Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of cognitive workload on physiological arousal in young adult drivers: a field study and simulation validation

Physiological measures provide a continuous and relatively non-invasive method of characterising workload. The extent to which such measures provide sensitivity beyond that provided by driving performance metrics is more open to question. Heart rate and skin conductance were monitored during actual highway driving in response to systematically increased levels of cognitive demand using an auditory delayed digit recall task. The protocol was consistent with an earlier simulator study, providing an opportunity to assess the validity of physiological measures recorded during driving simulation. The pattern of change in heart rate with increased cognitive demand was highly consistent between field and simulator. The findings meet statistical criteria for both relative and absolute validity, although there was a trend for absolute levels to be higher under actual driving conditions. For skin conductance level, the pattern in both environments was also quite similar and a reasonable case for overall relative validity can be made. Statement of Relevance: Growing complexity and multiple demands on modern drivers’ attention highlight the significance of determining whether physiological measures provide increased sensitivity in workload detection. Better understanding, including whether simulator assessments provide valid measures of real-world response patterns, has implications in evaluating and refining interface designs and for developing advanced workload managers.
Chosen postures during specific sitting activities

This research study analysed the interaction between people's postures and activities while in semi-public/leisure situations and during transportation (journey by train). In addition, the use of small electronic devices received particular emphasis. Video recordings in German trains and photographs in Dutch semi-public spaces were analysed using a variation of Branton and Grayson's (An evaluation of train seats by observation of sitting behaviour. Ergonomics, 10 (1), (1967), 35–51) postural targeting forms and photos. The analysis suggests a significant relationship between most activities and the position of the head, trunk and arms during transportation situations. The relationship during public situations is less straightforward. Watching, talking/discussing and reading were the most observed activities for the transportation and leisure situations combined. Surprisingly, differences in head, trunk, arm and leg postures were not significant when using small electronic devices. Important issues not considered in this study include the duration of the activities, the gender and age of observed subjects and the influence of the time of day. These are interesting issues to consider and include for future research. Statement of Relevance: This study shows what activities people choose to carry out and their related postures when not forced to a specific task (e.g. driving). The results of this study can be used for designing comfortable seating in the transportation industry (car passenger, train, bus and aircraft seats) and semi-public/leisure spaces.
Inflammatory profiles in nasal mucosa of patients with persistent vs intermittent allergic rhinitis

To cite this article: Liu F, Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhang N, Holtappels G, Lin P, Liu S, Bachert C. Inflammatory profiles in nasal mucosa of patients with persistent vs intermittent allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2010; 65: 1149–1157.
The effect of camera location on observation-based posture estimation

This study used the observation-based method showing images on computer to evaluate angle estimation errors of 8 body segments in 3 motion planes at up to 28 segment angles and 5 camera locations with respect to goniometric measurements. Thirty observers participated in evaluating segment angles. Forearm (9.9°) and thigh (9.5°) had smaller errors than hand (14.0°) and foot had the smallest error (8.7°) due to its narrow range of motion (ROM). Errors were small with camera locations perpendicular to motions in the planes, such as 90° camera location for the flexion and extension of arm (6.3°), forearm (7.9°), thigh (6.5°), and leg (8.1°) in the sagittal plane. Segments had small errors of 3.1°, 4.6°, and 3.8° at segment angles of −90°, 0° and 90°, respectively. Care should be taken when estimating angles by the observation-based method for a specific segment motion and viewing direction is suggested to be perpendicular to the motion plane. Practitioner Summary: Some companies may not allow many cameras or have obstacles for working posture evaluation in the workplace. These study results can be a guideline on proper selection of the number of cameras and their locations for a specific segment and its motion of interest to reduce visual segment angle estimation errors.
Medical device on pharmacists' work-related musculoskeletal complaints and burnouts

This study analysed the total number of consumed vials of chemotherapy drugs during the year 2007 to determine workloads, and investigated the effects of using the Spike medical device in contrast to the use of traditional needles on oncology pharmacists' dispensing time, muscle soreness, work-related burnout and fatigue symptoms. Work-related burnout and physiological symptoms were measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and a visual analogue pain scale. The Spike device significantly reduced the time spent in drawing up fluorouracil (39.46 ± 9.43 s vs. 57.13 ± 13.47 s) or cisplatin (29.65 ± 11.22 s vs. 60.93 ± 20.54 s) compared with traditional needles (P < 0.001). The CBI burnout score improved significantly with the Spike device (53.21 ± 8.58 vs. 73.21 ± 5.42; P = 0.007) because finger and palm muscle soreness complaints and subjective fatigue symptoms for eye tiredness and shoulder–wrist pain were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Practitioner Summary The pharmacist needs to exert hand strength to counter the vial back-suction pressure to draw out the medical liquid, and confirm the volume during the drawing antineoplastic drug procedure. This study aimed to determine the effects of using a medical device, instead of a needle, on pharmacists' work-related musculoskeletal complaints and burnouts.
Role of COX‐1‐ and COX‐2‐synthesized prostaglandins in a rat model of arthritic pain

