Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Augmented perception of satiety: controlling food consumption by changing apparent size of food with augmented reality

The main contribution of this paper is to realize a method for modifying perception of satiety and controlling nutritional intake by changing the apparent size of food with augmented reality. As a possible method for decreasing rates of obesity, we focused on controlling food intake implicitly without any effort. We hypothesized that ambiguous perception of satiety can be applied to control our food intake. Recent psychological studies have revealed that the amount of food consumed is influenced by both its actual volume and external factors during eating. Based on this knowledge, we sought to control perception of satiety gained from the same amount of food by changing its apparent size. We also proposed a method for food-volume augmentation using real-time shape deformation. Our results suggest that this augmentation can control the perception of satiety and food intake.
Intimacy in long-distance relationships over video chat

Many couples live a portion of their lives in a long-distance relationship (LDR). This includes a large number of dating college students as well as couples who are geographically-separated because of situational demands such as work. We conducted interviews with individuals in LDRs to understand how they make use of video chat systems to maintain their relationships. In particular, we have investigated how couples use video to "hang out" together and engage in activities over extended periods of time. Our results show that regardless of the relationship situation, video chat affords a unique opportunity for couples to share presence over distance, which in turn provides intimacy. While beneficial, couples still face challenges in using video chat, including contextual (e.g., location of partners, time zones), technical (e.g., mobility, audio/video quality, networking), and personal (e.g., a lack of physicality needed by most for intimate sexual acts) challenges.
Programa de cribado de cáncer colorrectal de la comunidad valenciana: Resultados de la primera ronda: 2005-2008

Background: Several studies evaluating colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) have reported a significant reduction in mortality from this tumor. The study aims to describe the results of the first round of the CRC screening program in medium-risk population of Valencia and assessing their feasibility and acceptability. Methods: Colorectal cancer screening pilot study using biennial FOBT. All residents (106,000 Inhabitants) between 50 and 69 years old (a subgroup of 70-74 years), from 3 selected health departments (04, 07 and 13) were invited by mail to participate. The individuals with FOBT positive were referred to hospital for colonoscopy. The following rates were calculated as indicators of program quality: the participation rate, positive FOBT rate, acceptance rate of colonoscopy, and detection rate of low and high-risk adenomas and invasive cancers, and positive predictive value of FOBT. Results: The participation was 35,231 individuals (35.70%). The number of FOBT positive was 579 (1.64% of total analyzed test), 548 people agreed colonoscopy (acceptance rate: 94.69%). 61 CRC were detected, 61 and 153 High-Risk and Low-Risk Adenomas (rates of 1.77, 1.77 and 4.46% per 1,000 participants). The positive predictive values for cancer, low-risk and high risk adenomas were 10.95%, 10.95%, and 27.46% respectively. Conclusion: The program indicators suggest that a population program of colorectal cancer is feasible in our community as the process indicators obtained are similar to those given in other programs in Spain and Europe.
A Preliminary Study Investigating The Effects Of Vitamin D Phototherapy On Blood Glucose Levels In A Sample Of Pre-Diabetics

xiii List of Abbreviations and Symbols Used xiv Acknowledgements xv Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Literature Review 5 2.1 Homeostasis 5 2.2 Endocrine System 5 2.2.1 Hormonal Regulation 6 2.3 Pancreas 9 2.4 Diabetes Mellitus 10 2.4. 1 Impaired Glucose Tolerance (iIGT) 13 2.4. 2 Impaired Fasting Glycemia (iIFG) 15 2.4. 3 Combined IFG and IGT 16 2.5 Pathology of Pre-Diabetes 19 2.6 Screening and Diagnosis of Pre-Diabetes 20 2.6. 1 Fasting Blood Glucose 21 2.6. 2 Hemoglobin A1c 22
bLSM: a general purpose log structured merge tree

Data management workloads are increasingly write-intensive and subject to strict latency SLAs. This presents a dilemma: Update in place systems have unmatched latency but poor write throughput. In contrast, existing log structured techniques improve write throughput but sacrifice read performance and exhibit unacceptable latency spikes. We begin by presenting a new performance metric: read fanout, and argue that, with read and write amplification, it better characterizes real-world indexes than approaches such as asymptotic analysis and price/performance. We then present bLSM, a Log Structured Merge (LSM) tree with the advantages of B-Trees and log structured approaches: (1) Unlike existing log structured trees, bLSM has near-optimal read and scan performance, and (2) its new "spring and gear" merge scheduler bounds write latency without impacting throughput or allowing merges to block writes for extended periods of time. It does this by ensuring merges at each level of the tree make steady progress without resorting to techniques that degrade read performance. We use Bloom filters to improve index performance, and find a number of subtleties arise. First, we ensure reads can stop after finding one version of a record. Otherwise, frequently written items would incur multiple B-Tree lookups. Second, many applications check for existing values at insert. Avoiding the seek performed by the check is crucial.
Pulse pressure as a predictor of stroke

