Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep in Early Adolescence: an Examination of Bedtime Behaviors, Nighttime Sleep Environment, and Parent-set Bedtimes Among a Racially/ethnically Diverse Sample

Early adolescence (e.g., 10-14 years old) is a time during which health habits and behaviors first develop that carry over into adulthood. This age range is also a time when changes are often first observed in typical sleep patterns, such as a delay in bedtimes, decreased total sleep times, and increased sleep problems. Electronic media and social networking have become essential to adolescent interpersonal communication and are negatively associated with adolescent sleep. Room and/or bed sharing practices and having a parent-set bedtime are still common in this age range, though no study has examined the relationship between these culturally influenced practices and the sleep of racially/ethnically diverse early adolescents. The current study examined if differences exist between 1272 Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, and African American early adolescents (ages 10-14 years) on self-reported bedtime, SOL, TST, and sleep efficiency, and whether these differences persist when taking into account presence of electronic media in the bedroom (i.e., TV, videogame console, computer, cellphone), media use at bedtime (i.e., watching TV, playing video/computer games, social networking, texting), room sharing, and parent-set bedtimes. Preliminary results showed that females reported worse sleep than males (i.e., longer sleep onset latency, shorter TST, and lower sleep efficiency, with a trend for having a later bedtime), and that African Americans and Hispanics reported later bedtimes than Caucasians, Hispanics reported shorter sleep onset latency and longer sleep efficiency than Caucasians, and African Americans reported shorter total sleep time than Caucasians. Presence of any type of media in the bedroom or use of any type of electronic media at bedtime was associated with later bedtimes and shorter total sleep times, but not with SOL or sleep efficiency. Parent-set bedtimes were associated with earlier bedtimes, longer sleep onset latency, longer TST, and lower sleep efficiency. After controlling for significant bedtime factors, only the main effects for TST became non-significant, while the interaction became significant. Hispanic females reported shorter TST than Hispanic males, African American females reported shorter TST compared to Caucasian females, and Caucasian males reported shorter TST compared to Hispanic males. Intervention strategies such as parent education and sleep education in schools targeting the bedtime behaviors and sleeping habits of adolescents are discussed.
Heterogeneity in Chronic Disease Outcomes among Women and Men in Midlife: Examining the Role of Stability and Change in Childhood Economic Hardship

In this study, we advance existing research on the long-term effects of childhood disadvantage on health in adulthood by examining how the timing and duration of childhood economic hardship differentiates between those at low and high risk of chronic disease onset in midlife for women and men, across four different health outcomes. The study uses prospective data on childhood and adulthood from the US Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Discrete time hazard models are estimated using logistic regression to determine how experiences of childhood economic hardship affect the risk of disease onset in midlife differently for men and women. Results indicate that, in general, childhood economic context results in an increased risk of multiple diseases for women but not for men. Specifically, women who experienced long-term economic hardship in childhood, or began life in poverty but moved out of poverty in childhood, were more likely to experience the onset of diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases in midlife, net of other factors, such as adult resources. The impact of childhood economic hardship on disease onset also varied by age for women but not for men, and this relationship was also dependent on the health outcome examined. This study draws attention to the importance of conceptualizing and measuring childhood disadvantage as dynamic, and reveals that the process of cumulative disadvantage may be different for women and men.
Realistic modeling of porous materials

Photorealistic modeling and rendering of materials with complex internal mesostructure is a hard challenge in Computer Graphics. In particular, macroscopic porous materials consist of complex translucent substances that exhibit different details and light interaction at several different scales. State‐of‐the‐art techniques for modeling porous materials manage the material either as a surface and set up complex capture procedures or as a volume by employing different instances of procedural noise models for its representation. While the surface solution achieves several desired material properties, it still presents drawbacks in practical applications—high computational costs, complex capture procedures, and poor image variability, among others. Volumetric solutions are more flexible, but the final structure and appearance are difficult to control. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose an algorithm for the procedural generation of porous materials. The method is based on an artistic and physically inspired simulation of the growth of self‐avoiding bubbles inside a volume, by means of dynamical systems. The patterns induced by the bubbles can be easily and intuitively controlled. The bubbles adapt to any given shape and have convincing global and local fluid‐like patterns as seen in bread and sponges. Our method generates 3D textures that adequately represent porous materials, which can be used as input for creating realistic renderings of different porous objects. As a case study, we present the results of using these 3D textures as input to a direct volume renderer and show that they compare favorably with standard 3D texture synthesis methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast detection and resolution of generalized distributed deadlocks

