Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role delineation study of pediatric nurse practitioners: a national study of practice responsibilities and trends in role functions.

INTRODUCTION This study explored the current practice responsibilities of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) from a national perspective Educational preparation, geographic region of practice, years of employment as a PNP, type of employment setting, and full-time versus part-time employment were examined. METHOD From a randomly selected sample (N = 997), a total of 387 respondents returned their questionnaire, resulting in 325 usable questionnaires. RESULTS Years of experience as a PNP, setting of employment, geographic region, prescriptive authority, and subspecialty practice were significantly related to various health supervision and illness-focused activities performed by PNPs, as well as level of management responsibility. Anticipatory guidance supervision continues to be an integral part of the PNP role. PNPs report that they assume major responsibility for the health assessment and management of children with common pediatric illnesses as well as chronic illnesses and conditions. DISCUSSION The ability to prescribe prescription medications produced the greatest overall effect on PNP role activities and level of management responsibility. Years of experience exerted an interesting effect on role functions related to the overall health supervision and illness-focused activities in which PNPs engaged. Implications for the educational preparation of PNPs, the updating of national certification examinations, and planning for adequate numbers in the workforce to replace the cohort of retiring PNPs in the next 20 years are discussed.
Magnetic assembly of nanowires

Nanowires, an important building block in nanosystems, can now be synthesized with readily tailored composition and subsequent p.hysical properties. A skillful nanowires manipulation technique is the prerequisite for fully exploring the huge potential of the various available nanowires. Here we present a comprehensive review on the magnetic-driven assembly of NWs, especially the ferromagnetic NWs. Both merits and shortcomings of the magnetic approach are included in this paper.
Documentation of requirements for computer systems

A functional approach to specifying the requirements of a computer system is discussed. The method allows system requirements to be documented, whether the system is implemented using a computer and peripheral devices, or, for example, relays and analog components. The method is a refinement of the method used in the A-7 aircraft software requirements model document. The approach is illustrated with examples derived from a software requirements document for a water level monitoring system. <<ETX>>
A new digital control method for high performance 400 Hz ground power unit

In digital control, the one-sample delay for computation which is often ignored in 50/60 Hz cases has great impact on the performance of a 400 Hz ground power unit (GPU). Taking the delay into account, a detailed proof that it is very hard and even impossible for 400 Hz GPU to maintain a low THD content in the output voltage using the conventional inductor, capacitor or load current feedback based single-loop or double-loop control is given. A new primary-plus-resonant-controller method suitable for fixed-point DSP without modifying the existing single-loop or double-loop control topology is presented. With the new approach, the computation delay is not compensated, which means that complex computation will be avoided. Meanwhile, the relationships between the discrete realization method in other literatures and the zero order hold method for resonant controllers have also been discussed. Two types of tests on a 90-kVA 400 Hz GPU prototype based-on a 16-bit fixed-point DSP show satisfactory performance of the new method feeding linear / nonlinear load.
Internal factors affecting brand performance

In terms of effective branding, several recent trends have indicated the need for greater attention within the organisation than has traditionally been the case. With increased emphasis on corporate branding, the team responsible for managing a brand is becoming larger and more diverse and all staff, as the corporate brand's representatives, affect consumers' perceptions of the corporate brand. Furthermore, the shift in emphasis in the literature from the externally perceived brand image to the internally created brand identity entails actively creating how an organisation wishes to be perceived. To project a consistent corporate brand successfully to consumers, all staff need to have congruent perceptions about the brand's identity. The aim of this research was to identify internal factors influencing brand team members' and consumer-facing staffs perceptions of their brand's identity and the impact of these factors and perceptions on consumers' perceptions and brand performance. A conceptual model was developed and associated hypotheses formulated. Studies were conducted using postal questionnaires with three stakeholder groups in the financial services sector: (i) brand team members, (ii) consumer-facing staff and (iii) consumers. Although failing to identify correctly all of the intervening variables, support was found for sections of the conceptual model. The research confirmed that larger corporate brand teams increased the diversity of members' functional backgrounds. While brand teams composed of members with diverse functional backgrounds potentially have a wider range of knowledge and information available to them, diversity in brand team members' characteristics was found to impair the congruency of their brand perceptions. The importance of congruent brand perceptions among different stakeholder groups and the effect of congruent brand perceptions on brand performance were demonstrated. The results emphasised the need for improved internal brand communications and highlighted the influence of consumer-facing staff on consumers' brand perceptions.
CSMA and CSMA/CD with random signal powers

