Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bristol urban integrated diagnostics project case study report: The role of neighbourhood in the health and happiness of older people

This case study examined factors affecting the health and happiness of older residents in Staple Hill, Bristol, UK. The research, which was qualitative in nature, was primarily achieved through a workshop, and 13 walking interviews, with older residents in the ward. Other stages of the research included examination of extant quantitative data, site visits and dissemination of findings within the community. Staple Hill was chosen as: containing varying deprivation levels, representing a type of neighbourhood that has been under-researched, and including a recently regenerated Park. Older residents were chosen as a focus of the case study as census data showed a higher than average percentage of older residents in the ward. Examination of existing quantitative data on the ward suggested that there was a gap in information regarding the psychological well-being of Staple Hill’s older residents. This is in a context of South Gloucestershire Council noting predicted increases in percentages of older residents and thus wishing to understand and address the independence, health, social isolation and general needs of these citizens. Findings centre on five themes including mobility, relations with nature, social capital, sustainable neighbourhood design and the role of the neighbourhood as a resources for health and happiness. The case study reveals the important ways in which neighbourhood and individual interact, influencing the individuals’ happiness. Specific recommendations for policy makers are derived.
A distinct vagal anti-inflammatory pathway modulates intestinal muscularis resident macrophages independent of the spleen

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP) has been proposed as a key mechanism by which the brain, through the vagus nerve, modulates the immune system in the spleen. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) reduces intestinal inflammation and improves postoperative ileus. We investigated the neural pathway involved and the cells mediating the anti-inflammatory effect of VNS in the gut. The effect of VNS on intestinal inflammation and transit was investigated in wild-type, splenic denervated and Rag-1 knockout mice. To define the possible role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), we used knockout and bone marrow chimaera mice. Anterograde tracing of vagal efferents, cell sorting and Ca2+ imaging were used to reveal the intestinal cells targeted by the vagus nerve. VNS attenuates surgery-induced intestinal inflammation and improves postoperative intestinal transit in wild-type, splenic denervated and T-cell-deficient mice. In contrast, VNS is ineffective in α7nAChR knockout mice and α7nAChR-deficient bone marrow chimaera mice. Anterograde labelling fails to detect vagal efferents contacting resident macrophages, but shows close contacts between cholinergic myenteric neurons and resident macrophages expressing α7nAChR. Finally, α7nAChR activation modulates ATP-induced Ca2+ response in small intestine resident macrophages. We show that the anti-inflammatory effect of the VNS in the intestine is independent of the spleen and T cells. Instead, the vagus nerve interacts with cholinergic myenteric neurons in close contact with the muscularis macrophages. Our data suggest that intestinal muscularis resident macrophages expressing α7nAChR are most likely the ultimate target of the gastrointestinal CAIP.
The relation of e-government quality on public trust and its impact on public participation

Purpose This paper aims to answer a major challenge in the success of electronic government (e-government) implementation, viz., public participation via continual use intention and electronic word-of-mouth (eWoM). This study tries to provide some control by examining the impact of e-government quality on public trust and with continual use intention and eWoM. This study adopts the eminent information systems (IS) success model and expands the trust dimension into a multi-dimensional trust. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using questionnaires distributed among e-government service users in Indonesia. In total, 293 respondents were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings Of the three IS success factors, namely, systems quality, information quality and service quality, the former two are found to have significant correlation with trust. Dispositional trust has a substantial relationship with institutional trust and interpersonal trust, whereas institutional trust has a significant correlation with interpersonal trust. Institutional trust exhibits direct relationship with continual use intention and eWoM, whereas interpersonal trust has a significantly correlation with only continual use intention. Research limitations/implications This study suggests that it is plausible that user satisfaction could act as an intermediary between service quality and trust or between service quality and continual use intention. Thus, further research studies to examine satisfaction factor and its correlation with public acceptance are encouraged. Practical implications Government agencies should focus on information quality and systems quality which have a significant relation with trust development. These should be more thorough and meticulous to provide complete, secure and easy-to-use e-government information. These should also facilitate eWoM because it plays an important role in disseminating e-government (services). Originality/value This research provides a deeper and more accurate grasp on how public participation of e-government can be improved via trust.
Reverse Image Filtering Using Total Derivative Approximation and Accelerated Gradient Descent