This paper presents an algorithm for detecting generalized deadlocks in distributed systems. Most of the existing algorithms use a diffusing computation technique for deadlock detection in which deadlock detection messages called probes are propagated through the wait-for graph and replies are sent backwards to the initiator of the algorithm carrying the information on wait-for relations between nodes. Based on the collected information, the initiator determines a deadlock. In order to expedite the deadlock detection activity, the proposed algorithm exploits the probes rather than the replies to carry the information required for deadlock detection. As the probes are propagated, the unblocking function of each node is merged and carried onto the message. As a result, time and communication costs are reduced by up to half of those of the existing algorithms. Furthermore, deadlock resolution is simplified in our scheme with no additional message rounds as in other algorithms.
Design of a symmetry controller for FES cycling-Preliminary results on post-acute stroke patients

The aim of the present study was to develop an automatic controller for FES cycling able to assure a symmetrical pedalling. The controller is therefore exploitable in the rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients. Starting from a measurement in real time of the bending moments produced at right and left crank, the controller tries to reduce the unbalance of the movement and then to maintain a symmetrical pedalling. To reach this goal the controller updates the stimulation pulse width of the two legs independently. Specific FES cycling experiments were carried out on two healthy subjects and two hemiplegic patients to test the controller. These trials showed that the controller was able to reach and then to maintain a symmetrical pedalling. In particular, the controller took less than 1 minute to achieve a stable condition. The symmetry controller developed could accelerate the recovery of motor symmetry, crucial aspect in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.
GLOBAL VIEWS OF LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS: Bread, Freedom, and Social Justice

First paragraph: Anyone needing an indication of how much the Arab World has changed in the past year has only to tune in to one of the popular satellite TV music channels. There, young artist Ramy Essam's hit song "Bread, Freedom and Social Justice" is beamed several times a day to the four corners of the Arab world. The song was released last year, in the wake of the Egyptian uprising that brought down a regime that punished talk about freedom and social justice with imprisonment and torture. It takes its title from one of the most popular slogans chanted during the 2011 protests, which came after bread riots had shaken Egypt and many surrounding Arab countries in the wake of the 2008 food crisis. In that sense, the song adequately summarizes the main demands of the Arab people. Food security is at the top of that list.
Two-phase protocol converters for 3D asynchronous 1-of-n data links

Design of fully synchronous System on Chip is becoming a challenging task. This task is even more difficult in advanced nodes and 3D designs, where the local and global variability can turns the timing closure an overwhelming task. In this way, the use of asynchronous circuits for long link and 3D link communication can provide better robustness to both local and inter-die variability and achieve faster timing closure by extending the Globally Asynchronous Locally Synchronous style to 3D architectures. However, while the four-phase protocol is well adapted for on chip Delay Insensitive communication, it cannot be adapted for off chip and 3D interface communication due to potential large interface delays. In this paper, we propose the use of two-phase Delay Insensitive Transition Signaling for 1-of-n codes as well as new four ↔ two-phase data converters. The proposed circuitry is able to reduce 20% the dynamic power and improve two times the four-phase throughput for long link communications.
An Adaptive Image Enhancement Technique by Combining Cuckoo Search and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Image enhancement is an important procedure of image processing and analysis. This paper presents a new technique using a modified measure and blending of cuckoo search and particle swarm optimization (CS-PSO) for low contrast images to enhance image adaptively. In this way, contrast enhancement is obtained by global transformation of the input intensities; it employs incomplete Beta function as the transformation function and a novel criterion for measuring image quality considering three factors which are threshold, entropy value, and gray-level probability density of the image. The enhancement process is a nonlinear optimization problem with several constraints. CS-PSO is utilized to maximize the objective fitness criterion in order to enhance the contrast and detail in an image by adapting the parameters of a novel extension to a local enhancement technique. The performance of the proposed method has been compared with other existing techniques such as linear contrast stretching, histogram equalization, and evolutionary computing based image enhancement methods like backtracking search algorithm, differential search algorithm, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization in terms of processing time and image quality. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is robust and adaptive and exhibits the better performance than other methods involved in the paper.
The Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations in Early Modern England: Turnips and Clover in Norfolk and Suffolk, 1580-1740

