Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Environmental Factors on Sleep Patterns and School Performance in Adolescents

Background: Modern life, with its many distractions, is seeing sleep quantity and quality decline during adolescence. This is a concern as research persuasively demonstrates the negative impact of reduced sleep on academic achievement, both in terms of learning and behavior. Aims: This study examined the relationship between sleep and school functioning in adolescence, with a focus on environmental factors that might mediate this relationship. Sample and Method: Forty-seven adolescents took part. Sleep was measured using the School Sleep Habits Survey (SSHS) and a sleep diary. School records of year grade point averages provided a measure of academic achievement. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices gave a measure of general cognitive processing. Environmental sleep factors falling into three groups, namely, stimulant consumption, media use and exercise, were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Results: An average of 7.08 h of sleep was reported. Correlations revealed that Total sleep time (TST) and bedtimes on weekdays were strongly associated with academic achievement. Morning/eveningness and sleep/wake behavior problems had a strong relationship with performance on the Ravens. Stimulant consumption and media use before bed revealed strong relationships with TST and bedtimes on weekdays. Crucially, mediation analyses confirmed that both caffeine consumption and electronic media use before bedtime were negatively associated with academic performance, via the mediating pathway by affecting sleep. Exercise was not associated with any of the sleep variables, but was associated with better academic performance. Conclusion: The current findings highlight that, now more than ever, parents, schools and policy makers must be aware of the negative effects of caffeinated substances marketed to students, and electronic media use on their sleep habits. Our findings suggest that targeting caffeine consumption and electronic media use before bed may represent effective routes in alleviating modern teenage sleep debt, and in turn enhancing academic performance.
Intrapartum tests for group B streptococcus: accuracy and acceptability of screening

Please cite this paper as: Daniels J, Gray J, Pattison H, Gray R, Hills R, Khan K on behalf of the GBS Collaborative Group. Intrapartum tests for group B streptococcus: accuracy and acceptability of screening. BJOG 2011;118:257–265.
Capacity Results for Block-Stationary Gaussian Fading Channels With a Peak Power Constraint

A peak-power-limited single-antenna block-stationary Gaussian fading channel is studied, where neither the transmitter nor the receiver knows the channel state information, but both know the channel statistics. This model subsumes most previously studied Gaussian fading models. The asymptotic channel capacity in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime is first computed, and it is shown that the behavior of the channel capacity depends critically on the channel model. For the special case where the fading process is symbol-by-symbol stationary, it is shown that the codeword length must scale at least logarithmically with SNR in order to guarantee that the communication rate can grow logarithmically with SNR with decoding error probability bounded away from one. An expression for the capacity per unit energy is also derived. Furthermore, it is shown that the capacity per unit energy is achievable using temporal ON-OFF signaling with optimally allocated ON symbols, where the optimal ON-symbol allocation scheme may depend on the peak power constraint.
High-density discrete HMM with the use of scalar quantization indexing

With the advance in semiconductor memory and the availability of very large speech corpora (of hundreds to thousands of hours of speech), we would like to revisit the use of discrete hidden Markov model (DHMM) in automatic speech recognition. To estimate the discrete density in a DHMM state, the acoustic space is divided into bins and one simply count the relative amount of observations falling into each bin. With a very large speech corpus, we believe that the number of bins may be greatly increased to get a much higher density than before, and we will call the new models, the high-density discrete hidden Markov model (HDDHMM). Our HDDHMM is different from traditional DHMM in two aspects: firstly, the codebook will have a size in thousands or even tens of thousands; secondly, we propose a method based on scalar quantization indexing so that for a d-dimensional acoustic vector, the discrete codeword can be determined in O(d) time. During recognition, the state probability is reduced to an O(1) table look-up. The new HDDHMM was tested on WSJ0 with 5K vocabulary. Compared with a baseline 4-stream continuous density HMM system which has a WER of 9.71%, a 4-stream HDDHMM system converted from the former achieves a WER of 11.60%, with no distance or Gaussian computation.
Application of biofilm membrane bioreactor (BF-MBR) for municipal wastewater treatment

Coupling biofilm reactors with membrane filtration as biofilm membrane bioreactors (BF-MBR) is an interesting alternative technology to activated sludge membrane bioreactors (AS-MBR). Biofilm technology for wastewater treatment can provide a substantially lower suspended solids environment for membrane filtration compared to activated sludge processes. Potential benefits are; less membrane clogging/sludging problems, lower fouling potentials, ease of membrane cleaning, reduced energy consumption for air-scouring, and new membrane module/reactor designs. This study was aimed to investigate alternative membrane reactor designs as a tool to improve membrane performance in a BF-MBR process. Three different designs were investigated. A simplified model was developed to predict and analyze the performance of the membrane reactor designs chosen. Results showed that solids control can be achieved, in particular the MLSS concentration, as well as a reduction of the colloidal submicron particle fraction, thereby reducing membrane fouling. Modification of the membrane reactor in a BF-MBR process is beneficial The alternative designs investigated in this study included introducing an integrated flocculation zone in the membrane reactor coupled with a sedimentation zone beneath the membrane module. The modified membrane rector design provided a significantly lower concentration of MLSS and COD around the membranes, and subsequently a more sustainable membrane performance due to much lower overall fouling rates.
Deformations of toric singularities and fractional branes

