Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic and other barriers to adopting recommendations to prevent childhood obesity : results of a focus group study with parents

Background: Parents are integral to the implementation of obesity prevention and management recommendations for children. Exploration of barriers to and facilitators of parental decisions to adopt obesity prevention recommendations will inform future efforts to reduce childhood obesity. Methods: We conducted 4 focus groups (2 English, 2 Spanish) among a total of 19 parents of overweight (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) children aged 5-17 years. The main discussion focused on 7 common obesity prevention recommendations: reducing television (TV) watching, removing TV from child's bedroom, increasing physically active games, participating in community or school-based athletics, walking to school, walking more in general, and eating less fast food. Parents were asked to discuss what factors would make each recommendation more difficult (barriers) or easier (facilitators) to follow. Participants were also asked about the relative importance of economic (time and dollar costs/savings) barriers and facilitators if these were not brought into the discussion unprompted. Results: Parents identified many barriers but few facilitators to adopting obesity prevention recommendations for their children. Members of all groups identified economic barriers (time and dollar costs) among a variety of pertinent barriers, although the discussion of dollar costs often required prompting. Parents cited other barriers including child preference, difficulty with changing habits, lack of information, lack of transportation, difficulty with monitoring child behavior, need for assistance from family members, parity with other family members, and neighborhood walking safety. Facilitators identified included access to physical activity programs, availability of alternatives to fast food and TV which are acceptable to the child, enlisting outside support, dietary information, involving the child, setting limits, making behavior changes gradually, and parental change in shopping behaviors and own eating behaviors. Conclusions: Parents identify numerous barriers to adopting obesity prevention recommendations, most notably child and family preferences and resistance to change, but also economic barriers. Intervention programs should consider the context of family priorities and how to overcome barriers and make use of relevant facilitators during program development. Published: 21 December 2009 BMC Pediatrics 2009, 9:81 doi:10.1186/1471-2431-9-81 Received: 5 March 2009 Accepted: 21 December 2009 This article is available from: http://www.biomedcentral. com/1471-2431/9/81 © 2009 Sonneville et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
INSERTION INTERNATIONALE ET TRANSFERT DE TECHNOLOGIES : LES CAS COMPARÉS DE LA TURQUIE, DE L'INDE ET DE LA CHINE

Since the nineties, China, India and Turkey have followed different paths of integration in the international division of labor. China has become an assembly country, strongly integrated in the international segmentation of production processes in Asia. Most of China's imports of high technology products are parts and components and are incorporated into production for exports. By contrast, Turkey's high-tech imports consist mainly in capital goods, and correspond to a classical form of technology transfers, aimed at upgrading indigenous industrial capacities. Turkey's foreign trade is strongly concentrated on Europe. India is characterized by a limited participation in the international division of production processes and by a low level of high-tech imports. The opening up of the three economies has been accompanied by structural changes in their domestic industrial output. In the three countries a shift occurred away from textiles, towards electrical and electronic goods in China and Turkey and towards chemical industries in India. The case of these countries tends to show that there is no automatic link between the degree of openness and economic growth: according to most indicators, Turkey is the most open economy but also the one with the slowest economic growth over the last twenty years. China, which has followed a very selective trade liberalization, has recorded the highest rates of economic growth.
User-centered development and testing of a monitoring system that provides feedback regarding physical functioning to elderly people

