Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aging Back Clinics-a Geriatric Syndrome Approach to Treating Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Results of a Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE Treating chronic low back pain (CLBP) with spine-focused interventions is common, potentially dangerous, and often ineffective. This preliminary trial tests the feasibility and efficacy of caring for CLBP in older adults as a geriatric syndrome in Aging Back Clinics (ABC). DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Outpatient clinics of two VA Medical Centers. SUBJECTS Fifty-five English-speaking veterans aged 60-89 with CLBP and no red flags for serious underlying illness, prior back surgery, dementia, impaired communication, or uncontrolled psychiatric illness. METHODS Participants were randomized to ABC care or usual care (UC) and followed for six months. ABC care included 1) a structured history and physical examination to identify pain contributors, 2) structured participant education, 3) collaborative decision-making, and 4) care guided by condition-specific algorithms. Primary outcomes were low back pain severity (0-10 current and seven-day average/worst pain) and pain-related disability (Roland Morris). Secondary outcomes included the SF-12 and health care utilization. RESULTS ABC participants experienced significantly greater reduction in seven-day average (-1.22 points, P = 0.023) and worst pain (-1.70 points, P = 0.003) and SF-12 interference with social activities (50.0 vs 11.5%, P = 0.0030) at six months. ABC participants were less likely to take muscle relaxants (16.7 vs 42.3%, P = 0.0481). Descriptively, UC participants were more likely to experience pain-related emergency room visits (45.8% vs 30.8%) and to be exposed to non-COX2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (73.1% vs 54.2%). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that ABC care for older veterans with CLBP is feasible and may reduce pain and exposure to other potential morbidity.
Progressive Object Transfer Detection

Recent development of object detection mainly depends on deep learning with large-scale benchmarks. However, collecting such fully-annotated data is often difficult or expensive for real-world applications, which restricts the power of deep neural networks in practice. Alternatively, humans can detect new objects with little annotation burden, since humans often use the prior knowledge to identify new objects with few elaborately-annotated examples, and subsequently generalize this capacity by exploiting objects from wild images. Inspired by this procedure of learning to detect, we propose a novel Progressive Object Transfer Detection (POTD) framework. Specifically, we make three main contributions in this paper. First, POTD can leverage various object supervision of different domains effectively into a progressive detection procedure. Via such human-like learning, one can boost a target detection task with few annotations. Second, POTD consists of two delicate transfer stages, i.e., Low-Shot Transfer Detection (LSTD), and Weakly-Supervised Transfer Detection (WSTD). In LSTD, we distill the implicit object knowledge of source detector to enhance target detector with few annotations. It can effectively warm up WSTD later on. In WSTD, we design a recurrent object labelling mechanism for learning to annotate weakly-labeled images. More importantly, we exploit the reliable object supervision from LSTD, which can further enhance the robustness of target detector in the WSTD stage. Finally, we perform extensive experiments on a number of challenging detection benchmarks with different settings. The results demonstrate that, our POTD outperforms the recent state-of-the-art approaches. The codes and models are available at https://github.com/Cassie94/LSTD/tree/lstd.
A scalable and secure RFID mutual authentication protocol using ECC for Internet of Things

Very recently, Alamr et al (J. Supercomput 1‐14 doi: 10.1007/s11227‐016‐1861‐1) presented a radio frequency identifier (RFID) authentication protocol for the Internet of Things (IoT) through elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). They claimed the protocol to achieve several security properties and thwart all known attacks. However, this paper shows that their scheme is having correctness and scalability issues. The reader in their protocol can accommodate only one tag, which is not desirable in the IoT environments. The paper finally suggests an improvement to cater the correctness and scalability issues.
A short history of initial VET teacher training

This paper examines initial vocational education training (VET) teacher training from the late 1979s to the present, based on the literature and the author’s personal experiences. While much has changed, many of the issues and approaches that are apparent in the early literature remain the same today. There is cause for optimism and the author proposes a number of approaches to improve the quality and relevance of initial teacher training. Such training is only a first step, however, and access to further formal training and professional development is vital to maintain and build teachers’ skills.
ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM LEAVES EXTRACTS ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS

Article history Objective:Saccharum officinarum Linn. , has long been used in folk medicine in treatment of number of disorders as antidote, antiseptic, antivenomous, bactericide, cardio-tonic, demulcent, diuretic, intoxicant, laxative, ulcer and stomach disorder. Therefore, present study was designed to investigate the antiulcer effect of ethanolic (EtSO) and methanolic (MeSO) extract of leaves of S. officinarum using different models of gastric ulceration in rats. Method:Acute gastric ulceration in rats was produced by oral administration of ethanol and by pylorus-ligated technique. Gastric total acid output was estimated in the pylorus ligated rats. Gastric tissue was also examined histologically. Saccharum officinarum extracts (EtSO & MeSO) were tested for their antiulcer property at a dose of 100, 200, 300mg/kg against both gastric ulcer model in albino rats Omeprazole was used as a reference drug in both the models. The antiulcer activity was assessed by determining and comparing the ulcer index in the test drug group with that of the vehicle (negative) control group and standard (positive) control group.Results: The extracts of Saccharum officinarum Linn leaves shows significant protection against induced gastric ulcer model in animal model Result reveals protection by EtSO (84.13%; ulcer index 0.66±0.1054) & MeSO (80.04 %, ulcer index 0.83±0.1054) against pylorus ligation and by EtSO (76%; ulcer index 1.08±0.2006) & MeSO (72.22 %, ulcer index 1.25±0.25) against ethanol induced ulcer which are comparable to standard.Conclusion: The present finding suggests that protective effect extracts of leaves of S. officinarum might have been mediated by cytoprotective mechanisms. Moreover, further insight into the precise mechanism of action is essential to exploit the complete potency and increase its usage in contemporary medicine.
Improving Usability Perception of Error-Prone AI Speakers: Elaborated Feedback Mitigates Negative Consequences of Errors

ABSTRACT Users of voice user interface (VUI) often encounter errors, such as when a VUI attempts to recognize a user’s voice inputs or execute tasks. Conversation is prone to errors, and in the collaborative perspective, communicators manage common ground together to handle erroneous situations. Adopting a collaborative view of conversation, we propose that a VUI can address different types of errors by providing users with feedback to aid them in developing common ground to communicate more effectively. To test this proposal, we conducted a 2 (error type: recognition vs. execution error) × 2 (feedback elaboration: present vs. absent) mixed-design experiment in which users interacted with a VUI speaker and evaluated its usability in these four modes. Participants reported greater acceptance of feedback and higher usability perception for a speaker returning execution errors than for one returning recognition errors, particularly when the speaker presented feedback articulating reasons for the errors. This finding indicates that a VUI can employ feedback explaining the causes of errors to facilitate the development of common ground and to minimize the negative consequences of errors.
Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea A Senior Honors Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for graduation with research distinction in Molecular Genetics in the undergraduate colleges of The Ohio State University by Diane Haddad The Ohio State University June 2010 Project Advisors: Dr. Rami Khayat, College of Medicine Dr. Anita Hopper, Department of Molecular Genetics
Parenting behaviors and their relationship with a child's weight status

PARENTING BEHAVIORS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH A CHILD’S WEIGHT STATUS Michele L. Polfuss, RN, MSN, CPNP-AC/PC Marquette University, 2010 Pediatric obesity is a critical healthcare problem that has continued to increase in prevalence. It has been well established that pediatric obesity is a multifactorial problem with no easy solution. Complicating matters has been the fact that there has been a disproportionate increase across ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Parents have been found to play a critical role supporting a child’s behavior through environment, role modeling and ongoing parenting practices. This study utilized a cross sectional correlational study design to determine what the relationship is, if any, between a child’s weight status and parenting behaviors. In addition the study examined if the relationship was influenced by ethnicity, socioeconomic status, child’s activity level, child’s nutritional behaviors, and the parent’s body mass index. Parenting behaviors were assessed both by the child and by the parent to identify if the two perspectives were congruent with one another.
Adoption of resource -conserving agricultural technologies: An economic and *policy analysis for South Africa

Adoption of Resource Conserving Agricultural Technologies: An Economic and Policy Analysis for South Africa Daniel Vusanani Dlamini Land degradation continues to be a threat to the agricultural sector of South Africa. Land degradation induced by agricultural production activities is considered to be among the major factors responsible for a decline in land productivity. Conservation efforts through government intervention and voluntary efforts have produced minimal success compared to the desired targets. The purpose of this study is to understand the factors that influence the adoption decisions of resource conserving technologies in the context of commercial farmers in South Africa. Adoption of conservation-oriented agricultural technologies in South Africa is influenced by a wide range of economic and social factors, and land characteristics. It is important to understand the role of these factors to ensure the development of appropriate technologies and the design of successful conservation programs. This study examines the impact of such factors on the adoption of resource conserving technologies in commercial farms of South Africa. Models to evaluate the probability of adoption are specified for given Best Management Practice technologies and are estimated using a logit maximum likelihood procedure using a nine-province survey data set. The findings suggest that while government financial assistance to farmers, the level of farmer education, farmers’ income, and farm size have a significant positive effect on the marginal probability of technology adoption. On the other hand tenure insecurity (measured by land rent) and age of farmer have significant negative effects on the adoption. Availability of credit to farmers, off-farm employment opportunities, and perception of the resource degradation problem has a positive influence on the probability of adoption; however, their magnitude was not found to be statistically significant. An important conclusion to be drawn from this study is that differences in farmers’ socio-economic conditions, institutional settings, and their complementarities with policy programs need to be factored into land conservation-oriented intervention programs.
Methodological guidelines to estimate the prevalence of problem drug use on the local level.

