Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Heights

Training in groupwork in social work education is a critical aspect of promoting the continued use of groupwork in social work practice. Groupwork courses in social work education should integrate theory and practice; emphasize the processes that make groups effective; and train group leaders by providing experiential learning opportunities for how to lead groups. Likewise, groupwork in social work education should keep up with practice trends in the field of social work. According to Tucker and Norton’s (2009) research, current trends in social work practice with groups in the United States include the use of adventure-based practices with clients to effect positive change. Research also shows the increased use of adventure-based practices in the U.K. and other parts of the world. This practice trend is not new; however, Tucker and Norton found that very few social workers in the United States ever receive hands-on training in challenge and adventure activities while they are in school. The lack of experiential training in challenge and adventure activities in groupwork may lead to professional incompetence and poor programming, or the absence of challenge and adventure programming in social work practice with groups altogether. This study addressed the issue of groupwork training in social work education by providing social work students with an opportunity to participate in adventure-based groupwork. Pre- and post- survey research measured the impact of adventure-based groupwork on student’s self-concept and perception of competence in major life skills, group cohesion, and level of knowledge regarding application of challenge and adventure activities with social work clients. Data analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in all areas.
Psychometric characteristics of the Barthel activities of daily living index in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although the Barthel activities of daily living (ADL) index (BI) is widely used to measure disability in Taiwan, the usage of the BI has not been scientifically justified. This study examined the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the BI in a cohort of stroke patients who were followed for half a year after stroke. METHODS One hundred and twenty-one patients were assessed using the BI at 14, 30, 90, and 180 days after stroke (DAS). Reliability of the BI was determined by estimation of inter-rater agreement and internal consistency. Validity of the BI was determined by examining convergent construct validity and predictive validity. Responsiveness was determined using effect size and t-statistics calculations. RESULTS There was moderate to excellent agreement between raters for individual items (kappa value range, 0.53-0.94) and total score (ICC = 0.94). An excellent internal consistency was found within the BI at four DAS points (alpha value range, 0.89-0.92). The BI scores closely correlated with scores of the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (measuring impairment) and the Berg balance scale (measuring balance) (Pearson's r > or = 0.78, p < 0.0001). The Frenchay activities index (measuring instrumental ADL) at 180 DAS showed moderate correlation with the BI scores obtained at 14, 30, and 90 DAS (Pearson's r > or = 0.59, p < 0.0001). The effect size d, standardized response mean, t-statistics, and p-values showed that the BI was moderately to highly responsive at each stage of stroke recovery except the late stage (90-180 DAS). CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that the BI is a useful instrument with high inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, convergent and predictive validity, and adequate responsiveness in assessing ADL functions in stroke patients in Taiwan.
Very high frequency resonant DC/DC converters for LED lighting

This paper presents a very high frequency DC/DC converter for LED lighting. Several resonant topologies are compared and their usability discussed. At the end the resonant SEPIC converter is chosen based on the achievable power density and total bill of material. Simulations of a 51 MHz converter with 40 V input and 15 V output are made. The simulation shows possibility of achieving efficiency up to 87 % even with a HEXFET Power MOSFET. Three prototypes of the simulated converter are implemented showing good correlation with simulations. The prototypes have efficiencies up to 84 % and power densities up to 8.9 W/cm3 (146 W/in3).
Enzymatic mineralization of gellan gum hydrogel for bone tissue‐engineering applications and its enhancement by polydopamine

Interest is growing in the use of hydrogels as bone tissue‐engineering (TE) scaffolds due to advantages such as injectability and ease of incorporation of active substances such as enzymes. Hydrogels consisting of gellan gum (GG), an inexpensive calcium‐crosslinkable polysaccharide, have been applied in cartilage TE. To improve GG suitability as a material for bone TE, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme involved in mineralization of bone by cleaving phosphate from organic phosphate, was incorporated into GG hydrogels to induce mineralization with calcium phosphate (CaP). Incorporated ALP induced formation of apatite‐like material on the submicron scale within GG gels, as shown by FTIR, SEM, EDS, XRD, ICP‐OES, TGA and von Kossa staining. Increasing ALP concentration increased amounts of CaP as well as stiffness. Mineralized GG was able to withstand sterilization by autoclaving, although stiffness decreased. In addition, mineralizability and stiffness of GG was enhanced by the incorporation of polydopamine (PDA). Furthermore, mineralization of GG led to enhanced attachment and vitality of cells in vitro while cytocompatibility of the mineralized gels was comparable to one of the most commonly used bone substitute materials. The results proved that ALP‐mediated enzymatic mineralization of GG could be enhanced by functionalization with PDA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast masses: computer-aided diagnosis with serial mammograms.

