Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enablers and barriers to older people’s participation in strength and balance activities: A review of reviews

Objectives: This review sought to investigate the question: what are the key barriers to, and enablers for, older adults undertaking muscle strengthening and balance activities, and how can these be addressed by individuals and practitioners? Methods: A search of PubMed for review-level evidence on professional and personal barriers and motivators for strength and balance activities among older people. Results: The search and expert consultation found 46 studies; after screening, twelve papers were included. Many of the barriers and motivators to strength and balance activities are familiar ones that can also apply to physical activity more generally, such as not having the time. More specific barriers to strength and balance activities for older people were perceived risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death, and fear of looking too muscular; with motivators being improved ability to complete daily activities, preventing deterioration and disability, and decreasing the risk or fear of falling. Conclusions: This review of reviews has found a small but consistent body of literature describing the motivators and barriers to older adults taking part in strength and balance activities. This may be used as the basis for planning and delivering physical activity programmes for older adults.
The role of intestinal dendritic cells and the microbiota during oral Salmonella infection

The intestinal pathogen Salmonella causes millions of infections per year worldwide. The immune response to these bacteria involves interactions between several cell types via specific molecules and is under the influence of the intestinal microbiota. Dendritic cells (DC) initiate immune responses including those to Salmonella. Toll-like receptors and CD40 can act synergistically on DC activation but their cooperativity during bacterial infection had not been addressed. Salmonella-infected mice lacking MyD88, CD40 or both (DKO) showed that synergistic effects of CD40 and MyD88 do not influence host survival, bacterial burden in intestinal tissues or serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 during infection. However, cooperativity between CD40 and MyD88 influenced IL-10 production in DC-T cell co-cultures using killed Salmonella as the antigen. Moreover, cooperative effects of CD40 and MyD88 on T cell effector functions such as proliferation and IFN-γ production were influenced by the complexity of the antigen. Although some studies had addressed the role of DC subsets in infection, the influence of the CD103CD11b DC in Salmonella infection was unknown. Studies using mice with a reduced CD103CD11b DC population in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and small intestine lamina propria showed no alterations in Salmonella colonization of intestinal tissues or spleen. Moreover, mechanisms important in host survival to Salmonella infection such as IFN-γ production analyzed by flow cytometry and antibody production analyzed by ELISA were not altered. This suggests that the absence of CD103CD11b DC has a limited effect on the host response to Salmonella infection. Interactions between Salmonella and the microbiota at an early phase of colonization have been reported, but the role of the microbiota later during infection was poorly understood. Salmonella-infected germ-free (GF) and antibiotic treated mice (ABX) revealed a higher bacterial burden in the MLN, which seems to be due to increased intestinal bacterial translocation to MLN caused by the lack of the microbiota. Furthermore, higher IFN-γ in MLN of GF and ABX relative to controls was detected by flow cytometry despite similar IL-12 levels six days post infection. While the higher IFN-γ in MLN of ABX mice correlated to the severity of infection, a lack of immune signals provided by the microbiota from birth may influence IFN-γ production in GF mice. These studies provide further information about the role of DC and the microbiota during Salmonella infection, which could be used for the generation of vaccines or treatments for this infection.
A randomized controlled trial of a power brush/irrigator/mouthrinse routine on plaque and gingivitis reduction in orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVES To assess plaque and gingivitis reduction in orthodontic patients after 4 weeks' use of an oscillating-rotating power brush, irrigator, and mouthrinse. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a randomized, examiner-blind, clinical trial comparing plaque and gingivitis outcomes for an experimental power brush/irrigator/mouthrinse oral hygiene routine vs a dental prophylaxis followed by regular manual brushing (positive control). Fifty-one participants with fixed orthodontic appliances in the upper and lower jaw and a minimum of 15 gingival bleeding sites were randomly assigned to experimental or positive control treatment. Both groups were instructed to use their products at least twice daily. At baseline, week 1, and week 4, plaque was evaluated using digital plaque imaging analysis and a conventional subjective index. Gingival inflammation and bleeding were also measured. Analysis of covariance was used to compare groups. RESULTS Fifty-one participants (mean age = 13.9 years) were randomized; 50 (25 per group) completed the study. At baseline, group means were not statistically different (P > .1) for gingival inflammation or bleeding. At week 4, the experimental and control groups had a 10.0% to 32.7% and 5.9% to 6.7% reduction vs baseline, respectively, in plaque (across both methods); 12.6% and 8.3% reduction, respectively, in gingival inflammation; and 50.6% and 37.8% reduction, respectively, in bleeding. At week 4, group differences favoring the experimental group were statistically significant (P < .05) for gingival inflammation, gingival bleeding, and plaque (by conventional and digital imaging indexes). CONCLUSIONS Use of a power brush/irrigator/mouthrinse resulted in statistically significantly greater plaque and gingivitis reductions than prophylaxis followed by manual brushing in patients with fixed appliances over 4 weeks.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Mobile Commerce (A Study on SMEs in Malang)

