Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physicians’ understanding of patients’ personal representations of their diabetes: Accuracy and association with self-care

The degree of accuracy with which physicians understand their patients’ views may be of central importance for promoting self-care in the majority of chronic illnesses and in type 2 diabetes in particular. The objectives of this study were to measure the accuracy of the general practitioners’ understanding of the patients’ views and relate it to health behavioural outcomes in patients with non-complicated type 2 diabetes. The participants in this cross-sectional study consisted of 14 clinicians and 78 of their patients from Paris, France. The predictors were levels of accuracy in understanding the patients’ views derived from the illness perception questionnaire-revised (IPQ-R). The outcomes were patient-reported self-care measures. In regression models controlling for clinical and personal variables, higher accuracy on chronicity beliefs was associated with an improved diet and increased blood glucose self-testing and higher accuracy in identifying treatment control beliefs was associated with better dietary self-care. Accuracy was higher with regard to beliefs about causes, treatment control and consequences. These results suggest that accuracy may impact self-care in specific domains of illness perception but not others. The results may help identify useful avenues of communication training designed for professionals.
Repeat-Pass Synthetic Aperture Sonar Micronavigation Using Redundant Phase Center Arrays

In this paper, a new algorithm is introduced for high-precision underwater navigation using the coherent echo signals collected during repeat-pass synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) surveys. The algorithm is a generalization of redundant phase center (RPC) micronavigation, expanded to RPCs formed between overlapping pings in repeated passes. For each set of overlapping ping pairs (two intrapass and three interpass), five different RPC arrays can be formed to provide estimates of the vehicle's surge, sway, and yaw. These estimates are used to find a weighted least squares solution for the trajectories of the repeated passes. The algorithm can estimate the relative trajectories to subwavelength precision (on order of millimeters to hundreds of micrometers at typical SAS operating frequencies of hundreds of kilohertz) in a common coordinate frame. This will lead to improved focusing and coregistration for repeat-pass SAS interferometry and is an important step toward repeat-pass bathymetric mapping. The repeat-pass RPC micronavigation algorithm is demonstrated using data collected by the 300-kHz SAS of the NATO Center for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) Minehunting Unmanned underwater vehicle for Shallow water Covert Littoral Expeditions (MUSCLE).
ANALYSIS OF THE READINESS TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO STANDARD 9001: 2015 IN THE COMPANY OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Heavy equipment market in Indonesia is very large, the opportunity to increase heavy equipment business is wide open, and all competitors provide the best products and services for their customers. For this reason, companies need to develop an international standard system. The system is known as Quality Management System (QMS) and developed in ISO 9001: 2015 standard certification. ISO 9001 is a standard that contains the requirements of the Quality Management System issued by the International Organization for Standardization (IOS). Companies that become the object of research is heavy equipment company engaged in the sale of heavy equipment and after-sales service. The problem that is going on in this company is that there is a lot of down payment for the purchase of units and spare parts that cannot be billed due to the documents that are related to the purchase process, many of which are non-existent and also missing, besides that there are also many complaints regarding the availability of spare parts and service, this is one of the indirect impacts of not implementing QMS ISO 9001: 2015. The research objective is to evaluate the current condition of the Heavy Equipment Company and assess the readiness of the Company in meeting ISO 9001: 2015 standards. The method used is Gap Analysis requirements of ISO 9001: 2015. Calculation on Gap Analysis uses a checklist made based on the requirements of ISO 9001: 2015, and the results will show how much the readiness of the Heavy Equipment Company meets the ISO 9001: 2015 standard.
Constraints on radiative dark-matter decay from the cosmic microwave background

If dark matter decays to electromagnetically interacting particles, it can inject energy into the baryonic gas and thus affect the processes of recombination and reionization. This leaves an imprint on the cosmic microwave background (CMB): the large-scale polarization is enhanced, and the small-scale temperature fluctuation is damped. We use the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) three-year data combined with galaxy surveys to constrain radiatively decaying dark matter. Our new limits to the dark-matter decay width are about 10 times stronger than previous limits. For dark-matter lifetimes that exceed the age of the Universe, a limit of zetaGammachi<1.7×10^-25 s^-1 (95% C.L.) is derived, where zeta is the efficiency of converting decay energy into ionization energy. Limits for lifetimes short compared with the age of the Universe are also derived. We forecast improvements expected from the Planck satellite.
Removal of narrowband interference (PLI in ECG signal) using Ramanujan periodic transform (RPT)

