Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cochlear Implant Fixation using Titanium Screws

INTRODUCTION A crucial step during successful cochlear implantation involves stable fixation of the receiver-stimulator portion of the cochlear implant (CI) against the skull. The CI is placed subcutaneously and secured in a bony “well” that is drilled in the diploic bone posterior and superior to the mastoid cavity. This is important because device migration can predispose to infection, extrusion, and the need for revision surgery. Secure fixation also allows the device to follow the contour of the skull, minimizing irritation and trauma to the overlying skin flap. A variety of methods are currently used to secure the device. The most common approach involves drilling holes outside of the well and passing a nondissolvable suture that is tied down over the receiver-stimulator. The creation of these holes and the bony well can be challenging and relatively time consuming, especially when drilling under a retracted skin flap from a minimally invasive incision. Dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid leaks, iatrogenic dehiscence of the thin bone bridge between the hole and well, and trauma to the overlying skin or muscle flap are potential complications of this approach. These problems are more apparent when drilling on the thin diploic bone of pediatric patients and can add unnecessary minutes to the length of the surgical procedure. Clearly, any refinement of this technique to enhance the safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of CI surgery are important from both a medical and economic perspective. Alternate methods to enhance efficiency of device stabilization use polypropylene mesh, titanium plates, resorbable plating systems, or Gore-Tex sheets secured with screws. These approaches provide stable fixation of the device, but the additional hardware needed for these two methods increases the cost of surgery and may increase the risk of infection at a site that will be exposed to repeated irritation with implant use. Metal plates increase the profile of the device and diminish the unique advantage of the smooth and nonreactive implant housing. We describe a technique for securing the receiverstimulator using standard nondissolvable sutures anchored on titanium screws rather than tie-down holes.
Field testing of two electronic mobility aid devices for persons who are deaf-blind

Abstract Purpose: To test a methodology for assessing the effects of electronic mobility aid devices (EMAD) on the mobility of persons who are deaf-blind in real-life situations. Method: A single-subject desing was done with four users followed in a program for persons who are deaf-blind. Participants were trained to use two commercial EMADs: the Miniguide and the Breeze. The Canadian Measure of Occupational Performance (CMOP) was administered before training (T1), after training (T2) and three months later (T3). The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) was administered at T2 and T3. A follow-up interview was conducted with the participants and clinicians at T3 to evaluate the benefits of the EMAD and any problems. Results: CMOP suggests that both performance and satisfaction improved following the use of both EMADs in four occupations (functional mobility, active leisure, community life and socialization). QUEST indicates high satisfaction with eight items except for one participant. Follow-up interviews revealed a wide variety of perceptions regarding EMAD use and seven problems although CMOP and QUEST indicated good satisfaction. Conclusion: A high satisfaction score on QUEST does not necessarily imply that an assistive device is efficient in all circumstances; follow-up interviews provided important complementary information. Implications for Rehabilitation For people who are deaf-blind The Miniguide is reliable for detecting obstacles (vibrations are sent as a warning when approaching an obstacle). It is often used to know if taking the right route. It identifies entrances or openings (indicated by the vibrations stopping when pointing at a wall), which can replace the echo-location for blind persons with hearing impairments. The Miniguide helped to locate overhanging objects which are not detectable with a long cane. The Breeze can record landmarks for orientation and it possible to use those landmarks to go back alone later after taking a certain route for the first time with someone else. It helps to familiarize the person with new places. It can tell you where you are at any time. It helps with orientation and the participant also liked this feature because it helped with learning street names. The Miniguide and the Breeze were not efficient in all circumstances; there were some problems with the ergonomic (both), detecting snow banks (Miniguide), sensitiveness to the surroundings in crowded places (Miniguide) and exactitude for geo-localization (Breeze).
Information Technology Strategy and Management: Best Practices

Information technology strategies are critical to business as they can deliver not only effective business operations, but also competitively differentiated products and services for firms. Yet many business and government enterprises have found their IT organizations to be misaligned with business strategies, or even worse, so dysfunctional that business values are actually destroyed instead of added.Information Technology Strategy and Management: Best Practices describes the principles and methodologies for crafting and executing a successful business-aligned IT strategy to provide businesses with value delivery. This book dispenses best practices in holistic management of businesses, people, and systems for IT strategy to researcher, educators, students, and IT professionals.
Poststroke Depression: Prevalence and Determinants in Brazilian Stroke Patients