PURPOSE To retrospectively evaluate effects of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) involving an interval change classifier (which uses interval change information extracted from prior and current mammograms and estimates a malignancy rating) on radiologists' accuracy in characterizing masses on two-view serial mammograms as malignant or benign. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data collection protocol had institutional review board approval. Patient informed consent was waived for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study. Ninety temporal pairs of two-view serial mammograms (depicting 47 malignant and 43 benign biopsy-proved masses) were obtained from 68 patient files and were digitized. Biopsy was the reference standard. Eight Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992-accredited radiologists and two breast imaging fellows assessed digitized two-view temporal pairs (in preselected regions of interest only) by estimating likelihood of malignancy and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category without and with CAD. Observers' rating data were analyzed with Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz (DBM) multireader multicase method. Statistical significance of differences was estimated with the DBM method and Student two-tailed paired t test. RESULTS Average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for likelihood of malignancy across the 10 observers was 0.83 (range, 0.74-0.88) without CAD and improved to 0.87 (range, 0.80-0.92) with CAD (P < .05). The average partial area index above a sensitivity of 0.90 for likelihood of malignancy was 0.35 (range, 0.13-0.54) without CAD and 0.49 (range, 0.18-0.73) with CAD--a nonsignificant improvement (P = .11). For BI-RADS assessment, it was estimated that with CAD, six radiologists would correctly recommend additional biopsies for malignant masses (range, 4.3%-10.6%) and five would correctly recommend reduction of biopsy (ie, fewer biopsies) for benign masses (range, 2.3%-9.3%). However, five radiologists would incorrectly recommend additional biopsy for benign masses (range, 2.3%-14.0%), and one would incorrectly recommend reduction of biopsy (4.3%). CONCLUSION CAD involving interval change analysis of preselected regions of interest can significantly improve radiologists' accuracy in classifying masses on digitized screen-film mammograms as malignant or benign.
Empirical mode of detection in DFIG based WECS

This paper deals with the load side fault signal detection of a grid-connected doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy conversion system (WECS). The fault signal used for the detection is obtained from the load current signal waveform. This paper proposes empirical mode detection technique for the detection of fault current signal. This method is also applicable to detect fault information from other power quality disturbances signal like voltage sags, swells, harmonics etc. in power system. Different forms of power quality events caused by the sudden removal of one phase of non-linear load side connected to the point of common coupling are studied here. A grid-connected 3.7 kW DFIG based WECS is taken for figure out the proposed approach. The proposed system is done in MATLAB Simulink environment.
Escala Brasileira de Solidão: Análises de Resposta ao Item e definição dos pontos de corte

Objective This study aimed to study the characteristics of the items of Brazilian Loneliness Scale UCLA (UCLA-BR) and define its the cutoff points to the Brazilian context by the Item Response Theory. Methods It was used the Politonic Graded Response model on the 20 items of UCLA-BR answered by 1,438 participants in six states in Brazil. The discrimination capacity and item difficulties were estimated as well as the scale cutoff points. Results UCLA-BR showed to have good capacity to provide information about loneliness. Sixteen items had high or very high discrimination capacity and four showed moderate discrimination. The cutoff points were defined. Conclusions UCLA-BR showed good psychometric indexes. The Item Response Theory made possible the analysis of psychometric qualities of instruments.
Long-Term Outcome of Central Toxic Keratopathy After Photorefractive Keratectomy

Purpose: To describe long-term postoperative results of 5 eyes that had central toxic keratopathy after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Method: In a period of 2 months, 74 eyes were subjected to refractive surgery (21 by PRK and 53 by laser in situ keratomileusis) in 2006. Laser ablations were performed with a VISX S4 (VISX, Santa Ana, CA) excimer laser. Five eyes of 5 different patients in the PRK group experienced a corneal stromal thinning associated with a central opacification (haze), hyperopic shift, and central striae in the first postoperative week. Follow-up examinations were at 1 month and at 2, 6, and 12 months and included uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle–corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, biomicroscopy, and ultrasound pachymetry. At the last follow-up, confocal microscopy was performed in 3 eyes. Results: Corneal thickness measured by ultrasound pachymetry at the first month postoperatively showed an unexpected stromal thinning of 48 ± 39 μm (range, 19–116 μm) compared with the expected postoperative value. At the last postoperative follow-up, corneal thickness had gained 44 ± 22 μm (range, 20–80 μm) compared with the thickness obtained at 1 month. Uncorrected visual acuity, BCVA, haze, and corneal thickness improved in the first postoperative months and stabilized after 6 months. Conclusions: Central toxic keratopathy is not related to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) only. The presence of 5 cases after PRK in a short period (2 months) associated with a period of simultaneous change of both postoperative medications and postoperative bandage lens practice suggests a link with an unknown pharmacological response leading to stromal dehydration.
DEFINING THE ANTECEDENTS FOR ADOPTION OF RFID IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

