Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring dimensions of intergenerational contact: factor analysis of the Queen's University Scale

ABSTRACT Objectives: Intergenerational contact has been linked to a range of health outcomes, including greater engagement and lower depression. Measures of contact are limited. Informed by Allport's contact theory, the Queen's University Scale consists of items rating contact with elders. We administered the survey to a young adult sample (N = 606) to identify factors that may optimize intervention programming and enhance young persons' health as they age. Methods: We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the structural equation modeling framework and then confirmatory factor analysis with items pertaining to the general elder population. Results: EFAs did not yield an adequate factor structure. We tested two alternative confirmatory models based on findings from the EFA. Neither a second-order model nor a first-order model allowing double loadings and correlated errors proved adequate. Conclusion: Difficulty finding an adequate factor solution reflects challenges to measuring intergenerational contact with this scale. Items reflect relevant topics but subscale models are limited in interpretability. Knox and colleagues' analyses led them to recommend a brief, global scale, but we did not find empirical support for such a measure. Next steps include development and testing of a reliable, valid scale measuring dimensions of contact as perceived by both youth and elders.
Graphene Reinforced Composite Bipolar Plate for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Composite bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) were developed by compression molding technique using vinyl ester resin as a binder and natural graphite, carbon black, and carbon fiber as conductive reinforcements. The developed bipolar plates were characterized for electrical conductivity, flexural strength, deflection at mid-span, hydrogen permeability, and morphology. The in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivities of the composite bipolar plate (VER:25%;CB:5%;CF:5%;NG:65%) were 355.05 and 95.96 S·cm−1 , respectively. The flexural strength of the same bipolar plate was 53.50 MPa with a deflection of 5.37%. The hydrogen permeability of the bipolar plate was in the order of 10−9 cm3 ·cm−1 ·s−1 at 50°C. The overall properties of the composite bipolar plate were found to achieve the benchmark set by USA-Department of Energy. However, the through-plane electrical conductivity of the above composite was edge below the target value. Therefore, graphene, being one of the most electrical conductive materials, has been reinforced into the composite bipolar plate. The results were very encouraging as 1% graphene reinforcement increased the in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivities of the bipolar plate by around 6 and 35%, respectively. The performance of a PEMFC was evaluated using the developed bipolar plate in in-situ condition.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Development of a robust active infrared-based eye tracker

Eye tracking has a number of useful applications ranging from monitoring a vehicle driver for possible signs of fatigue, providing an interface to enable severely disabled people to communicate with others, to a number of medical applications. Most eye tracking applications require a non-intrusive way of tracking the eyes, making a camera-based approach a natural choice. However, although significant progress has been made in recent years, modern eye tracking systems still have not overcome a number of challenges including eye occlusions, variable ambient lighting conditions and inter-subject variability. This study describes the development of a robust real-time camera-based eye tracker, which is mainly suitable for indoor applications. The developed eye tracker relies on the so-called bright/dark pupil effect for both the eye detection and eye tracking phases. Furthermore, this study also aims to determine how strong the bright/dark pupil effect is among people from an African ethnical background, a feature that is very relevant to a country such as South Africa.
Community-Based Participatory Research: Its Role in Future Cancer Research and Public Health Practice

The call for community-based participatory research approaches to address cancer health disparities is increasing as concern grows for the limited effectiveness of existing public health practice and research in communities that experience a disparate burden of disease. A national study of participatory research projects, Research for Improved Health, funded by the National Institutes of Health (2009–2013), identified 64 of 333 projects focused on cancer and demonstrated the potential impact participatory approaches can have in reducing cancer disparities. Several projects highlight the success of participatory approaches to cancer prevention and intervention in addressing many of the challenges of traditional practice and research. Best practices include adapting interventions within local contexts, alleviating mistrust, supporting integration of local cultural knowledge, and training investigators from communities that experience cancer disparities. The national study has implications for expanding our understanding of the impact of participatory approaches on alleviating health disparities and aims to enhance our understanding of the barriers and facilitators to effective community-based participatory research.
Rapid Prototyping of IoT Applications with Esperanto Compiler