Turnips and clover have long been regarded as two of the most significant innovations of the so-called 'agricultural revolution' in England. This paper presents the evidence for the spread of these crops in Norfolk and Suffolk from 1580 to 1740 using data from some 4000 farmers' probate inventories. In attempting to explain the timing and pattern of adoption the role of these new fodder crops within husbandry systems is related to more general changes in the agricultural economy and to some of the constraints farmers faced if they wished to adopt. The spread of these crops is then related to media of communication and the employment of these media by different social groups involved in farming. Social status provides a key, not only to understanding the way in which information was transmitted, but to explaining how farmers might react to that information.
Irish midwives’ experiences of providing maternity care to non-Irish women seeking asylum

Background Immigration and asylum seeking has been an important social and political phenomenon in Ireland since the mid 1990s. Inward migration to Ireland was seen in unprecedented numbers from 1995 onward, peaking in 2002 with 11,634 applications for refugee status. Asylum and immigration is an issue of national and international relevance as the numbers of displaced people worldwide continues to grow, reaching the highest level in 20 years at 45.2 million in 2012. Midwives provide the majority of care to childbearing women around the world, whether working as autonomous practitioners or under the direction of an obstetrician. Limited data currently exist on the perspectives of midwives who provide care to childbearing women while they are in the process of seeking asylum. Such data are important to midwifery leaders, educators, and policy-makers. The aims of this study were to explore midwives’ perceptions and experiences of providing care to women in the asylum process and to gain insight into how midwives can be equipped and supported to provide more effective care to this group in the future. Methods Data were collected via indepth unstructured interviews with a purposive sample of ten midwives from two sites, one a large urban inner city hospital, and the second, a smaller more rural maternity hospital. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Results Five themes emerged from the data, barriers to communication, understanding cultural difference, challenges of caring for women who were unbooked, the emotional cost of caring, and structural barriers to effective care. Conclusion Findings highlight a need to focus on support and education for midwives, improved maternity services for immigrant women, and urgent policy revision.
Rising incidence of low-trauma fractures of the calcaneus and foot among Finnish older adults.

BACKGROUND Although various low-trauma fractures among older adults are said to be a major public health concern in contemporary societies with aging populations, reliable epidemiologic information on their secular trends is scarce. METHODS We assessed the current trend in the number and incidence (per 100,000 persons) of low-trauma fractures of the calcaneus and foot of older adults in Finland, a European Union country with a well-defined white population of 5.2 million, by taking into account all persons 50 years old or older who were admitted to Finnish hospitals for primary treatment of such injury in 1970-2005. RESULTS The number and raw incidence of low-trauma fractures of the calcaneus and foot among Finns 50 years old or older rose considerably between the years 1970 and 2005, from 64 (number) and 5.6 (incidence) in 1970 to 294 and 15.2 in 2005. For the study period, the age-adjusted incidence of fracture was higher in men than women and showed a clear increase in both sexes in 1970-2005, from 7.3 to 17.4 in men (138% increase), and from 4.3 to 12.5 in women (191% increase). A similar finding was observed in the age-specific incidences. Assuming that the observed increase in the age-specific fracture incidence continues in the 50-year-old or older group and the size of this population increases as predicted, the annual number of low-trauma fractures of the calcaneus and foot in this population will be two times higher in the year 2030 (approximately 550 fractures annually) than it was during 2001-2005. CONCLUSIONS In Finnish persons aged 50 years or older, the number of low-trauma fractures of the calcaneus and foot has risen considerably in 1970-2005 with a rate that cannot be explained merely by demographic changes. Further studies are needed to explore the exact reasons for the rise and possibilities for fracture prevention.
ornel iridoid glycoside promotes neurogenesis and angiogenesis and improves eurological function after focal cerebral ischemia in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cornel iridoid glycoside (CIG), an ingredient extracted from a traditional Chinese herb Cornus officinalis, on neurological function and neurogenesis after ischemic stroke. CIG was intragastrically administered to rats in doses of 20, 60 and 180 mg/kg/day, starting 3 h after the onset of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The behavioral test was performed by using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS). Rats were sacrificed 7, 14, or 28 days after ischemia occurred. Neurogenesis and angiogenesis were detected by using immunofluorescence staining. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1 was measured by RT-PCR, and the protein expression of VEGF was determined by Western blotting analysis. The treatment with CIG at the doses of 60 and 180 mg/kg/day significantly improved neurological function, and increased the number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells and nestin-positive cells in the eurogenesis ngiogenesis ascular endothelial growth factor subventricular zone of rats 7, 14 and 28 days after ischemia. The number of newly mature neurons and blood vessels in striatum, as indicated by BrdU/NeuN and vWF immunoreactivity, respectively, was also increased in CIG-treated rats 28 days after stroke. CIG treatment obviously enhanced the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1 and the protein expression of VEGF 7 and 28 days after ischemia. The results indicated that CIG promoted neurogenesis and angiogenesis and improved neurological function after mech ischemia in rats, and the
Unseen, Unheard, and Nearly Invisible: An Examination of Sexual Orientation and Spirituality’s Impact on Psychological Well-Being among Middle-Age and Older Black Men Living with HIV/ AIDS: Implications for Caregiving

