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The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Energy-Efficient and Self-Learning Neuromorphic Computing
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What Sleeping On Your Back Says About Your Personality
Summary
Ever wondered if your sleep position reveals anything about your personality? While conclusive research is sparse, some theories suggest that back sleepers may be quiet, reserved, and no-nonsense people with high standards for themselves and others. However, this seemingly peaceful sleeping style could make you a noisy partner due to snoring and may have specific health implications. Read on to delve deeper into what sleeping on your back might indicate about you.
Introduction
Most of us hit the bed without giving much thought to our sleeping positions. Whether you’re a fetal position sleeper or a stomach snoozer, you might be surprised to learn that how you sleep could say something about who you are. According to Professor Chris Idzikowski, Director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service and the Edinburgh Sleep Center, if you tend to sleep on your back, you may have a specific set of personality traits.
The “Soldier Position”
Idzikowski identifies this back-sleeping posture, where your legs are stretched out straight below you and your arms are pinned to your sides, as the “soldier position.” According to his analysis, this suggests you might be quiet, reserved, and have high standards for yourself and others.
The Downside: Snoring
If you’re a soldier sleeper, your partner might not find nights as peaceful. Dr. Michael Breus, an advisory board member of SleepScore Labs, notes that back sleeping narrows your throat, making snoring louder and more frequent.
Health Implications
Sleeping on your back has its pros and cons. It’s beneficial for those with acid reflux and may prevent premature aging. However, Dr. Andrew Bang, a chiropractor, warns that it could lead to lower back pain if your legs are flat on the bed. To alleviate this, consider placing a pillow under your knees.
The “Starfish Position”
Another variation of back sleeping is the “starfish” position, where your arms and legs are not strictly straight but are stretched out. According to Idzikowski, starfish sleepers are excellent listeners and helpful friends who don’t crave the limelight, despite taking up considerable bed space. Like the soldier position, starfish sleepers are prone to snoring and may benefit from the same health pros and cons.
Conclusion
Sleeping on your back could potentially reveal a lot about your personality and even your health. Whether you’re a “soldier” or a “starfish,” each comes with its unique set of characteristics and health implications. While these insights might not prompt a complete sleep makeover, they do offer food for thought.
Read More: HealthDigest
Recommended Articles
- How Your Sleep Position Affects Your Health
- What Your Favorite Snack Says About Your Personality
- The Relationship Between Sleep and Mental Health
Chris Idzikowski – Watkins Publishing. https://watkinspublishing.com/book_author/chris-idzikowski-phd/
Read More: HealthDigest
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Preparing for a Safer Respiratory Season: What You Need to Know About Flu Shots for Children is More Important Than Ever
Fall traditionally heralds the return of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and colorful foliage. However, it also marks the onset of the flu season, and this year, as in the past couple of years, it includes a continued struggle with COVID-19 and the rise of another concerning virus, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). As we approach another potential “tripledemic,” there is new hope with updated vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and the annual flu shot.
The Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
The COVID-19 situation remains fluid, with variants such as Omicron’s descendant, XBB.1.5, throwing new challenges at healthcare professionals and vaccine manufacturers alike. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have updated their COVID-19 vaccines to target this specific variant. With FDA approval expected soon, these shots are an integral part of the plan to avoid another catastrophic respiratory season.
Effectiveness
Recent lab tests indicate that the updated COVID-19 vaccines will offer crossover protection against the most prevalent coronavirus strains. While earlier vaccinations offered some defense, especially against severe disease and death, their efficacy waned. This warning makes the updated booster shots crucial for continued protection.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
Influenza is no minor adversary. It poses significant risks to the young, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is recommended that anyone aged six months and older get an annual influenza vaccine. Seniors can choose from three kinds of flu shots designed to ramp up an older adult’s immune system more effectively.
RSV Vaccines Finally Arrive
RSV is the least discussed but equally worrying virus. While generally manifesting as a cold-like ailment, it can be deadly for children under five and older adults. New RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are now approved for adults 60 and older and recommended for pregnant women to protect their newborns.
