Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple health behaviours: overview and implications.

BACKGROUND More remains unknown than known about how to optimize multiple health behaviour change. METHODS After reviewing the prevalence and comorbidities among major chronic disease risk behaviours for adults and youth, we consider the origins and applicability of high-risk and population strategies to foster multiple health behaviour change. RESULTS Findings indicate that health risk behaviours are prevalent, increase with age and co-occur as risk behaviour clusters or bundles. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that both population and high-risk strategies for health behaviour intervention are warranted, potentially synergistic and need intervention design that accounts for substitute and complementary relationships among bundled health behaviours. To maximize positive public health impact, a pressing need exists for bodies of basic and translational science that explain health behaviour bundling. Also needed is applied science that elucidates the following: (1) the optimal number of behaviours to intervene upon; (2) how target behaviours are best selected (e.g. greatest health impact; patient preference or positive effect on bundled behaviours); (3) whether to increase healthy or decrease unhealthy behaviours; (4) whether to intervene on health behaviours simultaneously or sequentially and (5) how to achieve positive synergies across individual-, group- and population-level intervention approaches.
Performance Pay or Redistribution? Cultural Differences in Just-World Beliefs and Preferences for Wage Inequality

We identify and test a specific psychological mechanism underlying cross-national differences in preferences for performance-based versus redistributive compensation systems. We posit that individuals’ beliefs in the inherent justness and deservedness of individual outcomes (i.e., just world beliefs: JWBs) can help explain individual and culture-level variation in preferences for these compensation systems. Study 1 demonstrates a general correlation between the JWBs of a culturally diverse sample of former managers and their preferences for performance versus equal pay for an individual task. Study 2 shows that American participants exhibit stronger preferences for individual performance pay versus redistributive pay than do French participants, a difference that is mediated by cultural differences in JWBs. Study 3 holds national culture constant and replicates these effects by experimentally manipulating JWBs, demonstrating the causal nature of JWBs in determining preferences for performance-based versus redistributive compensation systems. Implications for organizational incentive systems, culture, and work motivation are discussed.
Choline in Pediatric Depression

PURPOSE OF STUDY The prefrontal cortex has been previously implicated in the neuropathology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Hence, we used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to examine choline levels in the prefrontal cortex of youth with major depression. BASIC PROCEDURES Twelve age- and sex-matched case-control pairs were examined (age range 10 to 18 years, 7 females and 5 males in each group). All subjects were treatment naive at the time of the scan. A long echo 1H-MRS scan was acquired from the right prefrontal cortex (4cc) in all subjects. MAIN FINDINGS Right prefrontal Choline/Creatine ratios were elevated in the youth with mood disorders (F1, 11=10.741, p=0.007) as compared with healthy controls. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that prefrontal cytosolic choline may be increased in youth with MDD in comparison with healthy controls. This is consistent with reported findings in both adults and adolescents and suggests that MDD in youth is associated with alterations in choline metabolism in the prefrontal cortex.
New Linear Programming Performance Bounds for Closed Reentrant Queueing Networks

We develop new linear program performance bounds for closed reentrant queueing networks based on an inequality relaxation of the average cost equation. The approach exploits the fact that the transition probabilities under certain policies of closed queueing networks are invariant within certain regions of the state space. This invariance suggests the use of a piecewise quadratic function as a surrogate for the diieren-tial cost function. The linear programming throughput bounds obtained are provably tighter than previous known bounds at the cost of increased computational complexity. Functional throughput bounds parameterized by the xed customer population N are obtained along with a bound on the limiting throughput as N ! +1. Any opinions, ndings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reeect the views of the above agencies.
Innovation Implementation

In changing work environments, innovation is imperative. Yet, many teams and organizations fail to realize the expected benefits of innovations that they adopt. A key reason is not innovation failure but implementation failure—the failure to gain targeted employees' skilled, consistent, and committed use of the innovation in question. We review research on the implementation process, outlining the reasons why implementation is so challenging for many teams and organizations. We then describe the organizational characteristics that together enhance the likelihood of successful implementation, including a strong, positive climate for implementation; management support for innovation implementation; financial resource availability; and a learning orientation.
Structure and ferroelectric properties of sputtered PMNT thin films

Thin films of strain free single c-domain / single crystal (PbMg/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/O/sub 3/)/sub 1-x/(PbTiO/sub 3/)/sub x/, x=0-0.4 were epitaxially grown on [001]SrTiO/sub 3/ and [001]MgO substrates by magnetron sputtering. The sputtered PMNT thin films showed bulk relaxor-like frequency dispersion in their dielectric properties but exhibited strongly diffused temperature anomaly unlikely to bulk PMNT. The d/sub 33/ and d/sub 31/ values at MPB composition lied 200-300pC/N and 70-100pC/N, respectively. These values were larger than those of PZT ceramics, but 10 to 15% of PMNT single crystal values.
Experimental comparison of hybrid and proactive MANET routing protocols

