast deployment, versatility and scalability.
Effect of Cooling Method on Microstructure and Tensile Strength for 304 Stainless Steel Plate-fin Structure

The vacuum brazing experiment of 304 stainless steel plate fin structure was carried out.The effect of cooling method on microstructure and tensile strength is investigated.The scanning electron microscope(SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer(EDS)tests were carried out to reveal the microstructure and chemical components in the brazed joint.The results show that the cooling method has great effect on strength and microstructure for 304 stainless steel plate-fin structure.A lot of cracks and voids are generated in the brazing joint using quick cooling method,which decrease the strength greatly.The improved slow cooling method includes two steps.The first step is the self-cooling in vacuum furnace from 1050~620 ℃,and the second step is the quick cooling by dry nitrogen and wind cooling.The residual stress is relaxed by creep and the flaws are decreased,which increase the strength greatly.
Early muscle reinnervation by means of end-to-side neurorrhaphy in an experimental model

Aim: The aim of the study was to provide early muscular reinnervation to avoid muscle atrophy and functional loss in an experimental model. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into five groups. In group 0 (control group) only nerve dissection was performed. Total peroneal nerve section was performed in the remaining groups. Immediate end-to-end neurorrhaphy (EEN) was made in group 1. In group 2, an end-to-side neurorrhaphy (ESN) was performed from the tibial nerve to the peroneal nerve. In group 3, a direct EEN, plus an ESN, were used as a nerve graft as a bridge from the donor nerve (tibial); all nerve coaptations were performed through an epineural window. In group 4, only a neurotomy was made without any type of reconstruction. Results: Neural diameters were similar in groups 0, 1, and 3 (38 ± 1 mm, 31 ± 6 mm, 32 ± 3 mm). Neural fibers in group 3 had an 18% increase in the number of axons (P < 0.001) when compared to group 0. Group 2 (28 ± 1 mm) and group 4 (19 ± 3 mm) had diminished diameters with a lower index of muscle regeneration. Animals in group 4 presented with “clawed” lower extremities and had difficulty with ambulation. Neural graft diameters was similar in groups 2 and 3 (33 ± 4 mm, 31 ± 3 mm), but axon density was significantly higher in group 3 (53 ± 6 mm, 39 ± 8 mm) (P < 0.001). Axon density was 36% higher when the combination of EEN and ESN with a neural graft through an epineural window was performed. Conclusion: This study revealed that the combination of EEN and ESN repairs with the addition of a neural graft provides a lower index of muscle fiber destruction, and can be a reliable method for reconstruction in high neural injuries. ABSTRACT
Structural Properties of Six Tibial Fixation Methods for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Soft Tissue Grafts

This study compared the stiffness (K), yield load (YL), and slippage (SL) of six tibial fixation methods. These properties were determined from load-to-failure and cyclic tests of double-looped tendon grafts fixed to both animal and young human tissue. Tandem washers (K 259 N/mm, YL 1159 N, SL 0.5 mm) and the Washerloc (K 248 N/mm, YL 905 N, SL 2.0 mm) were the two best fixations. At 500 N of load, which is the estimated daily tension of an anterior cruciate ligament graft during intensive rehabilitation, slippage was significantly greater in either of the other two methods for sutures tied to a post (4.9 mm), double staples (3.3 mm), and a 20-mm spiked metal washer (3.5 mm). Interference screw fixation performed well in animal tissue (YL 776 N), but was significantly worse in young human tissue (YL 350 N), with 57% of the fixations failing before 500 N of load. Animal tissue should not be used to estimate the performance of interference screw fixation in human tissue. Because 57% of the interference screw fixations using human tissue failed at loads below 500 N, their ability to provide adequate fixation during intensive rehabilitation should be questioned. However, both the Washerloc and tandem washers and screws provide fixation structural properties in young human tibia that should be appropriate for intensive rehabilitation.
Cognitive and Motivational Factors Associated with Sedentary Behavior: A Systematic Review