While the benefits of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology adoption by organizations within supply chains have regularly been cited in the academic and trade presses, actual adoption has lagged behind early predictions and expectations [9; 18; 33; 41]. One possible explanation for lagging adoption rates may be the relative lack of research on the antecedents of RFID adoption. A thorough review of previous technology adoption research and of RFID research identified four categories of adoption variables. From these categories, four specific variables (top management support, organizational size, expected return on investment, and external pressure from outside forces) are identified as most likely to affect RFID adoption based on their impact on previous technology adoptions and their projected impact on RFID adoption. It is suggested that empirical research on RFID adoption begin with these variables so that support can be provided to increase the adoption of RFID within supply chains.
Metabolic Factors Limiting Performance in Marathon Runners

Each year in the past three decades has seen hundreds of thousands of runners register to run a major marathon. Of those who attempt to race over the marathon distance of 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 kilometers), more than two-fifths experience severe and performance-limiting depletion of physiologic carbohydrate reserves (a phenomenon known as ‘hitting the wall’), and thousands drop out before reaching the finish lines (approximately 1–2% of those who start). Analyses of endurance physiology have often either used coarse approximations to suggest that human glycogen reserves are insufficient to fuel a marathon (making ‘hitting the wall’ seem inevitable), or implied that maximal glycogen loading is required in order to complete a marathon without ‘hitting the wall. ’ The present computational study demonstrates that the energetic constraints on endurance runners are more subtle, and depend on several physiologic variables including the muscle mass distribution, liver and muscle glycogen densities, and running speed (exercise intensity as a fraction of aerobic capacity) of individual runners, in personalized but nevertheless quantifiable and predictable ways. The analytic approach presented here is used to estimate the distance at which runners will exhaust their glycogen stores as a function of running intensity. In so doing it also provides a basis for guidelines ensuring the safety and optimizing the performance of endurance runners, both by setting personally appropriate paces and by prescribing midrace fueling requirements for avoiding ‘the wall. ’ The present analysis also sheds physiologically principled light on important standards in marathon running that until now have remained empirically defined: The qualifying times for the Boston Marathon.
High-channel-count systems architecture for noise and vibration measurements

Modular instrumentation is widely used in noise and vibration measurement systems that demand higher channel counts and the wider dynamic range that 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) make available at lower costs. This paper presents an overview of how to use flexible modular instrumentation employing the latest software technology to make high-precision noise and vibration measurements where higher sampling rates, higher channel counts, increased dynamic range, and distributed architectures are needed in smaller packages. For example, modular instrumentation is being used in acoustic beam forming in aircraft pass-by noise tests to measure and distinguish engine and airframe noise sources.
Stalking-Like Behavior in Adolescence: Prevalence, Intent, and Associated Characteristics

Objective: To understand how self-reported malicious intent relates to characteristics of stalking-like behavior among adolescents, including type of stalking-like behavior and number of people targeted. Methods: Data were collected nationally online between 2010 and 2012 from 1,058 adolescents, 14 to 21 years old. Measures included lifetime rates of 6 stalking-like behaviors, self-reported malicious intent (i.e., the explicit intent to frighten, upset, anger, or annoy someone), and 3 psychosocial correlates. Results: Thirty-six percent of youth reported ever engaging in at least 1 of the 6 stalking-like behaviors. “Trying to get someone’s attention by doing something ‘over the top’” and “trying to talk to someone who does not want to talk to you,” representing hyper-intimacy and intrusive pursuit respectively, were the most frequently reported stalking-like behaviors. Eight percent reported engaging in at least 1 of the 6 stalking-like behaviors with malicious intent. Twelve percent reported targeting at least 2 different people. Engaging in these behaviors in-person was most common; online was least common. The odds of reporting stalking-like behavior decreased incrementally with age. Propensity to respond to stimuli with anger and alcohol use were positively associated whereas empathy was negatively associated with the report of perpetrating stalking-like behaviors. Conclusions: Engaging in stalking-like behavior was not uncommon in adolescence, but self-reports of malicious intent were relatively rare. The most frequently reported behaviors may reflect inexperience in youths’ relationship formation and dissolution skills. Health professionals should be aware that adolescents are not immune to engaging in stalking-like behaviors and are willing to answer direct questions about these behaviors and their intent.
Statistical Plant Set Estimation using Schroeder-Phased Multisinusoidal Input Design

In this paper, a frequency domain method is developed for plant set estimation. The estimation of a plant "set" rather than a point estimate is required to support many methods of modern robust control design. The approach here is based on using a Schroeder-phased multisinusoid input design which has the special property of placing input energy only at the discrete frequency points used in the computation. A detailed analysis of the statistical properties of the frequency domain estimator is given leading to exact expressions for the probability distribution of the estimation error, and many important properties. It is shown that for any nominal parametric plant estimate, one can use these results to construct an overbound on the additive uncertainty to any prescribed statistical confidence. The "soft" bound thus obtained can be used to replace "hard" bounds presently used in many robust control analysis and synthesis methods.
Comprehensive Analysis of Signal Processing Techniques Used For Speaker Identification

Speaker recognition is more active biometric task, which bases from the more general speech processing area. Likewise, most of the other speech-related recognition activities (language recognition, speech recognition), speaker recognition is a multidisciplinary problem. Both understanding of pattern recognition techniques and domain knowledge (Acoustics/Phonetics) are necessary. The motivation to write this review paper is to provide an up-to-date review of the existing approaches and to offer some insights into the study of speaker recognition. The classical techniques used in speaker recognition are also discussed.
Heterosexual Marking and Binary Cultural Conceptions of Sexual Orientation

Abstract In this article, the authors focus on cultural conceptions of sexual orientation revealed through their examination of heterosexual marking. Heterosexual marking consists of behaviors believed to convey heterosexual status, regardless of intent and accuracy. Data is from 12 focus groups with 57 young adults. The authors found that a common motive for heterosexual marking is to fend off the possibility that one could be perceived as gay or lesbian, and that some behaviors used to mark heterosexuality involve direct conveyance that one is not gay or lesbian. The authors also describe various ways that the heterosexual marking system delineated by participants obscures the existence of bisexuality and other nonbinary sexual identities. The authors conclude that this system reflects and reinforces antonymous and dichotomous conceptions of sexual orientation. Lastly, the authors discuss these findings in relation to past research and highlight the significance of these findings for the identity practices of bisexuals and others.
Systematic design of unitary space-time constellations

We propose a systematic method for creating constellations of unitary space-time signals for multiple-antenna communication links. Unitary space-time signals, which are orthonormal in time across the antennas, have been shown to be well-tailored to a Rayleigh fading channel where neither the transmitter nor the receiver knows the fading coefficients. The signals can achieve low probability of error by exploiting multiple-antenna diversity. Because the fading coefficients are not known, the criterion for creating and evaluating the constellation is nonstandard and differs markedly from the familiar maximum-Euclidean-distance norm. Our construction begins with the first signal in the constellation-an oblong complex-valued matrix whose columns are orthonormal-and systematically produces the remaining signals by successively rotating this signal in a high-dimensional complex space. This construction easily produces large constellations of high-dimensional signals. We demonstrate its efficacy through examples involving one, two, and three transmitter antennas.
Linear and nonlinear parameters for the analysisof fetal heart rate signal from cardiotocographic recordings

Antepartum fetal monitoring based on the classical cardiotocography (CTG) is a noninvasive and simple tool for checking fetal status. Its introduction in the clinical routine limited the occurrence of fetal problems leading to a reduction of the precocious child mortality. Nevertheless, very poor indications on fetal pathologies can be inferred from the even automatic CTG analysis methods, which are actually employed. The feeling is that fetal heart rate (FHR) signals and uterine contractions carry much more information on fetal state than is usually extracted by classical analysis methods. In particular, FHR signal contains indications about the neural development of the fetus. However, the methods actually adopted for judging a CTG trace as "abnormal" give weak predictive indications about fetal dangers. We propose a new methodological approach for the CTG monitoring, based on a multiparametric FHR analysis, which includes spectral parameters from autoregressive models and nonlinear algorithms (approximate entropy). This preliminary study considers 14 normal fetuses, eight cases of gestational (maternal) diabetes, and 13 intrauterine growth retarded fetuses. A comparison with the traditional time domain analysis is also included. This paper shows that the proposed new parameters are able to separate normal from pathological fetuses. Results constitute the first step for realizing a new clinical classification system for the early diagnosis of most common fetal pathologies.