Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technology Affordance in an Information and Communication Technology Delivered Group Psychotherapy and Exercise Program for Older People With Depressive Symptoms: A Multiple Triangulation Qualitative Study

Abstract Background and Objectives Health and mental health interventions, such as psychotherapy and exercise programs, delivered via information and communication technology (ICT) may improve service access. However, adjustment among older people and in synchronous group interventions is more challenging. Technology affordance concerns the possibilities engendered by technology for various users and purposes and can help understand challenges in ICT-delivered groups and identify possible solutions. Research Design and Methods Adopting a multiple triangulation approach, we observed ICT-delivered groups of acceptance and commitment therapy and exercise for older people with depressive symptoms, conducted focus groups with older people who had received group psychotherapy with or without an exercise component, and obtained clinical notes from interventionists. We conducted a thematic analysis of the observation notes, focus group transcriptions, and clinical notes. Results Four focus groups were conducted with 22 participants (mean age = 72.6 years, standard deviation = 7.2, 86% female). We identified 3 challenges: (1) seeing–be seen dilemma, (2) speaking–hearing dilemma, and (3) blurred therapy–home boundary, and 2 solutions: (1) maneuvering layouts and collaborative tools, and (2) cross-platform mediated strategies. Participants struggled to observe the interventionist while simultaneously demonstrating their posture in front of a camera. Remaining silent and moderated turn-taking allowed for clearer hearing but limited interactions. Interruptions from the background environment and intersections of family living spaces disrupted audio-visual communication and jeopardized the sense of security. As a solution, interventionists maneuvered layouts and collaborative tools on teleconferencing applications to achieve intervention goals and provided support through different media. Discussion and Implications The identified challenges and potential solutions can be understood from interactivity, portability, temporality, persistence, and multimediality. Technology affordance can guide ICT-delivered group design by matching the affordance of various technologies and communication media with the characteristics of the intervention and users to enhance efficacy and avoid an unnecessary digital divide.
A spectral expansion‐based Fourier split‐step method for uncertainty quantification of the propagation factor in a stochastic environment

A chaos expanded Fourier split‐step method is derived and applied to a narrow‐angle parabolic equation. The parabolic equation has earlier been used to study deterministic settings. In this paper we develop a spectral‐based Fourier split‐step method that will take a limited degree of information about the environment into account. Our main focus is on proposing an efficient method for computational electromagnetics in stochastic settings. In this paper we study electromagnetic wave propagation in the troposphere in the case when the refraction index belongs to a uniform distribution.
PARASITIC CONTAMINATION OF VEGETABLES IN SELECTED LOCAL MARKETS IN ADEN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Fresh and raw vegetables may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the level of parasitic contamination in vegetables which are consumed raw in Aden governorate, Yemen. This is a descriptive analytic cross-sectional study in which six local markets were randomly selected. A total of 216 fresh vegetable samples including parsley (Petroselinum sativum), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), leek (Allium porrum), green onion (Allium cepa), and tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) were purchased from the selected markets and analysed using direct and iodine wet mount smear preparation. Modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Zinc sulphate flotation method were also used. Smears were examined by under the light microscope. Out of 216 vegetable samples, 166 (76.9%) were contaminated with one or more parasites. Parsley was the most contaminated (97.2%), followed by watercress (94.4%), lettuce (88.9%), leek (80.6%), green onion (77.8%), whereas the least contamination rate was in tomato (22.2%). Statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination rate was found between different types of vegetables (P < 0.05). The most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 75 (24.4%), followed by cyst of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 64 (20.9%), and Entamoeba coli 52 (16.8%). Significant difference was reported in prevalence rate between different parasitic species (? < 0.05). Vegetable samples collected from Dar Saad market, show the highest contamination rate (94.4%) while vegetables collected from Al Mansura market showed the lowest contamination rate(50.0%). However, the parasitic contamination rates were not significantly different for samples collected from different markets. This study highlighted the importance of raw vegetables as the potential source of transmission for intestinal parasites to humans. Prevention methods such as proper washing or cooking of vegetables before consumption should be conveyed to consumers. In addition, comprehensive health education and hygienic practices, including washing hands after handling vegetables, should be provided to sellers and consumers.
MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS: ARE MAKKAH MEDICAL STUDENTS SUFFICIENTLY AWARE OF IT?

1. Umm Al-Qura Medical College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. 2. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History
Do Derived Drought Indices Better Characterize Future Drought Change?

