Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Discipline‐Wide Approach to Group Treatment

Group treatment is explored in light of its psychosocial context, treatment effectiveness, and efficiency. A summary of the four group treatment approaches (two for children, two for adults) for communicative disorders are provided: classroom-based elementary school group, multicultural and multilinguistic preschool group, alaryngeal speech rehabilitation and support group, and cooperative group treatment for adults with aphasia. Similarities and differences among the group treatments are presented. Similarities include group processes, communication goals, psychosocial skills, accountability, and naturalistic context. Among the differences are settings for treatment, collaborative versus independent service delivery models, the components of functional communication, group size, group composition, and customized therapy techniques. Role-playing, routines and scripts, themes, authentic vocabulary, and cooperative methods are techniques useful to group therapy.
Whole-body cryostimulation in kayaker women: a study of the effect of cryogenic temperatures on oxidative stress after the exercise.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole-body cryostimulation on the activity of selected antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in kayaker women in the course of training. METHODS The study was performed on the group of 9 kayaker women, who underwent two training cycles: one typical ten-day training cycle and the another ten-day cycle preceded by cryostimulation sessions twice a day. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was assayed in erythrocytes, while the concentration of lipid peroxidation products was measured both in erythrocytes and in blood plasma. RESULTS A statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in erythrocytes and in concentration of conjugated dienes (CD) in blood plasma and erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma was revealed in kayaker women after the first six days of training without cryostimulation. Comparing two performed training cycles, after the first six days of training preceded by cryostimulation lower SOD and GPx activity in erythrocytes was detected, as well as lower CD levels in blood plasma and erythrocytes and lower TBARS concentration in blood plasma of kayaker women than after the six days of training without cryostimulation. CONCLUSIONS Whole-body cryostimulation improves the antioxidant capacity of organism exposed to intense exercise. Brief application of cryogenic temperatures is likely related to the activation of adaptive homeostatic mechanisms in accordance with the hormetic dose-response model.
Adaptive linearization of a loudspeaker

An application for adaptive nonlinear filters, adaptive linearization of a loudspeaker, is presented. An adaptive predistortion linearization scheme is used for linearizing a loudspeaker. A model of a direct radiator loudspeaker is developed and studied which takes into account two principal sources of nonlinear distortions: nonlinearity in the suspension system and inhomogeneity in the flux density. Based on this model, simulations of the proposed method were performed. The results show that nonlinear distortions of a loudspeaker can be reduced significantly. <<ETX>>
Peptidoglycan Branched Stem Peptides Contribute to Streptococcus pneumoniae Virulence by Inhibiting Pneumolysin Release

Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) colonizes the human nasopharynx and is a significant pathogen worldwide. Pneumolysin (Ply) is a multi-functional, extracellular virulence factor produced by this organism that is critical for pathogenesis. Despite the absence of any apparent secretion or cell surface attachment motifs, Ply localizes to the cell envelope of actively growing cells. We sought to characterize the consequences of this surface localization. Through functional assays with whole cells and subcellular fractions, we determined that Ply activity and its release into the extracellular environment are inhibited by peptidoglycan (PG) structure. The ability of PG to inhibit Ply release was dependent on the stem peptide composition of this macromolecule, which was manipulated by mutation of the murMN operon that encodes proteins responsible for branched stem peptide synthesis. Additionally, removal of choline-binding proteins from the cell surface significantly reduced Ply release to levels observed in a mutant with a high proportion of branched stem peptides suggesting a link between this structural feature and surface-associated choline-binding proteins involved in PG metabolism. Of clinical relevance, we also demonstrate that a hyperactive, mosaic murMN allele associated with penicillin resistance causes decreased Ply release with concomitant increases in the amount of branched stem peptides. Finally, using a murMN deletion mutant, we observed that increased Ply release is detrimental to virulence during a murine model of pneumonia. Taken together, our results reveal a novel role for branched stem peptides in pneumococcal pathogenesis and demonstrate the importance of controlled Ply release during infection. These results highlight the importance of PG composition in pathogenesis and may have broad implications for the diverse PG structures observed in other bacterial pathogens.
A vision on social interactions as the basis for design