The paper describes an experimental implementation of a QoS-aware hybrid routing protocol that uses a flexible mix of proactive and reactive routing techniques within mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). After a brief review of the benefits and applications of proactive, reactive (on-demand) and hybrid routing, the architectural details and protocol operation of Scientific Research Corporation's "wireless ad hoc routing protocol" (WARP) are given. The paper then discusses the laboratory testing methodology used during the development of WARP, and gives an experimental comparison of WARP with a proactive routing protocol, namely optimized link state routing (OLSR).
THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY QUASAR LENS SEARCH. III. CONSTRAINTS ON DARK ENERGY FROM THE THIRD DATA RELEASE QUASAR LENS CATALOG

We present cosmological results from the statistics of lensed quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Quasar Lens Search. By taking proper account of the selection function, we compute the expected number of quasars lensed by early-type galaxies and their image separation distribution assuming a flat universe, which is then compared with seven lenses found in the SDSS Data Release 3 to derive constraints on dark energy under strictly controlled criteria. For a cosmological constant model (w = −1) we obtain ΩΛ = 0.74+0.11−0.15(stat.)+0.13−0.06(syst.). Allowing w to be a free parameter we find ΩM = 0.26+0.07−0.06(stat.)+0.03−0.05(syst.) and w = −1.1 ± 0.6(stat.)+0.3−0.5(syst.) when combined with the constraint from the measurement of baryon acoustic oscillations in the SDSS luminous red galaxy sample. Our results are in good agreement with earlier lensing constraints obtained using radio lenses, and provide additional confirmation of the presence of dark energy consistent with a cosmological constant, derived independently of type Ia supernovae.
Time-optimized MAC for low latency and energy-efficient SmartBANs

We present a novel time-optimized framework to support joint scheduled and contention access hybrid medium access control (MAC) for Smart Body Area Networks (SmartBANs). For the first time, optimal lengths of inter-beacon interval and access periods are critically analyzed. This is achieved by first building closed-form analytical models for both periodic and Poisson emergency traffic. Then, the inter-beacon interval and individual access periods are optimized based on minimizing both delay and energy consumption. The delay and energy characteristics of our time-optimized MAC for SmartBAN are demonstrated by numerical analysis.
Evidence of Buyer Bargaining Power in the Stockholm Residential Real Estate Market

The objective is to investigate whether uninformed buyers pay higher prices for single-family houses than do other buyers and test whether the bargaining power increases with information. We examine data on real estate prices and attributes, as well as household characteristics and buying process from Stockholm. Our results show that uninformed buyers seem to pay a higher price than informed buyers do. Bargaining power is not weaker for a first-time buyer but is weaker if the household has participated in several biddings and lost. Repeated bidding-and-losing households are more willing to increase their reservation price and pay a higher overall price compared to other households.
Prisms to Shift Pain Away: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Exploration of CRPS with Prism Adaptation

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an invalidating chronic condition subsequent to peripheral lesions. There is growing consensus for a central contribution to CRPS. However, the nature of this central body representation disorder is increasingly debated. Although it has been repeatedly argued that CRPS results in motor neglect of the affected side, visual egocentric reference frame was found to be deviated toward the pain, that is, neglect of the healthy side. Accordingly, prism adaptation has been successfully used to normalize this deviation. This study aimed at clarifying whether 7 CRPS patients exhibited neglect as well as exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms of this manifestation and of the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation. Pain and quality of life, egocentric reference frames (visual and proprioceptive straight-ahead), and neglect tests (line bisection, kinematic analyses of motor neglect and motor extinction) were repeatedly assessed prior to, during, and following a one-week intense prism adaptation intervention. First, our results provide no support for visual and motor neglect in CRPS. Second, reference frames for body representations were not systematically deviated. Third, intensive prism adaptation intervention durably ameliorated pain and quality of life. As for spatial neglect, understanding the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation deserves further investigations.
Do asbestos-related pleural plaques on HRCT scans cause restrictive impairment in the absence of pulmonary fibrosis?

