Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential Effect of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent Labeling on Parent Fast Food Decisions

OBJECTIVES: Menu labels displaying food energy in physical activity calorie equivalents (PACE) is a possible strategy to encourage ordering meals with fewer calories and promoting physical activity. Potential effects of such labeling for children have never been examined. METHODS: We conducted a national survey of 1000 parents randomized to 1 of 4 fast food menus: no labels, calories only, calories plus minutes, or calories plus miles needed to walk to burn the calories. Respondents were asked to imagine they were in a fast food restaurant and place an order for their child. At the survey’s conclusion, all respondents were shown a calorie-only label and both PACE labels and asked to rate the likelihood each label would influence them to encourage their child to exercise. RESULTS: We excluded respondents whose meals totaled 0 calories or >4000 calories, leaving 823 parents in the analysis. The mean age of the child for whom the meal was “ordered” was 9.5 years. Parents whose menus displayed no label ordered an average of 1294 calories, whereas those shown calories only, calories plus minutes, or calories plus miles ordered 1066, 1060, and 1099 calories, respectively (P = .0001). Only 20% of parents reported that calories-only labeling would be “very likely” to prompt them to encourage their children to exercise versus 38% for calories plus minutes (P < .0001) and 37% for calories plus miles (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: PACE labeling may influence parents’ decisions on what fast food items to order for their children and encourage them to get their children to exercise.
The use of multi-pitch patterns for evaluating the positive and negative valence of emotional speech

We report the application of a psychophysical model of harmony perception to the analysis of speech intonation. The model was designed to reproduce the empirical findings on the perception of musical chords, but it does not depend on specific musical scales or tuning systems. Application to speech intonation produces values corresponding to the total dissonance, tension and affective valence among the dominant pitches used in the speech utterance.
Thermally Robust Clocking Schemes for 3D Integrated Circuits

3D integration of multiple active layers into a single chip is a viable technique that greatly reduces the length of global wires by providing vertical connections between layers. However, dissipating the heat generated in the 3D chips possesses a major challenge to the success of the technology and is the subject of active current research. Since the generated heat degrades the performance of the chip, thermally insensitive/adaptive circuit design techniques are required for better overall system performance. In this paper, we propose a thermally adaptive 3D clocking scheme that dynamically adjusts the driving strengths of the clock buffers to reduce the clock skew between terminals. We investigate the relative merits and demerits of two alternative clock tree topologies in this work. Simulation results demonstrate that our adaptive technique is capable of reducing the skew by 61.65% on the average, leading to much improved clock synchronization and design performance in the 3D realm
On RTL to TLM Abstraction to Benefit Simulation Performance and Modeling Productivity in NoC Design Exploration

Growing demand to integrate more functionality into single-chip solutions require novel network-based interconnection models. The resulting increase in design complexity and strict time-to-market restrictions endanger the viability of Register Transfer Level (RTL) centric design processes in the future. To counteract these developments, the abstract design methodologies presented by Transaction Level Modeling (TLM 2.0/SystemC) are gaining popularity. With this paper, we demonstrate the benefits of raising the abstraction level by creating an adjustable Network on Chip (NoC) simulation model, satisfying the diverse needs of software and system engineers. Based on a proven and tested RTL NoC design, we applied modeling methods defined in the TLM 2.0 standard, creating flexible simulation model. It provides high timing accuracy, enabling precise behavioral and performance analysis. In addition, higher simulation speeds are achieved by adjusting the timing accuracy. The results demonstrate the advantages of variable simulation accuracy: simulation runs are accelerated by more than two orders of magnitude with performance and behavior assessment exposing a limited latency error of less than four clock cycles compared to the RTL model.
Konzeption und Implementierung eines Planungssystems für Schnittstellentests

Bei der Erstellung von komponentenbasierten, betrieblichen Informationssystemen ist es eine Aufgabe der Qualitatssicherung sicherzustellen, dass die Schnittstellen zwischen den einzelnen Komponenten keine Fehler aufweisen. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die Konzeption und Umsetzung eines Entscheidungsunterstutzungssystems (EUS), welches die Qualitatssicherungsabteilung eines Softwareherstellers bei der Aufstellung eines Zeitplans fur die zentrale Durchfuhrung von Schnittstellentests unterstutzt. Wichtigstes Element des EUS ist ein metaheuristikbasiertes Planungssystem, welches dem Entscheider qualitativ gute Zeitplane vorschlagt. Das Planungssystem berucksichtigt sowohl unterschiedliche Planungsziele, als auch relevante Problemrestriktionen durch eine geeignete Wahl der Problemkodierung, einer geschickten Erzeugung des Zeitplans aus der Problemkodierung sowie einer geeigneten Initialisierung.
Child anxiety and parenting in England and Italy: the moderating role of maternal warmth.