This study aims at analyzing and explaining factors affecting the adoption of mobile commerce by integrating the variables of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Task Technology Fit (TTF). The subjects of the study are owners of SMEs being members of the Chamber of Trade and Industry Malang. The population of the study is 103 owners of SMEs while the sample consists of 97 owners of SMEs. The inferential analysis technique used in this study is Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA). The results of the study show that out of 8 hypotheses, 5 of which are significant and 3 of which are non-significant. The hypotheses resulting in significant effect are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and fit toward behavioral intention, as well astask characteristic toward fit and behavioral intention toward adoption. The hypotheses with non-significant effect are social influence and facilitating condition toward behavioral intention as well as technology characteristic toward fit. Keywords: SMEs, Mobile Commerce, UTAUT 1, and TTF
Experimental Evaluation of Residential Demand Response in California

We evaluate the causal effect of hour-ahead price interventions on the reduction of residential electricity consumption, using a large-scale experiment on 7,000 households in California. In addition to this experimental approach, we also develop a non-experimental framework that allows for an estimation of the desired treatment effect on an individual level by estimating user-level counterfactuals using time-series prediction. This approach crucially eliminates the need for a randomized experiment. Both approaches estimate a reduction of ≈0.10 kWh (11%) per Demand Response event and household. Using different incentive levels, we find a weak price elasticity of reduction. We also evaluate the effect of an adaptive targeting scheme, which discriminates users based on their estimated responses in order to increase the per-dollar reduction ratio by 30%. Lastly, we find that households with smart home automation devices reduce significantly more than households without, namely 0.28 kWh (37%).
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING SYSTEM AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES IN KENYA

Thispaper presents results of the influence of organizational structure on the relationship between Performance Contracting (PC) system and organizational performance in government ministries in Kenya. Descriptive survey design and correlational research designs were used in a mixed methods research approach. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire while qualitative data wascollected through an interview guide. Research instruments were pilot tested for validity through content related method and reliability through test-retest criterion. A sample size of 310 respondents was selected by use of Sekaran s (2003) sampling size criterion from a population of 103,010 employees in government ministries through multi-stage sampling technique. Arithmetic mean andstandard deviation were used for analyzing descriptive data while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) and Stepwise Regression (R2) analysis were usedfor analyzing inferential data. F-tests were used to test the hypotheses in the study. Tests of statistical assumptions were carried out before data analysis to avoid invalidation of statistical analysis. With R2 = 0.057, F (2,177) = 5.315 at p = 0.006 < 0.05, the null hypothesis was rejected and it was concluded that the strength of the relationship between PC system and organizational performance does not depend on organizational structure. Organizational structure, therefore, does not moderate the relationship between PC system and organizational performance in government ministries in Kenya: It is recommended that PC system should be synchronized across government minis~ries through an integrated M&E system to enhance performance.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES OF INSULIN FOR NASAL DELIVERY

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate nanoparticles containing insulin in different polymer ratio by ionotropic gelation method. The average particle size was found to be 130.4±3.4 -155.5±6.4nm. SEM indicates that nanoparticles have shown smooth and spherical shape. The zeta potential of optimized formulation was 35.5 mv which indicates moderate stability with no agglomeration. The average drug content was found to be 130.4±3.4 -155.5±6.4nm. The in vitro drug release data was analyzed using zero order, first order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. It was observed the best fit model for nanoparticles was higuchi model. The developed formulation in situ polymeric gel is designed in such a way that the gel will load insulin in higher concentration and it will also contain penetration enhancer which will enhance the absorption of release drug from gel to systemic circulation. Keywords: Insulin, Nanoparticle, invitro drug release study.
Breeding Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus in forests of southwestern Iran: feeding habits and reproductive performance

The breeding biology, behavior, and diet of Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus were studied during 2 breeding seasons in forests in southwestern Iran (n = 3 nests) from April to June in 2012 and 2013. All nests faced west to east on the upper edges of cliffs. Eggs were laid during 7-11 March. The clutch size was 3 eggs and incubation period was 31 ± 1 days. Brood reduction was observed in one of the nests (in the first year), and mortality of the smallest chicks occurred during the second week after hatching. The young fledged successfully at 49.5 ± 0.5 days of age and left the nest at approximately 52 ± 2 days. Information about diet during the breeding season was obtained by collecting pellets, prey remains, and video recordings. Mammalian prey, especially Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), and lizards and snakes made up most of the diet of Long-legged Buzzards.
The Role of Bakweri Traditional Beliefs in the Management of Mount Cameroon National Park