In this paper, a new problem of reverse image filtering is addressed. The problem is to reverse the effect of an image filter given the observation <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {b}=g(\boldsymbol {x})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The filter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$g$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is modelled as an available black box. An inverse method is proposed to recover the input image <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\boldsymbol {x}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The key idea is to formulate this inverse problem as minimizing a local patch-based cost function. To use gradient descent for the minimization, total derivative is used to approximate the unknown gradient. This paper presents a study of factors affecting the convergence and quality of the output in the Fourier domain when the filter is linear. It discusses the convergence property for nonlinear filters by using contraction mapping as a tool. It also presents applications of the accelerated gradient descent algorithms to three gradient-free reverse filters, including the one proposed in this paper. Results from extensive experiments are used to evaluate the complexity and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art in two aspects. (1) It is at the same level of complexity as that of the fastest reverse filter, but it can reverse a larger number of filters. (2) It can reverse the same list of filters as that of a very complex reverse filter, but its complexity is much lower.
SO dynamic deformation for building of 3-D models

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling based on an ensemble of multilayer self-organizing (SO) neural networks is described. Our objective for 3D modeling is to construct a representation of a 3D object shape from sensed surface points acquired from the object. Current modeling techniques can be classified into two categories: the static and the dynamic approaches, where the former grounded in computational geometry, and the latter rooted in the mechanics of elastic materials. In this paper, a neural-based dynamic modeling approach is presented. The method used is proved to converge and experimental results are shown which support its applicability to real problems.
Environmental tobacco smoke and fetal health: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To determine the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on birth outcomes. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with MOOSE guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACS (up to October 2007), were searched and also reviews and reference lists from publications, with no language restrictions. Pooled mean differences and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using data extracted from papers, based on random effect models. Setting: Comparative epidemiological studies. Patients: Pregnant women or women who have given birth. Exposures: Maternal exposure to ETS during pregnancy. Main outcome measures: Mean birth weight and proportion of premature infants. Results: 58 studies were included; 53 used cohort designs, 23 ascertaining ETS exposure prospectively and 30 retrospectively; 5 used case–control designs. In prospective studies, ETS exposure was associated with a 33 g (95% CI 16 to 51) reduction in mean birth weight, and in retrospective studies a 40 g (95% CI 26 to 54) reduction. ETS exposure was also associated with an increased risk of low birth weight (birth weight <2500 g; prospective studies: OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.63; retrospective studies: OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.37). The risk of small for gestational age (<10th centile) birth was significantly associated with ETS exposure only in retrospective studies (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.37). There was no effect of ETS exposure on gestational age. Conclusions: Exposure of non-smoking pregnant women to ETS reduces mean birth weight by 33 g or more, and increases the risk of birth weight below 2500 g by 22%, but has no clear effect on gestation or the risk of being small for gestational age.
Decreased human semen quality and organochlorine compounds in blood.

BACKGROUND Various studies have been performed in which potential effects of xenoestrogens on fertility or sperm parameters were investigated by comparing groups of subjects exposed to different levels of these chemicals. METHODS In our study we used an alternative approach, as we selected one group of men with very poor semen quality and another group with normal semen quality and determined the blood organochlorine contents in order to determine whether a difference in these levels could be established. Organochlorine compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and PCB metabolites, were detected using gas chromatography. The concentrations were compared between both groups, and related to semen parameters. RESULTS A comparison of both groups did not reveal significant differences in organochlorine levels. Linear relationships were found when PCB and metabolite concentrations were related to the age of the volunteers. Focusing on the subgroup of men with normal semen quality showed that sperm count and sperm progressive motility were inversely related to the concentrations of PCB metabolites within this group. CONCLUSIONS The finding of a significantly decreased sperm count in relation to an elevated PCB metabolite level within the subgroup of men with normal semen quality is important. This is the first time that a correlation between exposure to environmental pollutants with endocrine-disrupting capacity and human sperm quality has been observed.
Analysis of barriers to women entrepreneurship through ISM and MICMAC

PurposeThis paper aims to study the impediments and difficulties that prevent Indian women from becoming entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained through a survey involving 15 experts. Based on the feedback provided by the experts, ten relevant barriers in the context of Indian micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were chosen. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data. These ten barriers create obstruction for Indian women as entrepreneurs. These barriers were ranked, and causal relationships among them established using interpretive structural modeling andMatrice d’Impacts croises-multiplication appliqúean classment(cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) (ISM–MICMAC) approach.FindingsThis study identifies, on the basis of extant literature and experts’ opinion, ten barriers to female entrepreneurship. These barriers were ranked, and causal relationships among them established using the ISM–MICMAC approach. On the basis of ranking, women can move forward in MSMEs after removing these obstacles and it will have good results.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research, with literature reviews and experts opinion, ten barriers have been identified for women’s entrepreneurship and have been used to build the model.Practical implicationsTo bring Indian women forward in the field of entrepreneurship, both the society and the government should work together, and efforts should be made to overcome the obstacles coming in the way of entrepreneurs.Social implicationsFemale entrepreneurship in India faces many problems including negative attitude of authorities and society toward women. The society and authorities have no format or model for Indian women to move forward in the entrepreneurship sector.Originality/valueThis study seeks to identify, on the basis of a thorough review of literature and expert opinion, major barriers to female entrepreneurship in the context of Indian MSMEs.
“Tell me, how bright your hypomania is, and I tell you, if you are happily in love!”—Among young adults in love, bright side hypomania is related to reduced depression and anxiety, and better sleep quality