A throughput analysis is provided of CSMA (carrier-sense multiple-access) and CSMA/CD (CSMA with collision detection) protocols using random signal powers to induce a capture effect when the ratio of the tagged packet power to the total power of interfering packets exceeds a preset detection threshold. The pseudo-Bayesian stabilization of CSMA and CSMA/CD with random two-power levels is also discussed. It is shown that the use of random signal powers improves the throughput of CSMA and CSMA/CD, but the improvement is not as large as in slotted or unslotted Aloha. The throughput improvement is much higher with a multipower model, but the power level is too large to be practical. With random signal powers, the system can operate at a higher channel traffic and therefore has a larger stable domain, and the packet delay is reduced at the same channel traffic load. <<ETX>>
TRANSMISSION OF PORCINE ENDOGENOUS RETROVIRUSES IN SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENT MICE XENOTRANSPLANTED WITH FETAL PORCINE PANCREATIC CELLS1

Background. Xenotransplantationusing pig organs or tissues may alleviate the human donor organ shortage. However, one concern is the potential transmission of pig pathogens to humans, especially pig endogenous retroviruses (PERV), which infect human cell lines in vitro. In this report, the cross-species in vivo transmission of PERV by xenotransplantation was studied using a severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model. Methods. Twenty-one SCID mice were transplanted with fetal pig pancreatic cells and left for periods from three to 41 weeks before being killed. DNA and RNA were extracted from liver, spleen, and brain of these mice, and examined for PERV using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase-PCR. The pig mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II subunit gene (COII) was also amplified to monitor the presence of pig cell microchimerism in xenotransplanted tissues, and a housekeeping gene was included to monitor the DNA quality and quantity. Results. Examination of 39 DNA samples from tissues of the 21 xenografted mice identified two mouse tissues (M4-liver and M19-spleen) that were positive for PERV but negative for COII. A total of 23 (59%) of the mouse tissues were positive for both PERV and COII, 6 (16%) were negative for both, and 8 (20%) were positive for COII only. PCR and direct sequencing of the PCR products identified three PERV variants, which were different from the PERV sequence detected by PCR direct sequencing from the pig donor cells. Conclusions. The PERV+/COII− results from M4-liver and M19-spleen indicated the presence of PERV transmission from pig to mouse tissue. The PERV variants detected in the mouse tissues indicated that different PERVs were transmissible from the pig to mouse tissue during xenotransplantation. The negative reverse transcriptase-PCR results for PERV from three mouse samples including M4-liver and M19-spleen suggest there was no active PERV transcription in the mouse tissues, although this would need to be studied further.
The Relationship Between Self-Concept and a Summer Camping Program for Children and Adolescents Who Have Cancer

or organizing a collaborative nursing esearch group. The purpose of the paper vas to promote interest in collaborative cursing research by addressing the feasiability and utility of this approach to answer . ursing questions and problems. This paper addressed the definition of ollaborative research, one method of rganizing a collaborative research group, Dntrol in a collaborative project, the ~sponsibilities of and benefits to the coltborators, and the strengths and limitons of this approach to nursing research. he authors are currently involved in a ational collaborative nursing study. Examples were drawn from this experience to illustrate the paper. The impact of a collaborative approach for nursing research comes primarily from the larger, more diverse sample which is accessible. The data gathered using this approach yield results that have increased generalizability, providing more valid research-based nursing interventions. Additional benefits include: 1) a more cost effective approach to nursing research; and 2) increased participation in nursing research by nurses who may not be ready or able to take on an individual, independent research project.
SINR based Uplink Sub-band Clustering Mechanism for Differentiated Services in NOMA

Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) is a contender for 5G wireless networks, since it supports large number of devices to transmit simultaneously over the same radio resource, e.g., sub-band. NOMA is particularly suitable for applications, such as, Internet of Things (IoT), where many devices contend for scarce radio resources. NOMA random access allows any device to choose a sub-band randomly to transmit data. This may lead to multiple interferers if many devices (which are not spatially dispersed) access the same sub-band. This paper proposes a novel mechanism for uplink sub-band clustering based on measured Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) over a period of time at the base-station. The proposed mechanism can be used to provide differentiated services to the devices, which is not possible in NOMA random access proposed in literature. Simulation results show that the proposed idea suggests suitable sub-bands to devices for providing differential services.
Improving Information Flow in Small Scale Application : Selected Approaches and Concepts

Many problems regarding information supply within enterprises can be solved with either traditional Information Retrieval or Knowledge Management technologies or with an Information Logistic approach, where a demand-driven approach to information supply is pursued with the aim to take into account such aspects as time and location. However, to build the right kind of solutions based on any of these technologies, providing higher quality of information supply could be utilized if the information demand of the users of the applications is precisely known. In this report the results from an investigation done in American Small- and Medium sized Enterprises and different methods for analyzing and modeling of business processes and organizational hierarchies are presented. Partly based on this a definition of information demand is presented together with a metamodel depicting concepts and their interconnections.
Premium Allocation for the Electrolux Cargo Insurance Program using Generalized Linear Models