For Babies
Another preventative measure against RSV for infants is a lab-made antibody injection, recently approved and known as Beyfortus. This one-dose drug is recommended for all infants younger than eight months before their first RSV season.
Can You Get All the shots at Once?
Yes, you can. The CDC advises that receiving a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot simultaneously has no detrimental effects on their efficacy or side effects. For those who are eligible, adding an RSV shot to the mix could be discussed with healthcare providers.
A Call to Action
Seriously, with hospitalizations due to COVID-19, flu, and RSV putting tremendous strain on healthcare systems, taking preventative measures is more important than ever. Updated vaccines are weapons in our arsenal that can make a real difference. As we await more detailed advice from health organizations on the most effective way to use these vaccines, one message is clear: the more people get vaccinated, the safer we will be. So, this fall, consider it your civic duty to get your shots—not just for your health but for the community’s collective well-being.
September Is National Food Safety Education Month. (2016). In FEW’s News (Vol. 48, Issue 5, p. 3). Federally Employed Women, Inc.
Flu Shots for Children are More Important Than Ever. https://www.familiesfightingflu.org/getting-your-child-their-flu-shot-now-is-more-important-than-ever/
New Findings: The Fusion of Knowledge Representation Models and Collective Intelligence in Medical Diagnostics
For centuries, the field of medicine has relied on the expertise of individual doctors and diagnosticians to make informed decisions regarding patient health. However, as medical knowledge expands exponentially and diseases evolve and intermingle, the accuracy of diagnosis based on a singular perspective is being challenged. Enter the fusion of knowledge representation models and collective intelligence (CI) in medical diagnostics.
Combining Forces: Knowledge Representation & CI
A groundbreaking study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has delved into the exciting intersection of knowledge representation models and CI. The paper proposed a combined approach for complex decision-making tasks and used general medical diagnostics for practical understanding.
The conventional usage of CI in decision-making, whether in investment or geopolitical spheres, typically revolves around more straightforward tasks. The idea of employing it for something as intricate and open-ended as medical diagnostics is both revolutionary and demanding.
Why This matters
In the US alone, misdiagnoses have been cited as primary contributors to patient mortality. Besides the dire consequence of loss of life, misdiagnosis places undue stress on our healthcare resources, contributes to morbidity, and critically erodes public trust in medical institutions.
While automated, algorithm-based solutions have been considered, they come with drawbacks. For one, healthcare professionals, who often have decades of training and experience, hesitate to put blind faith in algorithmically derived solutions. And then there is the issue of computational challenges. The vast nature of the diagnostic space can be overwhelming for algorithms that do not have domain-specific tuning, making human intervention a necessity.
However, a guided search process is crucial for humans to sift through this expansive diagnostic realm effectively. This is where knowledge representation models come into play. They structure potential solutions hierarchically, allowing for a more streamlined decision-making process.
With its inherent strength derived from the combined intelligence of multiple diagnosticians, CI emerges as a robust tool in this setup. Through independent decisions, group consultations, or other mechanisms, CI can minimize diagnostic errors drastically.
Treading New Ground
This nascent intersection of knowledge representation models and CI in medical diagnostics opens up a new realm of possibilities. Though limited studies currently explore this union, the initial results are promising. As the medical community delves deeper, we could be on the brink of a diagnostic renaissance, where decisions are sharper, more accurate, and broadly informed.
The world of medical diagnostics is on the cusp of transformation. While we are yet to fully harness the combined might of knowledge representation models and CI, the early indications point towards a future where accurate medical diagnosis is not just an aspiration but a norm.