Abstract Background. Studies on adolescents and adults show that romantic love (RL) is associated with favorable emotional states. However, data on these associations are scarce for adults. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to explore the associations between RL, symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypomania (bright side and dark side), and sleep in a sample of adults. Method. A total of 844 participants currently in love (M = 24.79 years, 75.8% females) took part in the study. They completed a series of questionnaires related to RL, symptoms of depression, anxiety, hypomania (bright side and dark side), and sleep. Results. An increased state of RL was associated both with the bright and the dark side of hypomania (BRHYP and DAHYP). Relative to participants with BRHYP, participants with DAHYP reported stronger symptoms of depression and state anxiety, and poor sleep quality. Conclusions. The pattern of results adds to our knowledge that in adults RL is not entirely a joyful and happy period of life. Rather, data suggest that for young adults in love, bright versus dark side of hypomania was associated with a different quality of psychological functioning and sleep. We conclude that experiencing RL might be a critical life event associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and poor sleep.
Role of ATP‐sensitive K+ channels during anoxia: major differences between rat (newborn and adult) and turtle neurons.

1. It is well known that anoxia induces an increase in extracellular K+. The underlying mechanisms for the increase, however, are not well understood. In the present study, we performed electrophysiological, pharmacological and receptor autoradiographic experiments in an attempt to examine K+ ionic homeostasis during anoxia. Ion‐selective microelectrodes were employed to measure intracellular and extracellular K+ activity from hypoglossal neurons in brain slices. 2. During 3‐4 min anoxia, adult hypoglossal neurons lose a large amount of their intracellular K+ and this contributes in a major way to the 8‐fold increase in extracellular K+. 3. Loss of intracellular K+ from hypoglossal neurons is, to a great extent, due to activation of certain specific K+ channels. Glibenclamide, a potential sulphonylurea ligand and a specific blocker of ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, has no effect on K+ homeostasis during oxygenated states, but almost halves the anoxia‐induced increase in extracellular K+ in the adult rat. 4. [3H]glibenclamide autoradiography shows that the hypoglossal nucleus in the adult rat has high sulphonylurea receptor density, a finding that is consistent with our electrophysiological observation. 5. Since we have previously shown that newborn mammals and reptiles are more resistant to O2 deprivation than adult mammals, we performed comparative studies among adult rat, newborn rat and adult turtle. In sharp contrast to the adult rat, extracellular K+ activity in newborn rat and adult turtle brain increases little (10 to 100 times less than the adult rat) and glibenclamide has a small and insignificant effect on K+ efflux in the newborn rat and none in the turtle. Glibenclamide receptor binding sites are much lower in the newborn rat than in the adult rat central nervous system (CNS) and barely detectable in the turtle brain. 6. These results support the hypothesis that in the adult rat, K+ is lost during anoxia from neurons through sulphonylurea receptor or KATP channels in a major way. Generally, however, KATP channels are poorly expressed in the newborn rat and adult turtle CNS and have little role to play during O2 deprivation.
Pedagogical Considerations for Effectively Teaching Qualitative Research to Students in an Online Environment.

Qualitative research aims to understand both individual meaning as well as complex systemic interactions as they apply to social problems or individual experiences. This method of research is both inductive and flexible, allowing for a holistic approach that facilitates a rich understanding of the content examined. Past research identifies a number of challenges associated with teaching qualitative methodology to undergraduate students, including: the research skills and values maintained by the instructor, the prestige associated with qualitative research in particular, as well as a number of other interpersonal and environmental factors. These challenges are further complicated, it seems, when extended into the online learning environment. This paper explores the factors related to the instruction of qualitative research in an online environment and provides recommendations for best practices in teaching.
A Subset of Fibroblast Growth Factors (Fgfs) Promote Survival, but Fgf-8b Specifically Promotes Astroglial Differentiation of Rat Cortical Precursor Cells