Middle age and older men with HIV infection/AIDS, having often lived with the condition longer, are more likely to confront the stress of managing more advanced HIV disease than their younger counterparts. Meanwhile, they also are more likely to have less social support and experience more distress than younger persons with HIV infection. Previous research has shown that spirituality has positive effects on both mental and physical health; however very few studies have examined the influence of spirituality and sexuality on mental-well-being in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Further, no studies have examined these variables specifically among middle-age and older Black men who are HIV positive or have AIDS-with caregiving implications. This study seeks to address those gaps with implications for caregiving. This article examines the relationship among spirituality, sexual orientation, and psychological well-being. Specifically, this research examines psychological well-being and the impact sexual orientation and spirituality have in predicting psychological well-being among 353 middle-age and older Black men living with HIV/AIDS, 49 years and over who are self-identified as homosexual/gay, bisexual, and heterosexual/straight. The theoretical framework utilized is the transactional model of stress and coping, which is a framework for evaluating coping with stressful life events. This research utilizes data from The Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) study. The first comprehensive and in-depth study of this population, the ROAH study assessed a 1,000-person cohort in New York City, examining a comprehensive array of issues, including health status, stigma, depression, psychological well-being, sexual behavior, substance abuse, social networks, and spirituality. Bivariate tests along with multiple and hierarchical logistic regression was utilized to address research questions and hypotheses. The findings from this study imply that spirituality had a direct relationship with psychological well-being, and reveals the contribution of sexual orientation to psychological well-being and spirituality with middle –age and older adults living with HIV/AIDS. Implications for caregiving are also addressed.
Hierarchical semi-supervised clustering using KSC based model

This paper introduces a methodology to incorporate the label information in discovering the underlying clusters in a hierarchical setting using multi-class semi-supervised clustering algorithm. The method aims at revealing the relationship between clusters given few labels associated to some of the clusters. The problem is formulated as a regularized kernel spectral clustering algorithm in the primal-dual setting. The available labels are incorporated in different levels of hierarchy from top to bottom. As we advance towards the lowers levels in the tree all the previously added labels are used in the generation of the new levels of hierarchy. The model is trained on a subset of the data and then applied to the rest of the data in a learning framework. Thanks to the previously learned model, the out-of-sample extension property of the model allows then to predict the memberships of a new point. A combination of an internal clustering quality index and classification accuracy is used for model selection. Experiments are conducted on synthetic data and real image segmentation problems to show the applicability of the proposed approach.
Sex differences in protective effect of recombinant human erythropoietin against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

INTRODUCTION The protective role of recombinant human erythropoietin (RHE) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity has been reported, but the role of sex differences is not clearly known. The aim of this study was to determine the sex-based difference in the protective effect of RHE against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-three Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups. According to protocol l, male and female rats were treated with RHE (100 IU/kg/d) for 3 days and then received a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg). According to protocol 2, the rats received the same single dose of cisplatin and then were treated with RHE for 7 days. Two other groups of male and female rats received a similar regimen of protocol 2 except for saline instead of RHE. All the animals were sacrificed 1 week after cisplatin administration. RESULTS All of the experimental animals experienced weight loss. The percentage change of weight in male rats with protocol 1 was significantly less than that in male rats in protocol 2 and control groups. However, in female groups, the percentage of change in weights was slightly higher with protocol 2 than with protocol 1 and control treatment. Administration of RHE significantly decreased changes in serum creatinine, BUN, and malondialdehyde levels in male rats, but not in females. No significant difference was observed in serum nitrite level, kidney weight, and kidney damage score between the groups. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that erythropoietin may lead to different responses against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in male and female rats.