Aid Of Tools Research Articles

Language Learning Strategy (SPB) Used by Remedial Teachers for Remedial Students Mastery of Reading Skill in Bahasa Melayu Class

Failure in mastering basic reading skill, writing skill and counting skill (3M) among primary school in the country is still persistent. The 3M skill mastery performance gap between mainstream student and Special Remedial students are still apparent. The failure of some teacher to implement Special Remedial Program had caused student to be left out in learning. Study is intended to observe SPB implementation in Bahasa Melayu teaching and learning in mastering reading skill in remedial class. This qualitative study used case study design. This study used the Searchlight Model. One Special Remedial teacher and 22 Special remedial student from a primary school in Kinta Utara district, Perak state were chosen as intended. Study data were collected through observation, document researches, and interviews. Data was analyzed thematically using continuous comparative analysis technique. Study results found that constructs which were derived from this study to answer problem are remedial teachers’ preparation, language learning strategy (SPB) processes in teaching and learning Bahasa Melayu to master reading skill, as well as teaching aid tools and materials (ABM/BBM). Reading skill became the main focus for study participants. This study is expected to contribute to the Special Remedial education in mastering Bahasa Melayu reading skill as giving exposure to remedial teachers the most effective SPB practice in Special Remedial teachers’ teaching.

How do patients decide on interventions for single sided deafness? A qualitative investigation of patient views

Background Single-sided deafness presents communication challenges for adults. There are a range of care options, including CROS hearing aids, available but little is known about patient preferences for these interventions. Objective The objective of this study was to understand the viewpoints of patients making decisions about audiological interventions they use. Methods A constructivist worldview using thematic analysis to undertake a constant comparative analysis of 8 semi-structured interviews. Sampling Participants were recruited from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust audiology service in England. Findings The results of the study describe ongoing iterative judgements being made by participants, informed by their access to information, effectiveness of audiological interventions, stigma, barriers to accessing care, and constant cost-benefit analyses being made. The key factors involved in decision-making by individuals with Single-sided deafness (SSD) are discussed. Conclusions This study represents the first in-depth exploration of the individual’s lifeworld related to which factors influence use of different audiological interventions by individuals with SSD. It highlights the complex and ongoing nature of how decisions are made by these individuals and identifies the need for greater information provision by clinicians, such as through use of a decision aid tool.

Designing an Indoor Radon Risk Exposure Indicator (IRREI): An Evaluation Tool for Risk Management and Communication in the IoT Age.

The explosive data growth in the current information age requires consistent new methodologies harmonized with the new IoT era for data analysis in a space–time context. Moreover, intuitive data visualization is a central feature in exploring, interpreting, and extracting specific insights for subsequent numerical data representation. This integrated process is normally based on the definition of relevant metrics and specific performance indicators, both computed upon continuous real-time data, considering the specificities of a particular application case for data validation. This article presents an IoT-oriented evaluation tool for Radon Risk Management (RRM), based on the design of a simple and intuitive Indoor Radon Risk Exposure Indicator (IRREI), specifically tailored to be used as a decision-making aid tool for building owners, building designers, and buildings managers, or simply as an alert flag for the problem awareness of ordinary citizens. The proposed methodology was designed for graphic representation aligned with the requirements of the current IoT age, i.e., the methodology is robust enough for continuous data collection with specific Spatio-temporal attributes and, therefore, a set of adequate Radon risk-related metrics can be extracted and proposed. Metrics are summarized considering the application case, taken as a case study for data validation, by including relevant variables to frame the study, such as the regulatory International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) dosimetric limits, building occupancy (spatial dimension), and occupants’ exposure periods (temporal dimension). This work has the following main contributions: (1) providing a historical perspective regarding RRM indicator evolution along time; (2) outlining both the formulation and the validation of the proposed IRREI indicator; (3) implementing an IoT-oriented methodology for an RRM indicator; and (4) a discussion on Radon risk public perception, undertaken based on the results obtained after assessment of the IRREI indicator by applying a screening questionnaire with a total of 873 valid answers.

