Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The meaning of ‘rural’ in rural health: A review and case study from Brazil

Abstract Health disparities between rural and urban populations are an important global health concern, although ascertaining what constitutes a rural context is a complicated undertaking. This article summarises theoretical contributions that help to explain how uncritical use of rural classifications may interfere with epidemiological data and health policies. Bonfim, a community located in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, illustrates the discussion. Bonfim is classified as urban by the Brazilian census, although the community contains farmland, parkland and rural social groups such as family farmers and ecotourism employees. The (mis)classification of Bonfim as urban further complicates the meaning of rural, and thus also what is meant by rural health. Researchers have developed some new rurality indexes to overcome the rural–urban dichotomy and to help understand local scale health determinants. But the obstacles for large-scale studies and government decision-making are still many. ‘Rural’ is an epidemiological variable that unites in a single indicator diverse life aspects relevant for health purposes. Therefore, to facilitate allocation of health resources based on objective criteria, governments and policy makers must acknowledge the difficulty of defining what rural is and work to improve the definitions they use.
Effective Capacity for Mobile Multicast Over Fading Channels in Wireless Networks

Effective capacity is an effective technique in devising and evaluating the capability of a time-varying wireless channel to support delay-sensitive services with statistical quality of service (QoS) guarantees. In this paper, we propose the efficient framework of effective capacity analyses and optimization for mobile multicast over broadcast fading channels. Due to the heterogeneous channel fading across multicast receivers at the same time instant, perfect reliability, low delay, and high service rate cannot be fulfilled simultaneously. Our analyses identify the fundamental tradeoffs among the system throughput, delay statistical QoS guarantees, and reliability in terms of the effective capacity, QoS exponent, and average loss-rate threshold, respectively. The QoS exponent specifies the exponentially decaying speed of the violation probability against the queue-length bound, playing a key role in statistical QoS guarantees, while the average loss-rate threshold upper-bounds the tolerable loss-level for all multicast receivers. The tradeoff is achieved by optimizing the effective capacity via channel-aware rate adaptation subject to the specified QoS exponent and average loss-rate threshold. For rate adaptation, we employ the time-sharing technique to handle the heterogeneous qualities over channels across multicast receivers, and develop a novel pre-drop scheme to implement the more flexible rate control. Simulation evaluations demonstrate the tradeoff between the effective capacity and QoS metrics, and show the superiority of our derived optimal schemes as compared to the other suboptimal schemes.
Socioeconomic status, particulate air pollution, and daily mortality: differential exposure or differential susceptibility.

BACKGROUND Short-term increases in particulate air pollution are linked with increased daily mortality and morbidity. Socioeconomic status (SES) is a determinant of overall health. We investigated whether social class is an effect modifier of the PM(10) (particulate matter with diameter <10 micron)-daily mortality association, and possible mechanisms for this effect modification. METHODS Area-based traffic emissions, income, and SES were available for each resident in Rome. All natural deaths (83,253 subjects) occurring in Rome among city residents (aged 35+ years) during the period 1998-2001 were identified. For each deceased individual, all the previous hospitalizations within 2 years before death were available via a record linkage procedure. PM(10) daily data were available from two urban monitoring sites. A case-crossover analysis was utilized in which control days were selected according to the time stratified approach (same day of the week during the same month). Conditional logistic regression was used. RESULTS Due to the social class distribution in the city, exposure to traffic emissions was higher among those with higher area-based income and SES. Meanwhile, people of lower social class had suffered to a larger extent from chronic diseases before death than more affluent residents, especially diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Overall, PM(10) (lag 0-1) was strongly associated with mortality (1.1% increase, 95%CI = 0.7-1.6%, per 10 microg/m(3)). The effect was more pronounced among persons with lower income and SES (1.9% and 1.4% per 10 microg/m(3), respectively) compared to those in the upper income and SES levels (0.0% and 0.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The results confirm previous suggestions of a stronger effect of particulate air pollution among people in low social class. Given the uneven geographical distributions of social deprivation and traffic emissions in Rome, the most likely explanation is a differential burden of chronic health conditions conferring a greater susceptibility to less advantaged people.
Intermediate fabrics: Virtual architectures for circuit portability and fast placement and routing

