Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USING OF SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY: PREDICTORS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG WOMEN WITH DIABETES TYPE 2

Physical activity is a complex behavior and its determinants are different in various groups . Due to the chronic nature of type 2 diabetes, treatment Adherence requires lifestyle changes that are difficult for many people to adopt and maintain it. This study aimed to determine predictive structure of social cognitive theory on physical active among women with type 2 diabetes. This study was cross sectional -correlative that were randomly selected 300 people with type 2 diabetes by multi-stage cluster sampling method. Tools for data collection, a questionnaire was consistent with social cognitive theory constructs and IPAQ that had been used in the scientific sources and texts. Reliability and validity was determined for use in this study in a pilot study. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and regression testes. The results showed the structure of social cognitive theory, Self-regulation (P=0.001), Social Support (P=0.001), and self-efficacy (P=0.005), had the significant effect on the Physical activity among the research sample. According to the results, the self -regulation, self-efficacy and social support were important influences on the physical activity and they must be considerate in designing and implementing of educational interventions.
Achievement of safer palladium nanocrystals by enlargement of {100} crystallographic facets

Abstract Developing catalytic and safe nanomaterials is very necessary for the reduction of potential risk to human health; however, this strategy has been found extremely challenging because the enhancement in catalytic activity of nanomaterials is inevitably accompanied with more potent cell injury. The relationship of physicochemical properties and biological responses in catalytic nanomaterials needs to be clarified at the nano–bio interface for achieving the safe application. Herein, high-energy crystallographic facets of palladium (Pd) nanocrystals that have been known to significantly contribute to the catalytic activity were introduced to attenuate the toxicity, and the underlying mechanism was unraveled. Polyhedral Pd nanocrystals with morphology evolution from truncated octahedron to cuboctahedron and cube were prepared for elaborately tuning the extents of high-energy {100} facets, and hierarchical in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation were performed to clarify that Pd nanocrystals exposed with the more {100} facets could show the less toxicity to cells and animals. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation revealed {100} facet exposure was endowed with a strong oxygen adsorption, which weakens the breakage of the water molecule and suppresses the hazardous water dissociation and hydroxyl radical generation, which was supported by electron spin resonance (ESR)–based radical evaluation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)-based oxygen identification. This means high-energy facet-based catalytic Pd nanocrystals can deliver low toxicity due to their unique surface properties.
Mo(bile) Money, Mo(bile) Problems

Mobile money, also known as branchless banking, leverages ubiquitous cellular networks to bring much-needed financial services to the unbanked in the developing world. These services are often deployed as smartphone apps, and although marketed as secure, these applications are often not regulated as strictly as traditional banks, leaving doubt about the truth of such claims. In this article, we evaluate these claims and perform the first in-depth measurement analysis of branchless banking applications. We first perform an automated analysis of all 46 known Android mobile money apps across the 246 known mobile money providers from 2015. We then perform a comprehensive manual teardown of the registration, login, and transaction procedures of a diverse 15% of these apps. We uncover pervasive vulnerabilities spanning botched certification validation, do-it-yourself cryptography, and other forms of information leakage that allow an attacker to impersonate legitimate users, modify transactions, and steal financial records. These findings show that the majority of these apps fail to provide the protections needed by financial services. In an expanded re-evaluation one year later, we find that these systems have only marginally improved their security. Additionally, we document our experiences working in this sector for future researchers and provide recommendations to improve the security of this critical ecosystem. Finally, through inspection of providers’ terms of service, we also discover that liability for these problems unfairly rests on the shoulders of the customer, threatening to erode trust in branchless banking and hinder efforts for global financial inclusion.
Computation rate maximization for wireless powered mobile edge computing

Integrating mobile edge computing (MEC) and wireless power transfer (WPT) has been regarded as a promising technique to improve computation capabilities for self-sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This paper investigates a wireless powered multiuser MEC system, where a multi-antenna access point (AP) (integrated with an MEC server) broadcasts wireless power to charge multiple users for mobile computing. We consider a time-division multiple access (TDMA) protocol for multiuser computation offloading. Under this setup, we aim to maximize the weighted sum of the computation rates (in terms of the number of computation bits) across all the users, by jointly optimizing the energy transmit beamformer at the AP, the task partition for the users (for local computing and offloading, respectively), and the time allocation among the users. We derive the optimal solution in a semi-closed form via convex optimization techniques. Numerical results show the merit of the proposed design over alternative benchmark schemes.
γ‐Secretase‐dependent cleavage of amyloid precursor protein regulates osteoblast behavior