The current guidelines for the detection and management of high blood pressure depend exclusively on the measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, although these are only two specific points on the arterial pressure wave form [1,2]. However, it may be more appropriate to describe the cardiac cycle as consisting of a pulsatile (pulse pressure) and a steady (mean pressure) component. Pulse pressure is defined as the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures and primarily reflects the stiffness of large arteries, especially the aorta. Elevated pulse pressure increases the stretch of arteries, induces fatigue and fracture of elastic elements, and accelerates the development of aneurysms, and ultimately their rupture. Similarly, an increased pulse pressure is more likely to contribute to intimal damage, the prelude to atherosclerosis and arterial thrombotic events. Increased pulse pressure has also been associated with thickening of the carotid intima and media [3,4]. Systolic blood pressure increases across all age groups, whereas diastolic blood pressure increases until the sixth decade of life and then declines thereafter. As a result, pulse pressure increases as age rises, especially in older people as systolic and diastolic blood pressure move in opposite directions. Hence, pulse pressure may become the key blood pressure measure in older individuals and increase in importance as a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases and death [5,6]. Several observational studies have found that pulse pressure is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in middle aged and older people, in subjects with high blood pressure, in survivors of myocardial infarction and in patients with left ventricular dysfunction [7–11]. A metaanalysis based on individual patient data from three large trials (Syst-Eur, SystChina and EWPHE [12–14]) showed that isolated systolic hypertension and pulse pressure were the major determinants of cardiovascular risk in elderly hypertensives [7]. A further meta-analysis of individual patient data in control groups of seven randomized clinical trials (SHEP, Syst-Eur, MRC 1, HEP, MRC 2, EWPHE and STOP) in the INDANA project [8] also reported that pulse pressure, rather than mean pressure, was the major risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. A 10-mmHg increase in pulse pressure at baseline was associated independently with a 6% rise in total mortality, a 7% rise in cardiovascular mortality and a 7% rise in fatal coronary events. A similar rise in fatal stroke was present, although this was statistically nonsignificant due to the limited number of events. However, the relationship between pulse pressure and fatal stroke became significant (p = 0.04) at higher age [8]. Importantly, pulse pressure calculated from 24 h ambulatory blood pressure recordings is a better predictor of adverse events than if derived from officemeasured blood pressure in older patients with isolated systolic hypertension [15].
High frequency venturi jet ventilation

Summary A Penlon Nuffield Series 200 Ventilator, adapted for use as a high frequency jet ventilator, was used to treat a patient with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Adequate alveolar ventilation with this method was achieved with lower mean intrapulmonary pressure (5.4 cmH2O) than with conventional intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) (6 cmH2O). An improved cardiac output was also apparent, as judged by a better systemic blood pressure [105/50 mmHg for high frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) compared to 90/40 mmHg for IPPV] and a lower central venous pressure 6 cmH2O for HFJV as compared to 9.5 cmH2O with conventional IPPV. During HFJV, the patient's need for sedatives and narcotics was reduced. This allowed an assessment to be made of any potential neurological damage caused by the cervical fracture. An assessment had not been possible during conventional ventilation due to the heavy narcotic and sedative regime required to settle the patient. This case report provides further evidence that HFJV is a useful adjunct in the management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and also that the Penlon Nuffield Series 200 Ventilator is capable of high frequency jet ventilation.
Dietary amelioration of locomotor, neurotransmitter and mitochondrial aging

Aging degrades motivation, cognition, sensory modalities and physical capacities, essentially dimming zestful living. Bradykinesis (declining physical movement) is a highly reliable biomarker of aging and mortality risk. Mice fed a complex dietary supplement (DSP) designed to ameliorate five mechanisms associated with aging showed no loss of total daily locomotion compared with >50% decrement in old untreated mice. This was associated with boosted striatal neuropeptide Y, reversal of age-related declines in mitochondrial complex III activity in brain and amelioration of oxidative stress (brain protein carbonyls). Supplemented mice expressed ∼50% fewer mitochondrial protein carbonyls per unit of complex III activity. Reduction of free radical production by mitochondria may explain the exceptional longevity of birds and dietary restricted animals and no DSP is known to impact this mechanism. Functional benefits greatly exceeded the modest longevity increases documented for supplemented normal mice. Regardless, for aging humans maintaining zestful health and performance into later years may provide greater social and economic benefits than simply prolonging lifespan. Although identifying the role of specific ingredients and interactions remains outstanding, results provide proof of principle that complex dietary cocktails can powerfully ameliorate biomarkers of aging and modulate mechanisms considered ultimate goals for aging interventions.
Treatment of panic disorder: recent developments and current status