Abstract The authors of this report has performed this Master Thesis at the Group Risk Management department of Electrolux AB. Electrolux is a world leading company regarding home appliances. It is a multinational company that operates in over 150 countries worldwide. The Net Sales during 2014 was 112 Billion SEK. With this in mind it leads to the fact that the company generates an extensive amount of transports carrying valuable goods, that is made daily all over the world. Every single transport itself entails a risk for the company, due to the exposure of a claim that can occur. Our study involved that, with the help of statistical modelling identify and quantify risk, which would lie as a basis for a relevant allocation of Electrolux´s cargo insurance policy. The premiums should be allocated to the company´s 190 internal sales companies. Partly by perfoming a survey of Electrolux´s transportflows and a compilation of their claim statistics, we have provided the Risk Management department with underlying facts of the current situation of the companies logistics. With these facts, and the use of generalized linear models, we have managed to provide risks of relevant variables that affect the cargo insurance. These lied as a basis for our final allocation program delivered to Electrolux. The results from this study has given the Risk Management department deeper knowledge of the underlying risks that cause the claims concerning their cargo insurance policy. We have also provided a user-friendly allocation program that will be used when allocating the premiums in the future. From the results we have concluded, we are certain of that Latin America is the region of our study with the highest risk. By the results of our premium allocation program we have also seen that the business sector Major Appliances EMEA has historically payed a lower premium than what they should have done. By this study we have highlighted the issues that can occur when trying to determine risks, due to inconsistent results. To conclude this has been a highly interesting study and by the goals set in the beginning of the project, we feel that they have been accompliched.
Observational Assessment of Preschool Disruptive Behavior, Part II: validity of the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS).

OBJECTIVE To examine the validity of the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS), a new observational method for assessing preschool disruptive behavior. METHOD A total of 327 behaviorally heterogeneous preschoolers from low-income environments comprised the validation sample. Parent and teacher reports were used to identify children with clinically significant disruptive behavior. The DB-DOS assessed observed disruptive behavior in two domains, problems in Behavioral Regulation and Anger Modulation, across three interactional contexts: Examiner Engaged, Examiner Busy, and Parent. Convergent and divergent validity of the DB-DOS were tested in relation to parent and teacher reports and independently observed behavior. Clinical validity was tested in terms of criterion and incremental validity of the DB-DOS for discriminating disruptive behavior status and impairment, concurrently and longitudinally. RESULTS DB-DOS scores were significantly associated with reported and independently observed behavior in a theoretically meaningful fashion. Scores from both DB-DOS domains and each of the three DB-DOS contexts contributed uniquely to discrimination of disruptive behavior status, concurrently and predictively. Observed behavior on the DB-DOS also contributed incrementally to prediction of impairment over time, beyond variance explained by meeting DSM-IV disruptive behavior disorder symptom criteria based on parent/teacher report. CONCLUSIONS The multidomain, multicontext approach of the DB-DOS is a valid method for direct assessment of preschool disruptive behavior. This approach shows promise for enhancing accurate identification of clinically significant disruptive behavior in young children and for characterizing subtypes in a manner that can directly inform etiological and intervention research.
Naringenin inhibits the growth and stimulates the lignification of soybean root

Os efeitos de naringenina, um intermediario da biossintese de flavonoides, foram avaliados sobre o crescimento das raizes, as atividades da fenilalanina amonia liase (PAL) e peroxidases, bem como sobre os teores de compostos fenolicos e de lignina em plântulas de soja (Glycine max L. Merrill). Plântulas de tres dias foram cultivadas em solucao nutritiva de Hoagland, meia-forca (pH 6,0), contendo ou nao, naringenina 0,1 a 0,4 mM, em uma câmara de germinacao (25°C, fotoperiodo de 12 h, 280 µmol m-2 s-1) durante 24 h. Efeitos inibitorios no crescimento das raizes (comprimento, massa e viabilidade celular) e nas atividades da PAL e POD soluvel foram constatados apos os tratamentos com naringenina. Estes efeitos foram associados com atividade estimulatoria da POD ligada a parede celular, seguido por aumento nos teores de lignina, sugerindo que a inibicao do crescimento das raizes pode ser devido ao processo de lignificacao.
The Scientific Foundations of Habitat Conservation Plans: a Quantitative Assessment