Fractional branes added to a large stack of D3-branes at the singularity of a Calabi-Yau cone modify the quiver gauge theory breaking conformal invariance and leading to different kinds of IR behaviors. For toric singularities admitting complex deformations we propose a simple method that allows to compute the anomaly free rank distributions in the gauge theory corresponding to the fractional deformation branes. This algorithm fits Altmann's rule of decomposition of the toric diagram into a Minkowski sum of polytopes. More generally we suggest how different IR behaviors triggered by fractional branes can be classified by looking at suitable weights associated with the external legs of the (p,q) web. We check the proposal on many examples and match in some interesting cases the moduli space of the gauge theory with the deformed geometry.
Typologies of Extreme Longevity Myths

Purpose. Political, national, religious, and other motivations have led the media and even scientists to errantly accept extreme longevity claims prima facie. We describe various causes of false claims of extraordinary longevity. Design and Methods. American Social Security Death Index files for the period 1980–2009 were queried for individuals with birth and death dates yielding ages 110+ years of age. Frequency was compared to a list of age-validated supercentenarians maintained by the Gerontology Research Group who died during the same time period. Age claims of 110+ years and the age validation experiences of the authors facilitated a list of typologies of false age claims. Results. Invalid age claim rates increase with age from 65% at age 110-111 to 98% by age 115 to 100% for 120+ years. Eleven typologies of false claims were: Religious Authority Myth, Village Elder Myth, Fountain of Youth Myth (substance), Shangri-La Myth (geographic), Nationalist Pride, Spiritual Practice, Familial Longevity, Individual and/or Family Notoriety, Military Service, Administrative Entry Error, and Pension-Social Entitlement Fraud. Conclusions. Understanding various causes of false extreme age claims is important for placing current, past, and future extreme longevity claims in context and for providing a necessary level of skepticism.
Temperature Dependence of the Electrical Resistivity of Pure Iron at Low Temperatures

The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of pure cobalt specimens with different values of the residual resistivity ratio up to 334 was measured. A T2 dependence of the electrical resistivity is clearly observed in the temperature range 1.64. 2 K. The coefficient of the T2 term is estimated to be (1.6 f 0.1) x lo-'' R cm K-'. A T4 term is also observed below 40 K.
Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests of silicon carbide ceramics under quasi-static loading condition.

To establish mechanical properties and failure criteria of silicon carbide (SiC-N) ceramics, a series of quasi-static compression tests has been completed using a high-pressure vessel and a unique sample alignment jig. This report summarizes the test methods, set-up, relevant observations, and results from the constitutive experimental efforts. Results from the uniaxial and triaxial compression tests established the failure threshold for the SiC-N ceramics in terms of stress invariants (I{sub 1} and J{sub 2}) over the range 1246 < I{sub 1} < 2405. In this range, results are fitted to the following limit function (Fossum and Brannon, 2004) {radical}J{sub 2}(MPa) = a{sub 1} - a{sub 3}e -a{sub 2}(I{sub 1}/3) + a{sub 4} I{sub 1}/3, where a{sub 1} = 10181 MPa, a{sub 2} = 4.2 x 10{sup -4}, a{sub 3} = 11372 MPa, and a{sub 4} = 1.046. Combining these quasistatic triaxial compression strength measurements with existing data at higher pressures naturally results in different values for the least-squares fit to this function, appropriate over a broader pressure range. These triaxial compression tests are significant because they constitute the first successful measurements of SiC-N compressive strength under quasistatic conditions. Having an unconfined compressive strength of {approx}3800 MPa, SiC-N has been heretofore tested more » only under dynamic conditions to achieve a sufficiently large load to induce failure. Obtaining reliable quasi-static strength measurements has required design of a special alignment jig and load-spreader assembly, as well as redundant gages to ensure alignment. When considered in combination with existing dynamic strength measurements, these data significantly advance the characterization of pressure-dependence of strength, which is important for penetration simulations where failed regions are often at lower pressures than intact regions. « less
Contextual evidence in clinical medicine and health promotion.