Panic disorder is a commonly encountered condition in general medical practice and in various medical settings. It is important for all medical practitioners to be able to recognize this disorder, provide patients with basic information and medical advice, and depending on the specific circumstances, to refer patients for appropriate treatment by primary care physicians, psychiatrists and/or clinical psychologists. This article reviews the developments in the treatment of panic disorder, focusing on the major treatment modalities of pharmacotherapy and cognitive–behavior therapy, as well as their combinations. In addition to providing information on current treatments for panic disorder and the main underlying treatment issues, the article identifies areas where improvements need to be made and areas where much research has been conducted in recent years. These include simplified modes of delivery of cognitive–behavior therapy, optimal ways of combining medications with cognitive–behavior therapy, and minimizing the risk of recurrence after the cessation of treatment.
Negative symptoms in the traumatically brain-injured during the first year postdischarge, and their effect on rehabilitation status, work status and family burden

Approximately one year after discharge from postacute rehabilitation, 47 severely head-injured patients showed physical, cognitive, subjective, emotional and behavioural changes from their preinjury status, according to relatives/carers. Negative symptoms were prominent, and were related to employment status, overall rehabilitation status and relatives'/carers' levels of stress and psychological morbidity.
THE INFLUENCE OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE IN THE OUTCOME OF DIABETIC FOOT MANAGEMENT – A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective: Peripheral neuropathy and Peripheral Vascular Disease are the risk factors for the development of diabetic foot. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences and predictors of outcome parameters in patients with diabetic foot by stratifying these subjects according to the severity of these risk factors. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study conducted in 70 patients in the age group of 30-90 years diagnosed as Type II Diabetes with foot ulcers. After detailed clinical examination the following tests were conducted in all the patients: Complete blood count (CBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), Random Blood Sugar (RBS), Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate (ESR), Chest X-ray(CXR), Electrocardiography (ECG), foot X-ray, pus culture, Neuropathy testing by Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test and Vibration Perception Threshold and Peripheral vascularity assessment by Duplex Doppler. Then grading of the ulcers was done using Wagner's Grade. The outcome of the patients was assessed by recording the healing time, mode of surgery and amputation rates of the patients. Results: A total of 70 patients with diabetic foot were consecutively included into the study (65.7% male, age (31% in 51-60 years), mean diabetes duration (5.2 years), Ulcer Grade (37% in Grade IV), Foot lesions (45.7% in toe), Blood sugar levels (64% in 300-400 mg/dl), Neuropathy (84%), Peripheral vascular disease (67%), major amputation (7%) and mortality (1.4%). Conclusion: All diabetic patients should undergo testing for neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease apart from doing other tests.
A rational approach to dry cow therapy

IN all areas of medicine, the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents has become a subject of much interest and debate. Concerns over the misuse of antibiotics centre on the possible build up of bacterial resistance and a fear of residues entering the food chain. The veterinary surgeon plays a pivotal role in the way in which antibacterial agents are used on the dairy farms under his/her care and dry cow therapy is probably the most commonly prescribed antibiotic product, with almost 4 tonnes of active ingredients being used in the year 2000. As with all medicines, it is essential that dry cow therapy is prescribed on a rational basis. The aim of this two-part article is to describe current knowledge on udder health in the dry period and to use this to develop a logical approach to prescribing dry cow therapy. Part 2, which will be published in the next issue, will provide guidance on product selection.
Wiimote and Kinect: gestural user interfaces add a natural third dimension to HCI

The recent diffusion of advanced controllers, initially designed for the home game console, has been rapidly followed by the release of proprietary or third part PC drivers and SDKs suitable for implementing new forms of 3D user interfaces based on gestures. Exploiting the devices currently available on the game market, it is now possible to enrich, with low cost motion capture, the user interaction with desktop computers by building new forms of natural interfaces and new action metaphors that add the third dimension as well as a physical extension to interaction with users. This paper presents two systems specifically designed for 3D gestural user interaction on 3D geographical maps. The proposed applications rely on two consumer technologies both capable of motion tracking: the Nintendo Wii and the Microsoft Kinect devices. The work also evaluates, in terms of subjective usability and perceived sense of Presence and Immersion, the effects on users of the two different controllers and of the 3D navigation metaphors adopted. Results are really encouraging and reveal that, users feel deeply immerse in the 3D dynamic experience, the gestural interfaces quickly bring the interaction from novice to expert style and enrich the synthetic nature of the explored environment exploiting user physicality.
The Size Paradox: The Mega- Maternity Unit as a Vector for Authentic Midwifery to Emerge