Current methods for climate change assessment ignore the significant differences in uncertainty in model projections of the two key constituents of drought, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. We present here a new basis for assessing future drought using climate model simulations that addresses this limitation. The new method estimates the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) in a two‐stage process. The first stage of our proposed approach is to derive the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) using reliable atmospheric variables, which are filtered with a wavelet‐based spectral transformation. This derived SPI is then converted to an equivalent SPEI by combining it with climate model evapotranspiration simulations. We assess the performance of our proposed approach across Australia. The consistency of general circulation model (GCM) drought projections, in terms of both frequency and severity, is improved using the derived SPI. Incorporating evapotranspiration further improves the consistency of the multiple GCMs and drought time scales. The proposed framework can also be generalized to other water resources applications, where the differences in GCM uncertainty for precipitation and evapotranspiration affect climate change impact assessments.
Improved distances to stars common to TGAS and RAVE

We combine parallaxes from the first Gaia data release with the spectrophotometric distance estimation framework for stars in the fifth RAVE survey data release. The combined distance estimates are more accurate than either determination in isolation - uncertainties are on average two times smaller than for RAVE-only distances (three times smaller for dwarfs), and 1.4 times smaller than TGAS parallax uncertainties (two times smaller for giants). We are also able to compare the estimates from spectrophotometry to those from Gaia, and use this to assess the reliability of both catalogues and improve our distance estimates. We find that the distances to the lowest log g stars are, on average, overestimated and caution that they may not be reliable. We also find that it is likely that the Gaia random uncertainties are smaller than the reported values. As a byproduct we derive ages for the RAVE stars, many with relative uncertainties less than 20 percent. These results for 219566 RAVE sources have been made publicly available, and we encourage their use for studies that combine the radial velocities provided by RAVE with the proper motions provided by Gaia. A sample that we believe to be reliable can be found by taking only the stars with the flag notification flag_any=0
Observations of Thin First Year Sea Ice Using a Suite of Surface Radar, LiDAR, and Drone Sensors

Abstract Arctic sea ice is rapidly transitioning into a perennial first year ice pack and this is being observed with satellite remote sensing. Satellite image interpretation requires accurate knowledge of the physical conditions and how they give rise to the microwave scattering response that is present within a single image pixel. This study addresses this issue through a focused remote sensing study of thin first year sea ice. We present results from an experiment that fused datasets from surface-based C- and Ku-band polarimetric scatterometers, LiDAR, and drone-based optical and thermal infrared sensors. We grew frost-flower-covered thin first year sea ice in a mesocosm facility and measured the time-series evolution of C- and Ku-band scattering response as it evolved into snow-covered sea ice. Drone surveys, LiDAR scans, and physical sampling provided complementary characterization of the ice. Results quantify the sensitivity of C- and Ku-band to the presence of frost flowers, the addition of snow, and the meteorological conditions. Drone surveys enhanced the characterization by rapidly performing observations over a larger representative region. In essence, they are helping to close the gap between surface-based sensing and satellite imagery. Furthermore, this study complements and enhances our understanding of the snow-covered sea ice system.
Sums of generalized convergent harmonic series with eight periodically repeated numerators

This contribution deals with the generalized convergent harmonic series with eight periodically repeated numerators and it is a follow-up to author’s papers dealing with the generalized alternating harmonic series with two up to seven periodically repeated numerators. It is derived the only expression of the last numerator depending on preceding numerators for which this series converges. Then the formula for the sum of this series is analytically derived. This analytical result is numerically verified by using the CAS Maple 16.
Diffractive Theory Study of Twisted Light's Evolution during Phase-Only OAM Manipulations

Twisted light, or orbital angular momentum (OAM) carrying beams or photons, is a pillar of structured photonics, a booming subfield of modern optics. The generation and transformation of twisted light, which lie with coupling topological charges into target light’s wavefunctions, are usually performed by phase-only OAM manipulations. The practical twisted lights, however, obtained by this method are actually noneigen modes of free space, leading to an evolution through the diffractive propagation. Here, we present a general theoretical frame for accurately describing this evolution. Based on the theory, the whole diffractive propagation history in a typical OAM-manipulation loop, converting Gaussian light into a twisted one and then reconverting back, is demonstrated via a set of exact analytical solutions. These results provide a powerful tool for analyzing the transverse profiles of twisted light through the diffractive evolution, as a guideline for studying the science of structured light, which would provide guidelines for research studies in nonlinear optics and high-dimensional quantum information technology based on OAM-degree of freedom.
Establishing the grouping principle of public services based on the analysis of similarity coefficients