The randomized clinical trial (RCT) and systematic review underpin evidence-based medicine. They are perceived to provide the strongest evidence on interventions—when viewed as part of an evidence hierarchy, and are generally accepted as such, in clinical medicine. Yet, they are perceived to have limited currency in health promotion practice.1 Those trying to build bridges across these fields have often been challenged as to whether or not the RCT is the design for both.2 We argue that ‘real life’, including decision making and practice both in clinical medicine and health promotion, requires contextualized evidence; that integrated research on outcome and context is feasible and desirable, both in clinical medicine and health promotion; and that these fields could learn from each other's approaches towards contextualization of evidence. Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. It integrates the best external evidence with individual clinical expertise and patients’ choice.3 In generating external evidence, various research designs are applicable. The RCT and systematic review of trials are regarded as the best options for answering questions on the efficacy of interventions. Diagnostic and prognostic studies require other types of designs. Making a clinical decision in the treatment of a specific patient requires information on the clinical profile of the patient. The clinician needs to assess whether this patient resembles the ‘average’ patient who is typically being studied in RCTs and to whom guidelines typically refer. The selection criteria in RCTs frequently exclude e.g. co-morbid conditions, younger …
An affine micro-sphere-based constitutive model, accounting for junctional sliding, can capture F-actin network mechanics

Actin filaments are a major component of the cytoskeleton and play a crucial role in cell mechanotransduction. F-actin networks can be reconstituted in vitro and their mechanical behaviour has been studied experimentally. Constitutive models that assume an idealised network structure, in combination with a non-affine network deformation, have been successful in capturing the elastic response of the network. In this study, an affine network deformation is assumed, in which we propose an alternative 3D finite strain constitutive model. The model makes use of a micro-sphere to calculate the strain energy density of the network, which is represented as a continuous distribution of filament orientations in space. By incorporating a simplified sliding mechanism at the filament-to-filament junctions, premature filament locking, inherent to affine network deformation, could be avoided. The model could successfully fit experimental shear data for a specific cross-linked F-actin network, demonstrating the potential of the novel model.
Preattentive Phonotactic Processing as Indexed by the Mismatch Negativity

Processing of an obligatory phonotactic restriction outside the focus of the participants' attention was investigated by means of ERPs using (reversed) experimental oddball blocks. Dorsal fricative assimilation (DFA) is a phonotactic constraint in German grammar that is violated in *[ɛx] but not in [ɔx], [ɛ∫], and [ɔ∫]. These stimulus sequences engage the auditory deviance detection mechanism as reflected by the MMN component of the ERP. In Experiment 1 (n = 16), stimuli were contrasted pairwise such that they shared the initial vowel but differed with regard to the fricative. Phonotactically ill-formed deviants elicited stronger MMN responses than well-formed deviants that differed acoustically in the same way from the standard stimulation but did not contain a phonotactic violation. In Experiment 2 (n = 16), stimuli were contrasted such that they differed with regard to the vowel but shared the fricative. MMN was elicited by the vowel change. An additional, later MMN response was observed for the phonotactically ill-formed syllable only. This MMN cannot be attributed to any phonetic or segmental difference between standard and deviant. These findings suggest that implicit phonotactic knowledge is activated and applied in preattentive speech processing.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Homeless Adults

Background—Homeless people represent an extremely disadvantaged group in North America. Among older homeless men, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. The objective of this study was to examine cardiovascular risk factors in a representative sample of homeless adults and identify opportunities for improved risk factor modification. Methods and Results—Homeless persons were randomly selected at shelters for single adults in Toronto. Response rate was 79%. Participants (n=202) underwent interviews, physical measurements, and blood sampling. The mean age of participants was 42 years, and 89% were men. The prevalence of smoking among homeless subjects (78%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 72% to 84%) was significantly higher than in the general population (standardized morbidity ratio [SMR], 254; 95% CI, 216 to 297). Hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes were not more prevalent than in the general population but were often poorly controlled. Homeless men were significantly less likely to be overweight or obese than men in the general population (SMR, 79; 95% CI, 63 to 98). Cocaine use in the last year was reported by 29% of subjects (95% CI, 23% to 36%). CVD was reported by 15% of subjects, fewer than one third of whom reported taking aspirin or cholesterol-lowering medication. According to multiple-risk-factor equations, the median estimated 10-year absolute risk of myocardial infarction or coronary death among homeless men aged 30 to 74 years was 5% (interquartile range, 3% to 9%). Conclusions—Cardiovascular risk factor modification is suboptimal among homeless adults in Toronto, despite universal health insurance. Multiple risk factor equations may underestimate true risk in this population because of inadequate accounting for factors such as cocaine use and heavy smoking.
Distributed Continuous-Time Convex Optimization on Weight-Balanced Digraphs

