Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of health promotion interventions for children and adolescents using an ecological framework.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and quantify the evidence for health promotion interventions in children and adolescents. METHOD 96 independent samples of smoking, physical activity, and diet studies were included. Outcomes included both objective and self-reports of health behavior, as well as proxy measures such as fitness. RESULTS The aggregated effect was significant (g = .20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08-0.32, n = 96). A significant effect of intervention was observed at approximately 1-year follow-up (g = .07, 95% CI = 0.02-0.14, n = 20). The greatest risk of bias was failure to blind outcome assessment, which occurred in 21% of studies. Most studies lacked sufficient detail to determine the quality of their randomization sequence (58%). Additional concerns about risk of bias for individual studies were minimal. Overall, the quality of this finding was moderate using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. CONCLUSION Health promotion interventions are effective for modifying health behavior; however, effect sizes are small.
Ideas About Simulation Conceptual Model Development

he conceptual model for a simulation addresses the simulation’s context, how it will satisfy its requirements, and how its entities and processes will be represented. The conceptual model is key to (1) assessing a simulation’s validity for any situation not explicitly tested and (2) determining the appropriateness of a simulation (or its parts) for reuse or use with other simulations in a distributed simulation. There are no widely accepted approaches for decomposing the representation of the simulation subject into the entities and processes of a simulation’s conceptual model, for abstracting such representation from available information about the subject, or for describing and documenting the simulation’s conceptual model. This article discusses the development of a conceptual model for both unitary and distributed simulations, focusing on approaches that enhance model completeness, consistency, coherence, and correctness. More than a decade of work at APL in this area is represented in the ideas presented here. (Keywords: Conceptual model, Fidelity, Simulation, Validation.)
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV and AIDS patients at the Kwa-Thema clinic in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Background Introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shown reduction in HIV-related mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV and AIDS. Since high levels of adherence of more than 95.0% is required to achieve effective suppression of viral load, researchers found it important to establish whether people are pursuing what is expected of them. Aim and setting The study was aimed at determining adherence to ART among HIV and AIDS patients at the Kwa-Thema clinic in Gauteng Province Methods Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Ethical clearance was sort from MEDUNSA Research Ethics Committee. Validity and reliability were maintained throughout the study. A non-probability systematic sampling was used. Data were collected using administered structured questionnaire, and a total of 290 respondents were involved. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 22. Results The findings indicated that the adherence to ART was 77.0%. Factors that were significantly associated with adherence were gender (χ2 = 3.78, df = 1, p < 0.05), level of education (χ2 = 3.52, df = 3, p = 0.032), co-treatment of HIV and other infections (χ2 = 5.46, df = 4, p = 0.019), ability to follow ART (χ2 = 12.82, df = 1, p = 0.000 < 0.05), and types of antiretroviral drugs. Recommendation The study recommends intensification of health education campaign against stigma and gender discrimination. Providing feedback to patients regarding benefits of ART is important. Conclusion The study concluded that adherence to ART at the Kwa-Thema clinic was sub-optimal (less than 95%) at 77%, but comparable with the adherence levels in other developing countries.
A Self-Sensing Active Magnetic Bearing Based on a Direct Current Measurement Approach

Active magnetic bearings (AMBs) have become a key technology in various industrial applications. Self-sensing AMBs provide an integrated sensorless solution for position estimation, consolidating the sensing and actuating functions into a single electromagnetic transducer. The approach aims to reduce possible hardware failure points, production costs, and system complexity. Despite these advantages, self-sensing methods must address various technical challenges to maximize the performance thereof. This paper presents the direct current measurement (DCM) approach for self-sensing AMBs, denoting the direct measurement of the current ripple component. In AMB systems, switching power amplifiers (PAs) modulate the rotor position information onto the current waveform. Demodulation self-sensing techniques then use bandpass and lowpass filters to estimate the rotor position from the voltage and current signals. However, the additional phase-shift introduced by these filters results in lower stability margins. The DCM approach utilizes a novel PA switching method that directly measures the current ripple to obtain duty-cycle invariant position estimates. Demodulation filters are largely excluded to minimize additional phase-shift in the position estimates. Basic functionality and performance of the proposed self-sensing approach are demonstrated via a transient simulation model as well as a high current (10 A) experimental system. A digital implementation of amplitude modulation self-sensing serves as a comparative estimator.
Why are Gambling Markets Organized so Differently from Financial Markets?

