Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Live-in “strangers”: An experiential account of gerontology educational immersion in senior housing

ABSTRACT Gerontology education programs that combine elements of experiential service-learning, community participation, and residential immersion have been emerging in the United States and internationally. Combining fieldwork, interviews, and immersion methods, this study draws on qualitative ethnographic and phenomenologic design, whereby a student lived in senior housing for 3.5 years. The study is among the longest and most intensive gerontological field experiences ever reported. It is based on more than 2,000 hours of observations and conversational interviews with 14 residents. Major patterns based on observational data show the importance of shared history, support for one another, negotiating environmental tensions, and demand for attention on the part of residents. Major themes derived from interviews elaborate on family conflict, conflict between residents, and life decisions. Results show that a unique combination of physical and social proximity in an intergenerational alliance enables life enhancement for older adults and learning opportunities for students. A recommendation is made to implement a live-in role more formally.
Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor plasticity after peripheral inflammation alters nociceptive transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in adult rats

The dorsal horn of the spinal cord is a crucial site for pain transmission and modulation. Dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord express group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (group I mGluRs) that exert a complex role in nociceptive transmission. In particular, group I mGluRs promote the activation of L-type calcium channels, voltage-gated channels involved in short- and long-term sensitization to pain. In this study, we analyzed the role of group I mGluRs in spinal nociceptive transmission and the possible cooperation between these receptors and L-type calcium channels in the pathophysiology of pain transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We demonstrate that the activation of group I mGluRs induces allodynia and L-type calcium channel-dependent increase in nociceptive field potentials following sciatic nerve stimulation. Surprisingly, in a model of persistent inflammation induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant, the activation of group I mGluRs induced an analgesia and a decrease in nociceptive field potentials. Among the group I mGluRs, mGluR1 promotes the activation of L-type calcium channels and increased nociceptive transmission while mGluR5 induces the opposite through the inhibitory network. These results suggest a functional switch exists in pathological conditions that can change the action of group I mGluR agonists into possible analgesic molecules, thereby suggesting new therapeutic perspectives to treat persistent pain in inflammatory settings.
Model-independent trajectory tracking of Euler-Lagrange agents on directed networks

The problem of trajectory tracking of a moving leader for a directed network where each fully-actuated agent has Euler-Lagrange self-dynamics is studied in this paper using a distributed, model-independent control law. We show that if the directed graph contains a directed spanning tree, with the leader as the root node, then a model-independent algorithm semi-globally achieves the trajectory tracking objective exponentially fast. By model-independent we mean that each agent can execute the algorithm with no knowledge of the agent self-dynamics, though reasonably, certain bounds are known. For stability, a pair of control gains for each agent are required to satisfy lower bounding inequalities and so design of the algorithm is centralised and requires some limited knowledge of global information. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the algorithm's effectiveness.
New diagnosis method of unknown phase-shifted PD signals for gas insulated switchgears

In many cases of on-site PD measurement, it is difficult to acquire the perfect phase angle of the PD signal synchronized with the applied voltage. This paper describes a new method of PD diagnosis which can classify the types of defects for unknown phase-shifted PDs using decision tree method. 327 cases of on-site PD data were collected in the field. 5 valid parameters were extracted and the decision tree-based diagnostic algorithm was used to classify types of 6 PDs and 4 noises clearly. Finally we confirmed the new method of PD diagnosis can be applied to on-site GIS diagnosis.
SPECIFICITY OF ACCELERATION,MAXIMUM SPEED, AND AGILITY IN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS

High-speed actions are known to impact soccer performance and can be categorized into actions requiring maximal speed, acceleration, or agility. Contradictory findings have been reported as to the extent of the relationship between the different speed components. This study comprised 106 professional soccer players who were assessed for 10-m sprint (acceleration), flying 20-m sprint (maximum speed), and zigzag agility performance. Although performances in the three tests were all significantly correlated (p < 0.0005), coefficients of determination (r2) between the tests were just 39, 12, and 21% for acceleration and maximum speed, acceleration and agility, and maximum speed and agility, respectively. Based on the low coefficients of determination, it was concluded that acceleration, maximum speed, and agility are specific qualities and relatively unrelated to one another. The findings suggest that specific testing and training procedures for each speed component should be utilized when working with elite players.
A clinical view on the development of technology‐based tools in managing Parkinson's disease