Background It is uncertain whether isolated pleural plaques cause functional impairment. Objective To analyse the relationship between isolated pleural plaques confirmed by CT scanning and lung function in subjects with occupational exposure to asbestos. Methods The study population consisted of 2743 subjects presenting with no parenchymal interstitial abnormalities on the high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan. Asbestos exposure was evaluated by calculation of an individual cumulative exposure index (CEI). Each subject underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and HRCT scanning. Variables were adjusted for age, smoking status, body mass index, CEI to asbestos and the centres in which the pulmonary function tests were conducted. Results All functional parameters studied were within normal limits for subjects presenting with isolated pleural plaques and for those presenting with no pleuropulmonary abnormalities. However, isolated parietal and/or diaphragmatic pleural plaques were associated with a significant decrease in total lung capacity (TLC) (98.1% predicted in subjects with pleural plaques vs 101.2% in subjects free of plaques, p=0.0494), forced vital capacity (FVC) (96.6% vs 100.4%, p<0.001) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (97.9% vs 101.9%, p=0.0032). In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between pleural plaques and FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow at 25–75% FVC and residual volume. A significant correlation was found between the extent of pleural plaques and the reduction in FVC and TLC, whereas plaque thickness was not related to functional impairment. Conclusions The results show a relationship between isolated parietal and/or diaphragmatic pleural plaques and a trend towards a restrictive pattern, although the observed decrease in FVC and TLC is unlikely to be of real clinical relevance for the majority of subjects in this series.
Formation of a Matter-Wave Bright Soliton

We report the production of matter-wave solitons in an ultracold lithium-7 gas. The effective interaction between atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate is tuned with a Feshbach resonance from repulsive to attractive before release in a one-dimensional optical waveguide. Propagation of the soliton without dispersion over a macroscopic distance of 1.1 millimeter is observed. A simple theoretical model explains the stability region of the soliton. These matter-wave solitons open possibilities for future applications in coherent atom optics, atom interferometry, and atom transport.
Testing For Convergence in Output and in 'Well-Being' in Industrialized Countries

There is now an extensive empirical literature relating to tests for various forms of convergence between the real per capita outputs of different countries. The evidence from these tests is mixed, and depends upon the type of data used, the countries in question, and the sample period in question. However, very little attention has been paid to the possibility of an associated convergence in "well-being" across countries. Indeed, it is interesting to posit the lack of any connection between convergence in output (income) and convergence in "well-being". In this paper we address this issue in the context of fourteen OECD economies, using various measures of "well-being", and different tests of convergence. The latter include a time-series test recently proposed by Nahar and Inder (2002), and a test based on fuzzy clustering proposed by Giles (2001). Our findings indicate that in general one should not expect convergence in output to be associated with convergence in "well-being".
Tendons of myostatin-deficient mice are small, brittle, and hypocellular

Tendons play a significant role in the modulation of forces transmitted between bones and skeletal muscles and consequently protect muscle fibers from contraction-induced, or high-strain, injuries. Myostatin (GDF-8) is a negative regulator of muscle mass. Inhibition of myostatin not only increases the mass and maximum isometric force of muscles, but also increases the susceptibility of muscle fibers to contraction-induced injury. We hypothesized that myostatin would regulate the morphology and mechanical properties of tendons. The expression of myostatin and the myostatin receptors ACVR2B and ACVRB was detectable in tendons. Surprisingly, compared with wild type (MSTN+/+) mice, the tendons of myostatin-null mice (MSTN−/−) were smaller and had a decrease in fibroblast density and a decrease in the expression of type I collagen. Tendons of MSTN−/− mice also had a decrease in the expression of two genes that promote tendon fibroblast proliferation: scleraxis and tenomodulin. Treatment of tendon fibroblasts with myostatin activated the p38 MAPK and Smad2/3 signaling cascades, increased cell proliferation, and increased the expression of type I collagen, scleraxis, and tenomodulin. Compared with the tendons of MSTN+/+ mice, the mechanical properties of tibialis anterior tendons from MSTN−/− mice had a greater peak stress, a lower peak strain, and increased stiffness. We conclude that, in addition to the regulation of muscle mass and force, myostatin regulates the structure and function of tendon tissues.
Empirical Study on Designing of Gaze Tracking Camera Based on the Information of User’s Head Movement

Gaze tracking is the technology that identifies a region in space that a user is looking at. Most previous non-wearable gaze tracking systems use a near-infrared (NIR) light camera with an NIR illuminator. Based on the kind of camera lens used, the viewing angle and depth-of-field (DOF) of a gaze tracking camera can be different, which affects the performance of the gaze tracking system. Nevertheless, to our best knowledge, most previous researches implemented gaze tracking cameras without ground truth information for determining the optimal viewing angle and DOF of the camera lens. Eye-tracker manufacturers might also use ground truth information, but they do not provide this in public. Therefore, researchers and developers of gaze tracking systems cannot refer to such information for implementing gaze tracking system. We address this problem providing an empirical study in which we design an optimal gaze tracking camera based on experimental measurements of the amount and velocity of user’s head movements. Based on our results and analyses, researchers and developers might be able to more easily implement an optimal gaze tracking system. Experimental results show that our gaze tracking system shows high performance in terms of accuracy, user convenience and interest.
Disability and Equity at Work