Excessive time spent in sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with numerous health risks. These associations remain even after controlling for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and body mass index, indicating that efforts to promote leisure time physical activity alone are insufficient. Cognitive and motivation variables represent potentially modifiable factors and have the potential of furthering our understanding of sedentary behavior. Hence, a systematic review was conducted to synthesize and critique the literature on the relationship between cognitive and motivational factors and sedentary behaviors. In April 2016, four electronic databases (Psych info, Pub Med, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) were searched and a total of 4866 titles and abstracts were reviewed. After meeting inclusion criteria, study characteristics were extracted and the methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Downs and Black Checklist. PRISMA guidelines for reporting of systematic reviews were followed. Twenty-five studies (16 cross-sectional, 8 longitudinal and one examining two populations and employing both a cross-sectional and prospective design) assessed 23 different cognitive and motivational factors. Seventeen studies were theory-based and 8 did not employ a theoretical model. Results showed that among SB-related cognitions, risk factors for greater sedentary time included having a more positive attitude towards SB, perceiving greater social support/norms for SB, reporting greater SB habits, having greater intentions to be sedentary, and having higher intrinsic, introjected, and external motivation towards SB. Protective factors associated with lower sedentary time included having greater feelings of self-efficacy/control over SB and greater intentions to reduce SB. Among PA-related cognitions, protective factors for lower SB included a more positive attitude towards PA, having greater social support/norms for PA, greater self-efficacy/control for PA, higher PA intentions, and higher intrinsic and identified motivation towards PA. In addition, feeling more supported and empowered in general was related with lower levels of SB. The average methodological quality score for included studies was 69% (SD = 9.15%; range 35–80%). In conclusion, a number of cognitive and motivational factors were identified that were associated with sedentarism. These findings have come from reasonably high quality studies. To further extend our understanding of the relation between cognitive and motivational factors and SB, more longitudinal, theory-driven studies examining cognitions and motivation from a sedentary perspective are required.
Concept design and simulation of a water proofing modular robot for amphibious locomotion

This paper will introduce a novel adaptive modular robot for amphibious locomotion research. First, an overview of modular robotic research is given systematically. In this project, we concentrate on designing a new kind of modular robot with a central part and adaptable covers, so to build different configurations. The assemble prototypes could be used for bio-inspired locomotion research not only on ground, but also in water. The modular design, interfaces, and different configurations will be presented throughout. After that, related simulations including locomotion and swimming are shown to confirm the concept and principle. In the end, a conclusion is given and future work is outlined.
EAACI position paper: skin prick testing in the diagnosis of occupational type I allergies

Skin prick testing (SPT) in combination with the clinical history of the patient is one important step in the diagnosis of IgE‐mediated occupational allergies. However, skin test performance is related to the quality of allergen extracts. The present consensus document was prepared by an EAACI Task Force consisting of an expert panel of allergologists and occupational physicians from Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, and Poland. All members of the panel were also involved in the data collection within the European multicentre study STADOCA (Standard diagnosis for occupational allergy). The aim of this Task Force was the assessment of the quality of commercially available SPT solutions for selected occupational allergens under standardized procedure conditions in different European centres and institutes of Occupational Medicine. The data evaluation shows a wide variability among SPT solutions and also indicates that the sensitivity of several SPT solutions is low. Therefore, improvement and standardization of SPT solutions for occupational allergens is highly recommended. Clinical practitioners should also not presume that their SPT solutions are fully reliable. The main objective of the document is to issue consensus suggestions for the use of SPT with occupational allergens based on the European multicentre study STADOCA, on existing scientific evidence and the expertise of a panel of allergologists.
The Functional Significance of Posttranslational Modifications on Polo-Like Kinase 1 Revealed by Chemical Genetic Complementation

Mitosis is coordinated by carefully controlled phosphorylation and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) plays a central role in regulating mitosis and cytokinesis by phosphorylating target proteins. Yet, Plk1 is itself a target for posttranslational modification by phosphorylation and ubiquitination. We developed a chemical-genetic complementation assay to evaluate the functional significance of 34 posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on human Plk1. To do this, we used human cells that solely express a modified analog-sensitive Plk1 (Plk1AS) and complemented with wildtype Plk1. The wildtype Plk1 provides cells with a functional Plk1 allele in the presence of 3-MB-PP1, a bulky ATP-analog inhibitor that specifically inhibits Plk1AS. Using this approach, we evaluated the ability of 34 singly non-modifiable Plk1 mutants to complement Plk1AS in the presence of 3-MB-PP1. Mutation of the T-loop activating residue T210 and adjacent T214 are lethal, but surprisingly individual mutation of the remaining 32 posttranslational modification sites did not disrupt the essential functions of Plk1. To evaluate redundancy, we simultaneously mutated all phosphorylation sites in the kinase domain except for T210 and T214 or all sites in the C-terminal polo-box domain (PBD). We discovered that redundant phosphorylation events within the kinase domain are required for accurate chromosome segregation in anaphase but those in the PBD are dispensable. We conclude that PTMs within the T-loop of Plk1 are essential and nonredundant, additional modifications in the kinase domain provide redundant control of Plk1 function, and those in the PBD are dispensable for essential mitotic functions of Plk1. This comprehensive evaluation of Plk1 modifications demonstrates that although phosphorylation and ubiquitination are important for mitotic progression, many individual PTMs detected in human tissue may have redundant, subtle, or dispensable roles in gene function.
The SIR Meta Distribution in Poisson Cellular Networks With Base Station Cooperation