BACKGROUND Parenting factors have been implicated in the aetiology and maintenance of child anxiety. Most research has been correlational with little experimental or longitudinal work. Cross-cultural comparison could be illuminating. A comparison of Italian and British children and their mothers was conducted. METHODS A sample of 8- to 10-year old children, 60 Italian and 49 English, completed the Spence Child Anxiety Scale. Mothers also completed two questionnaires of parenting: the Skills of Daily Living Checklist (assessing maternal autonomy granting) and the Parent-Child Interaction Questionnaire (assessing maternal intrusiveness). Parenting was assessed in two video-recorded blindly rated mother-child interaction tasks, the 'belt-buckling tasks and the 'etch-a-sketch', providing objective indices of overcontrol, warmth, lack of autonomy granting, and overprotection. RESULTS There were no differences between the children in overall anxiety and specific forms of anxiety. Parenting, however, was markedly different for the two countries. Compared to English mothers, on the two questionnaires, Italian mothers were significantly less autonomy granting and more intrusive; and in terms of the observed indices, a significantly greater proportion of the Italian mothers displayed a high level of both overprotection and overcontrol, and a low level of autonomy granting. Notably, Italian mothers evidenced significantly more warmth than English mothers; and maternal warmth was found to moderate the impact of self-reported maternal intrusiveness on the level of both overall child anxiety and the level of child separation anxiety; and it also moderated the relationship between both observed maternal intrusiveness and overall child anxiety and observed maternal overprotectiveness and child separation anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Although, compared to the British mothers, the Italian mothers were more likely to evidence high levels of parenting behaviours previously found to be anxiogenic, the high levels of warmth displayed by these mothers to their children appears to have neutralised the adverse impact of these behaviours.
The Efficacy of a Response Cost-Based Treatment Package for Managing Aggressive Behavior in Preschoolers

The present study examined the effectiveness of a response cost treatment package for improving the classroom behavior of four aggressive preschoolers. Using a multiple baseline design, teachers implemented the response cost system during the treatment phases of the study. The system required teachers to remove smiley faces contingent on aggressive behavior. Each face loss was accompanied by a reprimand. If the child retained at least one smiley face at the end of the observation period, he was allowed to choose from a list of rewards. Rewards were easily administered at school. The results indicated that the response cost treatment package substantially decreased aggressive behavior and was a highly acceptable classroom treatment to teachers and parents.
An Overview of Association Rule Mining Algorithms

- Data is important property for everyone. Large amount of data is available in the world. There are various repositories to store the data into data warehouses, databases, information repository etc. This large amount of data needs to process so that we can get useful information. Data mining is a technique to process data, select it, integrate it and retrieve some useful information. Data mining is an analytical tool which allows users to analyse data, categories it and summaries the relationships among the data. It discovers the useful information from large amount of relational databases. Data mining can perform these various activities using its technique like clustering, classification, prediction, association learning etc. This paper presents an overview of association rule mining algorithms. Algorithms are discussed with proper example and compared based on some performance factors like accuracy, data support, execution speed etc.
Nonlinear, three-dimensional finite-element model of skin biomechanics.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to expand the rigour and scope of soft-tissue finite-element modelling through the introduction of nonlinear biomechanics. The capability to simulate "tissue" movement in three-dimensional space was a priority. METHOD A computer-based finite-element technique was used to approximate the exact solution to the governing differential equations. Common fusiform defects were "closed" in two- and three-dimensional space. Strains of approximately 17% were introduced. Skin was modelled as a nonlinear elastic anisotropic material in a laminated-composite structure undergoing large deformations and large strain. The finite-element software package for nonlinear biomechanical analysis was run on a university-based, multi-user workstation. Repeated simulations were performed. The key independent variables were the magnitude of the subcutaneous adhesion and the degree of undermining. The two dependent variables were the "closure" force and the distortion field. RESULTS The absolute values computed for "closure" force, ranging from 4.4 N to 5.2 N, were consistent with previous animal studies. The periphery of the distortion field varied from 4.7 to 5.9 cm from the defect midline. The force of subcutaneous adhesion was varied from 2 to 20 kN/m (+900%) and led to a -19% and +16% change in the distortion field width and "closure" force, respectively. Undermining was progressively increased from 1 to 5 cm (+400%) and produced a +5% and -12% change in the width of the distortion field and the "closure" force, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The application of nonlinear biomechanics to soft-tissue finite-element modelling has been rewarding. The results correlate well with surgical experience. With specific regard to undermining, additional insight has been gained. Undermining broad-based soft-tissue flaps has progressively limited benefits. The computational demonstration of this result, consistent with prior animal studies, has not been previously published. Future application of this technology may permit the development of more complex flaps. Animal experimentation may be reduced and/or deferred until postulated flap designs have been simulated and refined.
Research Challenges in BAN Due to the Mixed WSN Features: Some Perspectives and Future Directions