γ‐Secretase cleaves amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides, which aggregate in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD). γ‐Secretase also cleaves molecules that regulate osteoblast activity, such as Notch and ephrinB2. However, the role of APP in bone is unknown. In this study, the expression, cleavage, and function of APP were investigated during osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Expression of all γ‐secretase subunits was confirmed in human primary osteoprogenitors cells, and a significant increase in enzyme activity was observed during osteogenic differentiation using a specific fluorimetric assay. Application of selective inhibitors confirmed γ‐secretase‐dependent cleavage of APP within osteogenic cells, and secretion of Aβ by mature osteoblasts was demonstrated with the use of a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Osteoprogenitors showed a selective and significant increase in adhesion to extracellular matrices containing aged Aβ plaques compared with nonaged Aβ peptide controls. Aβ on the endosteal and periosteal surfaces of adult rat ulnae were identified by immunohistochemistry. MicroCT analysis of vertebrae from an AD mouse model, Tg2576, identified a decrease in bone volume, surface area, and thickness compared with wild‐type controls. These findings indicate that APP functions as a novel regulator of osteoblast activity and suggest that the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AD may also influence bone. —McLeod, J., Curtis, N. , Lewis, H. D. , Good, M. A. , Fagan, M. J., Genever, P. G. γ‐Secretase‐dependent cleavage of amyloid precursor protein regulates osteoblast behavior. FASEBJ. 23, 2942–2955 (2009). www.fasebj. org
Sequencing and comparative analysis of the gorilla MHC genomic sequence

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes play a critical role in vertebrate immune response and because the MHC is linked to a significant number of auto-immune and other diseases it is of great medical interest. Here we describe the clone-based sequencing and subsequent annotation of the MHC region of the gorilla genome. Because the MHC is subject to extensive variation, both structural and sequence-wise, it is not readily amenable to study in whole genome shotgun sequence such as the recently published gorilla genome. The variation of the MHC also makes it of evolutionary interest and therefore we analyse the sequence in the context of human and chimpanzee. In our comparisons with human and re-annotated chimpanzee MHC sequence we find that gorilla has a trimodular RCCX cluster, versus the reference human bimodular cluster, and additional copies of Class I (pseudo)genes between Gogo-K and Gogo-A (the orthologues of HLA-K and -A). We also find that Gogo-H (and Patr-H) is coding versus the HLA-H pseudogene and, conversely, there is a Gogo-DQB2 pseudogene versus the HLA-DQB2 coding gene. Our analysis, which is freely available through the VEGA genome browser, provides the research community with a comprehensive dataset for comparative and evolutionary research of the MHC.
Digital portable transceiver using GMSK modem and ADM codec

Digital mobile radio transmission techniques and integrated circuit devices have been developed for application to a digital portable transceiver utilizing narrow-band GMSK modulation and ADM voice coding. Design and performance of a quadrature type GMSK modulator and a single-chip coherent demodulator as the GMSK modem are described. To overcome slow fading, encountered in portable applications, switching diversity using a jitter detection type sensor is proposed and shown to be effective. An experimental portable transceiver, developed to demonstrate hardware feasibility, is also described.
Isokinetic Dynamometry and 1RM Tests Produce Conflicting Results for Assessing Alterations in Muscle Strength

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare strength gains in the lower limbs, assessed by one maximum repetition (1RM) and isokinetic peak torque (PT), in young men undergoing a resistance training (RT) program. Twenty-seven young men performed resistance training twice a week for 11 weeks. Training involved two exercises for the lower body, two for the upper body and one for the midsection performed with three sets of 8-12 repetitions to momentary muscle failure. Before and after the training period, participants performed the 1RM test in the 45° leg press and knee extension PT in isokinetic dynamometry. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between the changes in 1RM and PT, and the Bland-Altman test was performed to check for agreement between the strength changes of both tests. There were significant changes in 1RM and PT of 23.98% and 15.96%, respectively (p < 0.05). The changes in leg press 1RM were significantly higher than the ones in PT. The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the tests were not equivalent. In conclusion, professionals and researchers involved in strength assessment should be aware that the results obtained by PT and 1RM are not equivalent when evaluating individual responsiveness and/or the efficacy of an intervention on muscle strength, as the results obtained show large variations and can be even conflicting.
Predictable Synchronisation Algorithms for Asynchronous Critical Sections

Multi-core processors are ubiquitous. Even embedded systems nowadays use processors with multiple cores. Such use cases often impose latency requirements because they interact with physical objects. One consequence is a need for synchronisation algorithms that provide predictable latency, in addition to high throughput. A promising approach are asynchronous critical sections that avoid waiting even when a resource is occupied. This paper introduces two algorithms that allow for both synchronous and asynchronous critical sections. Both algorithms base on a novel wait-free queue. The evaluation shows that both algorithms outperform pre-existing synchronisation algorithms for asynchronous requests, and perform similarly to traditional lock-based algorithms for synchronous requests. In summary, our synchronisation algorithms can improve throughput and predictability of parallel applications.
The behavioral phenotype of the Angelman syndrome

