Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure During Exergaming in College-age Adults

Abstract The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to discover the differences in degree of energy expenditure (EE) during Just Dance 2015 using Xbox 360 Kinect, Wii-U, PS3 Move, and Control YouTube video; and 2) to uncover whether or not exergaming could elicit moderate to vigorous levels of intensity (≥ 40% Heart Rate Reserve (HRR)) based on heart rate average (HRavg) measurements. Twenty-five healthy college-aged students participated in this study. Data collection was comprised of baseline testing, a 30 second familiarization period with each gaming console, and a gaming session. Participants danced to the song “Love Me Again” on a Just Dance 2015 program on Xbox 360 Kinect, Wii-U, PS3 Move, and a control YouTube. EE and HRR were calculated using FT4 Polar Heart Rate Monitor. One-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant differences in energy expenditure across the consoles, F(2.74, 65.86)=0.65, p=. 570. The paired samples t-test indicated the HRavg for the Xbox 360 Kinect (117±18 bpm) was significantly greater than the HRavg for the Control (112±16 bpm), t(24)=3.03, p=. 006. About a third (28%-36%) of participants met moderate levels of intensity while exergaming. Dancing on all three major gaming consoles and YouTube video increase energy expenditures and can be used as an alternative form of exercise with the ability to achieve moderate levels of intensity.
Implementation of an automated system for the detection of acute kidney injury in a district general hospital and its impact on patient outcomes

s Presentations 15 Jan 2014 – AKI implementation to Wessex AKI group 17 Jan 2014 – AKI implementation to London AKI group 15 April 2015 – Wessex Acute Kidney Launch Event 6 November 2015 – Acute kidney injury; an update – Clinisys National User Conference
Design and Implementation of Authentication as a Service (Aaas) in Windows Azure Cloud Platform

Cloud computing is an internet based computing. It consists of various services and delievers on demand basis from the user request. Data security is a necessary facet for any web applications. Authentication is an important security problem in cloud as well as internet facing applications. This paper proposes authentication algorithms for securing the cloud applications. Authentication is an essential factor among other security parameters such as authorization, auditing and availability. These proposed algorithms are used to protect the unauthorized access in cloud. User’s data are converted into different form using the different encryption techniques. These three algorithms are combined and provide as a single service to the cloud user. Proposed User authentication mechanisms are designed and developed in ASP.NET platform and deployed on Windows Azure platform of cloud System. This user authentication mechanism is simply matched with any kind of service within the cloud environment. The proposed user authentication algorithms have provided best security in cloud system. This mechanism can be used for agriculture, medical, education and IT based applications to firmly access the information in secured manner.
Quality of Service Monitoring, Diagnosis, and Adaptation for Service Level Management

A key requirement in Service Level Management (SLM) is managing the Quality of Services (QoS) demanded by clients and offered by providers. This managing process is complicated by the globalization and Internet scale of enterprise services and their compositions. This chapter presents two contributions to the QoS management task for SLM. First, instead of considering monitoring as an isolated service, it incorporates a monitoring service as an integral part of a comprehensive QoS management framework for SLM. Second, it includes a diagnosis service as an integral part of the QoS management framework. Using the data fed from monitoring service, diagnosis service detects system condition changes and reasons about the causes of detected degradation in networked enterprise system. With condition detection and situation understanding, the QoS management framework can then proactively activate adaptation mechanisms to maximize the system’s ability to meet QoS contract requirements of concurrent clients. Using this framework, enterprise systems can provide real time automated QoS management to optimize system resources in meeting contract requirements. This approach is validated using QoS management services integrated in a publish/subscribe style of SOA. Benefits of QoS monitoring, diagnosis, and adaptation services for responsiveness SLM are demonstrated via experiments.
Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss., Rhus coriaria L. (sumac), Mentha piperita L., and Ocimum basilicum L. extracts on Brucella strains isolated from brucellosis patients