Calculating Feeder Fault Current with MATLAB Software Program

The aim of this article describes the program of computerized how to calculate the feeder fault current in a distribution substation. This article adopts Thevenin theory as the basis of calculation, and narrates them in two ways: the artificial and the computerized algorithm. It leaves aside the artificial and delves the computerized algorithm. The latter is divided for two computerized algorithm - separate and all of equipment. In the computerized algorithm, all data inputting, procedure steps, and report form were carefully been designed by MATLAB application software. As for data Inputting refers to the specification parameters of equipment component. The characteristics of this article are described with both text and Fig. to achieve operation simple and understanding easy. References include a representative textbook and several journal articles. Verify with real cases and reveal the pros and cons of artificial and program algorithms. The purpose of this article is to discard waste - an artificial calculation that is time - consuming, cumbersome and prone to clerical errors. The computer programs algorithm can compensates for defects and improves accuracy and timeliness. This method has been proven to be an economical design aid tool that is of great help to maintenance or designers in the field of electrical engineering.

Trichoscopy of the beard: Aid tool for diagnosis of frontal fibrosing alopecia in men

Trichoscopy of the beard: Aid tool for diagnosis of frontal fibrosing alopecia in men

A multi-criteria model for the security assessment of large-infrastructure construction sites

The construction of large infrastructures (e.g., railways, gas pipelines or power grids) is increasingly facing widespread and violent opposition of radical environmentalist and ideological groups. Therefore, it is necessary to consider also the risk related to violent opposition actions when selecting construction sites. However, the classical paradigm of risk considering probability and impact hardly applies in this context, especially because of the difficulty of assessing probabilities, due to the lack of historical and/or reliable data. This paper develops a novel framework to support the selection of construction sites for infrastructure development, considering the risk of attacks by radical or ideologically motivated groups. The main originality is that the risk of attacks is evaluated considering the attractiveness of the different locations for the attackers, based on several criteria. Specifically, a novel multi-criteria decision model is introduced, which involves fourteen criteria related to the effort required to the opponents for performing the attack and to the expected outcomes of the attack in terms of potential damage to the targeted infrastructures and visibility of the action; moreover, the lifespan of the construction site and its influence on the possibility of an attack are taken into account. The criteria have been selected by a pool of forty-four Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), i.e., security managers and experts from the academia, industry and law enforcement. With such criteria, it is possible to construct a holistic index of attractiveness and quantify it by the Sparse Analytic Hierarchy Process (SAHP), based on the evaluations of the criteria provided by the pool of SMEs. The proposed methodology is applied to support the localization of the construction sites for the cross-border section of the Turin–Lyon High Speed and High Capacity Railway, including a new base-tunnel. Indeed, such an 8.6 billion Euro project has experienced strong opposition in Italy and, hence, security has become one of the main issues to be considered. The proposed model constitutes a decision aid tool to support the selection of construction plans, considering attractiveness and impact of attack.

The Influence of the Age of Adults with Sickle Cell Disease on the Uptake, Utilization and Efficacy of Hydroxyurea