The Angelman syndrome is clinically delineated by the combination of seizures, absent speech, hypermotoric and ataxic movements and certain remarkable behaviors. Those with the syndrome have a predisposition toward apparent happiness and paroxysms of laughter, and this finding helps distinguish Angelman syndrome from other ones involving severe developmental handicap. In this review the core neurological features of the syndrome are discussed with a focus on those behaviors that make Angelman syndrome a prototypical genetic disorder expressing a behavioral phenotype. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inter-plant communication through mycorrhizal networks mediates complex adaptive behaviour in plant communities

Trees can communicate with each other through networks in soil. Much like social networks or neural networks, the fungal mycelia of mycorrhizas allow signals to be sent between trees in a forest. These mycorrhizal networks are effectively an information highway, with recent studies demonstrating the exchange of nutritional resources, defence signals and allelochemicals. Sensing and responding to networked signals elicits complex behavioural responses in plants. This ability to communicate ('tree talk') is a foundational process in forest ecosystems.
MODELLING FOR TRANSCRYSTALLINE AND INTERCRYSTALLINE FRACTURE BY VOID NUCLEATION AND GROWTH

A criterion has been formulated for transcrystalline and intercrystalline fracture caused by the evolution of voids located both in a grain and on grain boundaries. The criterion is based on the idea of plastic collapse for a unit cell that is a regular structural mezovolume of polycrystalline material. The criterion does not require the introduction of any empirical parameters, such as critical void size, critical size of ligament between voids and critical void volume fraction, which are used in most models. Modelling has been performed for void nucleation and growth in a grain and on grain boundaries for elastic–plastic deformation and under creep conditions. A scheme is proposed to describe the transition from transcrystalline to intercrystalline cavitation fracture as a function of strain rate and temperature. The effect of stress triaxiality on the critical strain and the lifetime for both transcrystalline and intercrystalline fracture has been investigated. A comparison of the results predicted by the suggested criterion with available empirical data has been performed.
Determinants of cloud computing adoption by SMEs

Small and medium enterprises SMEs, use information and communication technology ICT as a tool for business development cloud computing, one of the major advancement of ICT is alleged to provide a host of benefits, competitive edge and assist to gain a commendable position to enterprises in the market. However, the SMEs do not realise the benefits of cloud due to the lack of know-how and the limitations of the new technologies. This also slows down cloud adoption for their business to a greater extent. They need to view beyond the hype of cloud computing and delve into the real values it adds to the business. Scalability, flexibility and dynamic provisioning are the attractive features of the cloud but security; reliability and entrusting public cloud are the darker side of it. The lack of presence of a standard set of metrics makes this task even more complex. This paper lists out the different factors to consider for cloud adoption. This will help the SMEs to evaluate cloud suitability for their business. The financial metrics such as return of investment ROI and total cost ownership TCO calculations are provided to understand financial metrics before cloud adoption.
Study of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) as an engineering thermoplastics material

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) was systematically studied as an engineering thermoplastics material. Crystallization rates, crystalline degrees, and mechanical properties of two commercial PTT polymers and one glass fiber–reinforced PTT compound were investigated and compared with those of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). PTT raw polymers have crystallization temperature (Tc) values around 152°C, and their kneaded polymers show Tc values of about 177°C, about 15°C lower than the values of PBT polymers used in this study. From the exothermic heat values of DSC measurements, both PTT and PBT show the crystalline degree order greater than 30%. Injection-molded PTT specimens and PBT specimens exhibit crystalline degrees from 18 to 32% and 23.8 to 30%, respectively. PTT polymers show higher tensile and flexural strengths, but lower impact strengths and elongations than those of PBT polymers. The low elongation behavior of PTT does not change with the intrinsic viscosity and the molder temperature. PTT-GF30 promotes better mechanical properties than those of PBT-GF30, close to those of PET-GF30. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1657–1666, 2004
A cytokine and angiogenic factor (CAF) analysis in plasma for selection of sorafenib therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND We investigated cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAFs) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated in a randomized phase II clinical trial of sorafenib versus sorafenib+ interferon-α (IFN-α) that yielded no differences in progression-free survival (PFS). We aimed to link the CAF profile to PFS and select candidate predictive and prognostic markers for further study. METHODS The concentrations of 52 plasma CAFs were measured pretreatment (n = 69), day 28, and day 56 using multiplex bead arrays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We investigated the association between baseline levels of CAFs with PFS and posttreatment changes. RESULTS Unsupervised CAF clustering analysis revealed two distinct mRCC patient groups with elevated proangiogenic or proinflammatory mediators. A six-marker baseline CAF signature [osteopontin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), carbonic anhydrase 9, collagen IV, VEGF receptor-2, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand] correlated with PFS benefit (hazard ratio 0.20 versus 2.25, signature negative versus positive, respectively; P = 0.0002). While changes in angiogenic factors were frequently attenuated by the sorafenib+ IFN combination, most key immunomodulatory mediators increased. CONCLUSIONS Using CAF profiling, we identified two mRCC patient groups, a candidate plasma signature for predicting PFS benefit, and distinct marker changes occurring with each treatment. This platform may provide valuable insights into renal cell carcinoma biology and the molecular consequences of targeted therapies.
Echoing Plaque Activity of the Coronary and Intracranial Arteries in Patients With Stroke