Since brucellosis has been called a chronic illness and treatment of patients infected with this bacterium has not been successful, the present study aim ed to evaluate the effects of several medicinal plant extracts on clinical Brucella strains. Materials and methods: First, Brucella strains were isolated from brucellosis patients. Then an antibiotic resistance assay was performed for these strains, while the antibacterial activity of the above-mentioned extracts was evaluated. Results: After performing accurate evaluations, the obtained results showed that all of the isolated Brucella strains were sensitive to tetracycline, doxycycline, and gentamicin, and the rates of antibiotic resistance to rifampin and streptomycin were 83.3% and 11.1%, respectively. The mean zone of growth inhibition for Zataria multiflora Boiss. was >=28.77 mm, Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) was 22.55 mm, Mentha piperita L. was >=7.5 mm, and the gentamicin disk was >=30 mm. The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Z. multiflora was 1237 mg/mL, and it was 3255.2 mg/mL for sumac, and 5642 mg/mL for M. piperita L. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) rate for these herbs was 5900 mg/mL, 9027 mg/mL, and 12152 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, no anti-Brucella activity was observed for Ocimum basilicum L. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study prove that Z. multiflora extracts show high anti-Brucella activity and it can be used for better treatment of brucellosis.
Development and comparison of reduced-order interconnect macromodels for time-domain simulation

As signal speeds grow and feature sizes shrink in digital VLSI circuits, there is an increasing need to correctly model the interconnects between transistors. Since the size of the resulting RLC-interconnect network can be huge, model-reduction algorithms have been developed for replacing the RLC networks with reduced-order frequency-domain models. This paper focuses on interfacing these frequency-domain representations with the time-domain simulation of the original nonlinear circuit. Three well-known reduced-order macromodels are briefly reviewed and two new ones are proposed. Comparisons between the simulation times and memory consumption of the various models are presented.
Extendable Multiplatform Approach to the Development of the Web Business Applications

We present the OdinModel framework an extendable multiplatform approach to the development of the web business applications. The framework enables the full development potential of the application’s model through the platform independent abstractions. Those abstractions allow the full code generation of the applicationions allow the full code generation of the application from a single abstract model to the multiple target platforms. The model covers both the common and the platform specific development concepts of the different target platforms, which makes it unique. In addition, we can extend the model with any existing development concept of any target platform. The framework with such model provides both the generic and custom modeling of the complete Model, View and Controller parts of the application. OdinModel uses existing development tools for the implementation of the application from the model. It does not force any development technology over some other. Instead, the framework provides a hub from which the web application developers can choose their favorite approach. Currently, the framework covers the development for Java, Python and WebDSL platforms. Support of these three platforms and the extendibility of the framework guarantee the framework support for any development platform.
Contrast sensitivity in a large adult population.

The contrast sensitivity test (using Vistech charts) was performed on a consecutive sample of 1612 eyes of 807 Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel (two diseased eyes excluded), which had no known ophthalmic disorder. This yielded a large sample norm of spatial Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) distribution curves, based on the local population. Although all subjects had their refractive errors fully corrected by spectacles, whenever necessary, to visual acuity of 6/6 or better, myopes had lower mean contrast sensitivity, in the higher spatial frequencies, compared to the emmetropic. Postulates were offered to explain this association, including the concept of micro-amblyopia. Pilots and aircrew performed consistently better than the ground crew, suggesting that target acquisition training may improve contrast sensitivity. Interestingly, sex was also shown to be associated with differences in contrast sensitivity: females were found to have lower spatial contrast sensitivity compared to males. Age was associated with poorer contrast sensitivity only at the lower spatial frequencies in this study sample, while race, with that of higher frequencies; Chinese having lower contrast sensitivity than other races (a heterogeneous group consisting of Malays, Indians, Eurasians and Others). The association of contrast sensitivity with race highlights the importance of using normograms based on the local population. All the above associations were statistically significant at P = 0.05, and independent of each other, based on analysis by multiple regression. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A review of diabetic patients’ knowledge in a high prevalent European country : Malta