Source:
Study explores the use of collective intelligence to improve medical diagnosis.https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230817/Study-explores-the-use-of-collective-intelligence-to-improve-medical-diagnosis.aspx?fbclid=IwAR02SuXdfUCA4LxsJNZzc4jcufeBPSpNWn5J-H1c1v0uXjmTpfqA0ZwzNvA
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Politicization on Excess Death Rates Among Republicans in Ohio and Florida
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that the politicization of COVID-19 vaccines may have contributed to a higher excess death rate among Republicans in Ohio and Florida during the pandemic. The researchers from Yale University analyzed 538,159 deaths of individuals aged 25 years and older in these states between January 2018 and December 2021, linked to their 2017 voter registration. The study found that after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available in May 2021, registered Republicans had a higher rate of excess deaths than Democrats. The gap in excess death rates between the two parties widened to 7.7 percentage points after May 1, 2021, indicating that the excess death rate among Republican voters was 43 percent higher than among Democratic voters. The findings suggest that differences in vaccination attitudes and uptake between Republican and Democratic voters might have influenced the severity and trajectory of the pandemic in certain regions. However, the researchers also acknowledged that political party affiliation could be a “proxy” for other factors influencing excess mortality, such as underlying medical conditions, race, socioeconomic status, or health insurance coverage.
Sources:
Vegetarian Diet Helps Lower Blood Pressure | Natural Products INSIDER. https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/heart-health/vegetarian-diet-helps-lower-blood-pressure
Introduction to Clinical Nutrition 2nd edition, Revised and Expanded – SILO.PUB. https://silo.pub/introduction-to-clinical-nutrition-2nd-edition-revised-and-expanded.html
COVID-19 vaccine politics could be linked to excess GOP deaths in Ohio, Florida: study. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4116913-covid-19-vaccine-politics-could-be-linked-to-excess-gop-deaths-in-ohio-florida-study/?fbclid=IwAR3ICmuGMaeExaDmiYWutACqwdkjFrMAA4wqCTgq5MyxpnF09c9qNc67tfE
Spirituality
“Awakening the Soul: Embracing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through consciousness and spirituality” is a profound journey of self-discovery and inner transformation. In this inspiring book, readers embark on a quest to explore the depths of their souls, uncovering the essence of life’s true purpose. Through a fusion of consciousness and spirituality, the pages of this book offer a guiding light to attain a profound understanding of one’s core values and beliefs, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world around. Delving into the power of mindfulness and self-awareness, the book opens doors to compassion and empathy, igniting a sense of responsibility towards advocating for justice and liberty for all. Drawing from ancient wisdom and modern insights, “Awakening the Soul” provides a roadmap to embrace life’s joys and challenges, empowering readers to align their actions with the pursuit of happiness and profound fulfillment.
In this passage, the book discusses how the law of attraction can be a catalyst for personal growth. The law of attraction is a belief that like attracts like, meaning that our thoughts and emotions can attract similar energy and experiences into our lives. By embracing the concept of the law of attraction, individuals are encouraged to engage in self-realization, which involves gaining a deep understanding of oneself, including one’s strengths, weaknesses, desires, and beliefs. This process of self-awareness enables individuals to identify and align with their spiritual potential, recognizing the innate power and possibilities within themselves. By focusing on positive thoughts and emotions, individuals can attract positive experiences and opportunities, ultimately leading to personal growth and transformation. Embracing the law of attraction can empower individuals to become more intentional in their actions, choices, and mindset, leading to a fulfilling and spiritually enriched life journey. If you would like to purchase this book, just click on the link : https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Soul-Embracing-Consciousness-Spirituality/dp/B0C7JCYKTJ/ref=sr_1_13?crid=33QYW714MA09Z&keywords=Kenneth+Dantzler+Corbin&qid=1689858193&sprefix=kenneth+dantzler%2Caps%2C4184&sr=8-13
Empowering Social Justice Through Meditation and Love: The Transformative Path of Liberation Theology
As a transformative practice, meditation plays a significant role in liberation theology, intertwining inner reflection with social justice. This potent tool enables people to examine their core values and beliefs, cultivating empathy and compassion for those suffering from societal injustices. Through meditation, individuals develop a heightened awareness of systemic injustices and their responsibility to advocate for change. Love, at the heart of liberation theology, drives the pursuit of justice for the oppressed, acknowledging the intrinsic dignity of every human being. Love empowers individuals to act with empathy, understanding, and solidarity, breaking down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and injustice.