The market for sports gambling is structured very differently from the typical financial market. In sports betting, bookmakers announce a price, after which adjustments are small and infrequent. Bookmakers do not play the traditional role of market makers matching buyers and sellers but, rather, take large positions with respect to the outcome of game. Using a unique data set, I demonstrate that this peculiar price-setting mechanism allows bookmakers to achieve substantially higher profits. Bookmakers are more skilled at predicting the outcomes of games than bettors and systematically exploit bettor biases by choosing prices that deviate from the market clearing price.
Analysis of Radial Artery Catheter Placement by Respiratory Therapists Using Ultrasound Guidance

BACKGROUND: The use of ultrasound (US) guidance for radial artery cannulation has been shown to improve first attempt success rate, reduce time to successful cannulation, and reduce complications. We sought to determine whether properly trained respiratory therapists (RTs) could utilize US guidance for the placement of radial artery catheters. Primary outcome measurements were successful cannulation and first attempt success rate. Secondary outcomes included the effect of systolic blood pressure, prior attempts, palpable pulse strength, and gender in relation to US-guided radial artery cannulation success rates. METHODS: RTs certified in arterial catheter insertion were trained in radial artery catheterization using US by emergency medicine physicians. Subjects were enrolled based on the need for an arterial catheter placement. The catheters and US devices used were standardized. Data recorded included pulse strength, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, number of attempts, and successful/unsuccessful artery cannulation. All catheterization attempts were performed according to institutional policy and procedure. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two radial artery catheter insertion attempts were made between December of 2008 and October of 2011, in patients in whom the treating physician requested RT radial artery cannulation. The overall success rate was 86.1%, whereas the first attempt success rate was 63.1%. There was no difference found between the overall mean success rate for weak or absent pulses, age, systolic blood pressure, gender, or prior attempts. Conclusion: RTs can effectively utilize US technology to place radial artery catheters. Systolic blood pressure, prior attempts, and gender are not reliable predictors of success for US-guided radial artery cannulation. Training on the use of US should be strongly encouraged for all practitioners who place radial artery catheters.
A physical perspective on cytoplasmic streaming

Organisms show a remarkable range of sizes, yet the dimensions of a single cell rarely exceed 100 µm. While the physical and biological origins of this constraint remain poorly understood, exceptions to this rule give valuable insights. A well-known counterexample is the aquatic plant Chara, whose cells can exceed 10 cm in length and 1 mm in diameter. Two spiralling bands of molecular motors at the cell periphery drive the cellular fluid up and down at speeds up to 100 µm s−1, motion that has been hypothesized to mitigate the slowness of metabolite transport on these scales and to aid in homeostasis. This is the most organized instance of a broad class of continuous motions known as ‘cytoplasmic streaming’, found in a wide range of eukaryotic organisms—algae, plants, amoebae, nematodes and flies—often in unusually large cells. In this overview of the physics of this phenomenon, we examine the interplay between streaming, transport and cell size and discuss the possible role of self-organization phenomena in establishing the observed patterns of streaming.
Optimizing two-dimensional search results presentation

Classic search engine results are presented as an ordered list of documents and the problem of presentation trivially reduces to ordering documents by their scores. This is because users scan a list presentation from top to bottom. This leads to natural list optimization measures such as the discounted cumulative gain (DCG) and the rank-biased precision (RBP). Increasingly, search engines are using two-dimensional results presentations; image and shopping search results are long-standing examples. The simplistic heuristic used in practice is to place images by row-major order in the matrix presentation. However, a variety of evidence suggests that users' scan of pages is not in this matrix order. In this paper we (1) view users' scan of a results page as a Markov chain, which yields DCG and RBP as special cases for linear lists; (2) formulate, study, and develop solutions for the problem of inferring the Markov chain from click logs; (3) from these inferred Markov chains, empirically validate folklore phenomena (e.g., the "golden triangle" of user scans in two dimensions); and (4) develop and experimentally compare algorithms for optimizing user utility in matrix presentations. The theory and algorithms extend naturally beyond matrix presentations.
The ESX-3 Secretion System Is Necessary for Iron and Zinc Homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ESX-3 is one of the five type VII secretion systems encoded by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. We recently showed the essentiality of ESX-3 for M. tuberculosis viability and proposed its involvement in iron and zinc metabolism. In this study we confirmed the role of ESX-3 in iron uptake and its involvement in the adaptation to low zinc environment in M. tuberculosis. Moreover, we unveiled functional differences between the ESX-3 roles in M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis showing that in the latter ESX-3 is only involved in the adaptation to iron and not to zinc restriction. Finally, we also showed that in M. tuberculosis this secretion system is essential for iron and zinc homeostasis not only in conditions in which the concentrations of these metals are limiting but also in metal sufficient conditions.
Topographic Evaluation of Relatives of Patients With Keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate topographic corneal changes in relatives of patients with keratoconus (KCN). Methods: In a prospective study, 300 eyes of 150 relatives of 45 patients with KCN were evaluated. Complete slit-lamp examination, refraction, and corneal topography were performed for all eyes. The topographic indices for diagnosis of KCN were from Rabinowitz criteria. Results: The study included 84 (56%) female and 66 (44%) male subjects. Mean age was 32.4 ± 15 years (range, 16-83 years). KCN was diagnosed in 14% of the subjects and another 7.3% were suspicious for KCN. The overall prevalence of astigmatism was 58%, including 42.1% in the KCN group, 66.7% in the KCN suspect group, and 49.6% in the healthy group. Thirty-one eyes had high regular astigmatism (>1.5 D) including 17 (54.8%) in the KCN group and 14 (45.2%) in the healthy group. Oblique astigmatism was seen in 33 (11%) eyes, including 34.2% in the KCN group, 47.6% in the suspicious KCN group, and 4.6% in the healthy group. Conclusions: Relatives of patients with KCN have a high prevalence of undiagnosed KCN. Corneal topography is important for the diagnosis of KCN and KCN suspects in family members of patients with KCN. Therefore, keratorefractive surgery should be considered cautiously in these individuals.
The care needs of postpartum women taking their first time of doing the month: a qualitative study

