Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Assessment Variables as a Source of Information in the Evaluation of Intervention Programs: A Theoretical and Methodological Framework

The article discusses the incorporation of individuals’ assessments regarding the effect of intervention program on themselves as a source of information in commonly used quantitative program evaluation methods. The incorporation of Self-Assessment Variables (SAV) into the evaluation process enables the researcher to utilize the information contained in SAV while utilizing other available sources of information as well (such as administrative data). The analysis is based on the assumption that individuals possess valuable and unique information which they employ before self-selection into a program. The theory of planned behavior is used as a framework for examining different aspects of integrating SAV into program evaluation. The article elaborates on the integration of SAV into the matching method and on the possible advantages of that approach. In addition, the article discusses different aspects of the process of eliciting SAV from individuals. Finally, the article outlines possible directions for future research.
A Novel Variable Stiffness Compliant Robotic Gripper Based on Layer Jamming

In this paper, we present a novel compliant robotic gripper with three variable stiffness fingers. While the shape morphing of the fingers is cable-driven, the stiffness variation is enabled by layer jamming. The inherent flexibility makes compliant gripper suitable for tasks such as grasping soft and irregular objects. However, their relatively low load capacity due to intrinsic compliance limits their applications. Variable stiffness robotic grippers have the potential to address this challenge as their stiffness can be tuned on demand of tasks. In our design, the compliant backbone of finger is made of 3D-printed PLA materials sandwiched between thin film materials. The workflow of the robotic gripper follows two basic steps. First, the compliant skeleton is driven by a servo motor via a tension cable and bend to a desired shape. Second, upon application of a negative pressure, the finger is stiffened up because friction between contact surfaces of layers that prevents their relative movement increases. As a result, their load capacity will be increased proportionally. Tests for stiffness of individual finger and load capacity of the robotic gripper are conducted to validate capability of the design. The results showed a 180-fold increase in stiffness of individual finger and a 30-fold increase in gripper’s load capacity.
Clay mineralogy of Gulf of Papua Shelf and Pandora Trough deposits constrains sediment routing during the last sea‐level cycle

The Gulf of Papua inner mid‐shelf clinothem and lowstand deposits in Pandora Trough record sediment source and routing through the last sea‐level cycle on 20 kyr cycles. Clay mineralogy tracked dispersal of sediment from the two types of rivers (wide versus narrow floodplains) to constrain the contributions of river systems to the Gulf of Papua clinothem and Pandora Trough deposits. Fly River sediment has higher illite:smectite than clays from the small mountainous rivers (Bamu, Turama, Kikori and Purari rivers) that drain regions with more limestones. X‐ray diffraction shows high illite:smectite proximal to the Fly River delta that decrease towards the north‐east. Downcore mineralogy of inner mid‐shelf cores reveals that the largest shifts in illite:smectite correspond to changes in sediment units. The relict clinothem emplaced on the Gulf of Papua shelf during Marine Isotope Stage 3 has lower illite:smectite than the Holocene clinothem that has been building since 2 ka and the Marine Isotope Stage 5a relict clinothem. In the inner mid‐shelf, downcore decreases in illite:smectite during Marine Isotope Stage 3 suggest that this region received less clay from the Fly River and more contributions from small mountainous rivers. During Marine Isotope Stage 3, the exposed physiography and narrower shelf in this region may have deflected Fly River sediment more south‐eastward, where it bypassed the inner shelf via the Kiwai, Purutu and Umuda valleys and was deposited in the Pandora Trough. The Fly River may have been more susceptible to valley incision because of its limited shelf accommodation and higher ratio of water to sediment discharge. Such bypass of the inner mid‐shelf by Fly River sediment during the Marine Isotope Stage 2 sea‐level lowstand is recorded in Pandora Trough deposits with high illite:smectite ratios. Inner mid‐shelf clinothems with compositional shifts on the order of 20 kyr may be influenced by shelf physiography, accommodation and the variable incision by small and large rivers.
Does Type D personality Increase Perchance for CPAP Non-Adherence in Patients with OSA?