The object of this study is the process of identifying implicit relationships between public services and the process of forming portfolios and groups of services determined on the basis of the formulated principle of combining services. The task to identify groups of interconnected services, which is relevant in view of the processes of digital transformation in the field of public services, was addressed. Expanding portfolios of public services thru the formed groups of interconnected services could make it possible to better take into account the interests of users, as well as simplify the process of development and reengineering of public services. The proposed approach to form groups of services would reduce the cost and complexity of reengineering services or converting them into electronic form. The result of research is a new principle of combining or grouping services, which is based on the methods of intelligent analysis. The basis of the proposed principle of forming groups of services is a simple and effective mathematical apparatus of applying similarity coefficients to establish the similarity of sets, which has not yet been used in the field of public services. The presence of interrelationships between services was established based on the analysis of Jaccard and Sorensen similarity coefficients. An algorithm for forming groups of services based on a new principle has been developed. The relationship between services was established as a result of the analysis of the composition of services, that is, the documents or data necessary for the provision of these services. This allows applying the proposed approach without restrictions and additional conditions. The developed algorithm also allows for «What-if» analysis of the obtained results. An illustrative example was considered: for a set of 10 services, 4 groups of services are formed. Suggestions for applying the proposed approach are provided
An analysis of the benefits, challenges and methods of process selection to adopt robotic process automation

Purpose - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging business tool that has gained the attention of organizations aiming to improve and transform their processes. However, RPA is not a solution that fits all existing scenarios and thus carefully-considered analysis is required before its implementation. This study aimed to carry out an analysis of the benefits, challenges and methods of selecting the most appropriate processes to be prioritized in RPA implementation projects.Theoretical framework - In addition to the basic concepts, the article was based on research in the literature that specifically deals with characteristics and methods for selecting processes to be automated with RPA.Design/methodology/approach - This is an applied, qualitative and exploratory research study that has adopted the literature review method to identify characteristics related to RPA technology. Articles were searched for from three academic sources: Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science.Findings - In addition to cost savings, the benefits identified were accuracy, productivity, and consistency. Benefits obtained in several areas of the industry were also synthesized. As challenges, common mistakes in projects where automation implementation failed and problems multiplied, such as a lack of training and support, were identified and listed. Finally, methods considering different characteristics and criteria were described in order to define organizational processes most compatible with RPA.Research, Practical & Social implications - Thus, the study seeks to contribute to the decision-making of those wishing to understand and introduce this technology into their organizations, enabling them to appropriately select processes to be automated with RPA.Originality/value - Despite the rapid development of the market in relation to process automation, no single model or guide for the proper selection of processes to be automated with RPA was identified, and each method found in the literature has specific characteristics.Keywords - RPA; Robotic Process Automation; Benefits; Challenges; Methods.
12 YEARS OF ATMOSPHERIC MONITORING BY THE PLANETARY FOURIER SPECTROMETER ONBOARD MARS EXPRESS

Marco Giuranna 1 , 1 Institute for Space Astrophysics and Planetology (IAPS), National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF), Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Roma, Italy (marco.giuranna@iaps.inaf.it), P. Wolkenberg 1,2 , 2 Space Research Centre of Polish Academy of Sciences, Bartycka 18A, Warsaw, Poland, D. Grassi 1 , A. Aronica 1 , S. Aoki 1,3 , 3 Department of Geophysics, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan, V. Formisano 1,† , D. Scaccabarozzi 4 , B. Saggin 4 , 4 Department of Mechanics, Politecnico di Milano, Campus of Lecco, via G. Previati 1c, 23900, Lecco, Italy
Prevalence of frailty, pre-frailty and geriatric syndromes in pe-ople aged 60 or more that use the Cofrentes spa: a pilot study

A longevity and balneotherapy treatment program has been initiated at the Cofrentes Medical Spa, including the development of the Rosita Longevity App. The objective of this study is to determine the health profiles (degree of frailty and pre-frailty) by means of Fried Frailty Phenotype questionnaire and the prevalence of geriatric syndromes in people over 60 doing balneotherapy at the spa, considering that the thermal environment is an ideal place to treat these types of syndromes and to delay their progress. Thermal/spa facilities often receive older patients with osteo-articular and musculoskeletal conditions. To assess the grade of the functionality, quality of life, depression, nutritional risk, cognitive state, insomnia, and the risk of falls, specific questionnaires were used. Out of a total of 43 participants, 30 were women (69.7%), and 22 older than 70 y (51.1%). There were 2 frail (4.6%) and 20 prefrail (46.5%). Conclusions: more than half of the people older than 60 who visit the Cofrentes spa present a functionality deficit condition. Women present a lower quality of life than men. The more affected items in the prefrail population were grip strength and physical activity. Health Resort Medicine is an ideal place to detect these aspects.
Collaborative Writing in the Intelligence Community