Suppression of interference from narrowband frequency signals play vital role in many signal processing and communication applications. A transform based method for suppression of narrow band interference in a biomedical signal is proposed. As a specific example Electrocardiogram (ECG) is considered for the analysis. ECG is one of the widely used biomedical signal. ECG signal is often contaminated with baseline wander noise, powerline interference (PLI) and artifacts (bioelectric signals), which complicates the processing of raw ECG signal. This work proposes an approach using Ramanujan periodic transform for reducing PLI and is tested on a subject data from MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database. A sum (E) of Euclidean error per block (ei) is used as measure to quantify the suppression capability of RPT and notch filter based methods. The transformation is performed for different lengths (N), namely 36, 72, 108, 144, 180. Every doubling of N-points results in 50% reduction in error (E).
Texture extraction and segmentation via statistical geometric features

The statistical geometric features (SGF) are a new approach to texture analysis combining statistics with geometrical attributes to give a powerful discriminatory ability. The original scheme considered the approach in principal and did not address factors important to its eventual application, namely its implementation and the segmentation of texture imagery. We show how the implementation factors can affect performance and how it can be used for segmentation. Using SGF, a new adaptively-positioned windowing strategy for segmentation delivers a performance which, in terms of speed and accuracy, gives a performance between the traditional tiled- and sliding-window approaches.
Phytophagous insect oviposition shifts in response to probability of flower abortion owing to the presence of basal fruits

Abstract Phytophagous insects use a wide range of indicators or associated cues to avoid laying eggs in sites where offspring survival is low. For insects that lay eggs in flowers, these unsuitable sites may be created by the host plant's resource allocation to flowers. In the sequentially flowering host plant, Yucca glauca, late‐opening distal flowers are more likely to be aborted in the presence of already‐initiated basal fruits because they are strong resource sinks. If flowers are aborted, all eggs of the phytophagous insect, Tegeticula yuccasella, within the flower die. We used the phytophagous insect T. yuccasella that lays eggs in and pollinates host plant Y. glauca flowers to test the hypothesis that phytophagous insect females are less likely to invest eggs in host plant flowers if basal fruits are present because they are more likely to be aborted. We also investigated potential predictors of arrival of T. yuccasella at inflorescences at the onset of flowering. These factors may influence a phytophagous insect's decisions to select oviposition sites. We carried out a behavioral experiment using wild‐caught T. yuccasella females on manipulated inflorescences with distal flowers with basal fruits and without fruits. As potential predictors of T. yuccasella arriving at inflorescences, we used floral display size and day of onset of flowering. In support of our hypothesis, our experimental results showed that T. yuccasella was significantly less likely to oviposit in distal flowers on inflorescences with basal fruits. We also found that T. yuccasella arrival was higher at inflorescences with larger floral display size and earlier in the flowering season. These findings uncover a novel indicator of unsuitable oviposition sites—the presence of basal fruits, that phytophagous insects use to make oviposition decisions. Further, our study contributes to the growing body of evidence that shows that females prefer sites that increase the probability of survival of their offspring.
Prevention of colorectal cancer by colonoscopic polypectomy. The National Polyp Study Workgroup.

Background The current practice of removing adenomatous polyps of the colon and rectum is based on the belief that this will prevent colorectal cancer. To address the hypothesis that colonoscopic polypectomy reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer, we analyzed the results of the National Polyp Study with reference to other published results. Methods The study cohort consisted of 1418 patients who had a complete colonoscopy during which one or more adenomas of the colon or rectum were removed. The patients subsequently underwent periodic colonoscopy during an average follow-up of 5.9 years, and the incidence of colorectal cancer was ascertained. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer was compared with that in three reference groups, including two cohorts in which colonic polyps were not removed and one general-population registry, after adjustment for sex, age, and polyp size. Results Ninety-seven percent of the patients were followed clinically for a total of 8401 person-years, and 80 percent returned.
Concurrent stable and unstable cortical correlates of human wrist movements

Cortical activity has been shown to correlate with different parameters of movement. However, the dynamic properties of cortico‐motor mappings still remain unexplored in humans. Here, we show that during the repetition of simple stereotyped wrist movements both stable and unstable correlates simultaneously emerge in human sensorimotor cortex. Using visual feedback of wrist movement target inferred online from MEG, we assessed the dynamics of the tuning properties of two neuronal signals: the MEG signal below 1.6 Hz and within the 4 to 6 Hz range. We found that both components are modulated by wrist movement allowing for closed‐loop inference of movement targets. Interestingly, while tuning of 4 to 6 Hz signals remained stable over time leading to stable inference of movement target using a static classifier, the tuning of cortical signals below 1.6 Hz significantly changed resulting in steadily decreasing inference accuracy. Our findings demonstrate that non‐invasive neuronal population signals in human sensorimotor cortex can reflect a stable correlate of voluntary movements. Hence, we provide first evidence for a stable control signal in non‐invasive human brain‐machine interface research. However, as not all neuronal signals initially tuned to movement were stable across days, a careful selection of features for real‐life applications seems to be mandatory. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3867–3879, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new filtering algorithm based on image spatial clustering technique

