Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification.

BACKGROUND The member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties have agreed to expand the scope of certification to include assessment of medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, systems-based practice, and professionalism. Multiple-choice examinations provide limited ability to assess these dimensions. METHODS The American Board of Family Practice (ABFP) has developed a computer simulation system to facilitate more comprehensive candidate evaluation. The system consists of a knowledge base, a simulation program to create patient scenarios, an interface for presenting simulations to users, and an administrative database to track candidate performance and interactions with the system. The system uses population distributions for disease states to produce cases and evolves patients in response to candidate interventions, such as pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies. We use Bayesian belief networks to model patient characteristics and comorbid condition interactions. RESULTS Simulations have been created for 7 disease states; ultimately simulations will be available for 25 to 30 disease states. Initial testing will take place in regional examination centers but will ultimately use the Internet for convenient access for certification and recertification candidates. CONCLUSION The ABFP will begin field-testing the system in early 2003 and will include simulations in the certification and recertification examination process in 2004.
Characterization and modelling of the viscous behaviour of adhesives using the modified Arcan device

The non-linear behaviour of an epoxy adhesive has been studied thanks to the use of a modified Arcan test device. Multilevel creep tests have been performed in order to characterize the time-dependent behaviour. A visco-elastic model has been chosen to describe the behaviour of the adhesive. This model is based on the decomposition of the visco-elastic strain into elementary viscous mechanisms. The non-linear behaviour of the visco-elasticity is taken into account thanks to a non-linear function which depends on the stress. A specific identification procedure based on a single test has been proposed. Finally, the model has been validated using tests that have not been used for the identification. The model proposed in this paper enables the time-dependent non-linear behaviour of adhesives to be reproduced in a correct manner.
Characterization of ampicillin resistance plasmids of Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae with regard to location of origin of transfer and mobilization by a conjugative plasmid of Haemophilus ducreyi

Restriction endonuclease maps of the ampicillin resistance plasmids of Haemophilus ducreyi and Neisseria gonorrhoeae show marked structural similarities. Transfer frequencies obtained by mobilization correlated with physical structure and were enhanced by increased homology with the conjugative plasmid. The origin of transfer of each plasmid was located within a specific restriction fragment.
Noninvasive Single-Exon Fetal RHD Determination in a Routine Screening Program in Early Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple and robust assay suitable for fetal RHD screening in first-trimester pregnancy and to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the test after its implementation in an unselected pregnant population. METHODS: Pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit were included, and fetal RHD determination was performed for all women who typed RhD-negative by routine serology. DNA was extracted by an automated system and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was done by an assay based on exon 4. Reporting criteria were simple and strict. RESULTS: Four thousand one hundred eighteen pregnancies, with a median gestational age of 10 weeks, were included. After 211 (5.1%) reanalyses, fetal RHD was reported positive in 2,401 (58.3%), negative in 1,552 (37.7%), and inconclusive in 165 (4.0%) based on the first sample. After a second sample in 147 of 165, only 14 remained inconclusive, all resulting from a weak or silent maternal RHD gene. Using blood group serology of the newborns as the gold standard, the false-negative rate was 55 of 2,297 (2.4%) and the false-positive rate was 15 of 1,355 (1.1%). After exclusion of samples obtained before gestational week 8, the false-negative rate was 23 of 2,073 (1.1%) and the false-positive rate was 14 of 1,218 (1.1%). Both sensitivity and specificity were close to 99% provided samples were not collected before gestational week 8. From gestational week 22, sensitivity was 100%. CONCLUSION: Fetal RHD detection in early pregnancy using a single-exon assay in a routine clinical setting is feasible and accurate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I
Mathematical modelling of some biological bearings

Couple stresses affect lubrication problems when additives are used or the lubricant contains long-chain molecules. Such couple stresses may have a significant effect on the behaviour of bearings in practice. The effect of couple stresses with and without rotational inertia on mechanical parameters of the curvilinear thrust bearing is considered. As an example we discuss simulation of the squeeze-film behaviour of a human joint modelled as a hemispherical nonspinning bearing. It is shown that the influence of couple stresses on the characteristics of the bearing discussed is significant and not negligible. The effects of couple stresses provide an enhancement in the pressure distribution and of the load-carrying capacity.
Study of Gesture Recognition methods and augmented reality