Integrating various networked devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables various new services like home automation, making its market larger and more competitive. Although rapid development of an IoT application is crucial to keep up with the highly competitive IoT market, developing an IoT application is challenging for programmers because the programmers should integrate multiple programmable devices and heterogeneous third-party devices. Some IoT frameworks integrate programming environments of multiple devices, but they either require device-specific implementation for third-party devices without any device abstraction, or abstract all the devices to the standard interfaces requiring unnecessary abstraction of programmable devices. This work introduces the Esperanto framework that integrates IoT devices with selective abstraction, allowing rapid prototyping of an IoT application. Exploiting the correspondence between an object and a thing in the object oriented programming (OOP) model, the Esperanto framework allows programmers to write only one OOP program instead of multiple programs for each device, and to manipulate third-party devices with their common ancestor classes. Compared to an existing approach on the integrated IoT programming, Esperanto requires 33.3% fewer lines of code to implement 5 IoT services, and reduces their response time by 44.8% on average. Moreover, with an empirical study, this work shows that the Esperanto framework reduces the development time by 52.7%.
Simulating the soft X-ray excess in clusters of galaxies

The detection of an excess of soft X-ray or Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, above the thermal contribution from the hot intracluster medium (ICM), has been a controversial subject ever since the initial discovery of this phenomenon. We use a large-scale hydrodynamical simulation of a concordance ΛCDM model, to investigate the possible thermal origin of such an excess in a set of 20 simulated clusters having temperatures in the range 1−7 keV. Simulated clusters are analysed by mimicking the observational procedure applied to ROSAT-PSPC data, which for the first time showed evidence for the soft X-ray excess: we compare the low-energy (e.g. (0.2−1) keV) part of the spectrum of each cluster with that predicted for a plasma having temperature and metallicity as computed after weighting by the emissivity in a harder band (e.g., (1−2) keV). For distances to the cluster center 0.4 < R/Rvir < 0.7 we detect a significant excess in most of the simulated clusters, whose relative amount changes from cluster to cluster and, for the same cluster, by changing the projection direction. In about 30 per cent of the cases the soft X-ray flux is measured to be at least 50 per cent larger than predicted by the one-temperature plasma model. We find that this excess is generated in most cases within the virialized regions of the cluster. It mainly comes from low-entropy and high-density gas associated with merging sub-halos, rather than from diffuse warm gas. Only in a few cases does the excess arise from fore/background groups observed in projection, while no evidence is found for a significant contribution from gas lying within large-scale filaments. We compute the distribution of the relative soft excess, as a function of the distance to the cluster center , and compare it with the observational result by Bonamente et al. (2003) for the Coma cluster. As in the observations, we find that the relative excess increases with the distance from the cluster center, with no significant excess detected for R < 0.4Rvir. However, an excess as large as that reported for the Coma cluster at scales 0.4 < R/Rvir < 0.7 is found to be rather unusual in our set of simulated clusters.
Degradation Behaviors of β-TCP/PLGA Composites Prepared with Microwave Energy

The β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)/ poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composites for biodegradable scaffolds in bone tissue engineering were synthesized by in situ polymerization with microwave energy. The degradation behavior of β-TCP/PLGA composite was investigated by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 4 weeks. The molecular weight of the β-TCP/PLGA composites decreased with soaking time until week 2, whereas the loss rate of molecular weight reduced after week 2. The incubation time was needed for the degradation of the β-TCP, indicating that the β-TCP should be detached from the PLGA matrix and then degraded into SBF solution. The studies of mass loss of the composites with the soaking time revealed that the degradation behavior of PLGA would be processed with the transformation from the polymer to the oligomer followed by the degradation. Morphological changes, whisker-like, due to transformation and degradation of polymer in the composites were observed after week 2. On the basis of the results, it found that the degradation behavior of β-TCP/PLGA composites was influenced by the β-TCP content in the composite and the degradation rate of the composite could be controlled by the initial molecular weight of PLGA in the composite.
Scalability analysis of the TurfNet naming and routing architecture

TurfNet is a novel internetworking architecture that enables communication among autonomous and heterogeneous network domains. The architecture uses a global identity namespace and does not require global addressing or a shared internetworking protocol. It integrates the new concept of dynamic network composition with other recent architectural concepts, such as decoupling locators from identifiers. This paper examines whether TurfNet's naming and inter-domain routing architecture can scale to networks of the size of the global Internet. The paper uses existing research into the topology of the Internet's autonomous system graph and related results that quantify typical traffic patterns to analyze the scalability and performance of the TurfNet architecture on similar internetwork topologies.
Quantifying Optimal Columellar Strut Dimensions for Nasal Tip Stabilization After Rhinoplasty via Finite Element Analysis.