BackgroundDespite the efficacy of Hydroxyurea (HU) in decreasing morbidity and mortality in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) the uptake of and adherence with HU is poor, probably as the result of a combination of both physician and patient related factors. Lack of knowledge about HU, doubts regarding effectiveness, concerns over side effects and unrealistic expectations from HU treatment have been previously identified as barriers to the wider uptake of HU by the patient. Since approval of HU for SCD by the FDA in 1998, there has been a progressive increase of the use of HU in SCD. Changes in approach and practice over this time may have impacted the attitude towards HU of patients of different ages differently. The impact of patients' age on the uptake and utilization of HU has not been studied. We investigated the impact of age on the attitudes of adult patients towards the purpose, side effects, associated risks and benefits of taking HU.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with adult SCD patients from a geographically diverse population recruited from national conferences and local SCD clinics. Data were gathered as part of a larger study of decision making regarding disease modifying therapies for SCD and development of a decision- aid tool for patients involving these disease-modifying therapies. We used a semi-structured open-ended interview guide to collect data. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using qualitative content analysis with NVivo 11. We sought to understand attitudes of adult patients with SCD towards available treatment options. We then focused our analyses specifically on attitudes towards HU as a model for how SCD patients viewed their disease and treatment options. We also sought to interrogate differences in attitudes among patients who reached adulthood, before and after the general adoption of hydroxyurea as a treatment option for SCD.ResultsAge of the 95 participants ranged from 18 years to 67 years old. Female = 71. While approximately 50% of all participants reported that they were currently taking HU, younger participants were more likely to be currently taking HU than the older participants (p = .05). Seventy percent of the younger adults (Age 18-30) reported they were currently taking HU as compared to 41% of the older adults (Age 31-67) [table 1]. Younger participants were more likely to report that the decision to accept a physician recommendation to start HU was made by their parent, though some participants decided to start HU as a young adult. Younger participants understood the purpose of HU as intended to improve “blood counts” thereby decreasing crises and hospital stays. They were hopeful that HU would help and thus focused on the potential for successfully managing SCD complications rather than on the side effects from HU. For those who decided to start as young adults, they offered positive accounts in regards to the decision to start HU and maintain the treatment.In contrast, the older participants were not well informed about HU and reported a concern about taking a chemotherapy drug. Older adults currently taking HU were more likely to be skeptical about whether they were receiving any benefits from staying on the treatment. They were also less trusting than the younger participants, that all of the side effects from HU are known or that healthcare providers divulged them. Older participants were more likely than the younger participants to report advanced complications from SCD. They were also more likely to report an aversion to taking medications. Six older participants reported they tried HU past, but stopped taking the drug because of either bad side effects, lack of efficacy, or the belief that HU caused more crises.ConclusionThe younger adults with SCD are more likely to have started HU as children and are more likely to be taking HU and believe in its efficacy while older adults were more skeptical about the efficacy of HU and the information they are provided by their healthcare providers. That so many older adults are concerned about the efficacy of HU also raises the question whether it HU is effective in the face of multi-organ complications. These data provide the rationale for a larger prospective study of the impact of age on both the attitudes and efficacy of HU. We believe that the data from this study will help tailor healthcare provider approaches to HU amongst older adults. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Patient-Tailored Levothyroxine Dosage with Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling: A Novel Approach After Total Thyroidectomy.

Background: After seven decades of levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy, dosage adjustment still takes several months. We have developed a decision aid tool (DAT) that models LT4 pharmacometrics and enables patient-tailored dosage. The aim of this was to speed up dosage adjustments for patients after total thyroidectomy.Methods: The DAT computer program was developed with a group of 46 patients post-thyroidectomy, and it was then applied in a prospective randomized multicenter validation trial in 145 unselected patients admitted for total thyroidectomy for goiter, differentiated thyroid cancer, or thyrotoxicosis. The LT4 dosage was adjusted after only two weeks, with or without application of the DAT, which calculated individual free thyroxine (fT4) targets based on four repeated measurements of fT4 and thyrotropin (TSH) levels. The individual TSH target was either <0.1, 0.1–0.5, or 0.5–2.0 mIU/L, depending on the diagnosis. Initial postoperative LT4 dosage was determined according to clinical routine without using algorithms. A simplified DAT with a population-based fT4 target was used for thyrotoxic patients who often went into surgery after prolonged TSH suppression. Subsequent LT4 adjustments were carried out every six weeks until target TSH was achieved.Results: When clinicians were guided by the DAT, 40% of patients with goiter and 59% of patients with cancer satisfied the narrow TSH targets eight weeks after surgery, as compared with only 0% and 19% of the controls, respectively. The TSH was within the normal range in 80% of DAT/goiter patients eight weeks after surgery as compared with 19% of controls. The DAT shortened the average dosage adjustment period by 58 days in the goiter group and 40 days in the cancer group. For thyrotoxic patients, application of the simplified DAT did not improve the dosage adjustment.Conclusions: Application of the DAT in combination with early postoperative TSH and fT4 monitoring offers a fast approach to LT4 dosage after total thyroidectomy for patients with goiter or differentiated thyroid cancer. Estimation of individual TSH-fT4 dynamics was crucial for the model to work, as removal of this feature in the applied model for thyrotoxic patients also removed the benefit of the DAT.