Recently, quantitative, objective, and easy‐to‐use technology‐based tools that can assess PD features over long time periods have been developed and generate clinically relevant and comparable patient information. Herein, we present a clinician's view on technological developments that have the potential to revolutionize clinical management concepts in PD. According to prominent examples in clinical medicine (e.g., blood glycosylated hemoglobin and blood pressure), we argue that the consideration of technology‐based assessment in the clinical management of PD must be based on specific assumptions: (1) It provides a valid and accurate parameter of a clinically relevant feature of the disease; (2) there is confirmed evidence that the parameter has an ecologically relevant effect on the specific clinical application; (3) a target range can be defined wherein the parameter reflects the adequate treatment response; and (4) implementation is simple to allow repetitive use. Currently, there are no technology‐based tools available that fulfil all these assumptions; however, assessments of akinesia, dyskinesia, motor fluctuations, physical inactivity, gait impairment, and postural instability seem relatively close to the specifications described. An iterative process of integration is recommended to bring technology‐based tools into clinical practice. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
K2 ROTATION PERIODS FOR LOW-MASS HYADS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR GYROCHRONOLOGY

As the closest open cluster to the Sun, the Hyades is an important benchmark for many stellar properties, but its members are also scattered widely over the sky. Previous studies of stellar rotation in the Hyades relied on targeted observations of single stars or data from shallower all-sky variability surveys. The re-purposed Kepler mission, K2, is the first opportunity to measure rotation periods (Prot) for many Hyads simultaneously while also being sensitive to fully convective M dwarf members. We analyze K2 data for 65 Hyads and present Prot values for 48. Thirty-seven of these are new measurements, including the first Prot measurements for fully convective Hyads. For 9 of the 11 stars with Prot in the literature and this work, the measurements are consistent; we attribute the two discrepant cases to spot evolution. Nearly all stars with masses ≲0.3 M⊙ are rapidly rotating, indicating a change in rotation properties at the boundary to full convection. When confirmed and candidate binaries are removed from the mass–period plane, only three rapid rotators with masses ≳0.3 M⊙ remain. This is in contrast to previous results showing that the single-valued mass–period sequence for ≈600 Myr old stars ends at ≈0.65 M⊙ when binaries are included. We also find that models of rotational evolution predict faster rotation than is actually observed at ≈600 Myr for stars ≲0.9 M⊙. The dearth of single rapid rotators more massive than ≈0.3 M⊙ indicates that magnetic braking is more efficient than previously thought, and that age–rotation studies must account for multiplicity.
PlayerLoad Variables: Sensitive to Changes in Direction and Not Related to Collision Workloads in Rugby League Match Play.

PURPOSE To determine (1) how change-of-direction (COD) workloads influence PlayerLoad (PL) variables when controlling total distance covered and (2) relationships among collision workloads and PL variables during rugby league match play. METHODS Participants completed 3 protocols (crossover design) consisting of 10 repetitions of a 60-m effort in 15 s. The difference between protocols was the COD demands required to complete 1 repetition: no COD (straight line), 1° × 180° COD, or 3° × 180° COD. During rugby league matches, relationships among collision workloads, triaxial vector-magnitude PlayerLoad (PLVM), anteroposterior + mediolateral PL (PL2D), and PLVM accumulated at locomotor velocities below 2 m·s-1 (ie, PLSLOW) were examined using Pearson correlations (r) with coefficients of determination (R2). RESULTS Comparing 3° × 180° COD to straight-line drills, PLVM·min-1 (d = 1.50 ± 0.49, large, likelihood = 100%, almost certainly), PL2D·min-1 (d = 1.38 ± 0.53, large, likelihood = 100%, almost certainly), and PLSLOW·min-1 (d = 1.69 ± 0.40, large, likelihood = 100%, almost certainly) were greater. Collisions per minute demonstrated a distinct (ie, R2 < .50) relationship from PLVM·min-1 (R2 = .30, r = .55) and PL2D·min-1 (R2 = .37, r = .61). Total distance per minute demonstrated a very large relationship with PLVM·min-1 (R2 = .62, r = .79) and PL2D·min-1 (R2 = .57, r = .76). CONCLUSIONS PL variables demonstrate (1) large increases as COD demands intensify, (2) separate relationships from collision workloads, and (3) moderate to very large relationships with total distance during match play. PL variables should be used with caution to measure collision workloads in team sport.
Design of Dynamic Modular Neural Network Based on Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

To solve the problem that subnetwork output cannot be optimally integrated in a modular neural network (MNN), this paper proposes an adaptive particle swarm optimization algorithm for dynamic MNN (APSO-DMNN). First, the method identifies the distribution of samples and updates the training parameters based on data potential. Second, the MNN activates the corresponding subnetworks according to the input data. Calculate the weights based on an APSO algorithm, which can dynamically optimize the contribution of the output. Then, the inertia weights in the APSO algorithm are adjusted by a nonlinear function in order to avoid being trapped into local optimal values. Finally, the proposed APSO-DMNN can be obtained based on the optimal integration and dynamic adjustment. Comparisons with other algorithms indicate that the proposed method is more effective in modeling and predicting.
A survey of internet of things technologies and projects for healthcare services