Background: Poststroke depression (PSD) is one of the most important long-term adverse psychosocial consequences in stroke survivors. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of PSD in Brazilian stroke patients and identify significant associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of stroke patients consecutively admitted for rehabilitation was conducted. The patients were evaluated by means of the NIH Stroke Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index, Lawton Scale, modified Rankin Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and MOS-Short Form 36. Patients with a HADS-depression subscale score ≥11 and/or GDS score ≥8 were classified as depressed. Results: Three hundred stroke survivors were assessed (mean age: 56.3 years; 51.7% males). Half (46.7%) of the stroke patients had an m-RS score ≤2. The proportion of stroke patients who scored ≥11 points on the HADS-depression and HADS-anxiety subscales were 19.2 and 23.7%, respectively. One third (29.7%) had a GDS mean score ≥8. The GDS scores significantly correlated (p < 0.0001) with the HADS-depression (r = 0.51) and HADS-anxiety subscales (r = 0.54). The prevalence of mood disorders was significantly higher in females than in males (24.8 vs. 14.2%; x2, p = 0.03). PSD was significantly associated (p < 0.0001) with work status (housewife), education level, lower social and cognitive functioning, dependence in the instrumental activities of daily living and presence of diabetes in the multivariable regression analysis (R adjusted = 0.32). Conclusions: PSD was highly prevalent in the chronic phase of stroke. Early detection and recognition of associated risk factors is important to treat and prevent PSD in a rehabilitation setting.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Profile of Four Patients and Review

Four patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) are described. Two patients presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia and two with cardiac arrest from which they were successfully resuscitated. All four patients had typical electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features and fulfilled the task force criteria for diagnosis of ARVD/C. All four patients had T wave inversion in chest leads V1 to V4, and two had epsilon waves, and all four had premature ventricular complexes of left bundle branch block and left axis deviation pattern. All patients showed a markedly enlarged, thin and hypokinetic right ventricle. Three patients had implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted and are doing well. One patient who refused an ICD died suddenly 6 months after his initial presentation. Three surviving patients are on sotalol for suppression of ventricular tachycardia episodes triggering ICD shocks. A review of the existing literature on diagnosis of ARVD/C, its clinical presentation and natural history, its genetic basis, risk stratification, treatment, and prognosis is presented.
Explaining the parental stress of fathers and mothers caring for a child with intellectual disability: a Double ABCX Model.

BACKGROUND Twenty variables based on the Double ABCX Model of adaptation and selected on the basis of previous research were chosen to explain the parental stress of the mothers (n = 116) and fathers (n = 120) of children with an intellectual disability (age range = 1- 10 years). METHODS Principal component analysis, rotated into varimax-criterion, was done separately for mothers and fathers. The solution containing eight factors was considered best for both groups. They accounted for more than 70% of the total variance of the original variables. These eight orthogonal components were then entered into a stepwise regression analysis that was done separately for mothers and fathers. RESULTS The multiple regression equations obtained explained 72% of the variance in maternal stress and 78% of the variance in paternal stress. The equations for mothers and fathers contained six and seven components, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The variables used in the present study were highly successful in accounting for parental stress. The results confirm the importance of intervening factors in explaining the stress. The single most important predictor of parental stress was the negative definition of the situation. In mothers, the negative definition was associated with the behavioural problems of the child while, in fathers it was connected with the experienced social acceptance of the child.
Educating Hispanic women about breast cancer prevention: evaluation of a home-based promotora-led intervention.

OBJECTIVES Trained community health promoters (i.e., promotoras) conducted home-based group educational interventions (home health parties) to educate Hispanic women from the Lower Yakima Valley of Washington state about breast cancer and mammography screening. METHODS Women aged 40-79 participating in the parties completed baseline and follow-up surveys 6 months postintervention (n = 70). Changes in general cancer knowledge, breast cancer screening practices, and intentions to be screened among participants from baseline to follow-up were measured using McNemar's test for marginal homogeneity to evaluate the effectiveness of the parties. RESULTS The average age of the sample was 50.0 years (standard deviation [SD] 10.0), 84% reported less than an eighth grade education, and 54% were covered by the state's Basic Health Care Plan. Significant changes between baseline and follow-up were observed with respect to (1) believing that risk of cancer could not be reduced (41% vs. 15%, respectively, p = 0.001), (2) ever having a mammogram (83% vs. 91%, p = 0.014), (3) discussing a mammogram with a doctor (37% vs. 67%, p < 0.001), and (4) intending to have a mammogram within the next few months among women who did not report having a mammogram between baseline and follow-up (61% vs. 81%, p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS Participation in home-based group educational interventions delivered by promotoras may be associated with improved breast cancer screening practices among Hispanic women.
A Family of Iterative Gauss-Newton Shooting Methods for Nonlinear Optimal Control