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 Disability, Employment and Inclusion Worldwide Jody Heymann, Michael A. Stein, and Gonzalo Moreno Section 1 - THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT Chapter 2 Restructuring Disability Policy and Improving Employment Outcomes in the United States David C. Stapleton and David R. Mann Chapter 3 Disability and Employment in the European Union: Collective Strategies and Tools Anna Lawson Chapter 4 Complementary Approaches: Japanese Disability and Employment Law Ryoko Sakuraba Chapter 5 Employment Challenges and Successes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Sophie Mitra Chapter 6 Government Policy and Employment of Persons with Disabilities in Peru Stanislao Maldonado Section 2 - EMPLOYERS AND MULTI-SECTORAL ACTORS Chapter 7 Finding and Maintaining Employment: Lessons from Workplace Non-Discrimination Measures Susanne M. Bruyere with Sara A. Van Looy Chapter 8 Improving Disability Confidence from Within the Private Sector: the Employers' Forum on Disability Megan Galeucia Chapter 9 Employability and Inclusion in a For-Profit Company: Serasa Experian's Employability Program for Persons with Disabilities. Kali Stull Chapter 10 Employment Policy Approaches and Multi-Sectoral Implementation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Daniel Mont Chapter 11 Microfinance and Disability: Recommendations for Policymakers and Practitioners Leif Atle Besland and Roy Mersland Chapter 12 Assistive Technology and Employment in Low-Resource Environments Joyojeet Pal Section 3 - A LIFE-COURSE APPROACH AND BEYOND Chapter 13 Transition from School to Work: New Directions for Policy and Practice Frank R. Rusch, John Dattilo, Robert Stodden, and Anthony J. Plotner Chapter 14 Career Advancement for Young Adults with Disabilities Lauren Lindstrom and Laurie Guttman Kahn Chapter 15 Preventing Job Abandonment and Facilitating Work Reintegration in High-Income Countries Rienk Prins
The historical burden on scientific knowledge

The development of scientific knowledge is compared with the evolution of biological systems. Just as every biological system inevitably contains fossils our physics syllabus contains obsolete concepts and methods. It is argued that the potential for simplifying the teaching of science by eliminating this historical burden is high. Several examples of obsolete concepts in physics are given. Zusammenfassung. Die Entwicklung der Inhalte des wissenschaftlichen Lehrgebaudes wird mit der Evolution biologischer Systeme verglichen. Genauso, wie jedes biologische System zwangslaufig Fossilien enthalt, so enthalt auch der Physikkanon veraltete Begriffe und Methoden. Wir sind der Meinung, das die Eliminierung solcher historischer Altlasten ein sehr groses Potential fur die Vereinfachung der Lehre der Naturwissenschaft darstellt. Es werden einige Besipiele fur veraltete Konzepte vorgestellt.
Trade barriers to growth in South Africa: Endogenous investment-productivity-trade interaction

The relationship between foreign trade openness and growth is a challenge for economic analysis. Econometric approaches struggle with endogeneity of foreign trade and trade policy and endogenous interaction between investment and productivity. We offer an alternative route to identification and quantification of channels of effects based on calibration of a Ramsey growth model. The model is designed to reproduce the changing openness in South Africa 1960-2005. Productivity growth is assumed generated by innovation and adoption, and trade openness affects international productivity spillovers and catching up to the world technology frontier. International sanctions and protectionism are represented by a calibrated tariff equivalent, and the counterfactual elimination of the tariff equivalent shows large potential for GDP growth. According to our preferred parameterization increased trade share by 10% points raises GDP level over time by about 15%. Separating the effects of openness between investment and productivity we find that about 2/3 of the increase in GDP is due to increased productivity, working either directly or indirectly via investment profitability.
Sensitivity of the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone to Last Glacial Maximum boundary conditions

[1] Recent paleoproxy records suggest that the mean latitude of the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) varied synchronously with North Atlantic climate over a range of timescales throughout the Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum. We show that the present-day “meridional mode” of atmosphere-ocean variability in the tropical Atlantic is a potentially useful model for understanding these paleoclimate changes. The tropical Atlantic in a coupled atmospheric general circulation and slab ocean model responds to Last Glacial Maximum conditions with a southward displacement of the ITCZ. This response arises primarily through the land ice sheet that forces increased North Atlantic trades analogous to the forcing on the present-day meridional mode. Changes to sea ice coverage and to ocean heat transport associated with a weakened Atlantic thermohaline circulation also cause a meridional mode response, though through different mechanisms. Our results highlight the potential for tropical Atlantic paleoclimate to be driven from the high latitude influences, in particular, land ice on glacial-interglacial timescales.