Although hardware/software partitioning of embedded applications onto FPGAs is widely known to have performance and power advantages, FPGA usage has been typically limited to hardware experts, due largely to several problems: 1) difficulty of integrating hardware design tools into well-established software tool flows, 2) increasingly lengthy FPGA design iterations due to placement and routing, and 3) a lack of portability and interoperability resulting from device/platform-specific tools and bitfiles. In this paper, we directly address the last two problems by introducing intermediate fabrics, which are virtual reconfigurable architectures specialized for different application domains, implemented on top of commercial-off-the-shelf devices. Such specialization enables near-instantaneous placement and routing by hiding the complexity of fine-grained physical devices, while also enabling circuit portability across all devices that implement the intermediate fabric. When combined with existing work on runtime synthesis from software binaries, intermediate fabrics reduce the effects of all three problems by enabling transparent usage of COTS FPGAs by software designers. In this paper, we explore intermediate fabric architectures using specialization techniques to minimize area and performance overhead of the virtual fabric while maximizing routability and speedup of placement and routing. We present results showing an average placement and routing speedup of 554×, with an average area overhead of 10% and clock overhead of 18%, which corresponds to an average frequency of 195 MHz.
Alcohol Abuse by Older Family Members

SUMMARY The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes alcohol related problems with older adults as “underestimated, underidentified, underdiagnosed, and undertreated” (SAMHSA, 2004, p. 1) and describes the phenomenon as an “invisible epidemic” (SAMHSA, 2004, p. 1). The purpose of this review is to address the prevalence and consequences of alcohol abuse in the older adult population by emphasizing the heterogeneity of factors contributing to, and providing a context for, the understanding of alcohol abuse in aging families. Issues surrounding the sensitivity and specificity of assessment of older adult alcohol abusers are covered. Strategies for intervention at both an individual and family level are also included. Although much of the literature available on older adult alcohol use and misuse addresses the consequences, assessment, and intervention from an individualized perspective, this review concludes that a family-oriented approach to intervention may best serve the needs of older alcohol abusers and their support network of family and friends.
A Novel HDR Depth Camera for Real-Time 3D 360° Panoramic Vision

This paper presents a novel 360° High-Dynamic Range (HDR) camera for real-time 3D 360° panoramic computer vision. The camera consists of (1) a pair of bio-inspired dynamic vision line sensors (1024 pixel each) asynchronously generating events at high temporal resolution with on-chip time stamping (1μs resolution), having a high dynamic range and the sparse visual coding of the information, (2) a high-speed mechanical device rotating at up to 10 revolutions per sec (rps) on which the pair of sensor is mounted and (3) a processing unit for the configuration of the detector chip and transmission of its data through a slip ring and a gigabit Ethernet communication to the user. Within this work, we first present the new camera, its individual components and resulting panoramic edge map. In a second step, we developed a method for reconstructing the intensity images out of the event data generated by the sensors. The algorithm maps the recorded panoramic views into gray-level images by using a transform coefficient. In the last part of this work, anaglyph representation and 3D reconstruction results out of the stereo images are shown. The experimental results show the capabilities of the new camera to generate 10 x 3D panoramic views per second in real-time at an image resolution of 5000x1024 pixel and intra-scene dynamic range of more than 120 dB under natural illuminations. The camera potential for 360° depth imaging and mobile computer vision is briefly highlighted.
A Hierarchical Incentive Arbitration Scheme for Coordinated PEV Charging Stations

Distribution utilities are becoming increasingly aware that their networks may struggle to accommodate a large number of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), especially at times of peak loading. In this paper, a centralized scheduling scheme is formulated to coordinate charging of a heterogeneous PEV fleet, which is then divided into load groups, each with a set of local objectives, constraints, and a decentralized control algorithm. Realistic energy tariffs are used to formulate probable “real-world” objectives for each load group, and a distributed dynamic program is used to regulate the net load of each load group. It is shown that charging coordination not only reduces peak network loads, but can also significantly reduce the customer's PEV charging cost. Potential improvements from the perspective of communication and modeling are also highlighted by adopting a systematic approach to divide the PEV fleet into load groups.
Toward Real-world Activity Recognition : An SVM Based System Using Fuzzy Directional Features

Despite their attractive properties of invariance, robustness and reliability, fuzzy directional features are not hitherto paid the attention they deserve in the activity recognition literature. In this paper, we propose to adopt an innovative approach for activity recognition in real-world scenes, where a new fuzzy motion descriptor is developed to model activities as time series of fuzzy directional features. A set of one-vs.-all SVM classifiers is trained on these features for activity classification. When evaluated on our dataset (i.e., IESK action dataset) incorporating a large and diverse collection of realistic video data, the proposed approach yields encouraging results that compare very favorably with those reported in the literature, while maintaining real-time performance. Key–Words: Human activity recognition, fuzzy directional features, one-vs.-all SVM, video interpretation
On the impossibility of a quantum sieve algorithm for graph isomorphism