Since the initial production of these guidelines, the preferred age ranges used by the EMCDDA have changed to 15-24, 25-34 and 35-64 (or 15-64). This report has been updated in the light of these changes, December 1999. Acknowledgements This publication is based on an EMCDDA-commissioned project which examined methods for estimating the prevalence of problem drug use at the local level. During this and a previous project, the authors relied on the support of researchers throughout the European Union and within the EMCDDA. It would not have been possible to conduct local prevalence estimation projects without the support of various agencies and bodies which supplied data on drug use in the participating cities. The authors would like to acknowledge the following individuals who contributed to these projects:
The Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Policy Model

The Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Policy Model is a patient-level simulation model of type 1 diabetes and its associated complications, which was developed as part of the National Institute for Health Research Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) research programme. The aim of this paper is to describe the conceptual modelling, model implementation, and model validation phases of the Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Model development process. The model is highly flexible and has broad potential application to evaluate DAFNE, other diabetes structured education programmes, and other interventions for type 1 diabetes.
The introduction of the nurse practitioner in general practice

Objective. Substitution of skills has been introduced to increase health service efficiency, but little evidence is available about its cost-effectiveness. This systematic review aims to identify economic evaluations of substitution between professionals, to assess the quality of the study methods applied and to value the results for decision making. Methods. Publications between January 1996 and November 2006 were searched in Medline, Cochrane, Cinahl, database of Health Technology Assessments, EPOC and Embase. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cost-benefit analysis, interrupted time series design and systematic reviews were selected. The methodological quality of the papers was reviewed, using the critical appraisal of Drummond and the EPOC list. Results. Eleven studies were finally included of 7,605 studies: three costeffectiveness studies, three cost-minimization studies and five studies related to partial economic evaluations. Small numbers of participating professionals and several limitations in the cost valuation and the measurement of costs were identified. Conclusions. Several potential limitations influence the validity and generalizability. Full economic evaluations per se are of limited value for making decisions about substitution of skills. The tenuous relationship between structural, process and outcome variables is not sufficient investigated. For meaningfully placing the costs and consequences of substitution of skills in the context of health care and generating relevant data for decision making, it is strongly recommended to combine an economic evaluation (RCT) with an observational longitudinal study.
A clinical decision-making rule for mild head injury in children less than three years old

Public Health Significance: The objective of this study is to establish a clinical decision-making rule for mild head injury in young children, an extremely common type of injury seen in emergency departments. These children appear to respond differently to mild head injuries and face different developmental issues than do older children and management guidelines remain unclear.Methods: Subjects were 97 children less than three years old with mild head injury (ICD9 codes 800-804 and 850-854) and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or 15, consecutively evaluated at a Level 1 Pediatric Emergency Department. Demographic, injury, symptom and treatment characteristics were abstracted from the medical records. A classification and regression tree (CART) program was used to identify characteristics that were correlated with intracranial injury (ICI) among children in the study. The information garnered from the tree was used to construct a clinical decision-making rule for the evaluation of very young children with mild head injuries. A cost analysis was done to determine potential cost savings from the new decision-making rule.Results: Forty-six percent of the children were less than 12 months, 24% were 12-23 months and 30% were 24-35 months old at the time of injury. Three-quarters of all injuries occurred from falls. Almost 25% of the children had evidence of an ICI on the CT scan; more than two-thirds of the ICIs occurred in children less than 12 months old (p=0.03). We examined multiple CART models to assess the impact of different misclassification penalties and missing data. The main parent node on the final CART model was the presence of vision changes; splits also occurred with the presence of scalp lacerations, vomiting, the child being inconsolable, sex and area of residence. Minor changes in the way children without ICIs are treated could result in cost savings as much as $90,000 per year.Conclusion: While similarity exists between decision-making rules for older children and that found for this cohort, very young children have unique characteristics that merit further study and may require a separate decision-making process.
Neuropsychopharmacological effects of the Ayurvedic nootropic Bacopa monniera Linn. (Brahmi)