Wireless sensor network (WSN)-based solutions are highly promising and obvious choice for a wide range of real world monitoring applications. Present studies in WSNs aimed to improve the network characteristics and technologies, and also encouraged timely transformation in WSN. Body area network (BAN) is one such marked change in the form of WSN, which is used in physiological and medical monitoring. Application requirements also induce several challenges in the network, such as node movement, change in propagation medium, and heterogeneous sensing abilities. The presence of these features makes the underlying WSN environment more exigent. We have termed such an environment as mixed WSN (MWSN) in this paper. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the research challenges in BAN due to the presence of MWSN features with a discussion on future direction.
Early development of gonads in Muscovy duck embryos

Abstract Characteristics of gonadal development were investigated in Muscovy duck embryos at various embryonic ages. Hematoxylin-Eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to identify primordial germ cells, oogonia and sustentacular cells. Gene specific primers were designed based on conserved regions of duck antimullerian hormone (AMH), oestrogen receptor-α (ESR-α), doublesex and Mab-3 related transcription factor-1(DMRT1) and W chromosome protein kinase C inhibitor/interacting gene (WPKCI). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to characterise gene expression during gonad development in Muscovy duck embryos. Histology indicated that ovarian and testicular cells of Muscovy duck embryos developed on d 9 and 10. Immunohistochemistry showed that mouse vasa homologue-positive cells as well as Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-positive cells increased significantly more in females than in males between d 9 and 10. AMH and ESR-α expression increased significantly during early development. DMRT1 acts prior to and during testis differentiation whereas WPKCI was expressed actively in the female Muscovy duck embryo before the onset of gonadal differentiation. Gonad development in Muscovy duck embryo was associated with several genes that were expressed before morphological features appear and were gender specific.
Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome: phenotype and genotype of an autosomal dominant periodic fever.

BACKGROUND Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), commonly known as familial cold urticaria, is a rare autosomal dominant inflammatory disorder with episodic symptoms precipitated by exposure to cold. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to formulate clinical diagnostic criteria for FCAS in a large cohort in whom the diagnosis of FCAS was supported by genetic linkage to chromosome 1q44. METHODS We assessed 45 affected and 68 unaffected members from 6 American families. DNA analysis was performed to confirm linkage to chromosome 1q44. Clinical characteristics were determined by means of analysis of detailed questionnaires and medical histories. RESULTS Pedigree and genetic analyses confirmed autosomal dominant transmission and linkage to chromosome 1q44 in all families. The most consistent symptoms during attacks were rash (100%), fever (93%), arthralgia (96%), and conjunctivitis (84%). Age of onset was within the first 6 months of life in 95% of affected subjects. The average delay between cold exposure and onset of symptoms was 2.5 hours, and the average duration of an episode was 12 hours. Renal disease with amyloidosis occurs infrequently in FCAS (2%). CONCLUSION The most consistent clinical characteristics of FCAS that discriminate it from other periodic fevers are association with cold exposure, conjunctivitis, age of onset, duration of episodes, and an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. On the basis of the analysis of genotype and phenotype of FCAS, we formulated clinical diagnostic criteria that can be used to distinguish FCAS from other hereditary periodic fever syndromes.
Pervasive Sharing of Genetic Effects in Autoimmune Disease

Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified numerous, replicable, genetic associations between common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk of common autoimmune and inflammatory (immune-mediated) diseases, some of which are shared between two diseases. Along with epidemiological and clinical evidence, this suggests that some genetic risk factors may be shared across diseases—as is the case with alleles in the Major Histocompatibility Locus. In this work we evaluate the extent of this sharing for 107 immune disease-risk SNPs in seven diseases: celiac disease, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 diabetes. We have developed a novel statistic for Cross Phenotype Meta-Analysis (CPMA) which detects association of a SNP to multiple, but not necessarily all, phenotypes. With it, we find evidence that 47/107 (44%) immune-mediated disease risk SNPs are associated to multiple—but not all—immune-mediated diseases (SNP-wise P CPMA<0.01). We also show that distinct groups of interacting proteins are encoded near SNPs which predispose to the same subsets of diseases; we propose these as the mechanistic basis of shared disease risk. We are thus able to leverage genetic data across diseases to construct biological hypotheses about the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis.
Helicopter tracking and classification with multiple interacting multiple model estimator with out-of-sequence acoustic and EO measurements