Liberation theology, grounded in love and justice, seeks to liberate the oppressed from oppressive systems and structures that deny their inherent rights and freedoms. It calls for dismantling systems of exploitation and advocates for the empowerment of marginalized communities, enabling them to stand tall in their rightful place as equal members of society. Liberation theology emphasizes the importance of love and compassion in guiding actions that challenge the status quo and work towards a more equitable and inclusive world.
Through the lens of liberation theology, justice takes on a transformative dimension, calling for the redistribution of power and resources to uplift the marginalized and oppressed. Justice demands accountability for those who perpetrate injustice and advocates for reparative actions that seek to rectify historical wrongs. It seeks to break the chains of oppression, ensuring everyone lives with dignity and freedom. Meditation guides this pursuit of justice, nurturing the patience and resilience required to address deeply ingrained social issues and foster lasting change.
Ultimately, the combination of meditation, love, justice, and liberation theology provides a robust framework for collective action. It encourages individuals to challenge their biases and privileges, fostering a society that values every human life and upholds the principles of justice and equality. People who engage in the transformative practice of meditation develop the clarity and inner strength to fight for justice with a deep love for humanity. Liberation theology ignites the flame of hope, inspiring communities to unite in solidarity, and together, they create a world where the pursuit of justice and love prevails, leading to the liberation of all from the chains of oppression.
Sources
Roelofs, H. Mark. “Liberation theology: The recovery of Biblical radicalism.” American Political Science Review 82, no. 2 (1988): 549-566.
Iglesias, Elizabeth M., and Francisco Valdes. “Religion, gender, sexuality, race and class in coalitional theory: A critical and self-critical analysis of LatCrit social justice agendas.” Chicano-Latino L. Rev. 19 (1998): 503.
Exploring the Link Between C-Reactive Protein and Mood Disorders: Insights from Recent Research
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect millions of individuals worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. Over the years, research has highlighted the role of chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system dysregulation in the development of mood disorders. A protein of interest in this context is C-reactive protein (CRP), which is involved in the recognition and elimination of pathogens and damaged cells through inflammatory mechanisms. While previous studies have demonstrated elevated CRP levels in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), the understanding of CRP’s role in other mood disorders, like bipolar and unipolar depression, remains limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, a recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders set out to explore the association between CRP levels and mood disorders, shedding light on the potential implications for understanding these complex conditions.
The study conducted a retrospective analysis, enrolling patients diagnosed with a mood disorder. The researchers utilized psychopathological rating scales to assess general psychopathology and collected blood samples for further analysis of CRP levels. By examining these factors, the study aimed to gain insights into the role of CRP in both unipolar and bipolar depression, expanding our understanding beyond MDD.
The findings of the study hold significant implications for the field of mood disorders. First and foremost, the association between CRP levels and mood disorders suggests that neuroinflammation could be a relevant factor in the pathophysiology of these conditions. This understanding opens doors to exploring new treatment approaches that target inflammatory mechanisms and immune system dysregulation. By identifying distinct subgroups of patients based on their inflammatory patterns, personalized treatment strategies can be developed, potentially improving outcomes and prognosis.
Furthermore, monitoring CRP levels could serve as a prognostic indicator, helping clinicians assess disease progression, predict treatment response, and identify individuals at higher risk for relapse or complications. Tracking changes in CRP levels over time during treatment may also provide valuable insights into treatment effectiveness and guide adjustments to optimize patient care.
The study also highlighted the influence of chronotype, with individuals exhibiting an eveningness-type chronotype displaying higher CRP levels. Incorporating chronotype considerations into the management of mood disorders could provide a more comprehensive approach, taking into account an individual’s chronobiological rhythms and potential impact on inflammation.