It is known that any quantum algorithm for Graph Isomorphism thatworks within the framework of the hidden subgroup problem (HSP) must performhighly entangled measurements across Ω(n log n) coset states. One ofthe only known models for how such a measurement could be carried outefficiently is Kuperberg's algorithm for the HSP in the dihedral group, in whichquantum states are adaptively combined and measured according to thedecomposition of tensor products into irreducible representations. This "quantum sieve" starts with coset states, and works its way down towardsrepresentations whose probabilities differ depending on, for example, whetherthe hidden subgroup is trivial or nontrivial. In this paper we show that no such approach can produce a polynomial-time quantum algorithm for Graph Isomorphism. Specifically, we consider the natural reduction of Graph Isomorphism to the HSP over the the wreath product Sn ࣀ Z2. Using a recently proved bound on the irreducible characters of Sn, we show that no algorithm in this family can solve Graph Isomorphism in less than eΩ(√n) time, no matter what adaptive rule it uses to select and combine quantum states. In particular, algorithms of this type can offer essentially no improvement over the best known classical algorithms, which run in time eO(√(n log n)).
The Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) Versus Nonspecific Child-Guided Brushing: A Case Study

Therapeutic interventions with a somatosensory component, such as deep pressure brushing or joint compressions, have been suggested for use with children with sensory modulation disorders (Royeen & Lane, 1991; Wilbarger & Wilbarger, 2001). This case study describes the use of brushing as an intervention technique with two children with autism. One participant was administered the deep pressure proprioceptive technique, and the other participant utilized a nonspecific brushing program with the frequency guided by indicators from the child. Both children demonstrated improvements as indicated by school function assessment pre and post scores. The outcomes support the use of brushing in general as an intervention strategy to promote the development, participation, and occupational performance of a child with autism spectrum disorder and sensory defensiveness.
Molecular regulation of NKCC 2 in the thick ascending limb

Ares GR, Caceres PS, Ortiz PA. Molecular regulation of NKCC2 in the thick ascending limb. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 301: F1143–F1159, 2011. First published September 7, 2011; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00396. 2011. —The kidney plays an essential role in blood pressure regulation by controlling short-term and long-term NaCl and water balance. The thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL) reabsorbs 25–30% of the NaCl filtered by the glomeruli in a process mediated by the apical Na -K -2Cl cotransporter NKCC2, which allows Na and Cl entry from the tubule lumen into TAL cells. In humans, mutations in the gene coding for NKCC2 result in decreased or absent activity characterized by severe salt and volume loss and decreased blood pressure (Bartter syndrome type 1). Opposite to Bartter’s syndrome, enhanced NaCl absorption by the TAL is associated with human hypertension and animal models of salt-sensitive hypertension. TAL NaCl reabsorption is subject to exquisite control by hormones like vasopressin, parathyroid, glucagon, and adrenergic agonists (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that stimulate NaCl reabsorption. Atrial natriuretic peptides or autacoids like nitric oxide and prostaglandins inhibit NaCl reabsorption, promoting salt excretion. In general, the mechanism by which hormones control NaCl reabsorption is mediated directly or indirectly by altering the activity of NKCC2 in the TAL. Despite the importance of NKCC2 in renal physiology, the molecular mechanisms by which hormones, autacoids, physical factors, and intracellular ions regulate NKCC2 activity are largely unknown. During the last 5 years, it has become apparent that at least three molecular mechanisms determine NKCC2 activity. As such, membrane trafficking, phosphorylation, and protein-protein interactions have recently been described in TALs and heterologous expression systems as mechanisms that modulate NKCC2 activity. The focus of this review is to summarize recent data regarding NKCC2 regulation and discuss their potential implications in physiological control of TAL function, renal physiology, and blood pressure regulation.
The Five Motion Senses: Using MEMS Inertial Sensing to Transform Applications

For instance, an accelerometer with activity detection can enable power management techniques by telling a device to go into the lowest power consumption mode when that device is determined to be inactive in the absence of movement or vibration. Complicated controls and physical buttons are being replaced by gesture-recognition interfaces controlled by the tap of a finger. In other use cases, the operation of end products becomes more precise, such as when a compass has compensation for the tilt angle at which it is held in your hand.
Rethinking Traditional Methods for Measuring Intellectual Capital

Historically, approaches to measuring intellectual capital have included both conventional accounting-based measures, such as variants of the market-to-book ratio, and more progressive measures, such as the measurement of intangible assets found in approaches such as the Balanced Scorecard and Human Resource Accounting. As greater emphasis is placed on intellectual capital and its various aspects in the continually growing service and knowledge economy, the use of assessment instruments to inventory the alignment, balance, and variety of intellectual capacities and metrics that assess the effectiveness of succession planning may represent new directions in which organizations can head in the measurement of this important construct.
Steady Potential Changes and Spreading Depression in Rat Brains Produced by Focused Ultrasound

