Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socio-demographic and practice-oriented factors related to proficiency in problem solving: a lifelong learning perspective

This article explores the relative importance of different socio-demographic and practice-oriented factors that are related to proficiency in problem solving in technology-rich environments (PSTREs) and by extension may be related to complex problem solving (CPS). The empirical analysis focuses on the proficiency measurements of PSTRE made available by the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, which is relevant for gaining insight on some of the factors related to CPS. The purpose was to examine the relationship between the broad information processing experience that individuals gather in different contexts over the lifespan, and the chances to develop problem-solving skills that adults receive in different socio-demographic profiles. Results reveal that socio-demographic factors such as age, education and immigration status as well as practice-oriented factors such as ICT use and reading practice at and outside work are strongly related to proficiency.
Joint shape and color descriptors for 3D urban model retrieval

ABSTRACT With the rapid development of photogrammetry, computer vision and three-dimensional (3D) modeling technologies, it is possible to efficiently construct detailed 3D urban models. Accordingly, large corpora of 3D models, such as the Google 3D Warehouse, are now becoming freely available on the web. How to find the proper 3D urban models is a challenging research issue. In this paper, we join shape descriptors and color descriptors for 3D urban model retrieval. The query objects are localized and segmented automatically from the input images by using a new selective search voting algorithm. Through combining the normalization with the light field descriptor, the Horizontal Light Descriptor is introduced to measure the shape similarity among the normalized urban models. The color descriptors are used to represent the color information of the urban models. The two types of descriptors are joined to search 3D urban models similar to the query objects. Experimental results have shown the effectiveness of our approach.
A case study of improving at-speed testing coverage of a gigahertz microprocessor

For a gigahertz microprocessor with multiple clock domains and a large amount of embedded RAMs (Random Access Memory), generating at-speed testing patterns is becoming very difficult and very time-consuming. This paper presents some novel techniques to improve at-speed testing coverage with low cost. These methods are major concern about preventing X states propagation, which include avoiding capturing X states for registers, sequential bypass of macros, clock control scheme for inter-clock domains and accurate analysis of exception paths in intra-clock domains. Functional patterns are utilized to further improve the efficiency of the at-speed testing. A novel optimal flow is presented by carefully selecting these techniques. By using the flow, 90% transition fault coverage is achieved. In addition, both the number of patterns and the test time of the transition test are decreased by 15%. The total area overhead is about a few hundreds of AND cells and has little timing impact on the critical paths.
Recruitment Maneuvers and PEEP Titration

The injurious effects of alveolar overdistention are well accepted, and there is little debate regarding the importance of pressure and volume limitation during mechanical ventilation. The role of recruitment maneuvers is more controversial. Alveolar recruitment is desirable if it can be achieved, but the potential for recruitment is variable among patients with ARDS. A stepwise recruitment maneuver, similar to an incremental PEEP titration, is favored over sustained inflation recruitment maneuvers. Many approaches to PEEP titration have been proposed, and the best method to choose the most appropriate level for an individual patient is unclear. A PEEP level should be selected that balances alveolar recruitment against overdistention. The easiest approach to select PEEP might be according to the severity of the disease: 5–10 cm H2O PEEP in mild ARDS, 10–15 cm H2O PEEP in moderate ARDS, and 15–20 cm H2O PEEP in severe ARDS. Recruitment maneuvers and PEEP should be used within the context of lung protection and not just as a means of improving oxygenation.
The Challenges of Teaching Qualitative Coding: Can a Learning Object Help?

Challenged by some of the inherent difficulties in teaching qualitative data analysis, three instructors created an interactive digital learning object entitled “Sleuthing the Layered Text: Investigating Coding. ” In this paper we assess the effectiveness of that learning object as a tool for teaching qualitative coding. On the face of it, learning objects—a form of instructional technology that has been criticized for tending to be objectivist and content-driven—would appear to be ill-suited for teaching qualitative analysis, an open-ended, interpretive and subjective process. However, based on student evaluations from two very different undergraduate courses, we found that the learning object did prove to be an effective medium for teaching coding. We attribute this success to its design, which incorporates best practices of classroom instructors, and also to the integration of the learning object into our courses. Nevertheless, student feedback cautions us that the learning object is not a technological fix. The degree to which students valued the learning object over other methods of instruction was moderate, and some were leery about this form of digital technology substituting for classroom teaching, even though this was not our intention.
A Constant-Time Efficient Stereo SLAM System

