Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous sEMG Classification of Hand/Wrist Gestures and Forces

Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals represent a promising approach for decoding the motor intention of amputees to control a multifunctional prosthetic hand in a non-invasive way. Several approaches based on proportional amplitude methods or simple thresholds on sEMG signals have been proposed to control a single degree of freedom at time, without the possibility of increasing the number of controllable multiple DoFs in a natural manner. Myoelectric control based on PR techniques have been introduced to add multiple DoFs by keeping low the number of electrodes and allowing the discrimination of different muscular patterns for each class of motion. However, the use of PR algorithms to simultaneously decode both gestures and forces has never been studied deeply. This paper introduces a hierarchical classification approach with the aim to assess the desired hand/wrist gestures, as well as the desired force levels to exert during grasping tasks. A Finite State Machine was introduced to manage and coordinate three classifiers based on the Non-Linear Logistic Regression algorithm. The classification architecture was evaluated across 31 healthy subjects. The “hand/wrist gestures classifier,” introduced for the discrimination of seven hand/wrist gestures, presented a mean classification accuracy of 98.78%, while the “Spherical and Tip force classifier,” created for the identification of three force levels, reached an average accuracy of 98.80 and 96.09%, respectively. These results were confirmed by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) with time domain features extraction, considered as ground truth for the final validation of the performed analysis. A Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was carried out for the statistical analysis of comparison between NLR and LDA and statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. The comparative analysis reports not statistically significant differences in terms of F1Score performance between NLR and LDA. Thus, this study reveals that the use of non-linear classification algorithm, as NLR, is as much suitable as the benchmark LDA classifier for implementing an EMG pattern recognition system, able both to decode hand/wrist gestures and to associate different performed force levels to grasping actions.
Quinolone resistance mechanisms among third-generation cephalosporin resistant isolates of Enterobacter spp. in a Bulgarian university hospital

Background: There have been no reports in Bulgaria about quinolone resistance determinants among Enterobacter spp. Aims: To investigate plasmid and chromosomal quinolone resistance rates among 175 third-generation cephalosporin resistant Enterobacter spp. isolates (167 Enterobacter cloacae complex and eight Enterobacter aerogenes isolates) collected at a university hospital in Varna, Bulgaria, as well as to reveal their association with ESBL/AmpC production and a carriage of specific plasmid replicon types. Methods: PCR, isoelectric focusing, replicon typing, sequencing, and epidemiology typing were carried out. Results: A high level of combined third-generation cephalosporin and quinolone resistant Enterobacter spp. was found − 79.4%. The ESBL production rate was 87%, consisting mainly of CTX-M-15 among E. cloacae complex (in 76%) and CTX-M-3 among E. aerogenes (in 88%). Plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants were identified in 57% of the isolates. The most commonly detected PMQR determinants were qnrB (90%), consisting mainly of qnrB1 (in 61%), and qnrB9 (in 27%) of the isolates. Both alleles were transferred with CTX-M-15 genes; transconjugants showed HI2 replicons (for qnrB1 positive transconjugants) and were non-typeable (for qnrB9). One Enterobacter spp. isolate produced qnrB4. QnrA1, qnrS1, and aac(6ʹ)-Ib-cr were detected in single isolates only. QnrC, qnrD, qepA, and oqxAB genes were not found. QnrB was associated with CTX-M-15 production, and qnrS1 was linked to CTX-M-3. Alterations in 83 and 87 positions of gyrB in quinolone-resistance determining regions, and 80 position of parC were detected in high level quinolone resistant isolates. Among all the Enterobacter spp. isolates tested, one predominant clone A was identified (53%). Conclusion: Our data showed the necessity of more prudent use of quinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, because of the risk of promoting dissemination, and selection of multiple resistance determinants (ESBL, PMQR) among Enterobacter spp. isolates in Bulgaria.
A new model for stability analysis of electromechanical nano-actuator based on Gurtin-Murdoch and consistent couple-stress theories

Herein, the pull-in instability of cantilever NEMS is studied considering the presence of dispersion forces and squeezed film damping. Recently developed consistent couple stress theory in combination with the Gurtin-Murdoch elasticity is employed to incorporate the coupled effects of size phenomena and surface energy. The governing equation was solved using Rayleigh-Ritz method. Effects of various parameters including surface layer, size dependency, dispersion forces and damping on the pull-in characteristics of the nano-actuator are discussed.
EasyLexia 2.0: Redesigning our mobile application for children with learning difficulties

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning difficulties affecting approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the world’s population. A large amount of research is currently being conducted in exploring the potential benefits of using Information & Communication Technologies as a learning platform for individuals and especially children with such difficulties. We focused on developing an application, which could improve children’s fundamental skills, such as reading comprehension, orthographic coding, short-term memory and mathematical problem solving through game playing. In search of stimulating and interactive learning experiences, we first designed and developed a mobile phone application for children with dyslexia. The main core of our research was to assess the usability of the technology and evaluate its effects. We have presented initial research results regarding EasyLexia, a mobile application for children with learning difficulties. In the meantime, tablets and touch screen portable devices were rising in popularity amongst students, leading us on to question whether bigger screens and more processing powered devices could enhance interactivity, usability and overall engagement. In this paper we improve upon our previous research, and present design choices and implementation details of a tablet based game for children with learning difficulties, whilst comparing our evaluation results to our previous research conclusions.
THE SCIENCE OF DESIGN BULLETIN OF JSSD