An appropriate animal model for investigation of antiinflammatory analgesic effects of NSAIDs is the pain‐induced functional impairment model in the rat (PIFIR model). The PIFIR model provides a model of inflammatory and chronic pain similar to that of clinical gout. We investigated the possible role of peripheral prostaglandins synthesized by COX‐1 and COX‐2 in arthritic pain produced by uric acid in the rat PIFIR model. For this purpose, the antinociceptive effects of indomethacin, a nonselective COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibitor, and those of SC‐560 and MK‐966 (Vioxx), selective inhibitors of COX‐1 and COX‐2, respectively, on the functional impairment induced by intraarticular (i.a.) injection of uric acid into the knee joint of the right hindlimb were compared. The antinociceptive efficacy was determined from the area under the curve (AUC) values obtained from the time course of the antinociceptive effect. Animals received vehicle, 100 μg indomethacin, 100 μg SC‐560, or 50 μg of MK‐966 (these drug doses were selected from dose–response curves of each drug in previous experiments) 20 min before uric acid and the ability of the rat to use the injured hindlimb was recorded with a computerized system. The effect produced by each treatment was compared with that observed after the compounds were administered in the left hindlimb, i.e., contralateral administration. The results showed that all three compounds significantly inhibited uric acid‐induced dysfunction of the right hindlimb (control = 64 ± 8 au; indomethacin = 391 ± 30 au; MK‐966 = 368 ± 17 au; SC‐560 = 445 ± 25 au, ANOVA, Dunnett’s test, P < 0.01). In addition, the results using contralateral administration suggest that the analgesic effect was due to inhibition of locally produced COX‐1 and COX‐2 and, therefore, that no central mechanisms were involved. Taken together, the present data using the pain‐induced functional impairment model in rats support the idea that both COX isoforms (1 and 2) contribute to the local inflammatory response in the model and that they may have a role in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. They might also suggest that the therapeutic benefits of NSAIDs are mainly due to inhibition of both COX isoforms. Drug Dev. Res. 51:253–259, 2000. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost-of-lllness Studies of Stroke

Stroke accounts for a significant proportion of the expenditures in the health care and social service sectors. Health economics studies of stroke have been performed in several countries. A selection of cost-of-illness studies of stroke from Europe, the USA and New Zealand were reviewed concerning methods of costing. The methodological differences between the studies are significant and this severely limits the possibility of comparing the results. Obtaining consensus on methodology is necessary to make future studies comparable.
Uncertainty and Anxiety During the Diagnostic Period for Women With Suspected Breast Cancer

A possible diagnosis of breast cancer imposes a huge psychological impact on most women, but few studies have addressed uncertainty and anxiety changes at different diagnostic stages in women with suspected breast cancer. Thus, this longitudinal study examined uncertainty and anxiety and predictive factors for uncertainty in women with suspected breast cancer. Data were collected on uncertainty (Uncertainty in Illness Scale) and anxiety (State Anxiety Inventory) from 127 women at 3 times: upon notice of a breast biopsy, before biopsy, and after diagnosis. The results showed that uncertainty and anxiety levels were significantly higher before than after diagnosis. At the 3 data collection times, uncertainty and anxiety were significantly lower for participants diagnosed with benign tumors than for those with malignant diagnoses. Uncertainty and anxiety were positively, moderately correlated. Uncertainty was predicted by age, marital status, education level, religious status, family history of benign breast tumor, regular breast self-examination, self-perceived probability of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and biopsy result. Therefore, nursing professionals should be aware of the uncertainty and anxiety changes and impact of personal attributes on women with suspected breast cancer during the diagnostic period and provide care programs to alleviate their psychological distress.
Dose–response effects of TPI ASM8 in asthmatics after allergen

To cite this article: Gauvreau GM, Pageau R, Séguin R, Carballo D, Gauthier J, D’Anjou H, Campbell H, Watson R, Mistry M, Parry‐Billings M, Killian K, Renzi PM. Dose–response effects of TPI ASM8 in asthmatics after allergen. Allergy 2011; 66: 1242–1248.
Imaging the intraocular tumor