IMPORTANCE The contribution of columellar strut grafts (CSGs) to nasal tip support has not been determined via structural mechanics. Optimal graft dimensions have yet to be objectively determined. OBJECTIVES To use a finite element model (FEM) of the human nose to (1) determine the effect of the CSG on nasal tip support and (2) identify how suture placement contributes to tip support. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A multiple-component FEM of the human nose consisting of bone, skin/soft tissue, and cartilage was rendered from a computed tomographic scan. Then, CSGs of varying sizes were created, ranging from 15 × 4 × 1 mm to 25 × 8 × 1 mm, and placed in the model between the medial crura. Two FEMs were constructed for each strut size: (1) CSGs that were physically attached to the nasal spine, medial crura, and caudal septum and (2) CSGs that were not in direct contact with these structures and free to move within the soft tissue. A control model was also constructed wherein no graft was placed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Nasal tip support for each model was assessed, and the resultant distribution of von Mises stress, reaction force, and strain energy density with respect to the alar cartilages were calculated. RESULTS Compared with the control, the reaction force increased with increasing strut volume, while the strain energy density (calculated over the alar cartilages) generally decreased with increasing CSG volume. Simulations with struts that had suture attachments along the entire length of the graft generated a larger reaction force than the models without any suture attachments. Models with anteriorly placed sutures generated reaction forces similar to that of the fully sutured model, whereas the models with posterior sutures showed reaction forces similar to the fully disconnected model. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Insertion of CSGs does effect the amount of force the nasal tip can withstand post rhinoplasty. Moreover, anteriorly placed sutures incur reaction forces similar to struts that are fully connected to the alar cartilage. Thus, our simulations are congruent with clinical practice in that stability increases with graft size and fixation, and that sutures should be placed along either the entire CSG or the anterior most portion for optimal support. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA.
Consumption of added fats and oils in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) centres across 10 European countries as assessed by 24-hour dietary recalls

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the consumption of added fats and oils across the European centres and countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Design and setting: 24-Hour dietary recalls were collected by means of standardised computer-guided interviews in 27 redefined EPIC centres across 10 European countries. Subjects: From an initial number of 36 900 subjects, single dietary recalls from 22 924 women and 13 031 men in the age range of 35–74 years were included. Results: Mean daily intake of added fats and oils varied between 16.2 g (Varese, Italy) and 41.1 g (Malmö, Sweden) in women and between 24.7 g (Ragusa, Italy) and 66.0 g (Potsdam, Germany) in men. Total mean lipid intake by consumption of added fats and oils, including those used for sauce preparation, ranged between 18.3 (Norway) and 37.2 g day−1 (Greece) in women and 28.4 (Heidelberg, Germany) and 51.2 g day−1 (Greece) in men. The Mediterranean EPIC centres with high olive oil consumption combined with low animal fat intake contrasted with the central and northern European centres where fewer vegetable oils, more animal fats and a high proportion of margarine were consumed. The consumption of added fats and oils of animal origin was highest in the German EPIC centres, followed by the French. The contribution of added fats and oils to total energy intake ranged from 8% in Norway to 22% in Greece. Conclusions: The results demonstrate a high variation in dietary intake of added fats and oils in EPIC, providing a good opportunity to elucidate the role of dietary fats in cancer aetiology.
Vocational rehabilitation for people with severe mental illness.

BACKGROUND Unemployment rates are high amongst people with severe mental illness, yet surveys show that most want to work. Vocational rehabilitation services exist to help mentally ill people find work. Traditionally, these services have offered a period of preparation (Pre-vocational Training), before trying to place clients in competitive (i.e. open) employment. More recently, some services have begun placing clients in competitive employment immediately whilst providing on-the-job support (Supported Employment). It is unclear which approach is most effective. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of Pre-vocational Training and Supported Employment (for people with severe mental illness) against each other and against standard care (in hospital or community). In addition, to assess the effects of: (a) special varieties of Pre-vocational Training (Clubhouse model) and Supported Employment (Individual Placement and Support model); and (b) techniques for enhancing either approach, for example payment or psychological intervention. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were undertaken of CINAHL (1982-1998), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 1999), EMBASE (1980-1998), MEDLINE (1966-1998) and PsycLIT (1887-1998). Reference lists of eligible studies and reviews were inspected and researchers in the field were approached to identify unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials of approaches to vocational rehabilitation for people with severe mental illness. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Included trials were reliably selected by a team of two raters. Data were extracted separately by two reviewers and cross-checked. Authors of trials were contacted for additional information. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of homogeneous dichotomous data were calculated. A random effects model was used for heterogeneous dichotomous data. Continuous data were presented in tables (there were insufficient continuous data for formal meta-analysis). A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding poorer quality trials. MAIN RESULTS Eighteen randomised controlled trials of reasonable quality were identified. The main finding was that on the primary outcome (number in competitive employment) Supported Employment was significantly more effective than Pre-vocational Training; for example, at 18 months 34% of people in Supported Employment were employed versus 12% in Pre-vocational Training (RR random effects (unemployment) 0.76 95% CI 0.64 to 0.89, NNT 4.5). Clients in Supported Employment also earned more and worked more hours per month than those in Pre-vocational Training. There was no evidence that Pre-vocational Training was more effective in helping clients to obtain competitive employment than standard community care. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Supported employment is more effective than Pre-vocational Training in helping severely mentally ill people to obtain competitive employment. There is no clear evidence that Pre-vocational Training is effective.
Antithrombotic flavonoids from the faeces of Trogopterus xanthipes