Purpose: To involve elderly people during the development of a mobile interface of a monitoring system that provides feedback to them regarding changes in physical functioning and to test the system in a pilot study. Methods and participants: The iterative user-centered development process consisted of the following phases: (1) selection of user representatives; (2) analysis of users and their context; (3) identification of user requirements; (4) development of the interface; and (5) evaluation of the interface in the lab. Subsequently, the monitoring and feedback system was tested in a pilot study by five patients who were recruited via a geriatric outpatient clinic. Participants used a bathroom scale to monitor weight and balance, and a mobile phone to monitor physical activity on a daily basis for six weeks. Personalized feedback was provided via the interface of the mobile phone. Usability was evaluated on a scale from 1 to 7 using a modified version of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ); higher scores indicated better usability. Interviews were conducted to gain insight into the experiences of the participants with the system. Results: The developed interface uses colors, emoticons, and written and/or spoken text messages to provide daily feedback regarding (changes in) weight, balance, and physical activity. The participants rated the usability of the monitoring and feedback system with a mean score of 5.2 (standard deviation 0.90) on the modified PSSUQ. The interviews revealed that most participants liked using the system and appreciated that it signaled changes in their physical functioning. However, usability was negatively influenced by a few technical errors. Conclusion: Involvement of elderly users during the development process resulted in an interface with good usability. However, the technical functioning of the monitoring system needs to be optimized before it can be used to support elderly people in their self-management.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) packages are used to integrate business processes of an organization through shared information flow. Majority of the large organizations within India have either implemented or are implementing ERP software. With the increasing market competition and globalization, small and medium enterprise (sme) are keen to deploy them, but the high cost involved in implementation of these packages is a major hurdle to go ahead with this decision. The solution is to go for cost effective ERP solution. ERP on Cloud is one of the viable options, as there is no initial hardware or software infrastructure investment needed making it a cost effective solution. A framework called PESTBenefit/Threat is presented in this paper to analyze the factors that should be addressed by sme to select ERP in cloud environment. This framework categorizes a factor in the PEST framework as political, economical, social or technological. A factor can either be benefit or a threat to sme. If a factor is a benefit, it will create a positive influence on the sme to go for this solution. But if a factor is a threat, a sme can take appropriate measure to mitigate the threat. Thus this framework will assist sme to assess the ERP on cloud as a viable option for their organization.
Probabilistic Learning and Psychological Similarity

The notions of psychological similarity and probabilistic learning are key posits in cognitive, computational, and developmental psychology and in machine learning. However, their explanatory relationship is rarely made explicit within and across these research fields. This opinionated review critically evaluates how these notions can mutually inform each other within computational cognitive science. Using probabilistic models of concept learning as a case study, I argue that two notions of psychological similarity offer important normative constraints to guide modelers’ interpretations of representational primitives. In particular, the two notions furnish probabilistic models of cognition with meaningful interpretations of what the associated subjective probabilities in the model represent and how they attach to experiences from which the agent learns. Similarity representations thereby provide probabilistic models with cognitive, as opposed to purely mathematical, content.
Estimating Risk and Rate Levels , Ratios , and Differences in Case-Control Studies 1

Classic (or “cumulative”) case-control sampling designs do not admit inferences about quantities of interest other than risk ratios, and then only by making the rare events assumption. Probabilities, risk differences, and other quantities cannot be computed without knowledge of the population incidence fraction. Similarly, density (or “risk set”) case-control sampling designs do not allow inferences about quantities other than the rate ratio. Rates, rate differences, cumulative rates, risks, and other quantities cannot be estimated unless auxiliary information about the underlying cohort such as the number of controls in each full risk set is available. Most scholars who have considered the issue recommend reporting more than just risk and rate ratios, but auxiliary population information needed to do this is not usually available. We address this problem by developing methods that allow valid inferences about all relevant quantities of interest from either type of case-control study when completely ignorant of or only partially knowledgeable about relevant auxiliary population information. MeSH
The origin and processes of mud volcanism: new insights from Trinidad

Abstract The mobilized sediments expelled by the mud volcanoes in Trinidad correspond to liquefied argillaceous and sandy material in which the solid fraction is systematically polygenic and originating from several formations (Cretaceous to Pliocene). The mud is notably rich in thingrained quartz that is angular and frequently mechanically damaged related to shearing at great depth, during the sedimentary burial, and/or hydraulic fracturing processes. The exotic clasts are mostly fractured fragments from various formations of the tectonic wedge (mostly Palaeocene to Miocene). The origin of the solid particles of the mud is polygenic, including deep Cretaceous-Palaeogene horizons close to the décollement, and various materials from the stratigraphic pile pierced by the mud conduits. Moreover, the fluids expelled by the mud volcanoes have a deep origin and notably the gas phase is thermogenic methane generated probably below a depth of 5000 m. The effusions occur either during cycles of moderate effusion of mud and fluids (quiescence regime), or during catastrophic events responsible for the expulsion of huge volumes of mud, clasts and fluids (transient regime). Available subsurface data suggest that the deep structure of the mud volcanoes includes: (1) a focused deep conduit at depth in the zone of overpressure; (2) a mud chamber intruding the surrounding formations around and above the top of the abnormal pressure zone; and (3) a superficial outlet leading to the surface vents.
Developmental Heterogeneity of Cardiac Fibroblasts Does Not Predict Pathological Proliferation and Activation