Midwifery practice in Ireland has emerged from a system of care dominated by the biomedical model of childbirth. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of labour ward midwives who are potentially complicit with this approach. This study reveals how midwives’ environment impacts on their construction of childbirth. The opening of a large new maternity hospital afforded the opportunity to see if the move to this setting would influence midwifery practice. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used based on the work of Heidegger and Gadamer. The study was undertaken in two phases, the first involved interviewing six labour ward midwives working in a busy obstetric led labour ward which was due to close. The findings revealed that midwives complied with the norms for the unit and did not take responsibility for the biomedical approach to care. The second phase was undertaken twelve months after the opening of the hospital which was an amalgamation of three maternity units. Seventeen midwives were interviewed for this phase of the study. The move to the larger unit revealed a paradox for midwifery autonomy and enabled midwives to practice in new ways. The maternity service was delivered through a system that values detachment and an attempt at equal (not individualised) care under conditions of limited resources and constraints. This had resonance with Lipsky’s and Foucault’s work. A contrasting situation occurred within the individual labour rooms as the midwives worked in relative isolation, away from the general activity of the unit. This phase of data was framed in terms of Merleau-Ponty’s four existentials. Midwives had opportunities to enact ‘real midwifery’ and normalise birth for women using a range of strategies rather than resorting to interventionist therapies. Midwives shared in the joy of achievement when positive births occurred. The paradox of this mega maternity unit enabled authentic midwifery to emerge. The study provides an insight into the experience of labour ward midwives and how midwifery identities are revealed by the narratives they relate. It also highlights the complexity of contemporary maternity care in large centralised maternity units.
A field study of a multi-touch display at a conference

Large interactive displays are increasingly used in public spaces. Yet, it is still a challenge to understand how people behave when faced with such displays in their real life, not only when they are used for entertainment (or advertising), but also when they mediate more purposeful tasks. Do people feel shy? Are they willing to interact? Are they satisfied with the services offered and will they come back to use them again? To answer such questions, these systems have to be evaluated in the field so as to understand their actual impact on users in the real life. This paper first introduces an initial evaluation framework, aimed at highlighting some of the variables involved in understanding the impact of large display installations. Then, it applies the framework to analyze users' behavior and their experience with a large display installed at an international conference. Results highlighted that people showed greater interest in those services that, despite a lower appeal, supported them in carrying out useful tasks.
Preventive Health Care Practices of Former Soviet Union Immigrant Women in Germany and the United States

Objectives: To examine the use of preventive health care practices of mammography, Pap smear, and breast self-exam in immigrant women from the former Soviet Union in Germany and the United States. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional exploratory study was used to examine the preventive health care practices of immigrant women in Germany and the United States. Sample: A convenience sample of 15 German immigrant women from the former Soviet Union were solicited from the Salztal Klinik in Germany and matched by age with 24 U.S. immigrant women from the former Soviet Union solicited from a community center for immigrants. Measurements: Data were collected using a demographic survey and the Language, Identity, and Behavior Acculturation Measure. Results: Significant differences were found between the German and U.S. immigrant groups in use of mammography (χ2 = 8.069, df = 1, p < .005) and Pap smear (χ2 = 7.245, df = 1, p < .008). Conclusion: The low use of mammography and Pap smear among German immigrant women may be related to differences in health care systems, age, and health beliefs. Further study is needed to determine the affects of age and health beliefs related to health promotion and disease prevention to better understand how to intervene and improve the health of immigrant women from the former Soviet Union.
Cardiovascular actions of the ghrelin gene-derived peptides and growth hormone-releasing hormone

In 1976, small peptide growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) were discovered and found to promote growth hormone (GH) release from the pituitary. The GHS receptor (GHS-R) was subsequently cloned, and its endogenous ligand ghrelin was later isolated from the stomach. Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide, whose acylation is essential for binding to GHS-R type 1a and for the endocrine functions, including stimulation of GH secretion and subsequent food intake. Unacylated ghrelin, the other ghrelin form, although devoid of GHS-R binding is an active peptide, sharing many peripheral effects with acylated ghrelin (AG). The ghrelin system is broadly expressed in myocardial tissues, where it exerts different functions. Indeed, ghrelin inhibits cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell apoptosis, and improves left ventricular (LV) function during ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. In rats with heart failure (HF), ghrelin improves LV dysfunction and attenuates the development of cardiac cachexia. Similarly, ghrelin exerts vasodilatory effects in humans, improves cardiac function and decreases systemic vascular resistance in patients with chronic HF. Obestatin is a recently identified ghrelin gene peptide. The physiological role of obestatin and its binding to the putative GPR39 receptor are still unclear, although protective effects have been demonstrated in the pancreas and heart. Similarly to AG, the hypothalamic peptide growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates GH release from the pituitary, through binding to the GHRH-receptor. Besides its proliferative effects in different cell types, at the cardiovascular level GHRH inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and reduces infarct size in both isolated rat heart after I/R and in vivo after myocardial infarction. Therefore, both ghrelin and GHRH exert cardioprotective effects, which make them candidate targets for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular dysfunctions.