The meta distribution provides fine-grained information on the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) compared with the SIR distribution at the typical user. This paper first derives the meta distribution of the SIR in heterogeneous cellular networks with downlink coordinated multipoint transmission/reception, including joint transmission (JT), dynamic point blanking (DPB), and dynamic point selection/dynamic point blanking (DPS/DPB), for the general typical user and the worst-case user (the typical user located at the Voronoi vertex in a single-tier network). A more general scheme called JT-DPB, which is the combination of JT and DPB, is studied. The moments of the conditional success probability are derived for the calculation of the meta distribution and the mean local delay. An exact analytical expression, the beta approximation, and simulation results of the meta distribution are provided. From the theoretical results, we gain insights on the benefits of different cooperation schemes and the impact of the number of cooperating base stations and other network parameters.
Epidemiology and Immediate Indirect Effects of Respiratory Viruses in Lung Transplant Recipients: A 5‐Year Prospective Study

The epidemiology of respiratory viruses (RVs) in lung transplant recipients (LTRs) and the relationship of RVs to lung function, acute rejection (AR) and opportunistic infections in these patients are not well known. We performed a prospective cohort study (2009–2014) by collecting nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs) from asymptomatic LTRs during seasonal changes and from LTRs with upper respiratory tract infectious disease (URTID), lower respiratory tract infectious disease (LRTID) and AR. NPSs were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 1094 NPSs were collected from 98 patients with a 23.6% positivity rate and mean follow‐up of 3.4 years (interquartile range 2.5–4.0 years). Approximately half of URTIDs (47 of 97, 48.5%) and tracheobronchitis cases (22 of 56, 39.3%) were caused by picornavirus, whereas pneumonia was caused mainly by paramyxovirus (four of nine, 44.4%) and influenza (two of nine, 22.2%). In LTRs with LRTID, lung function changed significantly at 1 mo (p = 0.03) and 3 mo (p = 0.04). In a nested case–control analysis, AR was associated with RVs (hazard ratio [HR] 6.54), Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with LRTID (HR 8.54), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication or disease was associated with URTID (HR 2.53) in the previous 3 mo. There was no association between RVs and Aspergillus spp. colonization or infection (HR 0.71). In conclusion, we documented a high incidence of RV infections in LTRs. LRTID produced significant lung function abnormalities. Associations were observed between AR and RVs, between P. aeruginosa colonization or infection and LRTID, and between CMV replication or disease and URTID.
High-performance ferrite nanoparticles for magnetothermal neural excitation

Wireless and cell-specific manipulation of neural circuits may enable non-invasive treatment of the diseased brain. Existing neuromodulation methodologies lack cellular specificity and resolution (electrical deep brain stimulation (DBS)) or rely on transgenes (optogenetics), and require surgical implantation of conduits to deliver electromagnetic stimuli into the targeted deep brain structure. Using nanoscale materials with tunable properties, this thesis seeks to develop minimally invasive tools to facilitate wireless dissection of neural circuits and provide solutions beyond current surgical and pharmacological interventions to treat diseases. We rely on noninvasive alternating magnetic fields as a signaling modality to actuate magnetic nanoparticles to dissipate heat via hysteretic losses. The transduced thermal stimuli can then trigger the depolarization of heat-sensitized cells, leading to phasic excitation of neurons in arbitrarily deep brain structures. We first develop a general dynamic hysteresis model that can qualitatively predict loss power trends for ferrite nanoparticles of variable size and chemical composition in the presence of clinically relevant field frequencies and amplitudes. We then identify synthesis strategies to produce highly-crystalline magnetic nanoparticles with enhanced biomedical performance over previously described methods. With this optimized materials set, we demonstrate wireless control of neural circuits in vitro and in vivo by magnetothermal stimulation. Thesis Supervisor: Polina Anikeeva Title: Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering