Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the aeroelastic behavior of a typical airfoil section with superelastic shape memory alloy springs

An experimental study on the aeroelastic behavior of a 2-degree-of-freedom typical airfoil section with superelastic shape memory alloy springs is reported. Shape memory alloy helical springs are included in the pitch degree-of-freedom of the typical section so that the effects of pseudoelastic hysteresis on the aeroelastic behavior of the system can be investigated. The experimental identification of the aeroelastic parameters is described. Wind tunnel tests are conducted for different shape memory alloy springs’ preload levels, airflow speeds, and initial conditions. It is shown that the linear unstable post-flutter behavior is transformed into stable limit cycle oscillations of acceptable amplitudes over a range of airflow speeds due to pseudoelastic hysteresis. Therefore, shape memory alloy springs can be effectively exploited to passively enhance the aeroelastic behavior of a typical section.
A randomised study to compare radical concurrent chemoradiation against radical radiotherapy, as a treatment of cancer of the cervix in HIV infected patients

Title A RANDOMISED STUDY TO COMPARE RADICAL CONCURRENT CHEMORADIATION AGAINST RADICAL RADIOTHERAPY, AS TREATMENT OF CANCER OF THE CERVIX IN HIV INFECTED PATIENTS Objectives Cancer of the cervix is one of the commonest cancers in South African females. Up to 30% of patients are HIV positive. The addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy has been shown to significantly improve local control and survival and concurrent chemoradiation is the standard treatment for locally advanced cancer of the cervix. There is very limited literature available concerning the tolerance and efficacy of this treatment in HIV positive patients. This study aims to assess the acute toxicity of combined modality treatment in these patients. This study is part of a multicenter International Atomic Energy Agency sponsored study. Materials and methods Patients with FIGO stage IB2 to IIIB (without hydronephrosis) cervical cancer and who are HIV positive, were randomized to receive radiotherapy alone or chemo-radiation. All patients received 46 Gy in 23 fractions external beam radiation and high-dose-rate-
Spreadsheet-based method for predicting temperature dependence of fracture toughness in ductile-to-brittle temperature region

A spreadsheet-based simplified and direct toughness scaling method to predict the temperature dependence of fracture toughness Jc in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature region is proposed. This method uses fracture toughness test data and the Ramberg–Osgood exponent and yield stress at the reference temperature, and yield stress at the temperature in interest to predict Jc. The physical basis of the simplified and direct toughness scaling method is the strong correlation between Jc and yield stress. The simplified and direct toughness scaling method was validated for Cr–Mo steel Japan Industrial Standard SCM440 and 0.55% carbon steel Japan Industrial Standard S55C by comparing the simplified and direct toughness scaling prediction results with the median results of an experiment performed at four temperatures ranging from −55°C to 100°C and at three temperatures ranging from −85°C to 20°C, respectively. The simplified and direct toughness scaling method can predict Jc from both low to high temperatures, and vice versa. Thus, 12 and 6 predictions were made for each material. The prediction discrepancy for these 18 cases ranged from −50.4% to +25.8% and the average absolute discrepancy was 22.1%. These results were acceptable considering the large scatter generally observed with Jc. In particular, in case of predicting Jc at temperatures higher than the lowest temperature of −55°C for SCM440, the simplified and direct toughness scaling method predicted Jc more realistically than the American Society for Testing and Materials E1921 master curve approach. Although the simplified and direct toughness scaling method requires additional tensile test data compared with the master curve approach, the acceptable prediction accuracy at high temperatures seems beneficial because the mass and time required for tensile tests are admissible.
Helping Patients Follow Prescribed Treatment

MEDICAL RESEARCH DURing the past few decades has produced efficacious treatments for many health care disorders and, increasingly, these treatments can be selfadministered. Unfortunately, low adherence can undermine the effectiveness of care at many steps in the process. For example, 49% of patients who demonstrated elevated blood pressure on community screening failed to follow through with a referral for follow-up assessment. Of those who enter the medical care system, more than a third may drop out, especially during the first few months. While in care, the average consumption of medication has been found to be about 50%, with a very wide range from none to substantially more than 100%. Compliance with instructions to lose weight or stop smoking is substantially lower, with long-term success rates less than 10%. One of the important difficulties in managing low adherence is lack of accurate and affordable measures. Clinicians must frequently rely on their own judgment but unfortunately demonstrate no better than chance accuracy in predicting the adherence of their patients, even among patients for whom they feel confident about their predictions. A pragmatic approach to measuring adherence is presented in BOX 1. Based on a systematic review of studies adherence measures, asking nonresponders about their adherence will detect more than 50% of those with low adherence, with a specificity of 87%. Even when patients indicate that they have not taken all their medications as prescribed, their estimates usually substantially overestimate their actual adherence. Thus, the key validated question is “Have you missed any pills in the past week? ” and any indication of having missed 1 or more pills signals a problem with low adherence. Overestimation of adherence by patients is difficult to study and is presently poorly documented. Reasons for overestimation could include difficulty recalling the details of medication taking, attempting to please practitioners or to avoid confrontation, or a combination of these factors. Other practical measures to assess adherence include watching for those who do not respond to increments in treatment intensity and patients who fail to attend appointments. More objective measures of compliance can also be of use when available. For example, drug levels in body fluids (blood, saliva, urine) can help in assessing patient compliance (eg, serum digoxin levels and levels of anti-
Seamless interactive language interfacing between R and Stata

In this article, I propose a new approach to language interfacing for statistical software by allowing automatic interprocess communication between R and Stata. I advocate interactive language interfacing in statistical software by automatizing data communication. I introduce the rcall package and provide examples of how the R language can be used interactively within Stata or embedded into Stata programs using the proposed approach to interfacing. Moreover, I discuss the pros and cons of object synchronization in language interfacing.
Randomized feasibility trial of the Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network hand exercise program (SPIN-HAND): Study protocol

Background: Significant functional impairment of the hands is nearly universal in systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). Hand exercises may improve hand function, but developing, testing and disseminating rehabilitation interventions in SSc is challenging. The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) was established to address this issue and has developed an online hand exercise program to improve hand function for SSc patients (SPIN-HAND). The aim of the proposed feasibility trial is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the SPIN-HAND intervention. Design and methods: The SPIN-HAND feasibility trial will be conducted via the SPIN Cohort. The SPIN Cohort was developed as a framework for embedded pragmatic trials using the cohort multiple RCT design. In total, 40 English-speaking SPIN Cohort participants with at least mild hand function limitations (Cochin Hand Function Scale ≥3) and an indicated interest in using an online hand-exercise intervention will be randomized with a 1:1 ratio to be offered to use the SPIN-HAND program or usual care for 3 months. The primary aim is to evaluate the trial implementation processes, required resources and management, scientific aspects, and participant acceptability and usage of the SPIN-HAND program. Discussion: The SPIN-HAND exercise program is a self-help tool that may improve hand function in patients with SSc. The SPIN-HAND feasibility trial will ensure that trial methodology is robust, feasible, and consistent with trial participant expectations. The results will guide adjustments that need to be implemented before undertaking a full-scale RCT of the SPIN-HAND program. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03092024.
Struggling with the Freshman Fifteen: College Students' Recollections of Parents' Memorable Messages about Weight

Considering the college years are a critical time in one’s life for changes in diet and exercise behavior, and an increase in weight gain (Anderson, Shapiro, & Lundgren, 2003), this study explores the significant and impactful communication between college students and their parents during this transitional period. Using open-ended responses to an online questionnaire, we analyzed the memorable messages (Knapp, Stohl, & Reardon, 1981) that 222 college students received from their parents about overweight and obesity. Students’ responses demonstrate that not only is weight a difficult topic to talk about, it is also a difficult issue for people to manage on an individual basis. Students gave examples of messages and conversations referencing their own and their parents’ struggles with weight, and their responses illustrate the complex nature of these important communication episodes.
Beyond center-based testing: Understanding and improving functioning with wearable technology in MS

Wearable sensors are designed to be worn on the body or embedded into portable devices (e.g. smartphones and smartwatches), allowing continuous patient-based monitoring, objective outcomes measuring, and feedback delivering on daily-life activities. Within the medicine domain, there has been a rapid increase in the development, testing, and use of wearable technologies especially in the context of neurological diseases. Although wearables represent promising tools also in multiple sclerosis (MS), the research on their application in MS is still ongoing, and further studies are required to assess their reliability and accuracy to monitor body functions and disability in people with MS (pwMS). Here, we provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities, potential challenges, and limitations of the wearable technology use in MS. In particular, we classified previous findings within this field into macro-categories, considered crucial for disease management: assessment, monitoring, intervention, advice, and education. Given the increasing pivotal role played by wearables, current literature suggests that for pwMS, the time is right to shift from a center-based traditional therapeutic paradigm toward a personalized patient-based disease self-management. On this way, we present two ongoing initiatives aimed at implementing a continuous monitoring of pwMS and, consequently, providing timely and appropriate care interventions.
Investigation on an industrial-feasible approach for measurement and assessment of large-sized micro-structured surfaces based on grayscale matching

Multi-scale micro-structured functional surfaces can enhance the interfacial effect on a component by the micro-topological structure, likely through realizing or enhancing its lubrication, drag reduction, noise reducing, sealing, and other specific surface functions. However, the realization of these functions requires high-precision machining quality and the occurrence of any defects on the structured surfaces will possibly influence actual performances of the component. The distribution density, morphology, geometry, configuration feature, and position of those microstructures play a decisive role in affecting the functional performance of the component. It imposes a challenge for rapid and accurate measurement of micro-structured surface particularly at a reasonable large size in industrial-scale production. This article presents an innovative industrial-feasible measurement method for micro-structured surfaces using normalized grayscale matching combined with pyramid search strategy, discriminating-step matching strategy, and sensitive area analysis. The method renders the high matching accuracy and rapid processing capability, which also provides the technical solution for industrial-scale micro-manufacturing of large-sized micro-structured surfaces. Well-designed experimental trials are carried out to further evaluate and validate the measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Indian trouble

This exploratory essay thinks through late-20th and early 21st century autobiographical novels and storytelling by indigenous migrants from Mexico and Central America. The think-piece examines the idea of “archiving selves” as well as the literary sensibilities of Manuel Olmos, Alma Murrieta, and Lamberto Roque Hernández. Focusing on how these non-professional writers document their border crossings and recount their uprooted lives in California, this essay casts new questions on indigenous Mesoamerican futurities that intersect—and depart from—Latino/a Studies and Native American Studies. It examines how a new social and cultural formation—indigenous-cum-migrant—is unfolding and revealing contemporary configurations on language and ethnic belonging.
Predictors of Radiographic Osteoarthritis 2 to 3 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Data From the MOON On-site Nested Cohort

Background: Multiple studies have shown that patients are susceptible to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, even with ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Prospective studies using multivariable analysis to identify risk factors for PTOA are lacking. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to identify baseline predictors of radiographic PTOA after ACLR at an early time point. We hypothesized that meniscal injuries and cartilage lesions would be associated with worse radiographic PTOA using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas criteria. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 421 patients who underwent ACLR returned on-site for standardized posteroanterior semiflexed knee radiography at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. The mean age was 19.8 years, with 51.3% female patients. At baseline, data on demographics, graft type, meniscal status/treatment, and cartilage status were collected. OARSI atlas criteria were used to grade all knee radiographs. Multivariable ordinal regression models identified baseline predictors of radiographic OARSI grades at follow-up. Results: Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06) and higher body mass index (OR, 1.05) were statistically significantly associated with a higher OARSI grade in the medial compartment. Patients who underwent meniscal repair and partial meniscectomy had statistically significantly higher OARSI grades in the medial compartment (meniscal repair OR, 1.92; meniscectomy OR, 2.11) and in the lateral compartment (meniscal repair OR, 1.96; meniscectomy OR, 2.97). Graft type, cartilage lesions, sex, and Marx activity rating scale score had no significant association with the OARSI grade. Conclusion: Older patients with a higher body mass index who have an ACL tear with a concurrent meniscal tear requiring partial meniscectomy or meniscal repair should be advised of their increased risk of developing radiographic PTOA. Alternatively, patients with an ACL tear with an articular cartilage lesion can be reassured that they are not at an increased risk of developing early radiographic knee PTOA at 2 to 3 years after ACLR.
Student Recruitment Strategies in Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs

Background and Purpose. Many economic factors have forced changes upon the profession of physical therapy, resulting in a decline of qualified applicants. The purpose of this study was to identify recruitment practices utilized by professional (entry‐level) physical therapist education programs. Subjects. The subjects were chairs of professional physical therapist education programs in the United States accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for the class entering in 2001 (N=189). Methods. A survey instrument was designed and the 53 recruitment strategies were classified as: (1) Traditional, (2) Electronic, (3) Personnel, or (4) Program Change. Results. A total of 109 programs (58%) returned completed surveys. Traditional recruitment strategies were more often utilized; however, an institutional Web page was cited as the most frequently used recruitment strategy. Faculty was more often used in recruitment efforts than recruiters, current students, or alumni. Use of an early admissions program was the most frequently cited program change strategy followed by flexible admissions standards and a change to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Discussion and Conclusions. Of the 10 most frequently utilized strategies, 5 were Traditional, 3 were Electronic, and 2 were Personnel. While Traditional recruitment strategies continue to be utilized frequently, program administrators should scrutinize the types and varieties of Electronic, Personnel, and Program Change strategies. The wide spectrum of recruitment strategies available today, along with the potential interaction of external factors, make determination of the effectiveness of a particular strategy very difficult for college administrators. Further research is necessary to determine effectiveness of any particular strategy.
Free vibration analysis of sandwich beams with carbon nanotube reinforced face sheets based on extended high-order sandwich panel theory

Free vibration analysis of a sandwich beam with soft core and carbon nanotube reinforced composite face sheets, hitherto not reported in the literature, based on extended high-order sandwich panel theory is presented. Distribution of fibers through the thickness of the face sheets could be uniform or functionally graded. In this theory, the face sheets follow the first-order shear deformation theory. Besides, the two-dimensional elasticity is used for the core. The field equations are derived via the Ritz-based solution which is suitable for any essential boundary conditions. Chebyshev polynomials multiplying boundary R-functions are used as admissible functions and evidence of their good performance is given. A detailed parametric study is conducted to study the effects of nanotube volume fraction and their distribution pattern, core-to-face sheet thickness ratio, and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of sandwich beams with functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite face sheets and soft cores. Since the extended high-order sandwich panel theory can be used with any combinations of core and face sheets and not only the soft cores that the other theories demand, the results for the same beam with functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite face sheets and stiff core are also provided for comparison. It is concluded that the sandwich beam with X and V distribution figures of face sheets, no matter what the boundary conditions, has higher vibration performance than the beam with UD-CNTRC face sheets.
A Robust Adaptive PI Voltage Controller to Eliminate Impact of Disturbances and Distorted Model Parameters for 3-Phase CVCF Inverters

This paper presents a robust adaptive PI voltage controller (PIVC) that effectively eliminates the impact of disturbances and distorted model parameters for a three-phase constant voltage constant frequency (CVCF) inverter with an output LC filter. The proposed controller contains an adaptive control stage to enhance its tracking performance by compensating for distorted model parameters and a feedback control stage to stabilize the error dynamics to converge to zero. Unlike a conventional PIVC, the proposed adaptive method automatically updates its gains using the adaptive control stage. The stability of the proposed controller is proven by the Lyapunov stability theory. Even without information regarding the load current, the proposed adaptive PIVC achieves a fast dynamic response, small steady-state error, and low total harmonic distortion under critical load conditions. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control method on a prototype three-phase CVCF inverter using a TI TMS320F28335 DSP.
Crammer’s Corner

A new prescribing assessment tool is being piloted to assess GP trainees prescribing patterns and identify learning needs. It may become an integral part of the Workplace-based Assessments contributing to the membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP). All GP trainees who start ST3 in August 2019 will need to complete the mandatory prescribing assessment pilot. The assessment needs to be completed after 4 months of ST3 training and must be completed by 31 January 2020. Upon completion of the assessment and accompanying questionnaire, the GP trainee has to only complete 10 case-based discussions (CbDs) rather than the normal ST3 requirement of 12. In the following article, Dr Susan Bodgener and Dr Anish Kotecha discuss the assessment and what this involves.
Using Virtualization for Cyber Security Education adn Experimentation

Developing realistic cyber training environments enables hands-on training of cyber security topics in a controlled fashion. Cost, space, time, and reproducibility are major factors that prevent large-scale network replications for individual training purposes. This paper discusses the ways that existing virtualization technologies could be packaged to provide a more accessible, comprehensive, and realistic cyberspace training and education environment to the individual user. The paper maps ways of merging two existing virtualization methods in order to leverage the unique benefits that each type of virtualization technique provides. The first method, called operating system virtualization, provides a highly memory efficient way to run virtual machines, provided that all virtual machines run the same operating system kernel. The second approach, full virtualization, requires a larger memory footprint, but allows arbitrary operating systems to be virtualized. Combining these two techniques will allow for larger, more diverse training environments for modeling and training in the cyber domain. Index terms – Information Security Education, Cyber Security, Virtualization
Seasonal means estimation and missing data in real data time series

In this paper we deal with missing data encountered in periodically correlated time series and we are interested in comparing the performance of different methods by impute these missing data. We study two periodically correlated time series with real data. We apply methods for missing the data in an appropriate percentage in one of the series, and the other time series has missing data. We use perARMA, Mice and Amelia packages from R programming language. Then we compare the results obtained in estimating the seasonal means before and after imputing the missing data. The results obtained show the same good performance in the case of using imputation methods for imputing the data compared with original time series.