Background and Purpose— Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease, and both coronary and intracranial atherosclerosis are common in the elderly. Unlike coronary artery disease (CAD), intracranial atherosclerotic disease can cause intracranial atherosclerotic stroke by branch occlusive disease (B-type) and coronary-type rupture of plaque (C-type). We hypothesized that plaque characteristics of intracranial arteries are associated with those of coronary arteries. Methods— Eighty-one patients with acute cerebral infarcts caused by intracranial atherosclerotic disease without history of CAD were analyzed. Asymptomatic CAD burden (number and degree of stenosis) and plaque characteristics (calcified, mixed, and noncalcified) were measured with multidetector computed tomography, whereas the asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease burden was measured using magnetic resonance angiography. The symptomatic intracranial artery was analyzed using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging for vascular morphology (stenosis degree, remodeling index, and wall index) and plaque activation (enhancement pattern and volume). Results— The asymptomatic CAD burden was correlated with the asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease burden. The overall CAD burden did not differ between B- and C-type intracranial atherosclerotic stroke. However, the prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaque was much higher in C-type intracranial atherosclerotic stroke and the presence of coronary noncalcified plaque was independently associated with C-type intracranial atherosclerotic stroke (odds ratio, 3.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–10.85; P=0.041). As the number of coronary noncalcified plaques increased, positive remodeling and plaque enhancement increased in the symptomatic intracranial artery on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions— Plaques within the intracranial and coronary arteries behave in similar ways. Our results suggest the need to evaluate and treat other vascular trees in patients with vulnerable plaques within a single arterial system.
Strategies for Promoting Healthier Food Choices.

Between 1960 and 2004, the proportion of Americans meeting standard criteria for obesity increased from 13 percent to 31 percent (Katherine M. Flegal et al. 2002), and it has been proposed that, if this trend is not reversed, obesity may soon overtake smoking as the leading preventable cause of death (Ali H. Mokdad et al. 2004). Consequently, obesity is now one of the major causes of rising health care costs (Eric A. Finkelstein, Christopher J. Ruhm, and Katherine M. Kosa 2005). Empirical analyses suggest that an increase in caloric intake, rather than a change in calorie expenditure, is responsible for much of the trend (David M. Cutler, Edward L. Glaeser, and Jesse M. Shapiro 2003). The main policy response to what is often referred to as the “obesity epidemic” has been to enhance access to information. The most prominent example of such a policy is the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (United States Food and Drug Administration 1994), but, recently, the tactic has been receiving more attention after New York City required restaurants with 15 or more outlets to post the caloric content of each food item next to its price on menu boards. Lawmakers and independent companies alike are now following New York City’s lead (Kim Severson 2008). However, there is little evidence that information alone does much to improve diet (Jayachandran N. Variyam and AQ 1 The Psychology of food consumPTion †
Processing Speed Mediates the Longitudinal Association between ADHD Symptoms and Preadolescent Peer Problems

We investigated the relation between dimensional aspects of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in childhood and peer problems 4 years later, as well as the potential mediating effects of intellectual function. The sample included 127 children (32 with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity were assessed via parent and teacher reports on Swanson Nolan and Pelham-IV questionnaire. Peer problems were assessed by parent reports on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and children's intellectual functioning by the third edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Linear regressions showed a significant effect of inattention on future peer problems, partially mediated by slow processing speed. These effects remained significant when ADHD status was covaried. Findings highlight the importance of processing speed in explaining the predictive relation between childhood inattention and later peer problems. Inattention and processing speed in early childhood are potentially malleable factors influencing adolescent social functioning.