Introduction: Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has been inconclusively linked to gender, age, disease severity, sleepiness and socioeconomic status. This study aimed to examine the association between distressed personality and CPAP adherence in Indian patients with OSA. Method: This was a single center, prospective study conducted at a tertiary-care hospital in Delhi, India. Patients diagnosed as OSA by polysomnography (PSG) (and underwent CPAP titration), who completed the questionnaires and returned for follow-up were recruited. Demographic data, clinical and PSG variables were collected. DS14 for Type D personality was administered. Subjects were followed for minimum 30 days of CPAP treatment for adherence verification. Good CPAP compliance was defined as CPAP use >4 hours/night at least 5 days/week. Result: Sixty-nine patients with OSA (age: 52.23 ± 12.28 years, 76% male) were enrolled. 73% (n=50) had severe OSA while 73.9% had Type D personality (n=51). Although 79.7% (n=55) agreed to CPAP use and 75.4% (n=52) actually initiated therapy, only 43% (n=30) had good CPAP compliance. Therefore, majority (57%, n=39) of patients had poor compliance with CPAP. There was no association between age, gender, marital status and degree of OSA with distressed personality. Interestingly, overall 90% (n=36) of patients having poor acceptance and/or compliance possessed Type D personality as compared to 10% (n=3) non-type D CPAP users (p<0.000). Conclusion: Distressed personality possibly contributes towards poor CPAP adherence in Indian OSA patients. A multi-dimensional approach including intensive screening for personality profiles, use of patient education and behavior modifications at time of prescription of CPAP may help improve CPAP adherence.
Molecular simulations of self-assembled ceramide bilayers: comparison of structural and barrier properties

ABSTRACT Structural and transport properties of lipid bilayers consisting of pure ceramides are investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. Two different initial configurations are used: one where the lipids already form a pre-constructed bilayer and one obtained from the self-assemblage of lipids randomly distributed in an aqueous phase. The latter is created using the MARTINI coarse-grained forcefield followed by back-mapping to atomistic description using the CHARMM forcefield. It is found that the pre-constructed and the self-assembled bilayers have in general comparable structural properties. Nevertheless they exhibit certain differences with respect to the packing and conformation of the aliphatic chains, leading to a different energy barrier that a drug molecule such as ibuprofen must overcome in order to move along the bilayer normal. These results show that the choice of the initial lipids setup for molecular dynamics simulations of a lipid bilayer may have a significant impact on the simulation outcome and thus, the respective calculated structure and transport properties.
Exploiting Automated Technologies for Reduction of Rework in Construction Housing Supply Chain

Housing has been experiencing significant rework within the supply chain. Rework has afflicted both cost and schedule of projects due to the complex environment, intricate activities and highly fragmented nature of housing supply chain. Housing supply chain generate immense data and share information with different parties, which contribute to multitude of countless challenges. As a result of rework, productivity and workflow of information in construction supply chain has been affected with a catalogue of problems for the past few decades. Automation in construction supply chain with novel technological and analytical strategies has aspired industry to improve the productivity and change the trajectory of traditional, manual and analogue way of processing. The aim of this study is to explore possible opportunities of employing new technologies and challenges involved in utilising automated technologies for minimising rework in housing supply chain. The research methodology is based on a review of literature to investigate automated technologies to eliminate rework in housing supply chain. A conceptual framework is proposed to determine the suitability of various technologies to fully automate housing supply chain and facilitate the reduction of rework in construction housing supply chain. All rights are reserved for Diamond Congress Ltd., Budapest, Hungary, except the right of the authors to (re)publish their materials wherever they decide. This book is a working material for the Creative Construction Conference 2019
Understanding cultural participation through participation – inventiveness, multivalence and epistemic modernisation

ABSTRACT This article analyses the methodology of the “Reccord” research project, which had the dual ambition of (1) being participatory and (2) studying cultural participation within a specific type of under-researched cultural institution in which participation is frequently stressed as a key objective: cultural centres. To address how the methodology is understood as participatory, the article outlines five existing definitions of “a participatory methodology” – based on co-creation, co-decision, local project-building, empowerment and issue construction – and discusses to what extent these definitions can be used to understand the research setup and process, which was based on 20 exchange and data collection visits performed by cultural centre employees across Europe. The article argues that this kind of participatory research experiment is interesting for researchers and their cultural partners as it stresses inventiveness, creates a focus on multivalent research outcomes, and engages cultural institutions and workers in processes of epistemic modernisation.
A Model for Understanding the Processes, Characteristics, and the Community-valued Development Outcomes of Community-University Partnerships

The research investigates the processes and characteristics of communityvalued undergraduate community servicelearning (CSL) initiatives that are housed within longterm communityuniversity partnerships (CUPs). Using a case study design, the study used indepth, semistructured interviews, document review, and observation to understand three CSL/CUPs within a small, liberal arts university in Atlantic Canada. In total, 54 interviews were conducted with individuals involved with the partnerships, including the community organization partners, staff/volunteers of the community organizations, community residents, students, faculty, and university administrators. Part of the analysis process involved cowriting the stories of each of the CSL/CUPs with the community organization partner and the faculty member partner from each CSL/CUP. From the three CSL/CUP stories and current literature, a conceptual model was developed. This model depicts the processes (development, cocreation, implementation, and care) and key characteristics (reciprocity, dialogue, and praxis) of longterm CUPs that are committed to a shared domain and communityvalued development outcomes.
Whole exome analysis of individuals and families with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO)