This paper introduces a family of iterative algorithms for unconstrained nonlinear optimal control. We generalize the well-known iLQR algorithm to different multiple shooting variants, combining advantages like straightforward initialization and a closed-loop forward integration. All algorithms have similar computational complexity, i.e. linear complexity in the time horizon, and can be derived in the same computational framework. We compare the full-step variants of our algorithms and present several simulation examples, including a high-dimensional underactuated robot subject to contact switches. Simulation results show that our multiple shooting algorithms can achieve faster convergence, better local contraction rates and much shorter runtimes than classical iLQR, which makes them a superior choice for nonlinear model predictive control applications.
ESTIMATING NULL VALUES IN RELATIONAL DATABASE SYSTEMS BASED ON GENETIC ALGORITHMS

ABSTRACT In recent years, much research has focused on the research topic of estimating null values in relational database systems. Many methods have been proposed to estimate null values in relational database systems. We present a new method to estimate null values in relational database systems based on genetic algorithms. It can tune the membership functions of the linguistic values of the attributes in relational database systems for estimating null values. The proposed method can obtain a higher average estimated accuracy rate than existing methods.
Feature extraction from the electroencephalogram by adaptive segmentation

This paper describes the feature extraction stage of a proposed pattern recognition system aimed at automatic EEG analysis. The basic pattern-the EEG record-is split into "elementary patterns" called segments and transients, by means of a method relying on linear predictive filtering. Appropriate features, representing power spectra and the time structure of the signal, are then extracted and finally combined into a feature set representing the EEG as a whole. The quality of this representation may be assessed by comparing the original signal with its simulation from the stored features.
HUBUNGAN KEPEMIMPINAN, BUDAYA, STRATEGI, DAN KINERJA: PENDEKATAN KONSEP

Objective of this article is to describe a conceptual framework that shows the relationship of variables of leadership, culture, strategy, and performance. The article presented some theoretical concepts of Organizational Behavior, Organizational Culture, Leadership, and Strategic Management. Finally, some possible research objective observing the relationship of variables of leadership, culture, strategy, and performance are highly expected to develop the objective of the study. Abstract in Bahasa Indonesia : Tujuan dari penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk menjelaskan suatu kerangka kerja konseptual yang menggambarkan hubungan variabel-variabel kepemimpinan, budaya, strategi, dan kinerja. Artikel ini mempresentasikan beberapa konsep teori dari Perilaku Organisasi, Budaya Organisasi, Kepemimpinan, dan Manajemen Strategik. Akhirnya beberapa tujuan penelitian yang mengamati tentang hubungan variabel-variabel kepemimpinan, budaya, strategi, dan kinerja sangatlah diharapkan untuk mengembangkan tujuan penelitian. Kata kunci: kepemimpinan, budaya, strategi, kinerja.
Two‐Year Outcomes of Patients Treated With Aliskiren Under Clinical Practice Conditions: Non‐Interventional Prospective Study

The authors investigated the long‐term effectiveness and safety of aliskiren (ALIS) with particular attention on its association with dual blockade of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). The open, prospective 3A Registry (N=8723) in Germany assigned patients in a 4:1:1 ratio to ALIS, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or non‐RAS drugs. Patients taking ALIS compared with those taking ACE inhibitors/ARBs or non‐RAS had more comorbidities and risk factors, were taking more antihypertensive agents, and had higher blood pressure (BP) values at entry. At 2 years, BP reduction from baseline was similar in all groups (mean, −20.5/−9.9 mm Hg). A total of 2.3% of patients died, 0.5% had myocardial infarction, 0.6% had stroke, 2.9% were hospitalized, and 5.5% had any event (not significant between groups). ALIS alone or combined with another RAS inhibitor was well tolerated and effective in lowering BP in typical unselected patients with hypertension. Given the methodical limitations of the design, the study cannot be used to confirm or refute safety concerns for dual RAS blockade as suggested by the Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardio‐Renal Endpoints (ALTITUDE) trial.
Fintech and Network Economics in Real Estate: REWs and MLS As Policy Transmission Mechanisms, ‘Portfolio Screens’ and ‘Portfolio Frames’

Multiple Listing Systems (MLS), Real Estate Website (REW) Laws, and Rent-Control and Rent-Stabilization statutes (RCRS) are un-constitutional and could have affected the transmission of monetary policy and fiscal policies, and the rapid changes in housing prices and housing demand which occurred in the US and other countries between 1995 and 2010. MLS and REWs are fintech systems that are used around the world. There is an increasing and symbiotic relationship between the un-constitutionality and anti-competition effects of MLS, Real Estate Websites (REWs) and RCRS on one hand, and systemic risk and financial stability. MLS, Real Estate Websites (REWs) and RCRS can have substantial effects on consumer behavior in credit and asset markets – and this can precipitate structural changes in the financial services, real estate and retailing industries. Hence, all existing housing-demand models and housing price forecast models are grossly mis-specified primarily because they don’t incorporate legal factors and associated economic effects.
Measurement of elastic property of breast tissue for elasticity imaging