Bacopa monniera Linn. (Brahmi) has been used since times immemorial as nerve tonic for Improvement of memory The authentication of the traditional claims of brahmi was initiated by investigating the effect of an alcoholic extract of this plant on acquisition, consolidation and retention of three newly acquired behavioural responses in albino rats, viz. a foot-shock motivated brightness discrimination response, active conditioned avoidance response and Sidman continuous avoidance response. The facilitatory effect of the brahmi extract (40 mg/kg, p o. x 3d) was manifest in all the three learning responses as it augmented both the cognitive function and mental retention capacity. The chemical constituent responsible for the facilitator) effect of brahmion learning schedules was identified as a mixture of two saponins designated as bacosides A and B.The bacosides significantly improved the acquisition, consolidation and retention in the shock-motivated brightness discrimination response, active conditioned avoidance response and produced a dose-dependent facilitation of discretion between an aversive (LiCL) and palatable fluid (sucrose) in the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) response. Bacosides also attenuated the retrograde amnesia produced by Immobilisation induced stress, E C S and scopolamine. They also enhanced protein kinase activity and produced an Increase in protein in hippocampus. Bacosides were also found to be safe in regulatory pharmacological and toxicological studies and were well tolerated by normal healthy male human volunteers in single dose (20-300 mg) and multiple doses (100 and 200 mg) administered for 4 weeks double blind placebo controlled and non-crossover regulatory Phase-I clinical trial.
A SQP Based Line Search Method for Multi-objective Optimization Problems

In this paper a globally convergent sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method is developed for multi-objective optimization problems with inequality type constraints. A feasible descent direction is obtained using a linear approximation of all objective functions as well as constraint functions with a quadratic restriction. A non differentiable penalty function is used to restrict the constraint violations. A descent sequence is generated which converges to a critical point under the Mangasarian-Fromovitz constraint qualification along with some other mild assumptions. The method is verified and compared with existing methods using a set of test problems.
Patient Perceptions of Receiving Bad News : Individual Coping Styles and Receiving the Diagnosis of Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2005). Physicians who disclose the cancer diagnosis to patients are faced with limited professional training and few consensus clinical guidelines for communicating This diagnosis to their patients (Buckman, 1992; Girgis, Sanson-Fisher, & Schofield, 1999). Use ofguidelines for delivering bad news and tailoring the bad news message to individual patients is recommended, but it is unclear ifthis is followed in the medical community (Baile, Lenzi, Parker, Buckman, & Cohen, 2002). The current study was conducted through a mail-in survey, of 186 surveys delivered, 111 were returned, with 100 meeting inclusion criteria. Both monitor and blunter coping styles reported satisfaction both with overall healthcare satisfaction (73% and 63% respectively) and with their physicians (76% and 74% respectively). The monitor coping style participants reported higher satisfaction levels when more information was provided, but the blunter coping style participants unexpectedly reported higher levels of satisfaction when more information was provided, countering past research that indicated less information would result in higher satisfaction. The implications of distinguishing context versus context ofthe guidelines (Ire explored, and limitations and direction of future research are discussed.
Dental erosive potential of ready-to-drink and powdered sports drinks

Introduction: Dental erosion is a progressive chemical degradation of tooth substance in an acidic environment, which is unrelated to the presence of dental plaque. Dehydration induced by sport activities reduces protective salivary flow and its buffering capacity, which may aggravate the erosive effect of consumed acidic beverages. Objectives: To evaluate the erosive potential of ready-to-drink and powdered sports drinks. Material and methods: Seven ready-to-drink sports beverages (Oshee, Isotonic Lemon Taste, Gatorade, Powerade, Isotonic Veroni, Isostar, and 4Move) and four prepared from powder (Isoactive, Race Isotonic Drink ALE, IsoPlus, and Isostar) were analysed. A 1% citric acid was used as a reference. Human enamel specimens (five per group) were exposed to the tested solution in a short pH-cycling model (1 min erosion – 5 min artificial saliva without mucin) repeated five times. Surface microhardness was measured before and after the pH-cycling using a Vickers indenter. A correlation between the pH of the drink and enamel softening was determined. Results: All tested beverages decreased the enamel microhardness. Gatorade and Powerade had the lowest pH and exhibited the highest erosive potential, comparable with 1% citric acid. In general, the erosive potential of ready-to-drink beverages was higher than powdered drinks, except for Isostar. There was a significant negative correlation between enamel softening and the pH value of the drink (r = –0.55). Conclusions: Sports drinks exhibit different erosive potential related to their pH. Patients frequently consuming these beverages should be aware of the potential risk for dental erosion.
Women's Views of Thier Lives After Infertility Treatment Fails

Approximately one in six couples of childbearing age in the United States suffers from infertility. Only about 50% of the couples who are medically treated are eventually able to give birth to a child. Treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to many years, even when there is little chance of a positive outcome. Couples tend to find it extremely difficult to end unsuccessful infertility treatment (Taylor, 1990; Black et ill., 1992). While both men and women are adversely affected by their experience with infertility, this study limits its focus to women.