Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation in Nursing: Historical Analysis and Theoretical Modeling in Support of a Targeted Clinical Training Intervention

The use of simulation is widespread in healthcare education, and the potential impact of its use large. This is especially true for nursing education as we look to address problems with obtaining clinical experiences, develop critical thinking skills and create methods to measure the impact of simulation interventions. There is substantial empirical evidence in support of predictive relationships between simulation training interventions and knowledge acquisition. This has been extensively demonstrated with the use of a variety of simulation training modalities from standardized patients to human patient simulators. However, data to support changes in clinical practice and improved patient outcomes are quite limited, including attempts to measure the impact of simulation education on retention and transference of knowledge and skill for more complex healthcare process. Additionally, literature searches reveal that only a handful of authors have engaged in the types of foundational work that any emerging science needs. For example, while pieces of the simulation process have been examined in detail, few have attempted to describe what the process of simulation entails at a macro level. Within the past few years some researchers have begun to ask whether there is a causal or predictive relationship present, but few have explored what these associations may look like structurally and what the evidence for them is. The overall objectives of this current research were to: 1) perform an historical review of simulation in healthcare; 2) use this review to outline a new theoretical model of healthcare simulation; and, 3) conduct a small-scale study aimed at pilot-testing and describing part of that model. Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) was used to derive an optimum task set for the standard induction of general anesthesia (OTS-SIGA). New Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) were trained to this task set, and their adherence to the process steps in the clinical setting was then assessed. We also attempted to measure whether repeating the HTA-derived OTS-SIGA simulation training would have an impact on knowledge and transference of simulation-developed skills to the clinical environment. These measures necessitated the development of associated data collection tools and processes for rater training.
Protein structural class prediction using predicted secondary structure and hydropathy profile

Protein structural class prediction is a significant classification problem in the domain of bioinformatics. Knowledge of protein structural classes contributes to an understanding of protein folding patterns, and this has made research in predicting structural classes a major topic of interest. In this paper, some newly developed features extracted from secondary structure sequence and hydropathy sequence are used to classify proteins into one of the four major structural classes: all-α, all-β, α/β and α+β. The prediction accuracy using these features compares favourably with some existing successful methods. We use Support Vector Machines (SVM), since this learning method has well-known efficiency in solving this classification problem. On a standard dataset (25PDB), the proposed system has an overall accuracy of 89% with as few as 22 features, whereas the previous best performing method had an accuracy of 88% using 2510 features.
Spectral transforms for the high definitions television images

This article provides justification for the choice of spectral transforms high-definition television images. Comparing of compression ratios carried out for several classes of families of wavelet transform. In this work it was evaluated the range of required compression ratios. The highest compression ratio provides symmetrical biorthogonal wavelets, but they have a large variance. The peak signal to noise ratio selected as an objective criterion of the quality of the restored after the forward and reverse spectral image conversion. For a given compression ratio against the greatest signal to noise ratio provide biorthogonal wavelets, but this coefficient varies according to the structure from the image. The visual image quality at the same signal-to-noise ratio is different.
Detection of time spoofing attacks on GPS synchronized phasor measurement units

This paper builds a foundation for detecting spoofed GPS signals through multiple PMU comparison. Frequency measurements from PMUs in ERCOT and the Eastern Grid are used as the basis for calculations and simulated GPS signal time shifts. When PMUs in a single control area are compared, the difference between the individual PMU's frequency-based integrated time error and the average time error between PMUs is small, but when forced by a spoofed time-shifting signal, this difference becomes significant and detectable. Positive and negative phase angle shifts are considered, and an example of calculations during a significant power system transient is shown. The detection of fast or slow time-shifting events is possible by using a sliding averaging window with the frequency measurements.
Honey, I shrunk the keys: influences of mobile devices on password composition and authentication performance

In this paper, we present the results of two studies on the influence of mobile devices on authentication performance and password composition. A pre-study in the lab (n = 24) showed a lower performance for password-entry on mobile devices, in particular on smartphones. The main study (n = 450) showed a trend that alphanumeric passwords are increasingly created on smartphones and tablets. Moreover, a negative effect on password security could be observed as users fall back to using passwords that are easier to enter on the respective devices. This work contributes to the understanding of mobile password-entry and its effects on security in the following ways: (a) we tested different types of commonly used passwords (b) on all relevant devices, and (c) we present analytic and empirical evidence for the differences that (d) are likely to influence overall security or reduce secure behavior with respect to password-entry on mobile devices.
Double-stranded coarse grained model for DNA: applications to supercoiling and denaturation