Background: In contemporary Taiwan, after giving birth, many women undertake a traditional postpartum practice called ‘doing the month’, which occurs in the medical context of postpartum nursing centres instead of at home. Thus, healthcare workers must identify and address the care needs of new mothers in this setting to improve the care of new mothers and their baby and family. Aim: To explore new mothers’ care needs from their own perspectives during the period of doing the month. Methods: A qualitative study was performed. Eligible participants recruited through purposive sampling were interviewed comprehensively. Results: Twenty-seven primiparous women participated (mean age: 32 years; mean marriage length: 3.4 years). Four themes were identified: the need to increase energy to gain more yang force, the need to internalise mothering, the need to be supported by the family and friends, and the need to be understood. Conclusions: For effective care, sufficient support and guidance must be provided to first-time mothers and their families, especially when mother–baby rooming-in is the standard of care.
Particle Swarm and Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization Applied to DS/CDMA Multiuser Detection in Flat Rayleigh Channels

The particle swarm and quantum particle swarm optimization (PSO and QPSO) techniques applied to direct sequence/code division multiple access systems (DS/CDMA) with multiuser detection (MuD) are analyzed, evaluated and compared. The swarm techniques efficiency when applied to the DS-CDMA MuD (PSO-MuD and QPSO-MuD) in flat Rayleigh channels is compared through the trade-off between performance and computational complexity. With the same simulation scenario, the comparison is accomplished among the PSO-MuD, QPSO-MuD, genetic algorithm (GA) and evolutionary programming with cloning (EP-C) algorithms. The complexity of these four heuristics-MuD (heur-MuD) is compared, expressing it through the number of computational operations necessary in order to reach the performance obtained through the maximum likelihood detector (ML)
NDRG4 Protein-deficient Mice Exhibit Spatial Learning Deficits and Vulnerabilities to Cerebral Ischemia*

The N-myc downstream-regulated gene (NDRG) family consists of four related proteins, NDRG1-NDRG4, in mammals. We previously generated NDRG1-deficient mice that were unable to maintain myelin sheaths in peripheral nerves. This condition was consistent with human hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4D, caused by a nonsense mutation of NDRG1. In contrast, the effects of genetic defects of the other NDRG members remain unknown. In this study, we focused on NDRG4, which is specifically expressed in the brain and heart. In situ mRNA hybridization on the brain revealed that NDRG4 was expressed in neurons of various areas. We generated NDRG4-deficient mice that were born normally with the expected Mendelian frequency. Immunochemical analysis demonstrated that the cortex of the NDRG4-deficient mice contained decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and normal levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, NGF, neurotrophin-3, and TGF-β1. Consistent with BDNF reduction, NDRG4-deficient mice had impaired spatial learning and memory but normal motor function in the Morris water maze test. When temporary focal ischemia of the brain was induced, the sizes of the infarct lesions were larger, and the neurological deficits were more severe in NDRG4-deficient mice compared with the control mice. These findings indicate that NDRG4 contributes to the maintenance of intracerebral BDNF levels within the normal range, which is necessary for the preservation of spatial learning and the resistance to neuronal cell death caused by ischemic stress.
Geographical variations in the epidemic of asthma deaths.