Abstract: The number of habitat conservation plans ( HCP) has risen dramatically since the first plan was written over 18 years ago. Until recently, no studies have quantitatively investigated the scientific foundations underlying these documents. As part of a larger study of HCPs, we examined 43 plans primarily to assess the availability and use of scientific data and secondarily to determine the extent of involvement by, and influence of, independent scientists within the process. Specifically, our analysis focused on five key steps taken when an HCP is developed: assessing status of a species, determining take, predicting the project effects, mitigating for those effects, and monitoring of take and mitigation. In general, we found that the preparers of HCPs utilized existing scientific information fairly well, with 60% of plans not missing any available information described by our study as “starkly necessary. ” The most common types of underutilized available data included those describing the influence of stochastic processes and habitat quality or quantity on species persistence. For many species, however, data on biology or status simply did not exist, as demonstrated by the fact that we could locate quantitative population estimates for only 10% of the species. Furthermore, for 42% of the species examined we had insufficient data and analysis to determine clearly how predicted take might affect the population. In many cases, mitigation measures proposed to offset take frequently addressed the most important local threats to the species with moderately reliable strategies. Species with monitoring programs rated as sufficient had plans that proposed to collect a greater amount of “quantitative” data than did those programs rated insufficient. Finally, when species “experts” were consulted, plan quality was generally higher. Overall, available scientific information in a majority of categories was fairly well utilized, but for many species additional studies and more in‐depth analyses were required to provide adequate support for issuance of an incidental take permit.
Image-Based Hierarchical Method of 3D Model Retrieval

In this paper, we present a novel and hierarchical image-based retrieval method of 3D shape by using categorization tree. Unlike other methods, we can get the accurate matched 3D shape by comparing only a small subset of the model database. The central idea of our method is that the categorization tree is used to organize all 3D shapes and form a representative subset of the database. The retrieval is divided into two stages: we first get a temp matched shape from the subset, and then obtain the final matched shape from the shapes which are close to the temp matched shape in the categorization tree. In the process of search, we use the Suggestive Contour to improve the accuracy of the matching. To speed up the search, we adopt the min-hash and the inverted index techniques. Experiments on database demonstrate accuracy, robustness and efficiency of our method.
Robust level flight control design for scaled Yak-54 unmanned aerial vehicle using single sliding surface.

This paper deals with devising robust nonlinear control strategy for benchmark system of scaled Yak-54 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Authors considered the applications of sliding mode controllers to the longitudinal flight dynamics of the Yak-54 UAV for executing maneuvers over full flight envelope. Unlike the classical technique of the two sliding surfaces for the two loops a single surface is selected for the level flight. Control of unmanned aerial vehicle involves the problem of incomplete measurements, modeling uncertainties and external disturbances which makes flight dynamic analysis and control system design difficult. We present an innovative robust control strategy based on powerful tools provided by the theory of sliding mode control algorithms. First order sliding mode controller are designed but they provide chattering at the control input thus a non linear second order super twisting controller is used to provide chattering free control with improved robust stabilization.
In vitro toxicity of amorphous silica nanoparticles in human colon carcinoma cells

Abstract The use of nanostructured silica (SiO2) particles is no longer restricted to biomedical and (bio-) technological fields but rather finding applications in products of the food industry. Thus, our studies on the toxicological relevance of SiO2 nanoparticles focused on cytotoxic effects, the modulation of the cellular redox status and the impact on DNA integrity in human colon carcinoma cells (HT29). The results indicate that these SiO2 nanoparticles stimulate the proliferation of HT29 cells, depending on the incubation time and the particle size. The cytotoxicity of the investigated SiO2 nanoparticles was found to depend on the concentration, size and on the FCS content of the culture medium. Furthermore, SiO2 seem to interfere with glutathione biosynthesis. The results indicate further that effects of SiO2 NPs are not mediated by oxidative stress but by interference with the MAPK/ERK1/2 as well as the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathways. Additionally, investigations regarding DNA integrity revealed no substantial (oxidative) DNA damage.
A Markov decision model for source video rate allocation and scheduling policies in mobile networks

We consider a scenario with a mobile user who either upstreams a video clip to a portal in the Internet, where video consumers can watch it in real-time, or, conversely, downstreams a multi-view video from the Internet to be played on his/her mobile device. Thus, we design a delivery framework that takes into account the correlation of the video frames, due to the dynamics of the scene both in the temporal and spatial domains (multiviews), and the available time-varying wireless channel capacity, to predict the evolution of the structure of the video segment to be sent. We implement a Markov Decision Process (MDP) model to foresee the optimal video encoding and packet scheduling policies to be used at the video source to generate the video frames with the goal of minimizing the overall distortion of the video consumed at the end user side. By means of simulation, we discuss the insights gained into the impact of frame correlation and time-varying wireless channel on the video stream generation and transmission, and the possible benefits from extending the model to more complex video coding and scheduling mechanisms.