Malta Medical Journal Volume 28 Issue 02 2016 Abstract Education is the first milestone in the care pathway of all diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the educational knowledge and awareness among a diabetic patient cohort and compare this knowledge to a previously conducted study. Acquiring information on diabetes knowledge is essential for both clinicians and policy makers. Interviews using validated questionnaires covering various aspects of diabetes knowledge were conducted among a diabetic cohort between August and September of 2014 at the state hospital in Malta. The majority exhibited correct knowledge on diabetes and related complications. Knowledge levels appeared to have improved and were influenced by gender, type of diabetes and length of diabetes awareness. We conclude that educational approaches should be targeted towards every diabetic individual and should start immediately after diagnosis. This would lead to improved self-care, with a reduction in diabetic complications and a decrease in health-care expenditure.
Importance of Zinc in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Abstract: Zinc (Zn) is a multipurpose trace element, sufficiency of which is difficult to assess. However, Zn deficiency could negatively influence this disease in different aspects. The symptoms of Zn deficiency as taste disturbances, decreased appetite and impaired growth but also disturbed fatty acid profiles and disturbances in immunity, inflammation and oxidative stress defence are discussed and applied to what is known in cystic fibrosis (CF) (Table 1 ). Keywords: Zinc, cystic fibrosis, fatty acids, growth, immunity, oxidative stress. ZINC SOURCE, ABSORPTION AND HOMEOSTASIS Dietary Zn is mainly found in meat. Animal protein increases the absolute amount of Zn and promotes its absorption [1]. A high dietary phytic acid and fiber content [1] will decrease the Zn absorption. Fat malabsorption will also increase the Zn losses [2]. The interactions with other dietary minerals remain an unsolved concern with a probable negative interaction with iron and a possible negative interaction with calcium [1]. Zn and copper (Cu) negatively influence the absorption of each; hence Zn is used to decrease Cu absorption in Wilson’s disease [3, 4]. The exact absorption mechanisms have not yet been completely characterised in humans. The Zn homeostasis is primarily regulated in the intestine [2, 5] by the excretion and reabsorption of endogenous Zn. The urinary Zn losses are low [6]. Due to its important functions, Zn concentrations are highly regulated [7] by different Zn transporting transmem-brane proteins. The Zip-family transporters increase the intracellular concentrations by promoting Zn influx into the cells or release from the intracellular vesicles [8], while the cation diffusion facilitator- family (ZnT transporters) mobi-lises Zn in the opposite direction [8]. It has been suggested that the intestinal absorption of Zn is mediated by a pancreatic ligand, enhancing jejunal Zn uptake [9, 10]. ZIP4, localised in the apical membrane of the enterocyte, is the main importer of dietary Zn [11]. ZIP1 may function as a back-up system in regulating dietary Zn uptake [8]. ZnT-1 is the only member of the ZnT family localised in the basolateral membrane of enterocytes and renal tubular cells suggesting a Zn efflux role for the protein [12]. Potential sources of endogenous Zn are pancreatic, biliary and gastrointestinal secretions besides transepithelial flux or sloughing of mucosal cells. Excretion is directly related to the total amount of Zn absorbed.
La gestion alternative : les vertus de la dissidence

[fre] La gestion alternative a connu ces dernieres annees une croissance exponentielle. Elle represente aujourd’hui plus de 1 000 Md$ d’encours, et se developpe desormais en Europe avec l’ouverture progressive des hedge funds au grand public. Dans cet article, l’auteur illustre les grandes caracteristiques des fonds alternatifs, leurs principales strategies et leurs performances historiques. Il examine egalement les risques caches de la gestion alternative, ainsi que les dangers lies a l’application d’outils issus de la theorie moderne du portefeuille pour gerer des portefeuilles alternatifs. Classification JEL : G11, G23 [eng] Alternative asset management : the dissidents’ virtues . Alternative asset management has experienced an exponential growth over the recent years. It now represents more than one trillion dollars of assets under management, and starts expanding in Europe with the progressive opening of hedge funds to the public. In this article, we illustrate the key characteristics of alternative funds, their major strategies and their historical performance. We also examine the hidden risks of alternative assets, as well as the dangers linked to applying techniques from modern portfolio theory to manage alternative asset portfolios. JEL classification : G11, G23
Effects of Social Media and Mobile Health Apps on Pregnancy Care: Meta-Analysis

Background The use of social media and mobile health (mHealth) apps has been increasing in pregnancy care. However, the effectiveness of these interventions is still unclear. Objectives We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of these interventions with regard to different health outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women and investigate the characteristics and components of interventions that may affect program effectiveness. Method We performed a comprehensive literature search of major electronic databases and reference sections of related reviews and eligible studies. A random effects model was used to calculate the effect size. Results Fifteen randomized controlled trial studies published in and before June 2018 that met the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions were effective in promoting maternal physical health including weight management, gestational diabetes mellitus control, and asthma control with a moderate to large effect size (d=0.72). Large effect sizes were also found for improving maternal mental health (d=0.84) and knowledge about pregnancy (d=0.80). Weight control interventions using wearable devices were more effective. Conclusion Social media and mHealth apps have the potential to be widely used in improving maternal well-being. More large-scale clinical trials focusing on different health outcomes are suggested for future studies.
Optical rotary encoder