DNA-based screening and personal health: a points to consider statement for individuals and health-care providers from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)

DNA-based screening and personal health: a points to consider statement for individuals and health-care providers from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)

Smoking cessation using preference-based tools among socially disadvantaged smokers: study protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMany smoking cessation aids such as nicotine replacement treatments and e-cigarettes have been proven effective in aiding smoking cessation attempts. Encouraging smokers with low socioeconomic position (SEP) to choose their...

DNA barcodes of birds from northern Colombia.

DNA barcode datasets are a useful tool for conservation and aid in taxonomic identification, particularly in megadiverse tropical countries seeking to document and describe its biota, which is dropping at an alarming rate during recent decades. Here we report the barcodes for several low elevation bird species from northern Colombia with the goal to provide tools for species identification in this region of South America. We blood-sampled birds in a lowland tropical forest with various degrees of intervention using standard 3 × 12 m mist-nets. We extracted DNA and sequenced the COI barcode gene using standard primers and laboratory methods. We obtained 26 COI sequences from 18 species, 10 families and three orders and found that barcodes largely matched (but not always) phenotypic identification (> 90%) and they also facilitated the identification of several challenging passerine species. Despite our reduced sampling, our study represents the first attempt to document COI barcodes for birds (from blood samples) in this part of Colombia, which fills a considerable gap of sampling in this part of South America.

Applying the RE-AIM framework in a process evaluation of the introduction of the Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment in a rural district of Zimbabwe.

The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) is a first aid tool that can halt and reverse hypovolemic shock secondary to obstetric hemorrhage. The World Health Organization recommended the NASG for use as a temporizing measure in 2012, but uptake of the recommendation has been slow, partially because operational experience is limited. The study is a process evaluation of the introduction of NASG in a public sector health facility network in rural Zimbabwe utilizing an adapted RE-AIM, categorizing observations into the domains of: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance. The location of the study was Hurungwe district, where staff members of 34 health facilities at primary (31), secondary (2) and tertiary (1) levels of care participated. We found that all facilities became skilled in using the NASG, and that the NASG was used in 10 of 11 instances of severe hemorrhage. In the cases of hypovolemic shock where the NASG was used, there were no maternal deaths and no extreme adverse outcomes related to obstetric hemorrhage in the study period. Among the 10 NASG uses, the garment was used correctly in each case. Fidelity to processes was high, especially in regard to training and cascading skills, but revisions of the NASG rotation and replacement operating procedures were required to keep clean garments stocked. Clinical documentation was also a key challenge. NASG introduction dovetailed very well with pre-existing systems for obstetric emergency response, and improved clinical outcomes. Scale-up of the NASG in the Zimbabwean public health system can be undertaken with careful attention to mentorship, drills, documentation and logistics.

