A user configurable data acquisition and signal processing system for high-rate, high channel count applications

Real-time signal processing in plasma fusion experiments is required for control and for data reduction as plasma pulse times grow longer. The development time and cost for these high-rate, multichannel signal processing systems can be significant. This paper proposes a new digital signal processing (DSP) platform for the data acquisition system that will allow users to easily customize real-time signal processing systems to meet their individual requirements. The D-TACQ reconfigurable user in-line DSP (DRUID) system carries out the signal processing tasks in hardware co-processors (CPs) implemented in an FPGA, with an embedded microprocessor (μP) for control. In the fully developed platform, users will be able to choose co-processors from a library and configure programmable parameters through the μP to meet their requirements. The DRUID system is implemented on a Spartan 6 FPGA, on the new rear transition module (RTM-T), a field upgrade to existing D-TACQ digitizers. As proof of concept, a multiply-accumulate (MAC) co-processor has been developed, which can be configured as a digital chopper-integrator for long pulse magnetic fusion devices. The DRUID platform allows users to set options for the integrator, such as the number of masking samples. Results from the digital integrator are presented for a data acquisition system with 96 channels simultaneously acquiring data at 500 kSamples/s per channel

Behavior change techniques incorporated in fitness trackers: content analysis

Background: The use of fitness trackers as tools of self-management to promote physical activity is increasing. However, the content of fitness trackers remains unexplored. Objective: The aim of this study was to use the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) to examine if swim-proof fitness trackers below Aus $150 (US$ 105) incorporate behavior change techniques (BCTs) that relate to self-management strategies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior and to determine if content of the fitness trackers correspond to physical activity guidelines. Methods: A total of two raters used the BCTTv1 to code 6 fitness trackers that met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were the ability to track activity, be swim proof, be compatible with Android and Apple operating systems, and cost below Aus $150. Results: All fitness trackers contained BCTs known to promote physical activity, with the most frequently used BCTs overlapping with self-management strategies, including goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback on behavior. Fitbit Flex 2 (Fitbit Inc) contained the most BCTs at 20. Huawei Band 2 Pro (Huawei Technologies) and Misfit Shine 2 (Fossil Group) contained the least BCTs at 11. Conclusions: Fitness trackers contain evidence-based BCTs that overlap with self-management strategies, which have been shown to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Fitness trackers offer the prospect for physical activity interventions that are cost-effective and easily accessed by a wide population

Analyse de la production sur la question des femmes dans les centres universitaires de criminologie au Canada de 1964 à 1989

En 1990, la criminologie universitaire au Canada avait 25 ans. On comptait sept centres universitaires d’enseignement ou de recherche en criminologie au pays et ceux-ci regroupaient 125 professeurs/chercheurs. Chacun d’eux a été prié de répondre à un questionnaire l’invitant à signaler ses écrits scientifiques touchant la question des femmes. La collecte de données a été préparée et complétée à l’aide des rapports annuels de chacun de ces centres et par des visites sur les lieux. Deux cent six (206) oeuvres ont été recensées pour la période allant de 1964 à 1989. Elles ont été analysées en regard des caractéristiques des auteurs (université d’appartenance, nombre d’années dans la carrière, statut d’emploi, sexe, langue, place de la production sur la question des femmes dans l’ensemble de la production) et dans leur contenu sous les variables suivantes: objet de l’oeuvre et problèmes abordés, populations étudiées, perspectives théoriques et méthodologiques utilisées. Les «producteurs majeurs» ont été identifiés et des entrevues réalisées avec chacun d’eux. Celles-ci font l’objet d’un autre rapport intitulé Les producteurs majeurs sur la question des femmes dans les centres universitaires de criminologie au canada (Cahier du CICC no 16).Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines du Canada (CRSH); Fonds pour la formation de chercheurs et l'avancement de la recherche du Québec (FCAR

Apoptosis and schizophrenia: a pilot study based on dermal fibroblast cell lines

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an increased susceptibility to apoptosis in cultured fibroblasts from patients with schizophrenia

An online intervention for 18–25-year-old youth whose parents have a mental illness and/or substance use disorder : A pilot randomized controlled trial

Aim Young adults aged 18–25 whose parents have a mental illness or substance use problem can be vulnerable to multiple difficulties in adulthood. There are, however, few available interventions designed for this group. This study evaluated a 6 week online intervention (mi. spot; mental illness: supported, preventative, online, targeted) specifically designed for this population. The intervention aims to improve mental health and wellbeing. Methods Forty-one young people, recruited from the community, participated in a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial where participants were randomized to mi. spot (n = 22) or a wait list control group (n = 19). They were assessed at baseline, immediately post intervention and at six weeks post intervention with measures covering depression, anxiety and stress, wellbeing, coping, general self-efficacy, help seeking and social connectedness. Results Intervention participants reported significantly improved psychological wellbeing, coping, general self-efficacy, and a reduction in anxiety. Participants in the control group reported significant improvements in emotional wellbeing and help seeking and a reduction in self-blame. Conclusion This pilot controlled trial supported previous findings and shows preliminary evidence that mi.spot is effective for young adults who grew up with parents who have a mental illness or substance use problem. A large-scale, randomized controlled trial with a diverse group of young people is needed

Training Interventions for Improved Deceleration Ability in Adult Team-Based Field Sports Athletes