C ardiac fibrosis underlies the pathological response of the mammalian heart to certain insults, such as a pressure overload injury, and this process is largely mediated through cardiac fibroblasts. The functions and characteristics of cardiac fibro-blasts in scar formation and tissue remodeling are being actively explored. 1 However, the study and analysis of cardiac fibroblasts are limited by imprecise definitions for this cell type and, con-comitantly, by lack of specific markers to aid in their identification. Several other interstitial cell types, such as mesenchymal and inflammatory cells, express certain markers commonly used for identifying cardiac fibroblasts. One such example is fibro-blast-specific protein 1 that is expressed in both fibroblasts and macrophages in the liver. 2 Therefore, it is imperative to delineate and validate a robust set of markers to isolate cardiac fibroblasts. It is thought that injury induces the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in a fraction of cells expressing fibroblast markers leading to their activation. These activated cells, termed myofibroblasts, secrete extracellular matrix to increase collagen content and hence cause histological fibrosis. Accumulating evidence supports the existence of heterogeneity among cardiac fibroblasts. 1 For example, several developmental origins have been suggested for cardiac fibroblasts, such as the bone marrow (BM), and epicardium. 8 Nevertheless, it is not known whether certain fibroblast subtypes, on the basis of their developmental origin , have a propensity toward proliferation and activation after Rationale: Fibrosis is mediated partly by extracellular matrix–depositing fibroblasts in the heart. Although these mesenchymal cells are reported to have multiple embryonic origins, the functional consequence of this heterogeneity is unknown. Objective: We sought to validate a panel of surface markers to prospectively identify cardiac fibroblasts. We elucidated the developmental origins of cardiac fibroblasts and characterized their corresponding phenotypes. We also determined proliferation rates of each developmental subset of fibroblasts after pressure overload injury.
Steeper declines in forest photosynthesis than respiration explain age-driven decreases in 2 forest growth 3 4

Accepted by PNAS 1 Steeper declines in forest photosynthesis than respiration explain age-driven decreases in 2 forest growth 3 4 Jianwu Tang, Sebastiaan Luyssaert, Andrew D. Richardson, Werner Kutsch, Ivan A. 5 Janssens 6 7 1. The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, 8 Massachusetts 02543, USA 9 * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jtang@mbl.edu 10
The ideal time to add Colcemid to obtain a division of the lymphocyte cells

: This research was conducted to determine the optimal conditions for the addition, and withdrawal times of colcemid by culturing colcemid in different media and to examine the effect of colcemid on lymphocyte proliferation and chromosome quality. Peripheral blood (PBL) was collected in a short-term culture. The colcemid incubation period is one factor that may affect experimental results. Routine karyotyping procedures for lymphocyte cultures (blood cultures) include exposing cells to colchicine to stop metaphase cell division and visualizing chromosomes. The exposure time to colchicine in previous research is 1 to 2 hours. After adjusting the duration of exposure to colchicine to improve chromosome quality. Although genetic/laboratory experiments were standardized by division, different durations of colchicine exposure were performed to obtain longer chromosomes with split chromosomes. We observed that shorter periods of colchicine exposure resulted in better-quality chromosomes, while longer periods of colchicine exposure resulted in fertilized chromosomes.
Government Fund Allocation Using Blockchain

: Governments need to cater to a huge number of responsibilities of a state. The working of state governments involves huge number of transactions towards various operations that need to be carried out throughout the state. This includes new projects, repair and maintenance works, awarding contracts, paying of government employees, farmer schemes and so on. A major obstacle that the top government face is the low level corruption that is sometimes not possible to track which deprives the state progress. Tracking it is a very complicated task due to the current system. But in proposed system we overcome this drawbacks by using block chain approach. We here make use of blockchain technology to secure the transactions at every stage while maintaining transparency in every transaction sealing every transaction with proofs as the funds move ahead. Blockchain is an evolving technology that maintains a chain of records known as blocks, connected through cryptography. Each block contains a unique identifier (cryptographic hash) of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. The inherent design of a blockchain ensures that the data stored within it is highly resistant to unauthorized modifications. The proposed system focuses on enabling the tracking of funds allocated to the government throughout the entire allocation process. To ensure secure communication, key pair generation algorithms will be employed, enabling the establishment of trusted channels between relevant entities involved in fund allocation. Key pairs consist of a public key for secure data sharing and a private key for authentication and decryption. Moreover, metadata file decryption algorithms will be used to securely decrypt encrypted metadata associated with fund allocation transactions. This process allows authorized entities to verify transaction details, contributing to a higher level of transparency in the fund allocation process. Additionally, data verification algorithms will be implemented to ensure the integrity and authenticity of data stored within the blockchain. These algorithms play a crucial role in preventing unauthorized modifications to the blockchain records, preserving the immutability of the data By combining these proposed algorithms and harnessing the power of blockchain technology, this project aims to enhance the security, transparency, and integrity of government fund allocation. The utilization of key pair generation, metadata file decryption, and data verification algorithms enables efficient and accountable fund allocation within the government system.
Thermal infrared remote sensing of soils: Evolution, trends and perspectives