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (Fgf-2 or basic Fgf) is known to promote the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of neural precursor cells. We have examined and compared the effects of Fgf-2 with those of Fgf-1, -4, -6, -7, -9, and -10, as well as three isoforms of Fgf-8 (-8a, -8b, and -8c), on the fate of cultured embryonic day 15 (E15) rat cortical cells. Clonal analysis, using retroviral tagging, shows that only Fgf-2, -4, and -8b can efficiently promote the survival of cortical precursor cells, the majority of which give rise to neurons. Surprisingly, and in contrast to other Fgfs, Fgf-8b also promotes astroglial differentiation of a subpopulation of these cells, which would otherwise appear to yield neurons. We also show that E15 cortical cells initially express the IIIc isoforms of Fgf-receptors (R-1,-2, and -3 but within 16 h of culturing they down regulate FgfR2-IIIc. These studies demonstrate that cortical precursor cells respond to Fgf stimulation in different ways depending on the ligand and by inference the Fgf receptors activated.
Radiation lethality potentiation in total body irradiated mice by a commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitor, Pantoprazole sodium

Abstract Purpose: Pantoprazole sodium (Protonix) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) widely used to treat peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux due to its ability to inhibit gastric acid secretion. Therefore, a large group of the population exposed to total body irradiation (TBI) in the event of a nuclear disaster would be on this or similar medications. We investigated the effect of pantoprazole on TBI-induced lethality in mice. Methods and materials: Male CD2F1 mice were exposed to various doses of uniform TBI using a 137Cs irradiator. Pantoprazole was administered by twice daily subcutaneous injection in saline from 4 days before to 5 days after irradiation. Effects on gastric pH, and gastrointestinal (GI) and hematopoietic toxicity were evaluated. Results: Pantoprazole administration significantly exacerbated 30 day lethality and gastrointestinal toxicity. Median survival after 9.0 Gy TBI was reduced from 22 days to 12 days (p = 0.006). Pantoprazole adversely effected intestinal crypt survival and mucosal surface area. In contrast, equivalent doses of a histamine type-2(H2) receptor blocker (cimetidine) did not alter TBI-induced lethality. Conclusion: The adverse effect of pantoprazole on TBI-induced lethality is highly important because of the widespread use of PPI in the general population, as well as use of these drugs for acid suppression in individuals exposed to radiation. Further studies of the mechanisms underlying the adverse effect of PPI after exposure to TBI are clearly warranted. Until results from such studies are available, other acid-suppressing strategies should be preferred in the context of radiation exposure.
A novel investigation on printed stretchable WLAN antennas

In this paper an investigation on the realizability of the fully printed stretchable antennas has been reported. A novel stretchable conductive ink has been developed and utilized in the printing process. A conductivity of 849 S/cm and stretchability up to 300 % is achieved for the ink. The functionality of the ink at the WLAN band is tested by measuring two bowtie slot and patch antennas. The resonance frequency of the patch antenna shifts from 5.7 GHz to 3.5 GHz by stretching its longitudinal length to 65 % more than its original dimension. It is also feasible to stretch the bowtie slot up to 110 % more than its initial length while its resonance frequency moved from 5.2 GHz to 2.6 GHz. The agreement between the simulation and measurement results show that the proposed ink is very useful for the fabrication of the stretchable RF/Microwave circuits and antennas.
Analytic modeling of gate tunneling currents for nano-scale double-gate MOSFETs

The gate tunneling currents that are present in double-gate fully depleted fin-shaped MOSFETs either with a single high-k layer or a SiO2/high-k stack as gate dielectric material are modeled, in order to define its contributions to the total measured gate leakage current at different gate bias conditions. Direct tunneling of electrons from Si conduction band provided by all the channel region at strong inversion conditions and trap-assisted tunneling effect at the overlaps in subthreshold regime have been taken into account in order to represent correctly the behavior of gate leakage current in state-of-art devices. By using simple analytic expressions, this model shows an excellent agreement with measured gate I-V characteristics from depletion to strong inversion operation modes.
New reconstruction algorithm, distance dependent exact, with reduced statistical α error, dedicated to emission tomography using a collimator with large and long holes

SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) is physically one of the worst medical imaging modalities. Despite a considerable and still increasing medical impact, its spatial resolution (beyond 1 cm) and its sensitivity (less than 10−4) are both awful. This situation is mainly due to the use of a thin parallel hole collimator. In addition the application of the unfitted radon-transform worsens the figure.