Imaging the intraocular tumor is multi-modal, multi-purposed, evolving and essential in the detection, diagnosis and surveillance of intraocular tumors. The most useful modalities for imaging intraocular tumors are drawing, photography, ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. A primary purpose of imaging the intraocular tumor is to document its precise appearance (and that of its secondary effects) at a point in time, thus permitting sequential images to accurately document change. However, an equally important reason for imaging is to gather diagnostic information that cannot be obtained from ophthalmic examination alone. The specific utility of each available imaging modality depends on the patient, tumor and ability of the clinician to interpret the data produced.
Facility Ownership and Resident Satisfaction with Assisted Living

Abstract Although the majority of assisted living facilities operate as for-profit organizations and serve increasingly frail elderly populations, little is known about the impact of ownership on the quality of care in assisted living. This study examines the relationship between facility ownership and the quality of care in assisted living, using resident satisfaction as a quality indicator. The assessed aspects of satisfaction include health care, housekeeping, physical environment, relationships with staff, and social life/activities. The relationship of facility ownership to resident satisfaction is examined controlling for resident psychological well-being, functional ability, facility size, and staff resources. Data were collected in personal interviews with 156 residents, including 96 residents in eight for-profit facilities and 60 residents in five nonprofit facilities in Maryland. Residents in the sampled nonprofit facilities were more satisfied with assisted living than were residents in the for-profit facilities. In particular, residents in nonprofit facilities were more satisfied with health care, physical environment, and social life/activities in the facility. Better understanding of the relationship between facility ownership and resident satisfaction can help administrators create environments that maximize resident satisfaction in both nonprofit and for-profit facilities.
SEIPS 2.0: a human factors framework for studying and improving the work of healthcare professionals and patients

Healthcare practitioners, patient safety leaders, educators and researchers increasingly recognise the value of human factors/ergonomics and make use of the discipline's person-centred models of sociotechnical systems. This paper first reviews one of the most widely used healthcare human factors systems models, the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model, and then introduces an extended model, ‘SEIPS 2.0’. SEIPS 2.0 incorporates three novel concepts into the original model: configuration, engagement and adaptation. The concept of configuration highlights the dynamic, hierarchical and interactive properties of sociotechnical systems, making it possible to depict how health-related performance is shaped at ‘a moment in time’. Engagement conveys that various individuals and teams can perform health-related activities separately and collaboratively. Engaged individuals often include patients, family caregivers and other non-professionals. Adaptation is introduced as a feedback mechanism that explains how dynamic systems evolve in planned and unplanned ways. Key implications and future directions for human factors research in healthcare are discussed. Practitioner Summary: SEIPS 2.0 is a new human factors/ergonomics framework for studying and improving health and healthcare. It describes how sociotechnical systems shape health-related work done by professionals and non-professionals, independently and collaboratively. Work processes, in turn, shape patient, professional and organisational outcomes. Work systems and processes undergo planned and unplanned adaptations.
Atomically Dispersed Copper-Platinum Dual Sites Alloyed with Palladium Nanorings Catalyze the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Designing highly active catalysts at an atomic scale is required to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Copper-platinum (Cu-Pt) dual sites were alloyed with palladium nanorings (Pd NRs) containing 1.5 atom % Pt, using atomically dispersed Cu on ultrathin Pd NRs as seeds. The ultrafine structure of atomically dispersed Cu-Pt dual sites was confirmed with X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements. The Pd/Cu-Pt NRs exhibit excellent HER properties in acidic solution with an overpotential of only 22.8 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a high mass current density of 3002 A g-1(Pd+Pt) at a -0.05 V potential.
Assessment of otolith function using cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in individuals with motion sickness

The involvement of otolith organs in motion sickness has long been debated; however, equivocal findings exist in literature. The present study thus aimed at evaluating the otolith functioning in individuals with motion sickness. Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were recorded from 30 individuals with motion sickness, 30 professional drivers and 30 healthy individuals. The results revealed no significant difference in latencies and amplitudes between the groups (p>0.05). Nonetheless, thresholds were significantly elevated and inter-aural asymmetry ratio significantly higher in motion sickness susceptible group (p < 0.001) for both the potentials. All the individuals in the motion sickness group had high asymmetry ratio at least on one of the two potentials. Thus, reduced response and/or asymmetric otolithic function seem the likely reasons behind motion sickness susceptibility. Practitioner Summary: Motion sickness is among the most rampant conditions affecting travellers across the globe. Otolith abnormality has been floated as a possible pathologic factor for motion sickness but has not been authenticated as yet. This study explores otolith functionality in individuals with motion sickness in order to evaluate this theory.
Noise effect on comfort in open-space offices: development of an assessment questionnaire