DNA supercoiling is the name given to the under or overwinding of the two strands of a DNA double helix. It is of great interest because it is relevant in several crucial biological processes. However, the principles governing its dynamics and its precise role under different circumstances remain elusive. Despite advances in single molecule experimental techniques, measuring supercoiling dynamics persist a challenge; this is where computer simulations are useful. In this thesis, I first introduce a single-nucleotide resolution coarse-grained computational model of DNA, that faithfully reproduces the geometry of the double-stranded helix and also part of its elastic behaviour. The dynamic of the system is implemented using a molecular dynamics scheme, and the results obtained are interpreted through methods of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. I then employ this model to specifically study DNA supercoiling. This phenomenon, although topological in nature, is extremely important for the survival of cells because it has a deep impact on the regulation of gene expression, the compaction of DNA inside the cell and DNA replication. In particular, this work finds its motivations in: (i) an experimentally unresolved problem about the effect of supercoiling on DNA melting; (ii) the dynamics of supercoiling under physiological conditions during transcription; and (iii) the relation between supercoiling and DNA-binding proteins. Given that these phenomena may be relevant in vivo, they have recently received a a great deal of attention. However, until now, no computational model existed to study these kind of process. The techniques used here have been successful in providing insight into the key elements in the system. This would have been impossible before by using, for example, 1D models. The major achievement of this work is the quantitative characterisation of the role played by DNA supercoiling in a range of situations that are commonly found in vivo.
Metabolism and excretion of [14C]taranabant, a cannabinoid-1 inverse agonist, in humans

Taranabant (N-[(1S,2S)-3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(3-cyanophenyl)-1-methylpropyl]-2-methyl-2-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]oxy}propanamide or MK-0364) is an orally active inverse agonist of the cannabinoid 1 (CB-1) receptor that was under development for the management of obesity. The metabolism and excretion of taranabant were investigated following a single oral dose of 5 mg/201 μCi [14C]taranabant to six healthy male subjects. The overall excretion recovery of the administered radioactivity was nearly quantitative (∼ 92%), with the majority of the dose (∼ 87%) excreted into faeces and a much smaller fraction (∼ 5%) into urine. Taranabant was absorbed rapidly, with Cmax of radioactivity attained at 1–2-h postdose. The parent compound and its monohydroxylated metabolite, M1, were the major radioactive components circulating in plasma and comprised ∼ 12–24% and 33–42%, respectively, of the plasma radioactivity for up to 48 h. A second monohydroxylated metabolite, designated as M1a, represented ∼ 10–12% of the radioactivity in the 2- and 8-h postdose plasma profiles. Metabolite profiles of the faeces samples consisted mainly of the (unabsorbed) parent compound and multiple diastereomeric carboxylic acid derivatives derived from oxidation of the geminal methyl group of the parent compound and of the hydroxylated metabolite/s. These data suggest that, similar to rats and monkeys, taranabant is primarily eliminated in humans via oxidative metabolism and excretion of metabolites via the biliary/faecal route.
Inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP on arachidonic acid release and inositol phospholipid metabolism in guinea pig neutrophils.

The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP on arachidonic acid release, inositol phospholipid metabolism, and Ca2+ mobilization was investigated. The chemotactic tripeptide (formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP))-induced arachidonic acid release in neutrophils was significantly inhibited by PGE2, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP. Among them, PGE2 was found to be the most potent inhibitor. However, when neutrophils were stimulated by Ca2+ ionophore A23187, such inhibitory effect by these agents was less marked. PGE2 also suppressed the enhanced incorporation of [32P]Pi into phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylinositol in a dose-dependent manner in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. Also in this case, Ca2+ ionophore-induced alterations were hardly inhibited by PGE2. As well, PGE2 inhibited the fMLP-induced decrease of [3H]arachidonic acid in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol and the increase in PA very significantly. But the inhibitory effect by PGE2 was found to be weak in Ca2+ ionophore-stimulated neutrophils. These results suggest that a certain step from receptor activation to Ca2+ influx is mainly inhibited by PGE2. Concerning polyphosphoinositide breakdown, PGE2 did not affect the fMLP-induced decrease of [32P]phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate which occurred within 10 s but inhibited the subsequent loss of [32P]phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and [32P]phosphatidylinositol, suggesting that the compensatory resynthesis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was inhibited. On the other hand, fMLP-induced diacylglycerol formation was suppressed for the early period until 1 min, but with further incubation, diacylglycerol formation was rather accelerated by PGE2. Moreover, the inhibition of PA formation by PGE2 became evident after a 30-s time lag, suggesting that the conversion of diacylglycerol to PA is inhibited by PGE2. The formation of water-soluble products of inositol phospholipid degradation by phospholipase C, such as inositol phosphate, inositol 1,4-bisphosphate, and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, was also suppressed by PGE2 treatment. However, the inhibition was not so marked as that of arachidonic acid release and PA formation. Thus, PGE2 appeared to inhibit not only initial events such as polyphosphoinositide breakdown but also turnover of inositol phospholipids. PGE2, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP did not block the rapid elevation of intracellular Ca2+ which was observed within 10 s in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. However, subsequent increase in intracellular Ca2+ which was caused from 10 s to 3 min after stimulation was inhibited by PGE2, forskolin, and dibutyryl cAMP. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Suboptimum reproductive performance among dairy herds in Uganda