The investigation into the association between CRP levels and mood disorders represents an exciting step forward in understanding the complex nature of these conditions. By recognizing the role of chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system dysregulation, researchers and clinicians can explore innovative treatment approaches tailored to patients’ specific inflammatory profiles. The findings offer the potential for improved prognostic indicators, personalized interventions, and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving mood disorders. As further research unfolds, this knowledge could pave the way for more effective and targeted strategies to alleviate the burden of mood disorders and enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide.
Cited works:
C-reactive protein levels and mood disorders: Insights from a retrospective study. https://www.psypost.org/2023/07/c-reactive-protein-levels-and-mood-disorders-insights-from-a-retrospective-study-166293?fbclid=IwAR2gD32l5gnPGgvnU_GEPExCBs0rh5v20Tj4NNYjb85qzn48qY_Vhiy9gLA
Minnesota Court Upholds Amish Religious Freedom in Gray Water Disposal Case
In a significant victory for religious freedom, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that members of a profoundly conservative Amish community in the state are not required to install septic systems to dispose of “gray water.” The decision comes after a long legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court, highlighting the delicate balance between religious rights and state regulations.
Background:
The Swartzentruber Amish, known for their adherence to traditional practices, reside in southeastern Minnesota. Their religious beliefs emphasize simplicity and a commitment to living separate from the modern world. One aspect of their way of life involves avoiding unnecessary contact with government-imposed systems, such as electricity and modern plumbing.
The Gray Water Disposal Case:
The dispute arose when the Amish families challenged state regulations concerning the disposal of gray water, which includes wastewater from dishwashing, laundry, and bathing but not toilet waste. The government argued that septic systems were necessary for public health and environmental reasons. However, the court ruled that the state failed to demonstrate a “compelling state interest” that justified overriding the Amish families’ religious freedom.
Religious Freedom and the U.S. Supreme Court:
This case gained national attention when it reached the U.S. Supreme Court. In a 2021 ruling, Justice Neil Gorsuch acknowledged the Swartzentruber Amish as one of the most traditional Amish groups in the country. The Supreme Court’s decision in a separate religious freedom case involving a Catholic foster care agency in Philadelphia influenced the reconsideration of the Amish case. In the foster care case, the court ruled in favor of the agency, stating that its religious views prevented it from working with same-sex couples.
Some notable religious freedom cases that have reached the U.S. Supreme Court include Employment Division v. Smith (1990), Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores (2014), and Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018).
Significance of the Ruling:
The Minnesota Court of Appeals’ ruling marks a significant victory for religious freedom and recognizes the unique cultural and religious practices of the Swartzentruber Amish. By allowing these families to abstain from installing septic systems, the court acknowledges their religious beliefs and the need to balance them against state regulations.
Impact on Religious Freedom:
This case sets an important precedent by highlighting the importance of accommodating religious beliefs while considering the state’s interests. It reaffirms the constitutional protection of religious freedom and demonstrates that compelling state interests must be demonstrated to justify potential infringements on religious practices.
Conclusion:
The Minnesota Court of Appeals’ decision in the Swartzentruber Amish gray water disposal case represents a victory for religious freedom. By recognizing the deeply conservative Amish community’s religious beliefs and exempting them from installing septic systems, the court strikes a delicate balance between religious rights and public health concerns. This ruling emphasizes the importance of upholding the First Amendment and respecting the diverse religious practices within our society while considering compelling state interests.
Cited Works
Recovered Memory Project » 2011 » June. https://blogs.brown.edu/recoveredmemory/2011/06/
Uber Banned in Colombia: What Happened & Alternative Rideshare Apps. https://medellinliving.com/uber-banned-colombia-alternative-rideshare-apps/
Kentucky’s Contract With Baptist-Affiliated Children’s Agency Remains in Limbo | Christian News Now. https://christiannewsnow.com/kentuckys-contract-with-baptist-affiliated-childrens-agency-remains-in-limbo/
The Dantzler Report! 