With new and evolving technology and ever-increasing remote collaboration, intelligence reporting processes are at a crossroads. Key questions about how best to collaboratively produce reports to get the right information to the right decision-makers in the right context are more important than ever. This research project has attempted to address one part of the puzzle: How can reports be produced collaboratively? In this article, throughout two studies, the researchers documented the processes of report generation and consumption as well as assessed three collaborative writing strategies to gain valuable research data and to aid analysts with collaborative reporting, improve collaboration, and advance reporting methodology within the Intelligence Community.
Metformin Treatment is Associated with Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Heart Failure in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: Patients receiving intensive care often have diabetes mellitus (DM) together with chronic heart failure (CHF). In these patients, the use of metformin in intensive care is controversial. This study was aimed at assessing the mortality rates of patients with DM and CHF treated with metformin. Methods: The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database was used to identify patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CHF. A 90-day mortality comparison was conducted between patients who were and were not administered metformin. Propensity score matching analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression were used to ensure the robustness of our results. Results: A total of 2153 patients (180 receiving metformin and 1973 not receiving metformin) with T2DM and CHF were included in the study. The 90-day mortality rates were 30.5% (601/1971) and 5.5% (10/182) in the non-metformin and metformin groups, respectively. In the propensity score matching analyses, metformin use was associated with a 71% lower 90-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.59; P < 0.001). The results were insensitive to change when sensitivity analyses were performed. Conclusion: Metformin treatment may decrease the mortality risk in critically ill patients with T2DM and CHF in the intensive care unit.
CFD/Quasi-Steady Coupled Trim Analysis of Diptera-type Flapping Wing MAV in Steady Flight

Title of dissertation: CFD/Quasi-Steady Coupled Trim Analysis of Diptera-type Flapping Wing MAV in Steady Flight Dissertation directed by: Dr. James D. Baeder, Department of Aerospace Engineering The nuances in flapping wing aerodynamics are not yet fully understood to the extent where concepts can be translated to practical designs. Trimmed flight is a fundamental concept for aircraft in general. It describes the flight condition when there are no accelerations on the vehicle. From an engineering perspective, trim estimation is essential for performance analysis and flapping wing vehicle design. Without an efficient trim algorithm, trial-and-error based identification of the trimmed wing kinematics is computationally expensive for any flight condition, because the large number of simulations required make the process impractical. In a global sense the nature of forces produced by flapping wings closely resemble those on a helicopter blade, such that an analogy can be drawn between the two. Therefore, techniques developed for helicopter performance calculations are adapted and applied to the flapping wing platform particularly for analyzing steady flight. Using a flight dynamic model of the insect, which comes embedded with simplified quasisteady wing aerodynamics and is coupled to high-fidelity CFD analysis, trim solutions are obtained in realistic time frames. This procedure is analogous to rotorcraft periodic coupling for trim. This multi-fidelity approach, where many quasi-steady calculations are combined with a judicious number of CFD simulations, may be used in parametric sweeps and design studies to improve hover and cruise performance. It was shown that the coupled trim methodology based on the QS model is capable of driving the CFD towards a stable trim solution. In forward flight the trim procedure tilts the stroke plane resulting in lift generation during downstroke and propulsive force during upstroke. The airloads, thrust and power are affected by the trim parameters, and the CFD/QS methodology accurately accounted for these inter-dependencies. Also it is observed that power initially decreases as an insect goes from hover to forward flight. Furthermore, the lift-to-power ratio versus average lift was identified as a principal efficiency metric to assess the performance of flapping-wing vehicles for a given geometry and kinematic parameters. CFD/Quasi-Steady Coupled Trim Analysis of Diptera-type Flapping Wing MAV in Steady Flight by Camli Badrya Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2016 Advisory Committee: Professor James D. Baeder, Chair/Advisor Professor Inderjit Chopra Assistant Professor Anya R. Jones Professor James Duncan Professor Amir Riaz, Dean’s Representative © Copyright by Camli Badrya 2016 Dedication To the loving memory of my grandfather, Suliman Badrya (1936 2016).