With the growing technology, we humans always need something that stands out from the other thing. Gestures are most desirable source to Communicate with the Machines. Human Computer Interaction finds its importance when it comes to working with the Human gestures to control the computer applications. Usually we control the applications using mouse, keyboard, laser pointers etc. but, with the recent advent in the technology it has even left behind their usage by introducing more efficient techniques to control applications. There are many Gesture Recognition techniques that have been implemented using image processing in the past. However recognizing the gestures in the noisy background has always been a difficult task to achieve. In the proposed system, we are going to use one such technique called Augmentation in Image processing to control Media Player. We will recognize Gestures using which we are going to control the operations on Media player. Augmentation usually is one step ahead when it comes to virtual reality. It has no restrictions on the background. Moreover it also does not rely on certain things like gloves, color pointers etc. for recognizing the gesture. This system mainly appeals to those users who always looks out for a better option that makes their interaction with computer more simpler or easier.
Presynaptic Recordings from Drosophila: Correlatin of Macroscopic and Single-Channel K+ Currents

We have performed direct electrophysiological recordings fromDrosophila peptidergic synaptic boutons in situ, taking advantage of a mutation, ecdysone, which causes an increase in size of these terminals. Using patch-clamp techniques, we have analyzed voltage-dependent potassium currents at the macroscopic and single-channel level. The synaptic membrane contained at least two distinct voltage-activated potassium currents with different kinetics and voltage sensitivity: anIA-like current with fast activation and inactivation kinetics and voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation; a complex delayed current that includes a slowly inactivating component, resembling the IK described in other preparations; and a noninactivating component. TheIA-like current in these peptidergic boutons is not encoded by the gene Shaker, because it is not affected by null mutations at this locus. Rather, synapticIA has properties similar to those of theShal-encoded IA. Single-channel recordings revealed the presence in synaptic membranes of three different potassium channel types (A2, KD, KL), with biophysical properties that could account for the macroscopic currents and resemble those of the Shal, Shab, and Shawchannels described in heterologous expression systems andDrosophila neuronal somata. A2 channels (6–9 pS) have brief open times, and like the macroscopicIA they exhibited voltage-dependent steady-state inactivation and a rapidly inactivating ensemble average current profile. KD channels (13–16 pS) had longer open times, activate and inactivate with much slower kinetics, and may account for the slowly inactivating component of the macroscopic current. KL (44–54 pS) channels produced a noninactivating ensemble average and may contribute to the delayed macroscopic current observed.
Using Context Quality Indicators for Improving Context-Based Access Control in Pervasive Environments

In pervasive computing environments (PCE), context information can have a strong impact on application adaptation, not only at application logic level but also security management level. From a access control perspective, it is required that the access control models take into account context information such as location and time, in determining whether access should be allowed or not. As context information represents real-world situations, it is associated with certain quality indicators that can influence directly in the access control decisions. In this paper, we showed the use of context information and its quality indicators to grant and to adapt access permissions to resources in the PCE.
HOPPSIGEN : a database dedicated to comparative analysis of homologous processed pseudogenes

Processed pseudogenes result from reverse transcribed mRNAs. Because they lack a promoter, they are nonfunctional once integrated into the genome. Subsequently, they are not subjected to the functional constraints exerting on protein-coding genes. Due to these characteristics, processed pseudogenes represent good neutral markers. In this work, we screened both mouse and human complete genomes from ENSEMBL [1] to find processed pseudogenes generated from functional genes with introns. We found 6321 processed pseudogenes in human genome and 5228 in mouse genome. So we have estimated their number to ~9400 copies in human genome (2.89 copies/Mb) and ~7400 copies in mouse genome (2.72 copies/Mb). To facilitate the use of processed pseudogenes in studying genome structure and evolution, DNA sequences from processed pseudogenes, and their functional reverse transcribed homologues are now stored in a nucleic acid database: HOPPSIGEN. It can be browsed on the PBIL (Pôle Bioinformatique Lyonnais) World-Wide Web server (http://pbil.univ-lyon1.fr/) or fully downloaded (by request) for local install. We present here few applications of the database in two fields: comparative genomic and molecular evolution.
Higher Extraversion and Lower Conscientiousness in Humans Infected with Toxoplasma