Chemical investigation of Trogopterus faeces has led to the isolation of seven flavonoids. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral analyses. In an anticoagulative assay, three kaempferol coumaroyl rhamnosides had significant antithrombin activity. This is the first report on the occurrence of flavonoid glycosides in Trogopterus faeces.
QTL-By-Environment Interaction in the Response of Maize Root and Shoot Traits to Different Water Regimes

Drought is a major abiotic stress factor limiting maize production, and elucidating the genetic control of root system architecture and plasticity to water-deficit stress is a crucial problem to improve drought adaptability. In this study, 13 root and shoot traits and genetic plasticity were evaluated in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population under well-watered (WW) and water stress (WS) conditions. Significant phenotypic variation was observed for all observed traits both under WW and WS conditions. Most of the measured traits showed significant genotype–environment interaction (GEI) in both environments. Strong correlations were observed among traits in the same class. Multi-environment (ME) and multi-trait (MT) QTL analyses were conducted for all observed traits. A total of 48 QTLs were identified by ME, including 15 QTLs associated with 9 traits showing significant QTL-by-Environment interactions (QEI). QTLs associated with crown root angle (CRA2) and crown root length (CRL1) were identified as having antagonistic pleiotropic effects, while 13 other QTLs showed signs of conditional neutrality (CN), including 9 and 4 QTLs detected under WW and WS conditions, respectively. MT analysis identified 14 pleiotropic QTLs for 13 traits, SNP20 (1@79.2 cM) was associated with the length of crown root (CR), primary root (PR), and seminal root (SR) and might contribute to increases in root length under WS condition. Taken together, these findings contribute to our understanding of the phenotypic and genotypic patterns of root plasticity in response to water deficiency, which will be useful to improve drought tolerance in maize.
Demographic and Clinical Predictors of High Healthcare Use in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory condition requiring significant healthcare expenditure. Subgroups of individuals contribute disproportionately to spending. We aimed to determine demographic and clinical factors predictive of high healthcare expenditures for IBD patients followed over a multiyear period. Methods:This was a registry analysis using a prospective observational, consented, natural history registry from a tertiary IBD center and associated medical charges, not including pharmacy expenses. The 100 patients with the highest medical charges (top 5%) were compared with the median 300 patients. Logistic regression determined demographic and clinical factors associated with high charge patients. Results:IBD patients in the high charge group had significantly more unemployment (P < 0.0001), were of black race (P = 0.013), comorbid psychiatric illness (P = 0.002), hypertension (P = 0.01), diabetes (P = 0.004), opiate use (P < 0.0001), perianal involvement (P = 0.002), penetrating disease (P < 0.0001), and extensive colitis (P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, unemployment (Crohn's disease [CD]: odds ratio [OR], 3.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–7.02; ulcerative colitis [UC]: OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.20–5.99), psychiatric illness (UC: OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.03–4.19), opiates (CD: OR, 5.61; 95% CI, 2.67–11.82; UC: OR, 5.14; 95% CI, 2.52–10.48), prior surgery (CD: OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.59–6.82; UC: OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.39–5.32), penetrating CD (OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.02–10.62), and corticosteroid requirement (CD: OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.86–7.65; UC: OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.51–5.90) remained independently associated with high charges. Conclusions:High expenditure IBD patients were affected by more severe disease. The high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain in these patients suggests the need for focused treatment of these comorbidities ultimately to reduce financial burden.