This paper presents a case study in which social interactions in groups of adolescents were mapped in order to define a product interaction that suited the adolescents. A school class of 18 students, 13 – 15 years old, participated in this project. In the first phase of the study, cultural probing was used to identify the social groups in the school class. In the second phase, the students worked in these groups on a sensitizing package, after which each group participated in a generative session. By means of the probes and sessions, insights were obtained into the interactions, relationships, roles and personalities within each social group. Based on the insights, we formulated a design vision for a museum visit for school groups. This vision was made tangible in a concept design for a museum visit for the Netherlands Architecture institute. In this case study, social interactions were used as motivator and mechanism for creating a museum experience. But a similar approach may be valuable for the design of products that mediate in social activities. In the conclusions we suggest the development of tools and methods to support designers in designing products and services that fit within people's social lives.
Predicting Links in Plant-Pollinator Interaction Networks Using Latent Factor Models With Implicit Feedback

Plant-pollinator interaction networks are bipartite networks representing the mutualistic interactions between a set of plant species and a set of pollinator species. Data on these networks are collected by field biologists, who count visits from pollinators to flowers. Ecologists study the structure and function of these networks for scientific, conservation, and agricultural purposes. However, little research has been done to understand the underlying mechanisms that determine pairwise interactions or to predict new links from networks describing the species community. This paper explores the use of latent factor models to predict interactions that will occur in new contexts (e.g. a different distribution of the set of plant species) based on an observed network. The analysis draws on algorithms and evaluation strategies developed for recommendation systems and introduces them to this new domain. The matrix factorization methods compare favorably against several baselines on a pollination dataset collected in montane meadows over several years. Incorporating both positive and negative implicit feedback into the matrix factorization methods is particularly promising.
Detecting protein complexes from noisy protein interaction data

High-throughput experimental techniques have made available large datasets of experimentally detected protein-protein interactions. However, experimentally determined protein complexes datasets are not exhaustive nor reliable. A protein complex plays a key role in disease development. Therefore, the identification and characterization of protein complexes involved is crucial to the understanding of the molecular events under normal and abnormal physiological conditions. In this paper, we propose a novel graph mining algorithm to identify protein complexes. The algorithm first checks the quality of the interaction data, then predicts protein complexes based on the concept of weighted clustering coefficient. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method, we present experimental results on yeast protein interaction data. The level of accuracy achieved is a strong argument in favor of the proposed method. Novel protein complexes were also predicted to assist biologists in their search for protein complexes. The datasets and programs are freely available from http://faculty.uaeu. ac.ae/nzaki/PE-WCC.htm.
Early Mortality during Initial Treatment of Tuberculosis in Patients Co-Infected with HIV at the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon: An 8-Year Retrospective Cohort Study (2006-2013)

Background Understanding contributors to mortality during the initial phase of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in patients co-infected with HIV would guide targeted interventions to improve survival. The aim of this study was to ascertain the incidence of death during the initial 2 months (new cases) and 3 months (retreatment cases) of TB treatment and to assess correlates of mortality in HIV co-infected patients. Methods We conducted a hospital-based retrospective cohort study from January 2006 to December 2013 at Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. We reviewed medical records to identify co-infected TB/HIV inpatients aged 15 years and older who died during TB treatment. Death was defined as any death occurring during TB treatment, as per World Health Organization recommendations. We collected socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data. We conducted multivariable logistic binary regression analysis to identify factors associated with death during the intensive phase of TB treatment. Magnitudes of associations were expressed by adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The 99 patients enrolled had a mean age of 39.5 (standard deviation 10.9) years and 53% were male. Patients were followed for 276.3 person-months of observation (PMO). Forty nine patients were died during intensive phase of TB treatment. Death incidence during the intensive phase of TB treatment was 32.2 per 100 PMO. Having a non-AIDS comorbidity (aOR 2.47, 95%CI 1.22-5.02, p = 0.012), having extra-pulmonary TB (aOR 1.89, 95%CI 1.05-3.43, p = 0.035), and one year increase in duration of known HIV infection (aOR 1.23, 95%CI 1.004-1.49) were independently associated with death during the intensive phase of TB treatment. Conclusions Mortality incidence during intensive phase of TB treatment was high among TB/HIV co-infected patients during TB treatment; and strongly associated with extra pulmonary TB suggesting advanced stage of immunosuppression and non-AIDS comorbidities. Early HIV diagnosis and care and good management of non-comorbidities can reduce this incidence.
The developmental pathways to schizophrenia: Potential moderating effects of stress