IoT has been shown as a big potential for qualifying and improving healthcare services; such as monitoring at anytime and anyplace. These services acquire various bio-signals using different sensors, including electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrical signal of the heart, electromyogram (EMG), electrical signal of muscles, Respiratory Rate (RR), and body motion. The collected information from these sensors can be processed, stored, or broadcast to a remote device (e.g. Cloud server). This paper provides an overview of the main medical sensors in IoT and a review of the current state-of-the-art of IoT projects, and technologies required for healthcare services. The paper specifically, focuses on the using of IoT technologies in the healthcare area nowadays. A conclusion regarding the current stage of development and open issues are presented.
‘I shouldn't have had to push and fight’: health care experiences of persons with dementia and their caregivers in primary care

ABSTRACT Objectives: Most persons with dementia (PWD) receive the majority of their care from primary care providers (PCPs). A number of challenges have been identified with providing quality dementia care in primary care from the perspective of PCP. However, less is known of the primary care health care experience (HCE) of PWD and their caregivers. We examined the primary care HCE of PWD and their caregivers in Ontario, Canada. Methods: Participants were recruited through local Alzheimer Society chapter support groups. A semi-structured interview guide was developed. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and then reviewed and coded for themes independently by two study authors. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify major themes and a model proposing the common components of a perceived positive HCE was created. Results: Five focus groups were conducted across urban and rural settings. Each focus group included both PWD and their caregivers and a total of eight PWD and 21 caregivers participated. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: communication, caregiver as manager, system navigation, ease of access. The model for positive HCE included: an informed patient/caregiver; supported patient/caregiver; strong PCP-patient/caregiver relationship; an accessible provider; a knowledgeable provider; and strong communication by the provider. Conclusion: The HCE of PWD and their caregivers is complex and a number of factors which are potentially modifiable by PCP may improve the HCE for the growing number of PWD in primary care. Understanding these experiences may help to identify strategies to improve care and patient and provider experiences.
A Randomized, Double-blind, Active-controlled Clinical Trial of a Cell Culture-derived Inactivated Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (NBP607) in Healthy Children 6 Months Through 18 Years of Age

Background: Although a number of cell culture–derived influenza vaccines have been approved for use in adults, there have been few clinical trials of cell culture–derived seasonal influenza vaccines for young children. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind phase III clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a cell culture–derived subunit trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (NBP607, SK Chemicals Co., Ltd., Seongnam, Korea) in healthy children 6 months of age through 18 years. Subjects were randomized to receive either a study vaccine or an egg-based control vaccine. Antibody levels were measured by the hemagglutination inhibition assay, using cell-derived antigens. Solicited adverse events were assessed for 7 days after each injection. Serious adverse events were collected for 6 months after vaccination. Results: A total of 374 participants completed the study. No deaths, vaccine-related serious adverse events or withdrawals resulting from adverse events were reported. Rates of solicited and unsolicited adverse events were similar in 2 groups. Overall, NBP607 met the immunogenicity criteria of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products for the 3 influenza strains. Between the NBP607 group and the control group, immunogenicity endpoints were comparable. Participants younger than 3 years of age had lower immunologic responses against the influenza B virus in both the NBP607 group and the control group. Conclusions: The immunogenicity and safety were comparable between the NBP607 group and the control group. NBP607 is well tolerated and immunogenic in children 6 months of age through 18 years.
Novel recombinant DNA vaccine candidates for human respiratory syncytial virus: Preclinical evaluation of immunogenicity and protection efficiency

ABSTRACT The development of safe and potent vaccines for human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is still a challenge for researchers worldwide. DNA-based immunization is currently a promising approach that has been used to generate human vaccines for different age groups. In this study, novel HRSV DNA vaccine candidates were generated and preclinically tested in BALB/c mice. Three different versions of the codon-optimized HRSV fusion (F) gene were individually cloned into the pPOE vector. The new recombinant vectors either express full-length (pPOE-F), secretory (pPOE-TF), or M282–90 linked (pPOE-FM2) forms of the F protein. Distinctive expression of the F protein was identified in HEp-2 cells transfected with the different recombinant vectors using ELISA and immunofluorescence. Mice immunization verified the potential for recombinant vectors to elicit significant levels of neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T-cell lymphocytes. pPOE-TF showed higher levels of gene expression in cell culture and better induction of the humoral and cellular immune responses. Following virus challenge, mice that had been immunized with the recombinant vectors were able to control virus replication and displayed lower inflammation compared with mice immunized with empty pPOE vector or formalin-inactivated HRSV vaccine. Moreover, pulmonary cytokine profiles of mice immunized with the 3 recombinant vectors were similar to those of the mock infected group. In conclusion, recombinant pPOE vectors are promising HRSV vaccine candidates in terms of their safety, immunogenicity and protective efficiency. These data encourage further evaluation in phase I clinical trials.
Micromechanics modeling for the stiffness and strength properties of glass fibers/CNTs/epoxy composites