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare, pediatric, autoinflammatory disease characterized by bone pain due to sterile osteomyelitis, and is often accompanied by psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease. There are two syndromic forms of CRMO, Majeed syndrome and DIRA, for which the genetic cause is known. However, for the majority of cases of CRMO, the genetic basis is unknown. Via whole-exome sequencing, we detected a homozygous mutation in the filamin-binding domain of FBLIM1 in an affected child with consanguineous parents. Microarray analysis of bone marrow macrophages from the CRMO murine model determined that the Fblim1 ortholog is the most differentially expressed gene, further implicating it in disease pathogenesis. We sequenced FBLIM1 in 96 CRMO subjects and found a second proband with a novel frameshift mutation in exon 6 and a rare regulatory variant. In SaOS2 cells, overexpressing the regulatory mutation showed the flanking region acts as an enhancer, and the mutation ablates enhancer activity. Our data implicate FBLIM1 in the pathogenesis of sterile bone inflammation and our findings suggest CRMO is a disorder of chronic inflammation and imbalanced bone remodeling.
Nurses as knowledge work agents: Measuring the impact of a clinical decision support system on nurses' perceptions of their practice and the work environment

Background: The HITECH act's financial incentives and meaningful use mandates have resulted in unprecedented rates of EHR and CDSS adoption. These systems are premised on evidenced-based guidelines, the standardization of care, and the reduction of subjective clinical decisions. They are designed to record clinical events, synchronize the efforts of care teams, facilitate the exchange of information, and improve the control and design of clinical processes. Knowledge workers are challenged to assimilate these changes into a deliberative and autonomous style of practice. Aims: The study examined the impact of a CDSS implementation on nurses' perceptions of their ability to perform aspects of knowledge work and on the nursing practice environment. Nurse and clinical unit characteristics were examined to identify those that predicted outcome variance. Methods: This study used The Impact of Health Information Technology (I-HIT) and The Essentials of Magnetism II (EOM II) instruments. Guided by the Quality Health Outcomes Model, this pre-post, quasiexperimental study includes t-tests, repeated measure and univariate general linear model regression analyses. Two groups comprised the convenience sample of 1,045 nurses: a paired (n=458) and independent (n=587). Results: The functionality of the CDSS was perceived to reduce nurses' ability to efficiently practice, communicate, share information, and interfered with workflow in ways that depersonalized care. Perceptions of the practice environment, interestingly, remained essentially unchanged, with slight improvements and no statistically significant declines. This included perceptions about autonomy, patient-centered values, professional satisfaction and quality care. Even though the CDSS's functionality interfered with practice, and may be poised to deemphasize subjective judgment and autonomy, nurses did not seem to reject the CDSS's ability to standardize aspects of care. This study also found that nurse and clinical unit characteristics such as clinical unit type, shift, expertise, race, and whether or not nurse education was obtained outside of the USA, explained more variance than years of experience, institutional tenure, and level of education. Conclusion: Results suggest that nursing science needs to investigate and advise the design of CDSSs, as well as, develop tactics to reap the benefits of processes and guidelines, while preserving knowledge works' emphasis on expertise, intuition, and holistic care. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Nursing This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/2375 First Advisor Kathryn H. Bowles
Built Environment Characteristics, Daily Travel, and Biometric Readings: Creation of an Experimental Tool Based on a Smartwatch Platform

Travel surveys can uncover information regarding travel behaviour, needs, and more. Collected information is utilised to make choices when reorganising or planning built environments. Over the years, methods for conducting travel surveys have changed from interviews and forms to automated travel diaries in order to monitor trips made by travellers. With the fast progression of technological advancements, new possibilities for operationalising such travel diaries can be implemented, changing from utilising mobile to wearable devices. Wearable devices are often equipped with sensors which collect continuous biometric data from sources that are not reachable from standard mobile devices. Data collected through wearable devices range from heart rate and blood pressure to temperature and perspiration. This advancement opens new possible layers of information in the collection of travel data. Such biometric data can be used to derive psychophysiological conditions related to cognitive load, which can uncover in-depth knowledge regarding stress and emotions. This paper aims to explore the possibilities of data analysis on the data collected through a software combining travel survey data, such as position and time, with heartrate, to gain knowledge of the implications of such data. The knowledge about the implications of spatial configurations can be used to create more accessible environments.
CLINICAL PATTERN OF ACUTE GALLSTONE PANCREATITIS IN MANIPUR