The interacting multiple model for out-of-sequence measurements with acoustic and electro-optic (EO) fusion bearings-only tracker (IMMOOSM-AE-BOT) has been developed recently to track maneuvering targets from delayed acoustic sensor measurements and non-delayed EO sensor measurements on the same single platform. In this paper, we extend the IMMOOSM-AE-BOT to make use of frequency measurements from the acoustic sensor for tracking helicopter targets. The resulting multiple interacting multiple model for out-of-sequence measurements with acoustic and EO Doppler-bearing tracker (MIMMOOSM-AE-DBT) has the added advantages of being able to classify the target into several types, and improved accuracy. Scenarios are simulated and tested with both MIMMOOSM-AE-DBT and IMMOOSM-AE-BOT and results are presented.
Transmission of Correlated Messages over the Broadcast Channel

New architectures for transmission of correlated messages over the broadcast channel is pre- sented. We propose to use graphs as digital interface between source coding and channel coding since the correlation structure of sources can be maintained. An achievable rate region for broadcast channels with correlated messages is presented. We consider graphs to represent correlated messages, and to translate the correlation in the given messages into channel en- coder. It is shown that such correlated messages can be sent with arbitrarily small error probability over the broadcast channel, given by p(y1, y2|x), by using a special channel code which exploits the existing cor- relation in the messages, if the sizes of messages and the correlation structure of the messages satisfy cer- tain conditions. We prove this by using the random coding argument, random binning, and jointly typical sequence property. If the messages are independent, this rate region is exactly same as Marton region, which is the best known inner bound of the capacity region of the broadcast channel. However, the achiev- able rate region can be larger than Marton region if the messages are correlated.
Space-Time Adaptation for Patch-Based Image Sequence Restoration

We present a novel space-time patch-based method for image sequence restoration. We propose an adaptive statistical estimation framework based on the local analysis of the bias-variance trade-off. At each pixel, the space-time neighborhood is adapted to improve the performance of the proposed patch-based estimator. The proposed method is unsupervised and requires no motion estimation. Nevertheless, it can also be combined with motion estimation to cope with very large displacements due to camera motion. Experiments show that this method is able to drastically improve the quality of highly corrupted image sequences. Quantitative evaluations on standard artificially noise-corrupted image sequences demonstrate that our method outperforms other recent competitive methods. We also report convincing results on real noisy image sequences
Shirorekha Chopping Integrated Tesseract OCR Engine for Enhanced Hindi Language Recognition

OCR Engine is one of the most efficient open source OCR engines currently available. Recently, Tesseract OCR 3.01 is capable of recognizing Hindi language but still it needs some enhancement to improve the performance. The Hindi language recognition accuracy is quite low even for the printed text, as the conjunct character combinations of Hindi Language are not easily separable due to partial overlapping. The proposed approach solves this problem, so that Devanagari conjunct characters can easily be segmented and recognized using Tesseract OCR Engine. This paper presents a complete methodology to improve The Hindi Language Recognition accuracy. This paper also presents comparison with other Devanagari OCR engines available on the basis of recognition accuracy, processing time, font variations and database size.
Growth faltering due to breastfeeding cessation in uninfected children born to HIV-infected mothers in Zambia.

BACKGROUND The effect of breastfeeding on growth in HIV-exposed infants is not well described. OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effect of early breastfeeding cessation on growth. DESIGN In a trial conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, HIV-infected mothers were randomly assigned to exclusive breastfeeding for 4 mo followed by rapid weaning to replacement foods or exclusive breastfeeding for 6 mo followed by introduction of complementary foods and continued breastfeeding for a duration of the mother's choice. Weight-for-age z score (WAZ), length-for-age z score (LAZ), and weight-for-length z score (WLZ) and the self-reported breastfeeding practices of 593 HIV-uninfected singletons were analyzed. Generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS WAZ scores declined precipitously between 4.5 and 15 mo. The decline was slower in the breastfed infants. At 9, 12, and 15 mo, mean WAZs were, respectively, -0.74, -0.92, and -1.06 in infants who were reportedly breastfed and were -1.07, -1.20, and -1.31 in the weaned infants (P = 0.003, 0.007, and 0.02, respectively). No differences were observed past 15 mo. Breastfeeding practice was not associated with LAZ, which declined from -0.98 to -2.24 from 1 to 24 mo. After adjustment for birth weight, maternal viral load, body mass index, education, season, and marital and socioeconomic status, not breastfeeding was associated with a 0.28 decline in WAZ between 4.5 and 15 mo (P < 0.0001). During the rainy season, not breastfeeding was associated with a larger WAZ decline (0.33) than during the dry season (0.22; P for interaction = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Early growth is compromised in uninfected children born to HIV-infected Zambian mothers. Continued breastfeeding partially mitigates this effect through 15 mo. Nutritional interventions to complement breastfeeding after 6 mo are urgently needed. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00310726.