This technical note studies the continuous-time distributed optimization of a sum of convex functions over directed graphs. Contrary to what is known in the consensus literature, where the same dynamics works for both undirected and directed scenarios, we show that the consensus-based dynamics that solves the continuous-time distributed optimization problem for undirected graphs fails to converge when transcribed to the directed setting. This study sets the basis for the design of an alternative distributed dynamics which we show is guaranteed to converge, on any strongly connected weight-balanced digraph, to the set of minimizers of a sum of convex differentiable functions with globally Lipschitz gradients. Our technical approach combines notions of invariance and cocoercivity with the positive definiteness properties of graph matrices to establish the results.
64-APSK Constellation and Mapping Optimization for Satellite Broadcasting Using Genetic Algorithms

DVB-S2 and DVB-SH satellite broadcasting standards currently deploy 16- and 32-amplitude phase shift keying (APSK) modulation using the consultative committee for space data systems (CCSDS) mapping. Such standards also include hierarchical modulation as a mean to provide unequal error protection in highly variable channels over satellite. Foreseeing the increasing need for higher data rates, this paper tackles the optimization of 64-APSK constellations to minimize the mean square error between the original and received symbol. Optimization is performed according to the sensitivity of the data to the channel errors, by means of genetic algorithms, a well-known technique currently used in a variety of application domains, when close form solutions are impractical. Test results show that through non-uniform constellation and asymmetric symbol mapping, it is possible to significantly reduce the distortion while preserving bandwidth efficiency. Tests performed on real signals based on perceptual quality measurements allow validating the proposed scheme against conventional 64-APSK constellations and CCSDS mapping.
Intensity-Dependent Contribution of Neuromuscular Fatigue after Constant-Load Cycling.

PURPOSE We tested the hypothesis that central and peripheral fatigue after constant-load cycling exercise would vary with exercise intensity and duration. METHODS Twelve well-trained male cyclists (V˙O2max, 4.49 ± 0.35 L·min) completed three constant-load cycling trials to the limit of tolerance in a randomized crossover design. Exercise intensities were set according to the respiratory responses to a preliminary ramp test to elicit cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses consistent with exercise in the severe and heavy exercise domains: 1) at power at V˙O2max (S+, 379 ± 31 W), 2) at 60% of the difference between gas exchange threshold and V˙O2max (S-, 305 ± 23 W), and 3) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP, 254 ± 26 W). Pre- and postexercise twitch responses from the quadriceps to the electrical stimulation of the femoral nerve and magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex were recorded to assess neuromuscular and corticospinal function, respectively. RESULTS Exercise time was 3.14 ± 0.59, 11.11 ± 1.86, and 42.14 ± 9.09 min for S+, S-, and RCP, respectively. All trials resulted in similar reductions in maximum voluntary force (P = 0.61). However, the degree of peripheral fatigue varied in an intensity-dependent manner, with greater reductions in potentiated twitch force after S+ (-33% ± 9%) compared with both S- (-16% ± 9%, P < 0.001) and RCP trials (-11% ± 9%, P < 0.001) and greater after S- compared with RCP (P < 0.05). For central fatigue, this trend was reversed, with smaller reductions in voluntary activation after S+ compared with RCP (-2.7% ± 2.2% vs -9.0% ± 4.7%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION These data suggest the magnitude of peripheral and central fatigue after locomotor cycling exercise is exacerbated with exercise intensity and duration, respectively.
Long-Term Fungal Inhibitory Activity of Water-Soluble Extracts of Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Pinto and Sourdough Lactic Acid Bacteria during Bread Storage

ABSTRACT The antifungal activity of proteinaceous compounds from different food matrices was investigated. In initial experiments, water-soluble extracts of wheat sourdoughs, cheeses, and vegetables were screened by agar diffusion assays with Penicillium roqueforti DPPMAF1 as the indicator fungus. Water-soluble extracts of sourdough fermented with Lactobacillus brevis AM7 and Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Pinto were selected for further study. The crude water-soluble extracts of L. brevis AM7 sourdough and P. vulgaris cv. Pinto had a MIC of 40 mg of peptide/ml and 30.9 mg of protein/ml, respectively. MICs were markedly lower when chemically synthesized peptides or partially purified protein fractions were used. The water-soluble extract of P. vulgaris cv. Pinto showed inhibition toward a large number of fungal species isolated from bakeries. Phaseolin alpha-type precursor, phaseolin, and erythroagglutinating phytohemagglutinin precursor were identified in the water-soluble extract of P. vulgaris cv. Pinto by nano liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. When the antifungal activity was assayed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, all three proteins were inhibitory. A mixture of eight peptides was identified from the water-soluble extract of sourdough L. brevis AM7, and five of these exhibited inhibitory activity. Bread was made at the pilot plant scale by sourdough fermentation with L. brevis AM7 and addition of the water-soluble extract (27%, vol/wt; 5 mg of protein/ml) of P. vulgaris cv. Pinto. Slices of bread packed in polyethylene bags did not show contamination by fungi until at least 21 days of storage at room temperature, a level of protection comparable to that afforded by 0.3% (wt/wt) calcium propionate.