Image filter is to remove the noise of images and try to protect the useful information as much as possible. Edge preserving & noise smoothing is to smooth the polluted image without influencing the detail spatial texture and its spatial structure much. We introduced SAS (separating the contribution of land surface and atmosphere) algorithm zhao proposed in remote sensing inversion area to image filtering area. The test result shows that the new algorithm reveals more powerful capability on protecting spatial texture protection than other algorithms
Analyzing Probabilistic Models in Hierarchical BOA

The hierarchical Bayesian optimization algorithm (hBOA) can solve nearly decomposable and hierarchical problems of bounded difficulty in a robust and scalable manner by building and sampling probabilistic models of promising solutions. This paper analyzes probabilistic models in hBOA on four important classes of test problems: concatenated traps, random additively decomposable problems, hierarchical traps and two-dimensional Ising spin glasses with periodic boundary conditions. We argue that although the probabilistic models in hBOA can encode complex probability distributions, analyzing these models is relatively straightforward and the results of such analyses may provide practitioners with useful information about their problems. The results show that the probabilistic models in hBOA closely correspond to the structure of the underlying optimization problem, the models do not change significantly in consequent iterations of BOA, and creating adequate probabilistic models by hand is not straightforward even with complete knowledge of the optimization problem.
When and how Board Members with Marketing Experience Facilitate Firm Growth

Scholars have expressed concern that marketing's influence at the strategic levels of the firm is waning. Consistent with this view, only 2.6% of firms’ board members have marketing experience. The authors suggest that this is shortsighted and that including more marketing-experienced board members (MEBMs) will increase firm growth by (1) helping firms prioritize growth as a strategic objective and (2) contributing their expertise to improve the effectiveness of revenue growth strategies. Drawing on the behavioral model of corporate governance, the authors develop a theoretical framework explicating the situational, dispositional, and structural influence moderators that alter the impact of MEBMs on firm growth. Using 64,086 director biographies from S&P 1500 firms, the authors find that MEBMs positively affect firm-level revenue growth and that this relationship is strengthened or weakened by important contingencies that occur in the firm. The findings suggest that the common practice of not including experienced marketers on boards of directors puts firms at a competitive disadvantage.
Automated Detection and Segmentation of Diaphyseal Bone Fragments From Registered C-Arm Images for Long Bone Fracture Reduction

Automated identification, pose and size estimation, and contour extraction of diaphyseal bone fragments can greatly improve the usability of a computer-assisted fluoroscopy-based navigation system for long bone fracture reduction. In this paper, a two step solution is proposed. The pose and size of a diaphyseal fragment are estimated through 3D morphable object fitting using a parametric cylinder model. The result of fragment identification is then fed to a region information based active contour model to extract the fragment contour. Experimental results show a promising accuracy and robustness of the proposed approach
Morphological and Molecular Description of Three New Species of the Cyrtophorid Genus Chlamydodon (Ciliophora, Cyrtophoria)

This study investigates the morphology and molecular characteristics of three new cyrtophorid ciliates isolated from China seas: Chlamydodon salinus n. sp. , Chlamydodon caudatus n. sp. , and Chlamydodon paramnemosyne n. sp. Of these, C. salinus n. sp. differs from its congeners through a combination of body size, a cross‐striated band that is not continuous, the presence of 30–34 somatic kineties, 11–15 nematodesmal rods, and 13 contractile vacuoles. Chlamydodon caudatus n. sp. , meanwhile, is characterized by having a conspicuous tail, a continuous cross‐striated band, 34–40 somatic kineties, about 15 contractile vacuoles, and 20–24 nematodesmal rods. Compared with other Chlamydodon species, the third new one, C. paramnemosyne n. sp. , could be identified by its continuous cross‐striated band, 16–18 somatic kineties, 5 contractile vacuoles, and 9–12 nematodesmal rods. Based on the sequence of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, the phylogeny of these three new species was analyzed, indicating that they all clustered with other congeners to form a monophyletic assemblage. Based on previous studies and the present work, a brief revision of the genus Chlamydodon is supplied, and a key to aid the identification of Chlamydodon species is given.
Complexity reduction of throughput optimal link scheduling algorithm through topology control in wireless networks