Suboptimum reproductive performance affects the overall profitability of dairy herds. In order to manage this condition, there is need to clearly understand the different forms in which it presents, as well as its possible risk factors under the Ugandan context. This review study was conducted to highlight the different forms of suboptimum reproductive performances among Ugandan dairy herds through literatures from previous studies. At the same time, underscores the coexistence of risk factors of suboptimum reproductive performance among the same dairy herds in Uganda. In Uganda, dairy cattle experienced pathological postpartum cycling patterns, delayed calving to first service intervals, long calving intervals, low pregnancy rates and high abortion rates. Inadequate nutrition, management errors and infectious genital diseases such brucellosis and bovine viral diarrhea were common in these herds. There is need to undertake studies that link the different forms of suboptimum reproductive performance and their possible risk factors. Key words: Suboptimum reproductive performance, postpartum pathological anestrous, infectious genital diseases.
Identification of a novel ovine PrP polymorphism and scrapie-resistant genotypes for St. Croix White and a related composite breed

Susceptibility to scrapie is primarily controlled by polymorphisms in the ovine prion protein gene (PRNP). Here, we report a novel ovine exon three PRNP polymorphism (SNP G346C; P116), its association with the ovine ARQ allele (P116A136R154Q171), and two new genotypes (PARQ/ARR; PARQ/ARQ) for the St. Croix White (SCW) breed and a related composite (CMP) breed developed for meat production. The (P116) polymorphism occurs between the N-terminal cleavage site and the hydrophobic region of the ovine prion protein, a region which exhibits extreme conservation across mammalian taxa. The relatively high frequency (0.75) of resistant ARR alleles and the absence of ARQ alleles for the SCW ewes used as breeding stock for CMP resulted in significant genic differentiation (P = 0.0123; S.E. = 0.00113). Additionally, the majority of the SCW (66.7%) and CMP (65.4%) sampled possessed genotypes considered resistant or nearly resistant to scrapie and experimental BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
On expert performance in 3D curve-drawing tasks

A study is described which examines the drawing accuracy of experts when drawing foreshortened projections of 3D curves in ecologically-valid conditions. The main result of this study is that the distribution of error in expert drawings exhibits a bias similar to that previously observed in non-expert subjects, which is dependent on the degree of foreshortening of the imagined drawing surface. A review of existing perceptual studies also finds that only absolute 2D image-space error has been considered, which has been found to be largest with viewing angles of 25--55°. Our visualizations of 3D error indicate that 3D bias continues to increase with decreasing viewing angle. Based on these findings, we analyze current 3D curve drawing techniques for susceptibility to foreshortening bias, and make some suggestions for future sketch-based modeling systems.
Tear‐film lipid layer morphology and corneal sensation in the development of blinking in neonates and infants

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of lipid layer thickness and corneal sensation in the development of blinking in neonates. The study group comprised sixty‐four neonates and infants (mean age 27.5 ± 15 (sd) weeks, range 3.4–52) whose mothers were attending a general practice healthy baby clinic. Spontaneous eye‐blink activity was determined from digital videographic recordings; tear film lipid layer morphology wasexamined using interference patterns produced by the Keeler Tearscope™ Plus over a five‐point grading scale (higher grades are associated with thick and stable lipid films); corneal sensation threshold was assessed with the Non‐Contact Corneal Aesthesiometer (NCCA), using the eye‐blink response as an objective indication that the cooling stimulus had been felt; palpebral aperture dimensions were measured using calibrated digital still images of the eye in the primary position. The overall mean spontaneous blink‐rate was found to be 3.6 (± 0.3) blinks min−1, and the mean interblink time was 21.6 (± 2.8) s. The lowest blink‐rates were observed in the 0–17‐week age group (average 2 blinks min−1). The blink‐rate showed a highly significant correlation with age (r = 0.46, P < 0.01). The overall mean lipid layer grading was 3.6 (± 0.2 SE) arbitrary units. Higher grades were found in the newborn and the mean grading score reduced with age (P < 0.01). The mean sensation threshold to blink (TTB) was 0.69 (0.04 SE) mbar, which did not differ from a control group of older subjects (P > 0.05). There was a rapid increase in palpebral aperture length and width from birth to 1 year old, with surface area increasing by 50% over the same period. We concluded that the low rate of spontaneous eye blink activity in neonates is associated with a thick stable lipid layer that may be a function of a small palpebral aperture. Furthermore, neonates appear to have the capacity to detect ocular surface cooling, which is a major trigger for spontaneous blinking.
Induction of endocardial cushion tissue in the avian heart is regulated, in part, by TGFbeta-3-mediated autocrine signaling.