The sustainability of Parks are threatened because traditional beliefs are not enshrined in the management processes. Despite efforts made by many researchers to demonstrate the significance of these traditional beliefs in Africa, the traditional beliefs are side-lined in resources management. This research investigated the situation in Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP), where natural resources management has been challenging despite numerous management strategies. MCNP is the home or ‘ chariot of gods’ of the gods of Bakweri clan ‘ Ihvarza Mote’ the practice of traditional beliefs has declined and so have the natural resources. We surveyed 228 households and randomly selected 14 from the 41 villages in MCNP. Four hundred and eighty seven (487) questionnaires were administered (minimum of 30 per village). Focused Group Discussions (FGD), key informant interviews and participant observations were used as study instruments. Secondary data was obtained from the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife and also from Park management. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple response analysis (MRA) to compute aggregate score within conceptual components. We found significant evidence P<0.05 that there are traditional beliefs in the gods of Mount Cameroon ‘ Ihvarza Mote’ which affect natural resource management in all the four clusters in MCNP. Majority of the respondents (89.5%) perceived that degradation of natural resources was due to disregard of traditional beliefs. Chi square indicated significant association (P<0.001) that traditional forest conservation was practiced in areas that have traditional beliefs associated with forest resources. Spearman’s Rho elucidates significant (P<0.05) relationship between perceived traditional importance of forest and perceived importance of collaborative forest management. Focused group discussions disclosed dissatisfaction in management strategies especially from hunters. There has been a momentous decline in the use of the Bakweri culture which has caused erosion of culture and indigenous knowledge. We conclude that the non-enshrinement of the traditional beliefs has caused degradation of natural resources, unsustainable livelihood; non-compliance of regulations and poor participation in collaborative natural resource. We recommend enshrinement of traditional beliefs, empowerment and involvement of local people in decision making processes in MCNP. There is a need for an in-depth study of traditional beliefs and culture to inform policy makers and management in resources conservation worldwide. Keywords: ‘ Ihvarza Mote’ , Traditional Beliefs, Collaborative Management, Natural Resources Management, Mount Cameroon National Park.
A Systematic Review of the Literature on the Relationship between Caste Membership and Health-Related Risk Factors in India

The purpose of this systematic review is firstly to critically appraise and summarize the peer-reviewed published evidence on the relationship between the caste system and risk factors for poor health status in India and secondly, to discuss the concept of the social gradient and policies that have been developed to address social inequalities of healthcare in India. Studies explored the relationship between caste membership and health-related risk factors such as mortality, health behaviors, and nutritional status. Review revealed odds of mortal-ity; poor health behaviors and poor nutritional status were higher and in some cases were significantly higher in lower caste groups in comparison to reference groups. Odds ratios re-ported for mortality and poor health behaviors were significantly higher in older populations. Odds ratios reported for nutritional status and mortality were significantly higher in younger populations. Further research on the independent effects of wealth and education would broaden the scope of the social gradient health equation in India
Accuracy assessment of 3D laser scanning data utilising different registration methods

[Abstract]: Terrestrial laser scanning is a relatively new concept for surveyors, with scanners capable of capturing large amounts of three-dimensional coordinated data quickly. When surveying with satellites (GPS) was introduced as a new surveying tool, professional surveyors took a while to grasp the concepts, and rely on the information portrayed. Now 3D laser scanning technology has arrived, the same confidence reservations are being revealed. While laser scanning is used extensively overseas, Australian surveyors have not embraced the technology as quickly due to the unknown capabilities and accuracies that can be achieved, when compared to existing equipment. Cloud models are the results of data capture utilising a technique of flooding the surveyed area with millions of coordinated points. Multiple cloud models must be stitched together to create an objects or environments outer surface. The question of how to combine all these points without losing accuracy and integrity resolves in the method of registration. This project aims to examine the results of 3D laser scanned data, using different registration methods, to demonstrate the accuracies that can be obtained, relative to traditional survey methods. This dissertation constitutes a review of three different registration techniques available and compares the results of measurements taken from the different techniques. The registration was conducted by placing targets mounted to features and tripods, at arbitrary locations around an established building, and surveyed in using a Trimble S6 Total Station. These same targets were then scanned from different locations to produce cloud models which were then registered. The registration methods used varied in the way they were constrained and are to be known as the: - Cloud to Cloud Registration. - Target Registration, and - Georeferenced Registration. These registration methods were then compared by way of calculating the straight line distance to the survey traverse distance records, to verify the accuracy and any anomalies that might occur. This was a test to confirm and give confidence in this new technology. The measurements achieved from each method produced similar results but were less than the registration error vectors, giving inconclusive results.
Diagnostic Visualization for Deep Neural Networks Using Stochastic Gradient Langevin Dynamics