Continuous, real-time mapping of an environment using a camera requires a constanttime estimation engine. This rules out optimal global solving such as bundle adjustment. In this article, we investigate the precision that can be achieved with only local estimation of motion and structure provided by a stereo pair. We introduce a simple but novel representation of the environment in terms of a sequence of relative locations. We demonstrate precise local mapping and easy navigation using the relative map, and importantly show that this can be done without requiring a global minimisation after loop closure. We discuss some of the issues that arise from using a relative representation, and evaluate our system on long sequences processed at a constant 30-45 Hz, obtaining precisions down to a few metres over distances of a few kilometres.
European Immigrations: Trends, Structures and Policy Implications

attempts to conceive of the ‘Old Continent’ as a common economic and cultural space of immigration. Europe’s post-enlargement states, too, are presented as having a high degree of social and political coherence. New empirical evidence underscores their common experience, while disclosing factors and trends underlying their respective migrations, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe. Key threads are the long-term transition that countries undergo from net emigration to net immigration, as well as developments in migrant in ows, integration and policy.
Expectations for Recovery Important in the Prognosis of Whiplash Injuries

Background Individuals' expectations on returning to work after an injury have been shown to predict the duration of time that a person with work-related low back pain will remain on benefits; individuals with lower recovery expectations received benefits for a longer time than those with higher expectations. The role of expectations in recovery from traumatic neck pain, in particular whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), has not been assessed to date to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to investigate if expectations for recovery are a prognostic factor after experiencing a WAD. Methods and Findings We used a prospective cohort study composed of insurance claimants in Sweden. The participants were car occupants who filed a neck injury claim (i.e., for WAD) to one of two insurance companies between 15 January 2004 and 12 January 2005 (n = 1,032). Postal questionnaires were completed shortly (average 23 d) after the collision and then again 6 mo later. Expectations for recovery were measured with a numerical rating scale (NRS) at baseline, where 0 corresponds to “unlikely to make a full recovery” and 10 to “very likely to make a full recovery. ” The scale was reverse coded and trichotomised into NRS 0, 1–4, and 5–10. The main outcome measure was self-perceived disability at 6 mo postinjury, measured with the Pain Disability Index, and categorised into no/low, moderate, and high disability. Multivariable polytomous logistic regression was used for the analysis. There was a dose response relationship between recovery expectations and disability. After controlling for severity of physical and mental symptoms, individuals who stated that they were less likely to make a full recovery (NRS 5–10), were more likely to have a high disability compared to individuals who stated that they were very likely to make a full recovery (odds ratio [OR] 4.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1 to 8.5]. For the intermediate category (NRS 1–4), the OR was 2.1 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.2). Associations between expectations and disability were also found among individuals with moderate disability. Conclusions Individuals' expectations for recovery are important in prognosis, even after controlling for symptom severity. Interventions designed to increase patients' expectations may be beneficial and should be examined further in controlled studies.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Older Adults

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Older Adults is the first clinical book on how to conduct Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) with persons 65 years of age and older. This growing cohort in the United States is expected to rise substantially after 2010, when the baby boom cohort enters that age category. To help clinicians learn effective care, the authors draw upon a wealth of experience to provide a comprehensive review of theory and research as well as practical guidance on clinical interventions. The authors review late life depression's presentation, health consequences, prevalence, interpersonal dynamics, clinical assessment, and treatment. Particularly valuable is the inclusion of actual clinical cases to illustrate the use of IPT in each phase of treatment. A case is made for why IPT is especially well suited for older persons by drawing upon theory and research on aging, the author's clinical experience in using IPT with older adults, and clinical research studies of IPT with the aged. By showing how the science of gerontology can best inform the practice of clinical geropsychology, the authors have written a book that will be an invaluable resource to any mental health professionals working with older adults.
The Comparison of Mediating Models for Stimulating Imagination with Psychological and Environmental Factors

Abstract. The present study aimed to compare different mediating models of stimulating imagination for university students (novice creators) who were under demanded to demonstrate highly imaginative and creative capabilities. We invited 876 university students to participate in this study. Using the reliability and validity of research tools to explore the competing models obtained according to literature review, we then suggested the two factors mediating model that was appropriate for novice creators (through inspiration through action and intrinsic motivation as mediators between internal/external factors and two types of imagination). The results displayed: (a) the inherently psychological factors and two types of imagination were closely related. (b) Intrinsic motivation and inspiration through action can play the mediating roles between external/internal influence factors and two types of imagination. (c) The impact of environmental factors on imagination is relatively limited, but two mediators would raise the predictive power. (d) Using this model to stimulate the creators’ imaginations, we should pay attention to how the social climate and negative emotion may carry out a direct negative influence, and guide learners through two mediators to stimulate imagination that would be the more effective inspirational path.
Human health effects of a changing global nitrogen cycle