It is necessary to investigate detailed elastic property of human tissue as a foundation for developing objective and quantitative elasticity imaging (elastography). In this paper, we present our elasticity measurement method based on direct compression test for surgically-resected breast tissues. In addition, we discuss the feasibility of our approach to quantitative elastography by comparing the results of elastography obtained in vivo with those confirmed in direct compression test after extirpative surgery.
Sequential Coalition Formation for Uncertain Environments

In several applications, an agent can not execute a task by himself perfectly, thus, agents must form coalitions in order to execute tasks. We address the problem of coalition formation for applications where tasks are executed sequentially: a set of tasks per time. We consider situations where task execution is uncertain. In such applications, an agent is uncertain regarding the execution of subtasks which are allocated to him. In addition, the formation of a coalition at a time has results on the possibilities to form another coalitions in the next time. That is why forming coalition to maximize the system’s real reward, as in classical approaches, is an unrealizable operation. In this paper, we propose a new approach to form coalition sequentially taking into account the uncertain task execution. We formalize the problem by a Markov Decision Process (MDP). We will show that solving the MDP allows to obtain an optimal coalition formation policy.
[Effects of silybin on hemodynamics in anesthetized open-chest cats].

Silybin 22, 44, 88 mg/kg iv lowered the amplitude and duration of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) more than those of systolic (SBP). That the descending aortic blood flow (DABF) did not change significantly suggests a reduction of peripheral resistance and dilatatory action on the resistant blood vessels. Silybin 88 mg/kg iv produced a marked depression of cardiac contractility: decreased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), maximal rate of change of intraventricular pressure (dp/dtmax) and VCE at common peak isovolumetric intraventricular pressure (VCE-CPIP). This drug caused no marked alteration in ECG and heart rate. Toxic dose of silybin caused an elevation of T wave and a depression of A-V conduction.
Multiple Checkpoints; a Band of the Free Movement Protocol of Economic of Community of West African States

Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries founded in 1975 with the objectiveof promoting economic integration in all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters among others.To facilitate the actualization of these objectives, several protocols including the protocol on free movement of people were adopted. However, about four decades of free movement protocol, less was reported to have been achieved of its major objective. One of the bottlenecks largely coined in extant literatures was the existence of multiple and unviable checkpoints within most of the Member States a phenomenon that was believed toostracized the realization of the whole objectives. Although, the number and composition of checkpoints varies from one country to the other, it was estimated that checkpoints in West Africa are placed in a radius of 10km drives. This behaviour is nevertheless alarming and has since sabotagedthe smooth movement of people within the sub region. This study examined the consequences of the existence of multiple checkpoints on ECOWAS free movement protocol and how it has impeded its success as an economic union over the years.
Do Press Announcements of Corporate Downsizing Predict Actual Downsizing?

We investigate the determinants of actual downsizing following corporate press announcements of downsizing and find that some announcements are followed by lower growth rates in assets and employees and some are not. Our analysis indicates that the downsizing announcement sometimes implies net downsizing and sometimes implies strategic re-alignment of assets. Firms with increased asset and employee growth rates have higher market to book, a proxy for investment opportunities. In contrast, ex-post decreases in growth occur for firms with lower operating performance. Further we find that during a normal economy, board independence is also associated with lower ex-post growth, but not during a period of economic decline. This suggests a relatively more board involvement in asset restructuring during normal or boom times. The results provide new evidence on the nature of information contained in announcements of asset downsizing and employee layoffs.
An Android Application for Volunteer Blood Donors

There is an expectation that the blood will always be there when it is really needed. Blood donor volunteers constitute the main supply source in an effective blood supply chain management. They feed blood stocks through their donation. In an emergency situation, if the stocks are insufficient, the only source of blood supply will be the people who come to the health center and donate the blood on a voluntary basis. It is certain that time is a very important component in such situation. For this reason, the health care center should call the nearest available donor in order to ensure to get the service as quickly as possible. A smart phone application is developed to facilitate the identification of the nearest available blood donor volunteer and the communication with him/her in the emergency situations where the blood can’t be supplied through the blood banks’ stocks. In this paper this application will be presented.
Negative compressibility, negative Poisson's ratio, and stability

The role of negative compressibility is considered in detail. Experimental observations of negative bulk modulus in pre‐strained foam are presented and interpreted. A constrained microscopic model which exhibits negative compressibility is proposed. Some other negative and counterintuitive properties of matter, like negative Poisson's ratio, negative thermal expansion, negative specific heat, and negative pressure are also discussed. A simple thermodynamic model with negative thermal expansion is presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)