Toxoplasmosis is associated with specific differences in the personality of infected subjects relative to non–infected subjects. These differences are usually considered to be a side effect of the manipulative activity of the parasite aimed to increase the probability of its transmission from the intermediate host to the definitive host by predation. The personality of infected subjects was studied mostly using the Cattell's questionnaire. However, this questionnaire is now considered outdated and has been mostly substituted with the Neuroticism–Extraversion–Openness Personality Inventory—Revised (NEO–PI–R) questionnaire in clinical practice. Here, we searched for the association between toxoplasmosis and the personality by screening a population of students with the NEO–PI–R questionnaire. We found that Toxoplasma–infected male and female students had significantly higher extraversion and lower conscientiousness. The conscientiousness negatively correlated with the length of infection in men, which suggested that the toxoplasmosis associated differences were more probably the result of slow cumulative changes induced by latent toxoplasmosis, rather than transient side effect of acute Toxoplasma infection. The existence of this correlation also supported (but of course not proved) the hypothesis that Toxoplasma infection influenced the personality, rather than the hypothesis that the personality influenced the probability of the infection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RealPeer--A Framework for Simulation-Based Development of Peer-to-Peer Systems

In the process of developing P2P systems simulation has proved to be an essential tool for the evaluation of existing and conceived P2P systems. So far, in practice there has been a clear separation between a simulation model of a P2P system and a real P2P system that operates on a real physical network. This separation hinders the transition of models to real systems and the evaluation of already deployed systems by means of simulation. This work tries to bridge this gap by proposing a methodology and a framework for the simulation-based development of P2P systems. In this approach, an initial model of a P2P system is iteratively transformed into the intended real P2P system. The presented framework effectively supports a developer in modelling, simulating and ultimately developing P2P systems. The authors demonstrate the validity of the approach and the framework by constructing an example P2P application. This application is simulated in a series of experiments as well as deployed in a large-scale Internet based P2P system
A study on antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in Eritrea

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections. Methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA) is prevalent in most of the countries wherever it is sought for. MRSA is one of the important pathogens implicated in hospital acquired infection. The main objectives of this study was to find out the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S.aureus isolates, the prevalence of methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA) and nasal carriage rate in healthy hospital staff. Method A total of 278 S.aureus strains isolated from clinical specimens were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and 30 anterior nares swabs from healthy hospital staff were screened for S.aureus organisms using standard methods. Results: High resistance was observed against ampicillin, penicillin and tetracycline. High sensitivity was recorded against amikasin, amoxicillin-c and ciprofloxacin. Of the 278 isolates 26 (9%) isolates were methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA). 17 % of the hospital staff were positive for nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus . Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S.aureus isolates including MRSA for the selection of appropriate therapy. In Eritrea, from the present findings it appears that the spread of MRSA in community and hospital settings is limited.
Diagram design method to enhance mathematical learning

An exploration of current design practice found that educational publishers may not spend sufficient resources on the design and evaluation of mathematical diagrams. In appropriate and misleading diagrams may contribute to problems in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The design of such diagrams may be led by aesthetic as opposed to pedagogic considerations, against a need to produce material cheaply and quickly, without user consultation or evaluation. In response to these findings, a design method -Mathematical Diagram Design Method (MDDM) was developed to ensure the design of effective mathematical diagrams, augmented by cognitive and perceptual design guidelines for designers. MDDM aims to build up designer’s understanding of the task, user, tool and environment (TUTE). The method is based on the generation of explicit requirements, elicited by the designer during focused discussions with the teacher (who may act as both domain expert and representative for the end users). The mathematical specifications lead to the co-creation of conceptual sketches by the designer and teacher, which ensure a transfer of knowledge and that the designer understands the mathematical process to be conveyed in the diagrams. Although the diagrams produced using this method did not show a significant quantitative improvement in students’ learning, teachers believed that the diagrams would improve teaching and encourage students to reflect on the underlying concept – this was shown qualitatively. Educational diagram designers believed such a method would enhance current design practice.
Consumer satisfaction in long-term care: state initiatives in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