Assembly, to stabilize the light intensity monitoring signal even if there were errors, such as during adjustment, and provides a compact and gwanghaksik rotary encoder is in good detection accuracy. In gwanghaksik rotary encoder of the present invention, by rotating the slit plate having a rotation angle detection track for comprising an optical slit, and a light source for irradiating light to the optical slits, corresponding to the irradiation position from the light source to the optical slit is disposed, is disposed the light from the light source at a plurality of positions corresponding to the light irradiation position on the circumference from the light source to the light receiving elements for rotation angle detection, which receives via the optical slit, and the optical slits, from the light source the optical angular width of the light receiving element having a light receiving element for light quantity monitoring, and the light quantity monitor that receives via the optical slit, the optical slit rough light, the surface of the light-receiving element for the light quantity monitoring from the light source and by an integral multiple of the arrangement of an angular period of the intensity distribution.
Classification and management of Lisfranc joint injuries: current concepts

The Lisfranc injury is a relatively rare traumatic pathology but has a significant impact on activities of daily living if not treated early and correctly. It has been shown that an adequate early intervention and an anatomical reduction with preservation of articular cartilage are the most important factors that influence the prognosis of these injuries. Management should, therefore, conform to this objective. We reviewed the literature in reference to the management of Lisfranc injuries and propose a new classification that better targets treatment and prognosis. In turn we suggest an appropriate treatment algorithm according to this new classification.
Application of analogical planning to engineering design

The analogical graph matching (ANAGRAM) system, which performs analogical planning using a graph-match technique, is described. Given a target problem specification, ANAGRAM finds a similar problem from the database from which a solution can be derived. The difficulties that arise when an analogy fails because the base case is only partially applicable to the current problem are addressed. ANAGRAM offers a solution to this problem by merging the graphs representing several similar base cases, resulting in a virtual base graph that generalizes the individual cases enough to cover a target problem. Three examples that illustrate the use of analogy planning and graph merging in the domain of automatic programming are presented. The techniques described can similarly be applied to tasks in a variety of complex domains. <<ETX>>
Cooperative intelligence for remotely piloted vehicle fleet control. Analysis and simulation. Interim report

Cooperative behavior, by either humans or machines, is necessary for solving problems that, because of time or other physical constraints, cannot be solved by one agent acting alone. Complex, spatially distributed military systems, such as tactical air operations, Naval task force control, and command and control networks frequently rely on cooperative problem solving. This report develops aspects of coordinating groups RPV's in a surveillance mission. The findings suggest that (1) a combination of object-oriented simulation and logic programming appears to provide an effective framework for exploring and implementing distributed problem-solving systems, and (2) choice of task negotiation procedure, message passing protocol, planning algorithm, and uncertainty representation technique depends strongly on situational conditions such as time stress, communication costs, and number of planning options.
Trajectory Design and Power Control for Multi-UAV Assisted Wireless Networks: A Machine Learning Approach

A novel framework is proposed for the trajectory design of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on the prediction of users’ mobility information. The problem of joint trajectory design and power control is formulated for maximizing the instantaneous sum transmit rate while satisfying the rate requirement of users. In an effort to solve this pertinent problem, a three-step approach is proposed, which is based on machine learning techniques to obtain both the position information of users and the trajectory design of UAVs. First, a multi-agent Q-learning-based placement algorithm is proposed for determining the optimal positions of the UAVs based on the initial location of the users. Second, in an effort to determine the mobility information of users based on a real dataset, their position data is collected from Twitter to describe the anonymous user-trajectories in the physical world. In the meantime, an echo state network (ESN) based prediction algorithm is proposed for predicting the future positions of users based on the real dataset. Third, a multi-agent Q-learning-based algorithm is conceived for predicting the position of UAVs in each time slot based on the movement of users. In this algorithm, multiple UAVs act as agents to find optimal actions by interacting with their environment and learn from their mistakes. Additionally, we also prove that the proposed multi-agent Q-learning-based trajectory design and power control algorithm can converge under mild conditions. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate that as the size of the reservoir increases, the proposed ESN approach improves the prediction accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate that the throughput gains of about $17\%$ are achieved.