On the Null Space Structure Associated with Trees and Cycles

In this work, we study the structure of the null spaces of matrices associated with graphs. Our primary tool is utilizing Schur complements based on certain collections of independent vertices. This idea is applied in the case of trees, and seems to represent a unifying theory within the context of the support of the null space. We extend this idea and apply it to describe the null vectors and corresponding nullities of certain symmetric matrices associated with cycle

Human Head Counting and Detection using Convnets

Now days, Detection of human head play an very important role in pedestrian counting. Machine learning is one platform, where human being can train a machine to act without being explicitly programmed and gives more accurate result, even when there is no enough data. Convolution neural network is one which works well for multimedia communication such as Text, Audio and Video. In this paper convnets play an important role in human head detection. In this paper it’s going to explain the less number of layers with more accuracy in the results with less time consuming

The minimum rank of universal adjacency matrices

In this paper we introduce a new parameter for a graph called the {\it minimum universal rank}. This parameter is similar to the minimum rank of a graph. For a graph $G$ the minimum universal rank of $G$ is the minimum rank over all matrices of the form $$U(\alpha, \beta, \gamma, \delta) = \alpha A + \beta I + \gamma J + \delta D$$ where $A$ is the adjacency matrix of $G$, $J$ is the all ones matrix and $D$ is the matrix with the degrees of the vertices in the main diagonal, and $\alpha\neq 0, \beta, \gamma, \delta$ are scalars. Bounds for general graphs based on known graph parameters are given, as is a formula for the minimum universal rank for regular graphs based on the multiplicity of the eigenvalues of $A$. The exact value of the minimum universal rank of some families of graphs are determined, including complete graphs, complete bipartite graph, paths and cycles. Bounds on the minimum universal rank of a graph obtained by deleting a single vertex are established. It is shown that the minimum universal rank is not monotone on induced subgraphs, but bounds based on certain induced subgraphs, including bounds on the union of two graphs, are given. Finally we characterize all graphs with minimum universal rank equal to 0 and to 1

Veggiecation: A Novel Approach to Improve Vegetable Consumption Among School-Aged Children

Children\u27s general preference for sweeter foods and aversion to bitter vegetables is explained partly by fear of new food and social and cultural influences. Reluctance to eat new foods is related to unfavorable facial expressions and is often learned from the child\u27s family, social circle, and culture.1 Researchers report that the fruit and vegetable consumption of children 6–12 years of age is associated with the accessibility and availability.2 School-based interventions that combine classroom curricula, parental, and nutrition service components show the greatest promise for fruit and vegetable promotion among children

The Effect of Active Video Games on the Heart Rate of Older Adults

Background: Heart rate is used as a health biomarker. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of playing active video games on the heart rate of older adults, in comparison to the heart rate after common table recreational activity. Methods: An experimental study with 40 participants was conducted: a control group (n=20) participated in common Pokeno® card games; an experimental group (n=20) played WiiTM bowling. The participants’ pre- and post-activity heart rates were measured and compared between and within groups using t-tests. Results: The findings signified an 11.9% increase (p Conclusions: The inclusion of active video games in older adults’ recreational activities can increase their daily activity level to bring long-term health benefits

Alternative Hospital Gift Bags and Breastfeeding Exclusivity

The type of gift bags given to new mothers at the time of discharge from the hospital can influence their confidence in breastfeeding. Most hospitals in the US continue to distribute commercial gift bags containing formula samples despite the reported negative influence of commercial bags on the duration of breastfeeding. This study compared breastfeeding outcomes in women receiving three different kinds of gift bags at discharge. A prospective intervention study was conducted during the 2009-2010 in New Jersey. Three breastfeeding cohorts were recruited and assigned to three groups: COMMERCIAL received discharge bags containing formula samples, BF-INFO received breastfeeding information and supplies, and PUMP received breastfeeding information/supplies plus a manual breast pump. Follow-up contacts were at 2, 4, and 12 postpartum weeks to determine breastfeeding outcome. The mean duration of exclusive (EBF) and partial breastfeeding were compared between groups using ANOVA. A total of 386 participants completed the study. The mean EBF duration (weeks) in the PUMP (n=138, 8+/-4.86 ) and BF-INFO (n=121, 7.87+/-4.63) were significantly longer (P\u3c0.01) than COMMERCIAL (n=127, 6.12+/-4.49). The rate of EBF through 12 weeks in PUMP was most consistent. The mean duration of partial breastfeeding showed similar results: significantly longer in PUMP and BF-INFO than COMMERCIAL (P\u3c0.01)

Delivering Long-Term Services to Ohio Elders: Good Progress, but Challenges Await

This study describes the changes in Ohio's approach to delivering long-term services that have occurred in the last 20 years

Predicting Intentions to Continue Exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 Months: a Comparison Among Racial/Ethnic Groups

The purpose of this study was to explore how mothers of different races/ethnicities make decisions to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months under the Theory of Planned Behavior. Participants were recruited from hospitals and WIC clinics in Central Indiana and Southern New Jersey from 2008 to 2009. Mothers (N = 236: 93 non-Hispanic African American, 72 non-Hispanic white, 71 Hispanic/Latina) completed a self-administered questionnaire that measured theoretical constructs and beliefs related to their intention to practice EBF for 6 months. Intentions to continue EBF for 6 months were similar (P = 0.15) across racial/ethnic groups. Significant proportions of the intention (P \u3c 0.001) were explained by the three theoretical constructs (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control). The relative importance of each construct in predicting the intention varied by group. The most influential predictors (P \u3c 0.001) were the attitude for white mothers, the subjective norm for African American mothers, and perceived behavioral control for Latina mothers. Latent beliefs strongly associated with attitude in white mothers were ‘bonding with the baby’ and ‘easy feeding.’ Beliefs held by family members and the general public contributed to the subjective norm of African American mothers. Perceived behavioral control in Latina mothers was highly correlated with ‘pumping breast milk’. Development of policy and intervention programs that focus on shaping strong predictors and beliefs within racial/ethnic groups could reduce disparities in EBF rates and establish EBF for 6 months as a cultural norm

A Pilot Study for Plant the Seed: A Nutrition Education Program Using Local Food Environment to Put Theory into Action

The purpose of this study is to implement Plant the Seed, a garden-based nutrition education program designed to reconnect children with locally grown food, food environments of the past and present, and the benefits of eating seasonal foods. The pilot study investigates the environmental context and theory variables known to influence healthy food choice behavior. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) provided a framework for the program’s curriculum and evaluation. The target audience is middle school students. Plant the Seed is a two-part program. In Part 1 (classroom), students participate in practical, interactive activities based on specific educational objectives that target theory mediators. In Part 2 (field trip), students rotate through the community farm, kitchen herb garden, and historic kitchen to engage in hands-on program activities. Pretest/posttest evaluation compared to control and intervention students from two schools measured program effectiveness. Intervention school students (n = 16) improved behavioral intention (3.40 vs 3.53, P = 0.34), historical social norm (3.40 vs 3.79, P = 0.03), and outcome expectations (3.91 vs 4.19, P = 0.03). No change in variables among control students (n = 10). Plant the Seed had a positive impact on factors associated with healthy eating behavior. This program demonstrates how to effectively engage community resources, to promote the development and implementation of gardening environments that create hands-on opportunities for children to become directly connected to local food production, to learn about the environmental benefits of eating locally grown foods and to allow children to have access to a positive, sustainable food environment. Plant the Seed can serve as a model for future theory and garden-based nutrition intervention programs