Assessment of intersection conflicts between riders and pedestrians using a GIS-based framework and portable LiDAR

ABSTRACT Adequate sight distances are crucial parameters ruling the design of roads and riding facilities. LiDAR-retrieved data have proved to serve many transportation applications by creating updated and accurate representations of the road environment. As a result, many sight distance evaluation methodologies use LiDAR delivered point clouds to carry out visibility analyses. However, current approaches are mainly focused on motorized users along highways and streets, and most of those methodologies are carried out directly on the point cloud, which does not allow the evaluation or relocation of visual obstructions. This study presents a visibility-based procedure intended to assess the circulation of pedestrians and riders at urban intersections. For this purpose, first, the required sight distances of all users along the intersection are obtained. Second, the conflicts between vulnerable road users are evaluated, considering the type of control present at the intersection. The available sight distances are then obtained using a GIS-based method that employs 3D road models derived from the LiDAR retrieved data. Finally, after a comparison between the required and the available visibility, an evaluation determines which user sees a larger percentage of the intersection. This approach facilitates evaluating the impact that vegetation, traffic, and/or furniture elements could have on visibility and serve as an urban design aid tool. Results show that the proposed method offers valuable insights into the distributions of visibility among intersecting users and into the quantifications of the effect of specific adjacent traffic. Moreover, this procedure stands as a useful and flexible approach that allows the evaluation of both cyclists and e-scooter riders in different road facilities and positionings.

Survey on Optimization of Walking Assistive Device for Evacuation and Realization of Fire for Visually Impaired

To develop a walking aid tool that can help the visually impaired to evacuate in the event of fire, a questionnaire was devised and 100 visually impaired people were surveyed. The questionnaire was divided into four categories: fire safety education and training, self-evacuation in the event of fire, direction checking method, and applicability of an auxiliary evacuation tool. The questionnaire was conducted through a web survey and was followed by an in-depth interview with the visually impaired. The questionnaire results indicated that the respondents prefer wristband-type and conventional cane-type aid tools, which are convenient to wear and render both hands free, as evacuation walking aid tools as well as voice and touch as information sharing methods.

Viewpoint: How the Graphene Could Help to Decrease SARS-CoV-2 Spread?

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Until February 2021, there are 110 million of infected people, 60 million have recovered and approximately 2.5 million have passed away worldwide according to WHO. The coronavirus pandemic is evolving very rapidly and represents a risk for health care workers and society in general. Moreover, pandemic has tested the limits of health systems by raising questions about forms of prevention, management of infections with conventional therapies and the use of diagnostic tools. In this article we discussed the possible role of the nanostructured-graphene based materials as aid tools for preventing the spread and infection of SARS-CoV-2. In this regard, nanotechnology could take part in the fight against the spread of future diseases caused by deadly viruses. However, its use should be well founded in terms of biocompatibility. Therefore, we have proposed an approach based on graphene nanomaterials as possible allies for the fight against the COVID-19 spread based on the physicochemical features that present these novel nanomaterials.

Integration of market aspects into material development: approach and exemplification for a wood composite

Due to a variety of applications and complex requirements in specific fields of use, the number of different materials is increasing. Thereof, the majority fails at the stage of market introduction, because the focus of material development is mostly on technical aspects, while market aspects are often neglected. One possible way of market introduction is material substitution. Thereby, requirements a material needs to meet are well known. However, a certain market focus on material development would be helpful regarding the final goal of the customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study presents an approach, which aims at guiding the technical material development and thus starts one stage earlier than most other studies, which focus on market introduction. A multi-stage approach helps integrating market aspects into material development, using the following methods: (1) method of Ashby to compare materials from a technical point of view and identify theoretically substitutable material groups and potential applications, (2) market data research and comparison for the identification of attractive markets, (3) method of Kano to classify material requirements and prioritize the optimization of material properties to satisfy the customers in selected markets. This approach is showcased and discussed using the example of an innovative wood composite under development, where it represented an aiding tool for guiding the further material development. An adaptation to any other material is possible at each of the three stages, although there are some limitations, which have to be considered, for example the selection of technical properties for the material comparison.

EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS X EUCALYPTUS UROPHYLLA GROWTH CURVE IN DIFFERENT SITE CLASSIFICATIONS, CONSIDERING RESIDUAL AUTOCORRELATION

Brazil is a major producer in the timber sector, mainly with the use of wood from species of the genus Eucalyptus, with 26.1% of planted forests located in Minas Gerais. Researchers and manufacturers have been searching for techniques with the objective of making full use of these forests, with a primary focus on greater growth. A modeling of growth curves is an alternative for the estimation of oral production andan important aid tool for the researcher's decision making. Growth curves are commonly studied by nonlinear regression models, which have important assumptions that if not met should be added to the model. The present work aims to select among nonlinear Logistic, Gompertz and von Bertalany regression models the most suitable to describe the growth in wood volume of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrids in three Forest Site categories, including whether assumption deviations are required. Methods were executed by the Gauss-Newton iterative method implemented in nls() and it gnls() functions of the R software. Determination coecient, Akaike information criterion (AICc) and Residual Standard Deviation (RSD) were used as selection evaluators of the best model. The results demonstrate that for all site categories, the Gompertz model with addition of autoregressive parameters AR (1) is the most appropriate to describe the growth in wood volume of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrids. The addition of the rst-order autoregressive parameter does not aect the quality of t, but it is the correct procedure. Site I, which presents the largest trees according to pre-dened variations, recorded 308 m3/ha of wood volume, followed by 286 m3/ha and 263 m3/ha for Sites II and III, respectively. The time for Site III to reach the maximum point of volume growth is between the fourth and sixth year, while the other sites are more precocious, reaching this point between the second and third year.

INFORMÁTICA BÁSICA APLICADA NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL

Resumo: O presente artigo sustenta reflexões sobre Informática Básica Aplicada a Educação, fazendo uma análise do uso do computador, software educacional e o papel do professor/aluno no processo ensino aprendizagem. Trata do uso do computador como ferramenta de auxílio na aprendizagem infantil, ressaltando software educacional onde os alunos ampliem conhecimentos de forma prazerosas. Logo, podemos dizer que o uso de computador na educação infantil é tão importante quanto as demais fases, é um desafio para os professores/pesquisadores. Com os avanços tecnológicos, vários aplicativos e softwares educacionais vem sendo oferecidos para alunos/professores em geral. A maioria desses programas são de domínio público, visando oferecer ao aluno um ambiente interativo, adequado à transmissão da informação e desenvolvimento do conhecimento. Os softwares são adotados com a finalidade de facilitar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, estimulando a interação entre alunos independentemente da sua escolaridade e faixa etária. O artigo, trata as vantagens e desvantagens do uso do computador como objeto de ensino, auxiliando no processo da construção do conhecimento. Portanto a pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada com diversos autores, compreendendo como se dá o uso do computador, não para ensinar conteúdos de ciência da computação, mas sim ensinar computação do ponto de vista educacional desde a educação infantil, ajudam no processo ensino-aprendizagem do aluno.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Aiding diagnosis of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder of the inattentive presentation: Discriminant function analysis of multi-domain measures including EEG

IntroductionWe developed a neurocognitive assessment tool (NCAT) in consultation with mental health professionals working with children with AD/HD as a diagnostic aid and screening tool. This study examines the predictive utility of NCAT in the classification of children with AD/HD Inattentive presentation. MethodFifty three children with AD/HD Inattentive presentation and 161 typically-developing children completed an NCAT assessment. Discriminant function analyses examined group membership prediction for separate components of NCAT and for the components combined. ResultsThe combined model correctly classified 93.4 % of participants, with 91.4 % sensitivity and 93.9 % specificity. Contributions to classification were from SNAP-IV, psychological needs satisfaction, self-regulation, executive function performance, and EEG. The combined model resulted in a 9.3 % increase in specificity and 5.9 % increase in sensitivity compared to SNAP-IV alone. ConclusionsNCAT provides good discrimination between children with and without AD/HD of the Inattentive presentation, and further investigation including other subtypes and comorbidities is warranted.

Application of serum and urinary electrophoresis as an aid tool for evaluating dogs at different stages of chronic kidney disease

Application of serum and urinary electrophoresis as an aid tool for evaluating dogs at different stages of chronic kidney disease