Valvuloseptal morphogenesis of the primitive heart tube into a four-chambered organ requires the formation of endocardial cushion tissue. The latter is the outcome of an inductive interaction in which endocardial (endothelial) cells are induced to transform into mesenchyme by paracrine signals secreted by the adjacent myocardium. In this study, we propose that transforming endothelial/mesenchymal cells themselves secrete a factor-TGFbeta-3-that functions in an autocrine mode to promote/sustain mesenchyme formation and possibly in a paracrine manner to amplify the original (myocardial) inductive event. Cushion mesenchyme-conditioned medium, previously demonstrated to be an endogenous source of autocrine, migration-promoting factors, was found in the present study to contain TGFbeta-3, as detected by immunoblot analysis. Immunoneutralization of TGFbeta-3 in preparations of cushion mesenchyme-conditioned medium resulted in a failure of treated target endocardial cells to migrate as mesenchyme, whereas inclusion of a control antibody did not inhibit the migration-promoting activity of the conditioned medium. Similar to treatment with the conditioned medium, direct addition of TGFbeta-3 to target endocardial cells also elicited invasive migration but only in cultures which had been activated in vivo by inductive interaction with the myocardium prior to treatment. Selective inhibition of TGFbeta-3-mediated autocrine signaling in continuous cocultures of endocardium plus myocardium resulted in endocardial cells which did not migrate, even though they had expressed early markers associated with endocardial cell activation (e.g., alpha-smooth muscle actin, ES/130, and TGFbeta-3). Collectively, these results suggest that (i) two signaling pathways, myocardial and endocardial, are required to start and complete epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in cushion-forming regions of the heart and (ii) the endocardial pathway signals through iteration of TGFbeta-3 and is not functionally redundant to the myocardial pathway.
E-health and health care behaviour of parents of young children: a qualitative study

Abstract Objective: Internet plays a huge role in providing information about health care problems. However, it is unknown how parents use and perceive the internet as a source of information and how this influences health care utilisation when it comes to common complaints in infants. The objective was to evaluate the perception parents have on the role of internet in providing health care information on common symptoms in infants and its effects on health care utilisation. Design: A qualitative design was chosen. Setting and subjects: Parents were recruited from a population-based birth-cohort and selected purposefully. Main outcome measures: Semi-structured interviews were used to receive information of parentsʼ ideas. Thematic coding and constant comparison were used for interview transcript analysis. Results: Ten parents were interviewed. Parents felt anxious and responsible when their child displayed common symptoms, and appeared to be in need of information. They tried to obtain information from relatives, but more so from the internet, because of its accessibility. Nevertheless, information found on the internet had several limitations, evoked new doubts and insecurity and although parents compared information from multiple sources, only the physician was able to take away the insecurity. The internet did not interfere in the decision to consult the physician. Conclusions: Parents need information about their childrenʼs symptoms and the internet is a major resource. However, only physicians could take away their symptom-related doubts and insecurities and internet information did not play a role in parental decision making. Information gathered online may complement the information from physicians, rather than replace it. Key Points Internet plays an increasing role in providing health care information but it is unknown how this influences health care utilisation. Our study suggests that: Parents need information about their children’s symptoms and the internet is a major resource. However, only physicians could take away their symptom-related doubts and insecurities. Internet information did not play a role in parental decision making.
Targeted carbon conservation at national scales with high-resolution monitoring

Significance Land use is a principal driver of carbon emissions, either directly through land change processes such as deforestation or indirectly via transportation and industries supporting natural resource use. To minimize the effects of land use on the climate system, natural ecosystems are needed to offset gross emissions through carbon sequestration. Managing this critically important service must be achieved tactically if it is to be cost-effective. We have developed a high-resolution carbon mapping approach that can identify biogeographically explicit targets for carbon storage enhancement among all landholders within a country. Applying our approach to Perú reveals carbon threats and protections, as well as major opportunities for using ecosystems to sequester carbon. Our approach is scalable to any tropical forest country. Terrestrial carbon conservation can provide critical environmental, social, and climate benefits. Yet, the geographically complex mosaic of threats to, and opportunities for, conserving carbon in landscapes remain largely unresolved at national scales. Using a new high-resolution carbon mapping approach applied to Perú, a megadiverse country undergoing rapid land use change, we found that at least 0.8 Pg of aboveground carbon stocks are at imminent risk of emission from land use activities. Map-based information on the natural controls over carbon density, as well as current ecosystem threats and protections, revealed three biogeographically explicit strategies that fully offset forthcoming land-use emissions. High-resolution carbon mapping affords targeted interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rapidly developing tropical nations.