An information-theoretic framework for resolving community structure in complex networks

To understand the structure of a large-scale biological, social, or technological network, it can be helpful to decompose the network into smaller subunits or modules. In this article, we develop an information-theoretic foundation for the concept of modularity in networks. We identify the modules of which the network is composed by finding an optimal compression of its topology, capitalizing on regularities in its structure. We explain the advantages of this approach and illustrate them by partitioning a number of real-world and model networks.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

The Effects of Static Stretching on Muscular Hypertrophy During a Resistance Training Program

Abstract Studies have shown that static stretching right before physical activity can negatively affect performance. In regards to weight lifting, it has been shown that static stretching immediately prior to lifting can decrease the maximum amount of weight that can be lifted. This study was created in order to determine if static stretching immediately prior to weight lifting over the course of nine weeks would result in smaller gains in muscle size compared to those who did not static stretch immediately prior to lifting over the course of nine weeks

hagis, an R Package Resource for Pathotype Analysis of Phytophthora sojae Populations Causing Stem and Root Rot of Soybean

Phytophthora sojae is a significant pathogen of soybean worldwide. Pathotype surveys for Phytophthora sojae are conducted to monitor resistance gene efficacy and determine if new resistance genes are needed. Valuable measurements for pathotype analysis include the distribution of susceptible reactions, pathotype complexity, pathotype frequency, and diversity indices for pathotype distributions. Previously the Habgood-Gilmour Spreadsheet (HaGiS), written in Microsoft Excel, was used for data analysis. However, the growing popularity of the R programming language in plant pathology and desire for reproducible research made HaGiS a prime candidate for conversion into an R package. Here we report on the development and use of an R package, hagis, that can be used to produce all outputs from the HaGiS Excel sheet for P. sojae or other gene-for-gene pathosystem studies

The Impact of Using Seesaw Between Students, Parents, and Teacher in an Elementary Setting

This action research project was completed to study the impact that the online communication tool, Seesaw, had on the students, parents, and teacher relationship in an elementary setting. The setting was in two urban schools, one being in Fargo, ND and the other being in Central Minnesota. This study took place with a total of 37 children who are predominantly Caucasian. Data was collected using the following four data sources: Data Notification Tool, Pre and Post-Survey send to parents, and the 1-4 Star Ratings using the Data Folder for pictures and videos of student work. Samples of student work were uploaded each day for parents to observe, like, and comment on. The results concluded that Seesaw had a positive impact on the students, parents and teacher relationship. The action plan implications conclude this information would promote conversation between parent and child as well as letting parents know what their child was learning in school

Education of adult children and mortality of their elderly parents in Taiwan

Journal ArticleResearch shows an older adult's education is strongly associated with mortality. But in societies such as Taiwan, where families are highly integrated, the education of family members may be linked to survival. Such may be the case in settings where there are large gaps in levels of education across generations and high levels of resource transfers between family members. This study employs 14 years of longitudinal data from Taiwan to examine the combined effects of education of older adults and their adult children on mortality outcomes of older adults. Nested Gompertz hazard models are used to evaluate the importance of education of an older adult and their highest-educated child after controlling for socioeconomic, demographic, and health characteristics. To gain further insight, additional models stratify results by whether older adults report serious chronic health conditions. Results indicate that educational levels of both parent and child are associated with older adult mortality, but the child's education is more important when a) controlling for the health of the older adult, and b) when examining only those older adults who already report a serious chronic condition, suggesting different roles for education in onset versus progression of a health disorder that may lead to death

Determinants of old-age mortality in Taiwan

Journal ArticleRelationships among socio-demographic characteristics, general assessments of health, and old-age mortality are well established in developed countries. There is also an increasing focus on the connection between early-life experiences and late-life health. This paper tests these and other associations using representative survey data from Taiwan on the population aged 60 and older in 1989, 1993, and 1996 that have been linked to data on deaths between 1989 and 1999 from a national death registry. The study also explores the possible influence of Taiwan's Universal Health Insurance Program, instituted in 1995, and whether or not the survival of some groups of older people may have been differentially enhanced. Mortality is modeled using Gompertz regression. Multiple survey waves are employed to construct time-varying covariates. Some results verify findings of past studies; others are new. Effects of education are attenuated after the introduction of some health indicators. Functional and global assessments of health have stronger associations with mortality than do self-reports of health behaviors or particular chronic conditions such as diabetes. Mainlanders have higher survival than others. The survival of older adults with the greatest number and severity of functional limitations improved over the 1990s, suggesting a possible beneficial influence of the insurance program

Changes in functional limitations and survival among the elderly in Taiwan: 1993, 1996, and 1999

Journal ArticleThis paper focuses on changes in the prevalence of functional limitations among nationally representative samples of adults aged 65 and older in Taiwan as measured in 1993, 1996, and 1999. Using data from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan, we investigate changes in difficulties walking and climbing stairs, two tasks that represent basic lower body movements that are less likely to be influenced by changes in living environments and social roles than are activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Results are shown for both unadjusted prevalence rates and rates adjusted for changes in population composition. Findings indicate that Taiwan does not appear to be experiencing the improvements in functioning that have been witnessed recently in the United States. The prevalence of functional limitation increased between 1993 and 1996 and between 1996 and 1999. One possible reason for the increase in limitation is the change in old-age survival in Taiwan, which appeared over the study period to have benefited those who have functional limitations, especially in a severe form. The country's Universal Health Insurance program, established in 1995, may have increased access to care and thus survival of those in poorest health

Flat Foldings of Plane Graphs with Prescribed Angles and Edge Lengths

When can a plane graph with prescribed edge lengths and prescribed angles (from among $\{0,180^\circ, 360^\circ$\}) be folded flat to lie in an infinitesimally thin line, without crossings? This problem generalizes the classic theory of single-vertex flat origami with prescribed mountain-valley assignment, which corresponds to the case of a cycle graph. We characterize such flat-foldable plane graphs by two obviously necessary but also sufficient conditions, proving a conjecture made in 2001: the angles at each vertex should sum to $360^\circ$, and every face of the graph must itself be flat foldable. This characterization leads to a linear-time algorithm for testing flat foldability of plane graphs with prescribed edge lengths and angles, and a polynomial-time algorithm for counting the number of distinct folded states.Comment: 21 pages, 10 figure