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that focused ultrasound (FUS) can locally induce direct current (DC) potential changes and elicit spreading depression (SD) in the cerebral cortex and deep brain structures. Methods: Focused ultrasound transducer (4.6 MHz; D/R=16/27 mm) was used to induced DC potential changes in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and caudate nucleus of brains of rats. Pulsed sonications (burst length=10–100 ms, PRF=5–10 Hz, total exposure=10–40 s, peak pressure amplitude=0.9–3.5 MPa) were delivered through the skull window or in several cases, through the intact skull. Results: FUS exposure evoked DC potential changes and elicited SD in each structure separately or simultaneously depending on the focal point targeting and exposure parameters. The effects were reversible: up to thirty SD waves could be evoked with FUS exposure repeated at 7–10 min intervals after the end of previous SD wave. Conclusion: A practical method for induction of SD in the targeted structures of the brain b.
A vueltas con el error de Otelo: aplicación del modelo de control de fuentes a la credibilidad del testimonio y su afectación por la carga emocional

Se describen dos experimentos, realizados con una muestra de 240 sujetos igualados en sexo y entrevistados por 8 psicologos y 10 policias, que han intentado comprobar si las categorias del modelo de control de fuentes ayudan a diferenciar el testimonio verdadero del falso. En el primer experimento la mentira pretendia exculpar a un delincuente (un violador) y en el segundo intentaba inculpar a un inocente, condicion no descrita en la literatura acerca de la aplicacion del modelo. En ambos se estima el estado emocional de los entrevistados a traves del Profile of Moods States (POMS). Los resultados apuntarian a que el modelo es mas eficaz cuando los sujetos con instrucciones de mentir estan sometidos a una mayor carga emocional, es decir, cuando la mentira inculpa falsamente de hechos delictivos. Se discute la importancia forense de estos resultados. Othello’s error again: Application of the source monitoring model in the assessment of testimony credibility and the influence of emotional stress. Two experiments, in which 240 individuals, matched in sex, were interviewed by 8 psychologists and 10 police officers, were carried out to check whether the categories of the source monitoring model help to distinguish between a true and a false testimony. In the first experiment, lies were meant to exonerate a criminal (a rapist) and, in the second one, the goal was to accuse an innocent person, a condition not described in the literature about the application of the model. In both cases, we assessed the emotional state of the interviewees using the Spanish version of the Profile of Moods States (POMS). The results suggest that this model is more effective when the person who has been instructed to lie is subjected to a stressful emotional situation, that is, when a lie wrongly blames criminal actions on an innocent person. The forensic importance of these results is discussed.
The effect of breakfast and snack consumption on children's cognitive performance

The current thesis aimed to investigate the effects of breakfast and snack on children’s cognitive performance. Chapter 1 presents an overview of cognitive development followed by a review of previous literature investigating the effects of breakfast and snack consumption on cognitive performance. An overview of glycaemic index (GI) is then provided and linked to breakfast and snack intake. Chapter 2 set out to investigate the effects of a mid-morning snack on attention and memory in children. The chapter also examines whether there were any systematic variations in cognitive performance following a mid-morning snack as a consequence of the calorific content of breakfast. Children were tested on a battery of cognitive tests 90 minutes following the consumption of an apple, banana or no snack. The results did not reveal any significant effects on any measures. Chapter 3 was the same as Chapter 2, except that attention and memory were assessed at 30 and 60 minutes post-snack rather than 90 minutes and prior breakfast intake (kcal) was changed to a covariate. The results showed a significant decline in performance from 30 to 60 minutes postsnack on a visuospatial task. However, there were no other significant results. The main aim of Chapters 4, 5 and 6 was to investigate the effects of the glycaemic index (GI) of two breakfast cereals on children’s attention and memory. Chapter 4 assessed attention and memory in children at 0, 60 and 120 minutes after the consumption of a high GI breakfast (CoCo Pops), a low GI breakfast (All Bran) or no breakfast. The results revealed a main effect of assessment time and a time x breakfast interaction on Choice Reaction Time although post hocs revealed no further significant differences. Chapter 5 set out to replicate Chapter 4 but adopted a repeated measures design and also examined if there were any differential effects of breakfast depending on the children’s age. The results revealed some contradictory effects of both assessment time and of age. No other effects were found. Chapter 6 was a replication of Chapter 5 with the exception of the test battery. The test battery (CDR) employed in Chapter 6 was different from the battery in the previous chapters (CAMBA) and was considered to be more cognitively demanding and hence more sensitive to the effects of breakfast intake. The result showed some conflicting effects of assessment time and age. The results also showed a significant main effect of breakfast on Secondary Memory with better performance after the low GI cereal and an interaction between breakfast and time on Accuracy of Attention with better performance after the low GI at 180 minutes post-breakfast. In summary, snack was not found to have any significant effects on performance. Breakfast had an effect on two measures in Chapter 6 but other than that there were no effects of breakfast. There were also some mixed findings of assessment time and age.