Abstract This overview of thermal infrared remote sensing applied to soils presents the soil thermal behavior and parameters such as thermal inertia and their relation to soil moisture. It addresses the effect of emissivities and atmosphere on soil surface temperature evaluation and examines the potential of combining thermal data with information from other spectral ranges such as visible and microwave data.
Sensitivity study of the spectral dispersion of the cloud droplet size distribution on the indirect aerosol effect

To study the influence of anthropogenic aerosols on the shape of the cloud droplet size spectra (dispersion effect), we analyze observed liquid water cloud data during two Canadian field studies. Scaled by the parameter β, which is a function of the relative dispersion of cloud droplet spectra, the calculated cloud albedo shows better agreement with the independently measured cloud albedo than the cloud albedo calculated without scaling. The scaling factor β is positively correlated with the cloud droplet number concentration. A linear relationship between β and the cloud droplet number concentration obtained from different field studies is applied to the ECHAM4 general circulation model. The global mean indirect aerosol effect at the top of atmosphere including the dispersion effect is reduced by 0.2 W m−2 as compared to the reference simulation. This accounts for about 1/3 of the reduction that needed to be imposed on the simulated anthropogenic indirect aerosol effect by Lohmann and Lesins [2002] .
Fenomeno de la niña: impacto en la producción de uchuva en Cundinamarca, Colombia

In Colombia, the normal, or historical, hydrological cycle is interrupted by two cyclic atypical phenomena, the warm phase of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the phase, known as La Nina, characterized mainly by acute and abundant rain and increased river flow and subsequent flooding. The reverse phase, ENSO season 2010-2011, was the most catastrophic of the last 40 years in the country, leaving many losses in infrastructure, production, as well as causing an emergency or disaster situation for human populations. In the agricultural context , an analysis of the second product of non-traditional agricultural exports in the country, the Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), shows how the department of Cundinamarca, which was the main producer in the country, fell to third place by a convergence of climatic events, phytosanitary problems, and low prices of the fruit market. This modified the map of producer regions in Colombia, exposing the fragility of fruit production in the country, and particularly in Cundinamarca, under unusual weather phenomena.
Comparison of suitable drought indices for climate change impacts assessment over Australia towards resource management

Droughts have significant environmental and socio‐economic impacts in Australia. This emphasizes Australia's vulnerability to climate variability and limitations of adaptive capacity. Two drought indices are compared for their potential utility in resource management. The Rainfall Deciles‐based Drought Index is a measure of rainfall deficiency while the Soil‐Moisture Deciles‐based Drought Index is a measure of soil‐moisture deficiency attributed to rainfall and potential evaporation. Both indices were used to assess future drought events over Australia under global warming attributed to low and high greenhouse gas emission scenarios (SRES B1 and A1F1 respectively) for 30‐year periods centred on 2030 and 2070. Projected consequential changes in rainfall and potential evaporation were based on results from the CCCma1 and Mk2 climate models, developed by the Canadian Climate Center and the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) respectively. A general increase in drought frequency associated with global warming was demonstrated by both indices for both climate models, except for the western part of Australia. Increases in the frequency of soil‐moisture‐based droughts are greater than increases in meteorological drought frequency. By 2030, soil‐moisture‐based drought frequency increases 20–40% over most of Australia with respect to 1975–2004 and up to 80% over the Indian Ocean and southeast coast catchments by 2070. Such increases in drought frequency would have major implications for natural resource management, water security planning, water demand management strategies, and drought relief payments. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society