It is currently accepted that noise is one of the most important annoyance factors in open-space offices. However, noise levels measured in open spaces of the tertiary sector rarely exceed 65 dB(A). It, therefore, appears necessary to develop a tool that can be used to assess the noise environment of these offices and identify the parameters to be taken into consideration when assessing the noise annoyance. This article presents a questionnaire to be filled by people working in such environment, and a case study in different open plan offices. The majority of the 237 respondents consider that the ambient noise level in their environment is high and that intelligible conversations between their colleagues represent the main source of noise annoyance. This annoyance was significantly correlated with their evaluation of sound intensity, which could not be represented by A-weighted level measurements. Practitioner Summary: This article presents a short questionnaire aimed to evaluate the employees' comfort in an open-plan office and to propose optimal modifications of the office. Answers collected from 237 respondents showed that intelligible conversations represent the main source of noise annoyance; moreover, overall noise level is not related to this annoyance.
Towards global consensus on outcome measures for atopic eczema research: results of the HOME II meeting

The use of nonstandardized and inadequately validated outcome measures in atopic eczema trials is a major obstacle to practising evidence‐based dermatology. The Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) initiative is an international multiprofessional group dedicated to atopic eczema outcomes research. In June 2011, the HOME initiative conducted a consensus study involving 43 individuals from 10 countries, representing different stakeholders (patients, clinicians, methodologists, pharmaceutical industry) to determine core outcome domains for atopic eczema trials, to define quality criteria for atopic eczema outcome measures and to prioritize topics for atopic eczema outcomes research. Delegates were given evidence‐based information, followed by structured group discussion and anonymous consensus voting. Consensus was achieved to include clinical signs, symptoms, long‐term control of flares and quality of life into the core set of outcome domains for atopic eczema trials. The HOME initiative strongly recommends including and reporting these core outcome domains as primary or secondary endpoints in all future atopic eczema trials. Measures of these core outcome domains need to be valid, sensitive to change and feasible. Prioritized topics of the HOME initiative are the identification/development of the most appropriate instruments for the four core outcome domains. HOME is open to anyone with an interest in atopic eczema outcomes research.
Localization of a novel autosomal recessive non‐syndromic hearing impairment locus DFNB55 to chromosome 4q12‐q13.2

Hereditary hearing impairment (HI) is the most genetically heterogeneous trait known in humans. So far, 54 autosomal recessive non‐syndromic hearing impairment (ARNSHI) loci have been mapped, and 21 ARNSHI genes have been identified. Here is reported the mapping of a novel ARNSHI locus, DFNB55, to chromosome 4q12‐q13.2 in a consanguineous Pakistani family. A maximum multipoint LOD score of 3.5 was obtained at marker D4S2638. The region of homozygosity and the 3‐unit support interval are flanked by markers D4S2978 and D4S2367. The region spans 8.2 cm on the Rutgers combined linkage‐physical map and contains 11.5 Mb. DFNB55 represents the third ARNSHI locus mapped to chromosome 4.
DEACTIVATION OF Automatic Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators in Hospice and Home Care Patients AT THE END OF LIFE

For patients at the end of life, active automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs) may no longer achieve the treatment goals present at the time of implantation. It is possible to deactivate AICDs in patients with terminal and life-limiting diagnoses, thereby preventing the pain and distress of nontherapeutic discharge. This article presents a moral argument for the right of such patients to have their AICDs deactivated. It then explains that hospice and home care agencies have an obligation to address AICD deactivation at a policy level and offers recommendations for doing so.
On physiological demands and sustainability in meat cutting

Meat cutters' work has been investigated by several researchers. However, knowledge about the physiological demands of meat cutting is almost lacking. The aim of this explorative study was to assess physiological demands in meat cutting, to compare them with International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations for acceptable workload and to discuss the findings in relation to individual and work-related factors. In accordance with the ILO recommendations, work was categorised as sustainable or non-sustainable based on critical relative aerobic strain (RAS) levels. Twenty-one beef and pork cutters participated in the study, which included workload measurements, assessment of workplace and individual factors. Thirteen meat cutters were categorised as having non-sustainable and eight as having sustainable work. Results suggest that the workload is higher in beef cutting than in pork cutting, and that longer work experience is related to lower RAS. Other factors contributing to the physical workload are discussed. Practitioner Summary: Meat-cutting work may exceed recommended physical workload levels. Beef cutting is physically more demanding than pork cutting. Furthermore, factors such as years in the profession, knife sharpness, work pace, wage system, working technique, maximum oxygen uptake level and muscular strength should be considered when planning actions regarding the workload for meat cutters.