In single channel wireless networks, concurrent transmissions at different links may interfere with each other. To improve system throughput, a scheduling algorithm is necessary to choose a subset of links for data transmission. Throughput optimal link scheduling discipline is generally an NP-hard problem. In this paper, we utilise the concept of line graph and extend it to line multigraph to cope with the complexity issue of the maximum weight scheduling (MWS) algorithm. The necessary and sufficient conditions for reducing the complexity of MWS in terms of network topology are derived. We prove that the complexity of eLehot is polynomial time provided that conflict graph does not contain seven derived forbidden graphs as induced subgraphs. We also propose eLehot algorithm for detecting whether a graph is line multigraph and output its root graph. The results of this paper introduce a new approach in wireless topology control where the target is complexity reduction.
Direct saliva transcript analysis as a novel non-invasive method for oestrus marker detection in buffaloes

Abstract Salivary RNA-based biomarkers are not available for any physiological condition in farm animals. Hence, an objective of this study was to perform salivary transcript analysis in buffaloes. Saliva, after removal of the cells and particulate matter, was directly used for RT-PCR without RNA isolation. Direct saliva transcript analysis (DSTA) showed a suggestively significant higher expression of the Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) at oestrus than the diestrous period in buffaloes by a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Therefore, DSTA without RNA isolation is an easy method to identify salivary RNA markers for oestrus detection in buffaloes.
Effect of Generational Differences on Employee Productivity in Selected Faith-Based Organizations in Nairobi, Kenya

iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . vi DEDICATION. vii LIST OF TABLES . x LIST OF FIGURES . xi CHAPTER ONE . 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION.1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 5 1.3 Purpose of the Study . 6 1.4 Research Questions . 6 1.5 Significance of the Study . 6 1.6 Scope of the Study . 7 1.7 Definition of Terms.8 1.8 Chapter Summary . 8 CHAPTER TWO . 9 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW . 9 2.
A novel full bridge dual output DC-DC converter with complementary pulse widths and frequency modulation

A novel dual output DC-DC converter is proposed in this paper. In the proposed converter, one operational period is divided into two complementary parts, and two output branches with complementary pulse widths are structured. One output is fully regulated by the pulse width modulation; the other output is affected by the complementary pulse width but compensated by the switching frequency. Using the variable frequency phase shift modulation, only one full bridge topology is needed but two fully regulated outputs are obtained. And, all switches can achieve ZVS without auxiliary circuit by the appropriate design. Therefore the proposed topology has simply structure, fully regulated ability, high switching frequency and high efficiency. This paper focuses on the steady state analysis and design of the proposed converter. The overview of the operational principle is introduced first; then, the equivalent circuits are obtained and the new characteristics are deduced; based on the discussion, the design procedure is given and a prototype with 300V input, 24V/10A and 48V/5A outputs is build to verify the analysis.
Simulated Gamma Knife™ Head Frame Placement for Radiosurgical Pre-Planning

The Leksell Gamma Knife®(GK) is capable of targeting intracranial lesions with a high degree of accuracy. A headframe is rigidly attached to the patient's skull to establish a stereotactic coordinate system and provide a means for precisely positioning the patient in stereotactic space. After stereotactic target localization and radiosurgical treatment planning the skull and headframe are then moved with sub-millimeter precision to bring a target volume to the radiological focus of the GK unit. However, for GK models 4C and earlier, the treatable intracranial volume may be limited by collisions between the skull/headframe and the GK collimator helmet, or by mechanical travel limits of the skull/headframe within the collimator helmet. Both of these treatment-limiting conditions can be found only after the headframe has been placed on the patient. If the volume of interest cannot be treated with the initial headframe placement, additional headframe placements or a different course of treatment are needed. We have developed a software package that allows for simulated headframe placement and collision checks using pre-treatment day image sets, in order to minimize the need for multiple headframe placements. We performed a small validation experiment with an anthropomorphic head phantom to evaluate the software's capabilities for predicting a clinically useable headframe position. We also used the software in an IRB-approved retrospective review for twenty-five GK image sets for a group of patients that could not be treated with the initial headframe placement, to determine if the software tool could locate an optimized headframe position to enable GK radiosurgery of all identified targets with a single headframe placement. We found that four of the cases could have been completed with a single optimized headframe placement and twenty-four of the cases could not be treated with any single headframe placement.
Voltage unbalance sensitivity analysis of plug-in electric vehicles in distribution networks

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will soon be connected to residential distribution networks. They are considered as huge residential loads when being charged. However as the battery technology improves, they will also be able to support the network as small dispersed generation units which transfer the energy stored in their battery into grid. Even though the increase in the PEV connection is gradual, their connection points and charging/discharging levels are random. Therefore, such single-phase bi-directional power flow can have adverse effect on the voltage unbalance of a three-phase distribution network. In this paper, a voltage unbalance sensitivity analysis and stochastic evaluation based on the connection point and charging and discharging levels of the PEVs in a residential low voltage distribution network are presented. The stochastic evaluation, based on Monte Carlo method, predicts a failure index of non-standard voltage unbalance in the network in the presence of PEVs.