The mortality rate from asthma increased sharply and confusion over the cause of death is unlikely. between the years 1959 and 1966 in England and Wales, and to a lesser extent in some other countries ENGLAND AND WALES (Speizer, Doll, and Heaf, 1968). After March 1967 The rise and fall of asthma mortality in England there was a profound fall in the number of deaths and Wales between the years 1959 and 1968 has been from asthma in all age groups in England and Wales described in detail by Inman and Adelstein (1969). (Inman and Adelstein, 1969). We have therefore Between 1961 and 1966 the mortality increased conre-examined the trends in other countries, and report siderably. By 1966 the rate had risen to 2-18 per here the geographical variations in asthma mortality 100,000 persons aged 5 to 34 years, 230% higher that have been observed during the 10-year period than the 1959 level of 0-66 per 100,000 (Table I). from 1959 to 1968. The study is confined to morEven more seriously affected was the age group 10 tality at ages 5 to 34 years, partly because the to 19 years in which the number of deaths rose to changes were most pronounced in this age group 171 in 1966 compared with 39 in 1959, the respective in England and Wales, and partly because death rates being 2-46 and 0-49 per 100,000 (Table II). due to bronchitis at these ages is uncommon, In England and Wales the mortality from asthma
Origin of stratified basal ice in outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull and Öræfajökull, Iceland

Larson, G.J., Lawson, D.E. , Evenson, E.B. , Knudsen, Ó. , Alley, R.B. & Phanikumar, M.S. 2010: Origin of stratified basal ice in outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull and Öræfajökull, Iceland. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 457–470. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009. 00134.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.
Omega-3 Supplements and Cardiovascular Diseases

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most commonly prescribed supplements with a remarkable worldwide market. In 2011, people spent around $25 billion on omega-3 supplements. This amount is estimated to approach $35 billion in 2016 (1). While these supplements have been tried in various medical conditions including gastrointestinal, rheumatic, psychiatric, metabolic, renal, dermatologic, and pulmonary problems, they have been most commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (2–13). Structure, Sources, and Biosynthesis Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of poly-unsaturated fatty acids with multiple double bonds, with the first being on the third carbon counting from the methyl end (omega carbon) of the chain (14). The major types of long chain omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with 20 and 22 carbons, respectively. EPA and DHA are mainly gained from seafood consumption. Small amounts of EPA and DHA can also be synthesized in the body using alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an 18-carbon omega-3 fatty acid found in plants such as flaxseed, canola and walnuts (15). Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is another long chain omega-3 fatty acid and a metabolite of DHA thought to be formed through the internal metabolic pathways rather than dietary intake.
Gender Differences among Clients Attending Tuberculosis Unit of a Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Globally, the case notification rate (CNR) of tuberculosis (TB) in males has been reported to far exceed the rates for females even though TB is a leading infectious cause of death in women worldwide. The aim of the study was to determine the gender differences occurring in patients presenting in the TB clinic of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Nigeria in 2012. This study was a retrospective review of records of clients attending the TB clinic of the hospital between January and December 2012. Data collected was analyzed using MS-Excel and Graph pad prism software version 5.1. A total of 265 clients were registered in the clinic in 2012, out of which 146 (55.1%) were males and 119 (44.9%) were females. The CNR for males consistently exceeded those for females in eight out of the 12 months reviewed. Majority of the males, 84.2% and females, 81.5% were above 15 years of age. The HIV co-infection rate was significantly higher among females, 51.2% compared to the males, 37% (p<0.05). All or most of the defaulters recorded in the clinic in 4 out of the first 6 months of 2012 were females, while the males had a higher success rate in 4 of the 6 months assessed. Although the CNR was higher among males, the higher defaulter rate, HIV co-infection and lower treatment success rates recorded among the females was worrisome. Factors contributing to these negative indices among female TB clients in this environment should be explored.
Pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.

SIR,-A 39-year-old man was referred with a six-month history of progressive hoarseness. Biopsies of the right aryepiglottic fold and right ventricle of the larynx performed at the referring hospital showed a chronically ulcerated, hyperplastic squamous mucosa only. The inflammatory cell infiltration was predominantly plasma cell in type. Indirect laryngoscopy showed an oedematous larynx with a papilliferous lesion of the right aryepiglottic fold with extension into the medial wall of the right pyriform fossa. The larynx was fully mobile; there was no ulceration and no palpable lymph nodes. A repeat direct examination with multiple biopsies was again negative for carcinoma; the histological appearances being similar to the previous biopsy. He was an asthmatic of seven years' duration, on low-dose steroids for four years. He originally used a pressurised aerosol of isoprenaline sulphate 4 mg. /ml. , but had changed to the stronger suspension containing 20 mg. /ml. for the past 18 months. His asthma had worsened progressively over nine months to the extent that when seen he had been off work for five months, able only to manage one flight of stairs, or 200 yards on the flat as a maximum exercise at any one time, and unable to sleep without being woken three or four times each night by asthma. Coincident with the deterioration of his asthma, there had been an increasing use of the aerosol, so that a 400-dose aerosol was lasting only one week, equivalent to more than 50 doses per day. Patients have been warned that it is dangerous to exceed the recommended dosage of one to three doses, and that it should not be necessary for more than eight treatments a day. '