This research explores micromechanics modeling for the prediction of stiffness and strength properties of nanocomposites consisting of randomly oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and an epoxy matrix, and multiscale composites consisting of unidirectional glass fibers, randomly orientated CNTs, and an epoxy matrix. For stiffness properties, including Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and shear modulus, of CNTs/epoxy composites and glass fiber/CNTs/epoxy composites, the Mori-Tanaka model and Halpin-Tsai equations were used. To obtain the strength properties of the composites, including tensile and compressive strength, several empirical equations were employed. The estimated mechanical properties of nanocomposites were used as matrix properties in the micromechanical models for multiscale composites. The results showed that the stiffness and strength properties of nanocomposites and multiscale composites were improved by integrating CNTs in the systems.
Evans blue dye in the assessment of permeability-surface area product in perfused rat lungs.

Evans blue dye (EBD) has been used extensively as a marker of extravascular protein leakage. We assessed the utility of EBD as an albumin marker in the measurement of permeability-surface area product (PS) in perfused rat lungs and compared the results with PS values obtained using 125I-labeled albumin. In isolated perfused rat lungs, PS was measured by exposure to a perfusate containing EBD (600 micrograms/ml) and 125I-albumin (I microCi) for exactly 3 min, followed by washout of the intravascular space with fresh perfusate for 6 min. In lungs from normal rats, we found that PS obtained by EBD (PS-EBD) was fivefold higher than PS obtained by 125I-albumin (PS-125I) [1.92 +/- 0.32 (SE) vs. 0.42 +/- 0.03 x 10(-2) cm3.min-1.g-1, P < 0.05]. Similarly, in rats pretreated with Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (2 mg/kg iv), PS-EBD was much higher than PS-125I (2.01 +/- 0.30 vs. 0.59 +/- 0.08 x 10(-2) cm3.min-1.g-1, P < 0.01). This discrepancy between PS-EBD and PS-125I was not explained by differences in the amount of free marker in perfusate, because the albumin-binding rate for both markers was very high. In addition, prolonged perfusion (40 min) with EBD did not significantly affect pulmonary vasoreactivity or water content in rat lungs. A detailed comparison of the kinetics of lung tissue uptake of EBD followed by parallel uptake of both markers up to 60 min of perfusion. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insights Into Roles for Health-Care Professionals in Meeting the Needs of Older Adults and Unpaid Caregivers During Health-Care Transitions

We provided insights from older adults, their unpaid caregivers, and health-care professionals into specific roles for professionals within the health system to better meet the needs of community-dwelling older adults and their unpaid caregivers experiencing transitions between health services. We used a qualitative approach to collect data within one Canadian province from older adults and unpaid caregivers of older adults who participated in focus groups (n = 98) and professionals working in the health system who participated in an online survey (n = 52). Questions included experiences with health service transitions, strengths, challenges, and suggestions to improve transitions. Thematic analysis resulted in identifying seven specific roles for professionals in supporting health-care transitions: information and education, planning for future health needs, supporting the acceptance of necessary care, facilitating access to the right services at the right time, facilitating communication between services, facilitating the discharge planning process and advocacy for older adults and unpaid caregivers. Our results based on evidence from older adults, unpaid caregivers, and health-care professionals will inform future research and further development of the instrumental and relational roles for professionals supporting older adults and their caregivers experiencing health-care transitions.
Towards Feature Engineering at Scale for Data from Massive Open Online Courses

We examine the process of engineering features for developing models that improve our understanding of learners' online behavior in MOOCs. Because feature engineering relies so heavily on human insight, we argue that extra effort should be made to engage the crowd for feature proposals and even their operationalization. We show two approaches where we have started to engage the crowd. We also show how features can be evaluated for their relevance in predictive accuracy. When we examined crowd-sourced features in the context of predicting stopout, not only were they nuanced, but they also considered more than one interaction mode between the learner and platform and how the learner was relatively performing. We were able to identify different influential features for stop out prediction that depended on whether a learner was in 1 of 4 cohorts defined by their level of engagement with the course discussion forum or wiki. This report is part of a compendium which considers different aspects of MOOC data science and stop out prediction.