The internal states of most deep neural networks are difficult to interpret, which makes diagnosis and debugging during training challenging. Activation maximization methods are widely used, but lead to multiple optima and are hard to interpret (appear noise-like) for complex neurons. Image-based methods use maximally-activating image regions which are easier to interpret, but do not provide pixel-level insight into why the neuron responds to them. In this work we introduce an MCMC method: Langevin Dynamics Activation Maximization (LDAM), which is designed for diagnostic visualization. LDAM provides two affordances in combination: the ability to explore the set of maximally activating pre-images, and the ability to trade-off interpretability and pixel-level accuracy using a GAN-style discriminator as a regularizer. We present case studies on MNIST, CIFAR and ImageNet datasets exploring these trade-offs. Finally we show that diagnostic visualization using LDAM leads to a novel insight into the parameter averaging method for deep net training.
HUMAN PERFORMANCE, EMOTIONS AND THE COGNITIVE VIEWPOINT

Although it is generally acknowledged that emotional processes, in particular stress, influence human performance, this is only rarely included in theories and models for human performance in man-machine systems. To the extent that psychological factors are included in such theories and models these are predominantly of a cognitive nature and leave aside the influence from emotion and motivation. The purpose of the present paper is to make an analysis of the concept of emotion in psychology and to try to incorporate the influence of emotion – or affective processes – in a model for performance in a man-machine system. The development of theories of emotion within psychology is briefly presented with special emphasis on the so-called cognitive theories of emotion, which were developed in the 1960s. According to this theoretical view the labelling of an experience as being a particular emotion is the result of a complex psychological process, which takes into account the experience of the person, the information present in the situation, the expectations to the situation, etc. The labelling of a situation as being of a particular type is thus viewed as the interpretation which is sufficiently consistent for the person. This view of emotions is analogous to the cognitive viewpoint according to which the interpretation of the information, which reaches the person, is a complex process, which is mediated by the person s model of the world. Emotions are therefore not something, which exist sui generis but should rather be treated on par with the other phenomena subsumed under the cognitive viewpoint. The problem of the influence of emotions on performance could therefore be changed to the problem of the influence of affective processes, in particular stress, on cognition. This was discussed in terms of performance as activity controlled by a hierarchy of plans, and the influence of stress was considered with respect to four major aspects: 1. the formation of plans, 2. the execution of plans, 3. the gathering of information, and
Uncertainties in Projections of the Baltic Sea Ecosystem Driven by an Ensemble of Global Climate Models

Abstract. Many coastal seas worldwide are affected by human impacts such as eutrophication, causing, inter alia, oxygen depletion and extensive areas of hypoxia. Depending on the region, global warming may reinforce these environmental changes by reducing air–sea oxygen fluxes, intensifying internal nutrient cycling and increasing river-borne nutrient loads. The development of appropriate management plans to more effectively protect the marine environment requires projections of future marine ecosystem states. However, projections with regional climate models commonly suffer from shortcomings in the driving global General Circulation Models (GCMs). The differing sensitivities of GCMs to increased greenhouse gas emissions impact regional projections considerably. In this study, we focused on one of the most threatened coastal seas, the Baltic Sea, and estimated uncertainties in projections due to GCM deficiencies relative to uncertainties caused by future greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient load scenarios. To address the latter, transient simulations of the period 1975–2098 were performed using the initial conditions from an earlier reconstruction with the same Baltic Sea model (starting in 1850). To estimate the impacts of GCM deficiencies, dynamical downscaling experiments with four driving global models were carried out for two greenhouse gas emission scenarios, RCP4.5 and 8.5, and for three nutrient load scenarios covering the plausible range between low and high loads. The results of primary production, nitrogen fixation, and hypoxic areas show that uncertainties caused by the various nutrient load scenarios are greater than the uncertainties due to global model deficiencies and future greenhouse gas emissions. In all scenario simulations, a proposed nutrient load abatement strategy, i.e., the Baltic Sea Action Plan, will lead to a significant improvement in the overall environmental state. However, the projections cannot provide detailed information on the timing and the reductions of future hypoxic areas due to uncertainties in salinity projections caused by uncertainties in projections of the regional water cycle and of the global mean sea level rise.