Changes to the global nitrogen cycle affect human health well beyond the associated benefits of increased food production. Many intensively fertilized crops become animal feed, helping to create disparities in world food distribution and leading to unbalanced diets, even in wealthy nations. Excessive air- and water-borne nitrogen are linked to respiratory ailments, cardiac disease, and several cancers. Ecological feedbacks to excess nitrogen can inhibit crop growth, increase allergenic pollen production, and potentially affect the dynamics of several vector-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, malaria, and cholera. These and other examples suggest that our increasing production and use of fixed nitrogen poses a growing public health risk.
Comparison of a radioimmunoassay (Charm II) test with high-performance liquid chromatography for detection of oxytetracycline residues in milk samples from lactating cattle.

A radioimmunoassay test for tetracyclines (Charm II) was compared with high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for detection of oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in milk samples from individual lactating cows. Oxytetracycline was administered by 1 of 3 routes (IV, IM, or intrauterine) to 21 lactating dairy cows. A total of 292 duplicate milk samples were collected from milkings before and through 156 hours after OTC administration. Concentration of OTC in these samples was determined by use of the Charm II test and an HPLC method with a lower limit of quantitation, approximately 2 ng of OTC/ml. Samples were also classified with respect to presence of OTC residues relative to the FDA safe concentration (< or = 30 ng/ml), using the Charm II (by control point determination) and HPLC methods. There was a significant (P < or = 0.05) difference between test methods in classification of milk samples with respect to presence or absence of OTC at the FDA safe concentration. A total of 48 of the 292 test results (16.4%) did not agree. Using the HPLC test results as the standard with which Charm II test results were compared, 47 false presumptive-violative test results and 1 false presumptive-nonviolative Charm II test result (a sample containing 31 ng of OTC/ml, as evaluated by HPLC) were obtained. The samples with false presumptive-violative Charm II results contained < 30 ng of OTC/ml, as evaluated by HPLC. In some respects, the Charm II test performed appropriately as a screening test to detect OTC residues in milk samples from individual cows. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Family-based study of association between ENPP1 genetic variants and craniofacial morphology

Background: Human craniofacial morphology is characterized by considerable diversity among individuals. The ENPP1 gene is essential for bone physiology. However, the potential effects of its genetic variants on head size phenotypes have not yet been studied. Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the ENPP1 locus with normal variability of craniofacial phenotypes. Subjects and methods: Fourteen SNPs and 13 haplotypes in the ENPP1 locus were tested for association with six head size traits in 1042 Western Eurasian individuals. Results: The most significant and consistent association was observed between upper facial height and the polymorphisms located near the promoter region and upstream from ENPP1 gene (p = 0.00009), which remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing. Additionally, association signals were detected between head breadths and lower face height, and markers residing in or close to the promoter and 3′ untranslated regions of the ENPP1 gene (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings obtained in this study suggest that the upstream, promoter and 3′ untranslated regions in the ENPP1 locus harbor genetic variants affecting different aspects of craniofacial morphology. Further research is required to validate the relevancy of the potentially functional ENPP1 regions to normal and pathologic craniofacial growth.
Stress-Related Growth: Predictors of Occurrence and Correlates with Psychological Adjustment

Abstract Although stressful experiences can lead to many negative consequences, the processes involved in confronting them may also promote broadened perspectives, new coping skills, deepened relationships, and the development of personal resources. The present study examined the processes through which such growth may occur and the relationship of this growth to adjustment as reflected in changes in personal resources and psychological adjustment over time. Ninety-four college students completed measures of personal resources and adjustment. Six months later, they completed a second set of measures that also included questions about their most stressful experience in the past six months as well as cognitive processing, coping, and growth related to the stressor. Results suggested that specific coping processes (resources, appraisals, and coping activities) and, to a lesser extent, cognitive processing, were related to growth. Stress-related growth predicted increases in personal resources and positive st.
The Role of the Nucleus Accumbens in Instrumental Conditioning: Evidence of a Functional Dissociation between Accumbens Core and Shell