Abstract The observations of family members as well as the results of past research suggest that a variety of developmental pathways can precede the onset of schizophrenia in early adulthood. In this article, we describe recent findings from our research on the childhood precursors of schizophrenia. Taken together, the results indicate that childhood behavioral, emotional, and motoric dysfunction occur at a higher rate in preschizophrenia subjects when compared to control subjects. Further, there are developmental changes as well as significant variability among schizophrenia patients in the nature and severity of childhood impairment. Drawing on the prevailing diathesis-stress model, we explore the moderating role that stress exposure and reactivity may play in the expression of the organic diathesis for schizophrenia. Specifically, we consider the role of the biological stress response in the production of developmental changes and individual differences in the pathways to schizophrenia. Given extant models of dopamine involvement in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, stress-induced Cortisol release may alter the expression of subcortical abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission. Thus, we present a neural mechanism for the hypothesized behavioral sensitivity to stress exposure in schizophrenia, and explore the capacity of the model to account for the changing behavioral manifestations of vulnerability.
Spirit books: promoting conversation with picture books

The focus of this article is an annotated bibliography of over seventy select picture books and guidelines for adults reading these books to children ages three through nine. Preceding these is an essay which contextualizes and explains them. Following the bibliography is a set of twenty ‘Guidelines for Reading Aloud and Talking about Books’ to help adults validate and support the spiritual experiences of children. The annotated bibliography – The Spirit Book List– includes picture books which are inclusive, interfaith, and cross-cultural (although all are in English). They have been chosen to stimulate conversation between adults and children ranging in age from three to nine years on spirituality, specifically on the following six themes: (1) The Golden World (awe and reverence in the face of Creation); (2) Alone Unplugged the value of solitude and silence; (3) Widening the Circle (embracing other beings, both animal and human, and recognizing one’s interdependence with other life forms); (4) Wisdom-seeking (seeking true value); (5) Becoming Your Own Person (discovering one’s uniqueness and one’s place in the world); and (6) Peace-making (promoting peace between individuals and countries). All these books also meet high standards for both text and illustrations.
Visualizing the Effects of Logically Combined Filters

Filtering data is an essential process in a drill-down analysis of large data sets. Filtering can be necessary for several reasons. The main objective for filters is to uncover the relevant subsets of a dataset. Another, equally relevant goal is to reduce a dataset to dimensions to which either visualization or algorithmic analysis techniques scale. However, with multiple filters applied and possibly even logically combined, it becomes difficult for users to judge the effects of a filter chain. In this paper we present a simple, yet effective way to interactively visualize a sequence of filters and logical combinations of these. Such a visualized filter-pipeline allows analysts to easily judge the effect of every single filter and also their combination on the data set under investigation and therefore, leads to a faster and more efficient workflow. We also present an implementation of the proposed technique in an information visualization framework for the life sciences. The technique, however, could be employed in many other information visualization contexts as well.
Age and extent of surgery affect attention in women treated for breast cancer.

Women treated for breast cancer have shown attentional fatigue manifested as a decreased capacity to concentrate or direct attention in daily life activities. This study was conducted to determine if age and extent of surgery increase the risk of early development of attentional fatigue in 74 women newly diagnosed with Stage I or II breast cancer. Measures of capacity to direct attention (CDA) were obtained at two time points, about 12 days before, and 15 days after, breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy. ANOVA showed significant age and age by time interaction effects (p < .05). Women aged 65-79 showed a significant mean decline (p < .05) in CDA over time regardless of extent of surgery. Women aged 46-64, who underwent mastectomy, showed a mean loss in CDA, whereas those having breast-conserving surgery showed a significant mean gain (p < .05). Women aged 25-45 showed no significant mean change in CDA over time. Older age and more extensive surgery increase the likelihood of loss of attention due, in part, to greater risk of attentional fatigue.
Statistical, technical and sociological dimensions of design of experiments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight potential issues that often arise during the planning, execution or interpretation of design of experiments (DOE) experiences.Design/methodology/approach – Issues are enumerated and analyzed and sources are presented with practical arguments using DOE texts and papers published in peer‐reviewed journals.Findings – The findings are discussed in relation not only with statistical aspects, but also with how it is critical for paying attention to its methodological and managerial aspects impacting the potential advantages as a continuous improvement tool.Originality/value – The paper is of interest to DOE practitioners trying to understand potential pitfalls with tips on how to avoid the risk of failures.
The roles of G proteins in the activation of TRPC4 and TRPC5 transient receptor potential channels

TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels are important regulators of electrical excitability in both gastrointestinal myocytes and neurons. Much is known regarding the assembly and function of these channels including TRPC1 as a homotetramer or a heteromultimer and the roles that their interacting proteins play in controlling these events. Further, they are one of the best-studied targets of G protein-coupled receptors and growth factors in general and Gαq protein coupled receptor or epidermal growth factor in particular. However, our understanding of the roles of Gαi/o proteins on TRPC4/5 channels is still rudimentary. We discuss potential roles for Gαi/o proteins in channel activation in addition to their known role in cellular signaling.
Finding the Right Fit: Recruiting and Retaining Teachers in Milwaukee Choice Schools

This article explores differential hiring and retention practices across schools of choice using data gathered as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a large-scale school voucher program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A variety of interview, survey, and observation instruments are used to describe the challenges and strategies that 13 schools report regarding teacher recruitment and retention. We conclude that schools with established partnerships with institutions that share a religious or philosophical commitment experience the highest success with recruiting and retaining teachers. We describe the strategies used by these schools and make recommendations for improving teacher retention in schools of choice.
Counsellors’ attitudes towards Disability Equality Training (DET)

ABSTRACT This paper explores the attitudes and conceptions held by trainee and practising counsellors towards people with disabilities. Awareness of counsellors’ own views of disability and impairment can complicate the counsellor–client relationship when the latter is seen primarily from a deficiency model perspective or self-defined model of disability, rather than a person in their own right. DET was introduced to 25 counsellors on a postgraduate training programme. Participants indicated that coverage of disability awareness and equality issues was vital if they were to reflect the principles of open access to counselling services for all, as set out in the Disability Discrimination Act Part III (1996, 1999). Benefits and implications of inclusion of this subject area in counsellor training and suggestions for content are considered in the light of the author's own experience of counselling as a disabled person.
Research paper on the topic of different UAV drive train qualification and parameter sets

The objective of this paper is to present the state of the art of different drive train qualification and parameter sets on the topic of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Focus is set on a Quadrocopter UAV model; the involved electrical and mechanical systems are analysed. Principal components of the system such as the BLDC motor, the propeller as well as the control systems are studied in depth. Complementing with the analysis of different possible test benches and evaluating the influence on their drive train qualification and parameters. Also, a practical case study of a motor-propeller configuration is provided, analysing its mechanical and electrical performance.
Triple translation: academic and managerial discourses of knowledge transfer policy in a new university in Scotland

Higher education systems in many parts of the world are experiencing the emergence of policies for knowledge transfer (KT). KT policy discourse reflects attempts to make universities more responsive to the needs of the knowledge economy and can be seen as a trend towards extracting a greater contribution from universities to the economy and society as a whole. This paper explores some of the practical tensions associated with operationalisation of KT policy with an institutional case study. Discourse analysis of university documents, and interviews with managers and academics, highlight the struggle between policymakers and academics around development of a KT strategy. The case reveals the potential pitfalls of adopting a commercially-oriented approach to KT in a service-oriented academic community. Effectively capturing the academic community's sense of service to the community in policy design may be one way of ensuring success and ensuring that KT policy is not ‘lost in translation’.
Mentor Service Themes Emergent in a Holistic, Undergraduate Peer-Mentoring Experience

Little research has focused carefully on the means by which peer mentors foster development in undergraduate protégés. Two faculty members developed a holistic, peer-mentoring project in which 26 upperclassmen mentored 74 underclassmen at a midsize, 4-year institution. Mentor journal notes, open-ended protégé responses, and participant observations were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, resulting in the emergence of 7 themes of mentor service activity. Findings expand our understanding of the mechanics through which peer mentors successfully serve and foster the development of early undergraduates in making the transition to college. Results can be used to facilitate the transition of academically underprepared undergraduates, who have the lowest retention rates.
Fuzzy set-theoretical approach for comparing objects with fuzzy attributes

In this paper we develop the similarity measure introduced by the Tversky contrast model and apply it on fuzzy sets using the cardinality of fuzzy sets and their operations. Based on this extended similarity definition we propose a new approach for comparing fuzzy objects and discuss some properties of the new similarity model. Some experimental examples are given to show the effectiveness of using this model against different cases. This work provides a method to compare objects with vague/fuzzy content and support further development of (fuzzy) data mining algorithms.