Acute pancreatitis occurs only in 4-8% of patients with gallstone disease and 50% acute pancreatitis recur within 1-6 months. As in other parts of country, the incidence of gallstone disease has been increasing in our region. This study has been carried out in our hospital to find out the disease pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS All the patients admitted with acute gallstone pancreatitis during the period were included. Various biochemical parameters and radiological investigations like x-ray, Ultrasonography (USG), Computerized Tomography (CT) of abdomen were done in all patients. The treatment plan was focused on adequate initial resuscitation, supportive care and early detection of complications. Duration of stay in the hospital, complications and followup were recorded. RESULTS Thirty two patients were included in the study; 41-60 years was the most common age group. Male:Female ratio was 1:2.2. Meitei was most commonly affected ethnic group. Epigatric pain and tenderness were the most common clinical features. Most (75%) of the patient’s serum amylase was above three times the upper normal limit. Ultrasonography diagnosed 75% of cases, whereas computerized tomography diagnosed 100%. Average hospital stay was 8 days. Complications included pleural effusion and pseudocyst. CONCLUSION Genetic basis of occurrence of gallstone pancreatitis among the various ethnic groups of Manipur needs to be addressed. Serum amylase and ultrasonography were useful initial diagnostic modality. The acceptance of index cholecystectomy in our local population is very low and the awareness of treatment modalities has to be increased.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE CONTROLLABLE PARAMETERS IN TURNING OF EN AW-2011 ALLOY; DRY MACHINING AND ALTERNATIVE COOLING TECHNIQUES

The latest trends in machining research show that great efforts are being made to understand the impact of different cooling and lubrication techniques as well as cutting parameters on machining performances. This paper presents the investigation results of different cutting parameters and different cutting environments such as dry machining, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and minimum quantity lubrication with compressed cold air (MQL+CCA) on average surface roughness, cutting force and material removal rate. The experiments were designed based on three input parameters and three different cutting environments when turning of EN AW-2011 alloy. Taguchi-based grey relational analysis was used to identify the optimal process parameters by which minimum values of surface roughness, minimum value of cutting force and maximum value of material removal rate will be achieved. The results showed that minimum quantity lubrication in the stream of compressed cold air, in comparison to dry and minimum quantity lubrication machining, gives the best machining performances. Therefore, the use of MQL + CCA method, which reduces the amount of lubricant may represent in the described extent of turning operations an alternative to turning processes most often carried out by wet method that causes considerable costs for purchasing, maintaining and using cutting fluids.
Role of the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 in hypertensive end-organ damage

Hypertension is a prevalent disease affecting one in three adults in the United States. Approximately 25 % of the adult population is either not receiving therapy for their hypertension or is unable to control their blood pressure with current therapies, making treatment of hypertension an important public health goal. In blood pressure regulation, PGE2 can act in a pro-hypertensive or anti-hypertensive manner. It has been demonstrated that EP2 and EP4 receptors mediate the vasodepressor actions of PGE2 and EP1 and EP3 receptors mediate the vasopressor actions of PGE2. Additionally, PGE2 and the EP1 receptor have been demonstrated to mediate at least part of the actions of angiotensin II. I sought to determine the contribution of EP1 and/or EP3 receptors to hypertensive end-organ damage and diabetic nephropathy. In this dissertation, I utilize mice with genetic disruption of EP1 or EP3 receptors and characterize the outcomes of several models of hypertensive organ damage. In the Nphx/DOCA-NaCl/Ang II model of hypertension, I have demonstrated that disruption of EP1 or EP3 can afford substantial protection from end-organ damage and reduce incidence of mortality. The beneficial effects of EP1 disruption, and likely EP3 disruption, appear to be a result of reduction in MAP in this model. The use of another model involving uninephrectomy and Ang II on a 129S6 background suggests the EP1 receptor plays an important role in hypertensive renal disease independent of blood pressure reduction. Furthermore, genetic disruption of EP1 protected eNOS-/- mice from diabetes-induced proteinuria, independent of blood pressure reduction. In summary, the data presented in this dissertation advances our knowledge of the role of EP1 and EP3 receptors in hypertension and subsequent sequalae and demonstrate a detrimental role of EP1 in this disease. Targeting the EP1 receptor may be a viable pharmaceutical treatment strategy for hypertension and subsequent organ damage.
Gamifying elderly care: Feasibility of a digital gaming solution for active aging

Background and Objectives: Aging society is a social health issue that digital gaming solutions can address by enabling both infrastructures as advanced environments for care and patients as active people in their aging. Cost-effective patient management may be emphasized thanks to the communication protocols that allow remote monitoring and intervention by medical professionals. Services for elderly depend on their behavior and lifestyle toward personal health management. Digital games could increase seniors' engagement and motivation. However, a few studies have looked at the acceptance of digital games by the elderly. The study here presented aims to evaluate the feasibility of a gaming rehabilitation platform. Materials and Methods: In Singapore, fifty elderly practiced 30-min sessions and evaluated their experience with a new tool based on game scenarios for rehabilitation. Results: Results are discussed in the light of Davis' Technology Acceptance Model, highlighting mainly a good perceived usefulness of the service. Conclusions: This preliminary study is encouraging the spread of digital medical games for old patients.