PURPOSE We report the results of a survey of state initiatives that measure resident satisfaction in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and we describe several model programs for legislators and public administrators contemplating the initiation of their own state programs. DESIGN AND METHODS Data on state initiatives and programs were collected during March and April 2000 through a mailed questionnaire and follow-up telephone interviews and were current as of September 2002. RESULTS Of the 50 states surveyed, 50 responses were received (response rate = 100%); 12 states (24%) reported the use of consumer satisfaction measures, and 7 (Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin) reported using resident satisfaction data within their consumer information systems for nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Additionally, 2 states (Iowa and Wisconsin) use resident satisfaction data for facility licensing and recertification. The design of the instruments and collection methods vary in these states, as do the reported response rates, per-resident cost, and the purpose for satisfaction data collection. IMPLICATIONS State satisfaction efforts are in an early stage of development. Well-produced, easily understandable reports on nursing home and assisted living quality could provide information and guidance for patients and families contemplating the utilization of long-term care services. Dissemination of quality information may also facilitate sustained quality and efficiency improvements in long-term care facilities and thus enhance the quality of care for and quality of life of long-term care residents.
Eight questions about spoken-word recognition

Why? Why are psycholinguists interested in spoken-word recognition? Imagine a typical listening situation. The phone rings, and you find yourself being addressed by an unknown speaker. How do you come to realize that this person wants to sell you a carriage clock? There may be aspects of the situation and of the speaker’s ingratiating conversational style that might help you deduce that this is a cold call, but it is only by recognising the words you hear that you can recover the speaker’s full intentions (i.e., that they are selling carriage clocks and not car insurance). Because each sentence that you hear comes from an unlimited set of potential sentences, it would be impossible to derive what speakers mean by trying to recognize their utterances as wholes. But utterances are made from a limited set of words that, for fluent speakers of a language, will usually already be stored in long-term memory. So speakers’ messages must be decoded via recognition of their parts.
Motion Estimation using a Joint Optimisation of the Motion Vector Field and a Super-Resolution Reference Image

In many situations, interdependency between motion estimation and other estimation tasks is observable. This is for instance true in the area of super-resolution (SR). In order to successfully reconstruct a SR image, accurate motion vector fields are needed. On the other hand, one can only get accurate (subpixel) motion vectors, if there exist highly accurate higher-resolution reference images. Neglecting this interdependency may lead to poor estimation results for motion estimation as well as for the SR image. To address this problem, a new motion estimation scheme is presented that jointly optimises the motion vector field and a SR reference image. For this purpose and in order to attenuate aliasing and noise, which deteriorate the motion estimation, an observation model for the image acquisition process is applied and a maximum a posteriori (MAP) optimisation is performed, using Markov random field image models for regularisation. Results show that the new motion estimator provides more accurate motion vector fields than classical block motion estimation techniques. The joint optimisation scheme yields an estimate of the motion vector field as well as a SR image.
Implicit B-spline fitting using the 3L algorithm

This paper proposes a novel extension of the 3L algorithm to the B-Splines solution space. The 3L algorithm is a fast algebraic method for fitting a set of points through implicit curves or surfaces. It was originally proposed for Implicit Polynomials, which although simple and attractive are not flexible representations. In this paper Implicit B-Splines (IBSs) are used to define the solution space of the 3L algorithm. IBSs offer flexible representations, which can be locally controlled. These properties are exploited for regularizing the solution space. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed framework outperforms previous formulation.
Dislocations in a simple cubic lattice

The properties of dislocations are calculated by an approximate method due to Peierls. The width of a dislocation is small, displacements comparable with the interatomic distance being confined to a few atoms. The shear stress required to move a dislocation in an otherwise perfect lattice is of the order of a thousandth of the theoretical shear strength. The energy and effective mass of a single dislocation increase logarithmically with the size of the specimen. A pair of dislocations of opposite sign in the same glide plane cannot be in stable equilibrium unless they are separated by a distance of the order of 10 000 lattice spacings. If an external shear stress is applied there is a critical separation of the pair of dislocations at which they are in unstable equilibrium. The energy of this unstable state is the activation energy for the formation of a pair of dislocations. It depends on the external shear, and for practical stresses is of the order of 7 electron volts per atomic plane. The size and energy of dislocations in real crystals are unlikely to differ greatly from those calculated: the stress required to move a dislocation and the critical separation of two dislocations may be seriously in error.