Background: Deceleration is a fundamental component of multidirectional speed by which athletes reduce the velocity of their centre of mass to stop or execute changes of direction following acceleration or running at a constant velocity. Enhancing deceleration abilities is crucial for athletes as successfully executing horizontal deceleration has important implications for match outcomes in sports requiring rapid multidirectional movements. However, specific training interventions targeting deceleration are scarce. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of training interventions on deceleration performance in adult team-based field and court sports athletes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through electronic databases, SPORTdiscus, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to February 2022, and re-run in May 2023. The search terms were related to different training interventions and kinetic, kinematic, and performance outcomes related to deceleration performance. Studies were included if they consisted of a randomised controlled trial which investigated the effects of training on deceleration-specific outcome measures in adult team-based field and court sports athletes. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB2). Post-intervention effect sizes (Hedge’s g) were calculated between the intervention and control groups and a meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Results: Twelve studies were included, with 29 deceleration-specific outcomes measured in a total of 381 participants. There was inconsistency in methodological designs, including control group types, length and type of interventions and in reported deceleration-specific outcome measures. Across all observations of deceleration performance measures there was a standardised mean difference of -0.04 (95% CI: -0.50, 0.42), favouring control groups, indicating little effect of training on deceleration performance. For secondary outcomes related to deceleration, for kinetics (SMD = -0.29, 95% CI = -0.83, 0.25, I2 = 55%, p < 0.01), joint kinetics (SMD = -0.20, 95% CI = -1.01, 0.61, I2 = 68%, p < 0.01) and muscle activation (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI = -0.44, 0.24, I2 = 19%, p = 0.28) had greater effects for control groups, whereas joint kinematics (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI = -0.11, 0.24, I2 = 0%, p = 0.77), favoured the intervention groups. Conclusion: For the deceleration-specific outcomes reported in the included studies, training was not likely to produce a performance improvement in participants compared to control groups. However, due to methodological inconsistencies between studies and observed high risk of bias, the results should be interpreted with caution. More rigorous research methods should be included in the future to address areas that may introduce potential biases. Future research should address the differences in the type, timing, frequency, and duration of the implemented training interventions for improving deceleration performance, and in the reported deceleration-specific outcome measures. Registration: This systematic review was registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/cmwbr) (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CMWBR

'Turning the tide' on hyperglycemia in pregnancy : insights from multiscale dynamic simulation modeling

INTRODUCTION: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP, including gestational diabetes and pre-existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes) is increasing, with associated risks to the health of women and their babies. Strategies to manage and prevent this condition are contested. Dynamic simulation models (DSM) can test policy and program scenarios before implementation in the real world. This paper reports the development and use of an advanced DSM exploring the impact of maternal weight status interventions on incidence of HIP. METHODS: A consortium of experts collaboratively developed a hybrid DSM of HIP, comprising system dynamics, agent-based and discrete event model components. The structure and parameterization drew on a range of evidence and data sources. Scenarios comparing population-level and targeted prevention interventions were simulated from 2018 to identify the intervention combination that would deliver the greatest impact. RESULTS: Population interventions promoting weight loss in early adulthood were found to be effective, reducing the population incidence of HIP by 17.3% by 2030 (baseline ('business as usual' scenario)=16.1%, 95% CI 15.8 to 16.4; population intervention=13.3%, 95% CI 13.0 to 13.6), more than targeted prepregnancy (5.2% reduction; incidence=15.3%, 95% CI 15.0 to 15.6) and interpregnancy (4.2% reduction; incidence=15.5%, 95% CI 15.2 to 15.8) interventions. Combining targeted interventions for high-risk groups with population interventions promoting healthy weight was most effective in reducing HIP incidence (28.8% reduction by 2030; incidence=11.5, 95% CI 11.2 to 11.8). Scenarios exploring the effect of childhood weight status on entry to adulthood demonstrated significant impact in the selected outcome measure for glycemic regulation, insulin sensitivity in the short term and HIP in the long term. DISCUSSION: Population-level weight reduction interventions will be necessary to 'turn the tide' on HIP. Weight reduction interventions targeting high-risk individuals, while beneficial for those individuals, did not significantly impact forecasted HIP incidence rates. The importance of maintaining interventions promoting healthy weight in childhood was demonstrated

Les producteurs majeurs sur la question des femmes dans les centres universitaires de criminologie au Canada

La recherche sur «La production sur la question des femmes dans les centres universitaires de criminologie au Canada de 1964 à 1989» a permis de repérer les “producteurs majeurs” sur ce sujet, c’est-à-dire ceux pour qui la “question des femmes” a constitué, entre 1964 et 1989, une préoccupation importante et relativement durable. Leurs oeuvres portaient soit sur la place faite au “genre” et à la question des femmes dans la théorisation en criminologie, soit sur les femmes comme auteures d’infractions ou victimes, soit sur le traitement fait aux femmes dans les services correctionnels et pénaux. Des entrevues en profondeur, dans les centres universitaires concernés, ont été effectuées avec les vingt-et-une personnes considérées comme “producteurs majeurs” (21 sur 125 auteurs possibles). Le rapport décrit les itinéraires intellectuels de ces producteurs, leur orientation théorique en criminologie en général et sur la question des femmes en particulier. Le rapport rapporte les conditions de production, c’est-à-dire l’intérêt (ou le manque d’intérêt et de support) tel que perçu par les interviewés, pour la question des femmes dans les divers centres de criminologie.Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines du Canada (CRSH); Fonds pour la formation de chercheurs et l'avancement de la recherche du Québec (FCAR