In three experiments we examined the effect of bilateral excitotoxic lesions of the nucleus accumbens core or shell subregions on instrumental performance, outcome devaluation, degradation of the instrumental contingency, Pavlovian conditioning, and Pavlovian-instrumental transfer. Rats were food deprived and trained to press two levers, one delivering food pellets and the other a sucrose solution. All animals acquired the lever-press response although the rate of acquisition and overall response rates in core-lesioned animals were depressed relative to that in the shell- or sham-lesioned animals. Furthermore, in shell- and sham-lesioned rats, post-training devaluation of one of the two outcomes using a specific satiety procedure produced a selective reduction in performance on the lever that, in training, delivered the prefed outcome. In contrast, the core-lesioned rats failed to show a selective devaluation effect and reduced responding on both levers. Subsequent tests revealed that these effects of core lesions were not caused by an impairment in their ability to recall the devalued outcome, to discriminate the two outcomes, or to encode the instrumental action–outcome contingencies to which they were exposed. Additionally, the core lesions did not have any marked effect on Pavlovian conditioning or on Pavlovian-instrumental transfer. Importantly, although shell-lesioned rats showed no deficit in any test of instrumental conditioning or in Pavlovian conditioning, they failed to show any positive transfer in the Pavlovian-instrumental transfer test. This double dissociation suggests that nucleus accumbens core and shell differentially mediate the impact of instrumental and Pavlovian incentive processes, respectively, on instrumental performance.
Impact of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction: A comparison of multilevel models and multiple regression models using different data arrangements

Abstract Typically most studies of individual employees perceptions of the work place adopt multiple regression models (ordinary least squares [OLS]) which ignore inherent clustering in their data. However, such an approach does not supply unbiased and accurate answers to research questions. This study intends to simulate three data alternatives – weighted, disaggregated (individual level), and aggregated (organizational level) using the OLS and multilevel models to compare the results of different research designs. To answer the research questions, the current study investigates the impact of individual and organizational factors on job satisfaction, using a 2000 USA National Partnership for Reinventing Government survey. This study presents the methodological misuse and measurement errors of the previous research and presents guidelines for future research.
Long-Term Care

The complexity of long-term care is evident in how it is defined. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) defines long-term care as encompassing “ . a diverse array of services provided over a sustained period of time to people of all ages with chronic conditions and functional limitations” (Wunderlich & Kohler, 2001, p. 36). Building on this definition, Kane, Priester, and Totten (2005) describe long-term care as informal, or unpaid, support and care from family and/or friends; paid care including personal care, meals, homemaking, and custodial/home care services; supportive services in residential care settings such as nursing homes or assisted living; and assistive technologies/ devices and environmental adaptations (Kane et al., 2005). Far from the popular conception that long-term care is commensurate with nursing homes (Reinhard & Young, 2009; White et al., 2013) or operates according to a linear continuum, long-term care is more accurately conceptualized as an interaction between services received and environments that may change dynamically over time (Gaugler, in press). This more complex conceptualization requires the incorporation of multiple stakeholder perspectives (formal care providers, residents themselves, family members) and integrated methodologies to better understand long-term care. The articles in this issue of the Journal of Applied Gerontology effectively demonstrate how the study of long-term care using multiple methods and perspectives results in more holistic scholarship. For example, Simmons, Durkin, Rahman, Schnelle, and Beuscher (2014) provided video vignettes to 17 nurse aides and 15 family members to determine how these participants perceived resident choice as occuring in these care episodes. Via qualitative data elicited during focus groups, families and aides emphasized how choice could enhance residents’ quality of life and was consonant with their own personal values. In my mind, these findings further emphasize the critical role of resident choice in any, if not all, culture change and person-centered care efforts. In Etheridge et al. (2014), a series of four case studies explored why such change initiatives succeeded or failed in long-term care settings in Québec, Canada. Change initiatives that emphasized urgency, solidarity, intensity, and accumulation appeared the most successful in sustaining 544088 JAGXXX10.1177/0733464814544088Journal of Applied GerontologyGaugler research-article2014
Early Gamma-Band Activity During Interference Predicts Working Memory Distractibility in ADHD

Objectives: Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display deficits in working memory (WM) and enhanced distractibility. Methods: Evoked gamma-band response (GBR) occurs already 50ms after stimulus onset and is modulated by attention. 16 boys with ADHD and 20 healthy controls (10-14 years) completed a WM task with distraction. Results: Occipitally evoked 40Hz-GBR was higher during distraction in ADHD than controls. GBR correlated negatively with interference control. Conclusion: These data suggest that ADHD patients are disturbed by interference on an early level of perception.