This paper intends to analyze the effect of design management on business performance quantitatively, focusing on firms receiving international design awards, which are supposed to represent their competitive design. First, we conduct a traditional performance study concerning stock and financial indices in Japan to offer the geographical complement to predecessors focusing on other areas. However, the findings from these methods are not always reliable because it entails methodological defects in itself. Thus, secondly, an event study is implemented in order to complement the results of the performance study. It can be said not only to hold a high level of reproducibility and objectivity, but also to help us exclude practically all the effects of factors other than design. We also conduct a performance study as for the same samples and investigate the results. Following the method of event study, we can conclude that effective design management has a positive impact on enterprise value.
TOWARDS IDENTIFYING INDIGENOUS PERSONALITY DIMENSIONS OF THE MALAYSIAN PEOPLE

The indigenous personality dimensions of the Malaysian people were investigated by examining: (a) the trait adjective nouns provided by the cultural informants; (b) factor analyses of the items and factors capturing the personality trait adjectives. University undergraduate students of different racial background (N= 250) completed an open ended questionnaire about common personality trait adjectives and their associated behavioral exemplars. More than 20 desirable and non-desirable personality trait adjectives were identified through the open-ended questionnaire After selecting and refining the most frequently cited personality trait adjectives, items were developed based on the given behavioral and situational examples. In the following study, 1087 other university students completed the personality questionnaire. We combined the items of desirable and undesirable traits and factor analyze the 419 items in a series of incremental factor rotations. Congruence indices suggest the existence 4 factors of personality dimension. Good reliability and interpretable factors provide sufficient support for the indigenous dimensions of personality traits among Malaysians. Further comprehensive study involving relating the dimensions to the universal model of personality is recommended.
Unpleasant Implications of Insecure Property

We embed a model of imperfect property rights into an endogenous growth model. This is used to analyze the impact that government fiscal policy could have in tempering the inefficiencies associated with insecure property rights. Looking at optimal fiscal policy in this context gives insight into the problems involved with incomplete property rights and points to the limitations that governments must face in dealing with these problems. The main finding of the paper is that poor enforcement of property rights places an optimal ceiling on growth below the first-best rate. Our analysis aims to illustrate that the nature of this result is rather subtle and that it has somewhat unpleasant implications. The main lesson that can be drawn from the analysis is that pro-growth policies may well be undesirable in societies that lack the full rule of law.
INFLUENCE OF BACKGROUND FACTORS ON HEALTH OUTCOME AND MAIN SOURCES OF MATERNAL HEALTH INFORMATION AMONG RURAL WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: A CASE OF BAR B SUB-LOCATION IN KENYA

Maternal Health information is fundamental to reduce maternal mortality of a given community. Accessing maternal health information by the women can easily make community members make their own informed decisions that can lead to improving their health. Women are usually disadvantaged as far as accessing health information is concerned. It is against this background that this study is therefore concerned with studying the sources of maternal health information amongst the rural women of reproductive age in. Descriptive study design using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was used. Structured interview method was used to obtain quantitative data while unstructured interview method was used in the qualitative study through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Cluster sampling method was used to identify study participants who were women with children under one year. A sample size of 210 women of reproductive age 15-49 years were taken. Simple random sampling was used to ensure that the sample taken was representative of the whole population. Analysis was done according to the study objectives and the defined variables. Cross tabulation and Chi-square tests were used to determine association between variables. The study found out that health professionals 46.2% and CHW 32.9% were the main sources of maternal health information among women reproductive age. In conclusion health professionals are the most used source of maternal health information but they are said to be not easily accessible compared to other sources. The researcher recommended the need to promote CHW through capacity building as one of the most used source of maternal health information locally available. The study has therefore provided useful information that will guide the efforts of policy makers and other stakeholders who provide maternal health services to women of reproductive age.
How and why acoustic detectability and catchability of herring change with individual motivation and physiological state in a variable environment: a multi-scale study on a local herring population in southwestern Norway

The understanding of distribution and aggregation in herring (Clupea harengus) can be enhanced by integrated multi-scale studies in small ecosystems. Hydro-acoustics, underwater cameras, herring and predator gillnet samples and oceanographical measurements were used to quantify herring schooling dynamics. During autumn (September) after an active feeding period, the herring was distributed in small and dense schools, mostly close to land and in relatively shallow water (< 30 m depth). During the late overwintering period in February altogether 5-7 rather dense and geographically stationary herring schools were found midpelagic in deeper waters (> 40 m depth). All recorded herring schools were then vertically extended in the water column within the most variable temperature and oxygen profiles, presumably enabling individuals to adjust maturation rate to prevailing environmental conditions and synchronize spawning of individuals within the school. From late February prior to spawning, only one major pelagic school was observed, extraordinarily stationary at the only inlet to the inner basin. The pre-spawning herring aggregation was fairly easy to detect acoustically for more than one month. Just prior to spawning and during spawning, herring spread out and became extremely difficult to detect acoustically. Only underwater cameras and bottom set gillnets could then be used to identify herring and selected spawning areas. We argue that the dramatic seasonal changes in acoustic detectability and catchability we observe is best understood and predicted based on detailed knowledge of how herring react to a changing environment according to their physiological state and motivation. Such factors should also be taken more systematically into account when performing acoustic surveys in large marine ecosystems. We need to study in more detail the vital underlying processes behind the substantial variability observed in acoustic detectability and catchability of pelagic planktivorous fish species during their annual life cycle in order to better understand and quantify variability in acoustic surveys, and thereby improve our acoustic abundance estimation.
The Role of Kisspeptin Signaling in Reproduction of Ruminant

In the present decade, kisspeptin has been a fascinating topic in the reproductive spotlight. Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide, produced mainly in the hypothalamus from Kiss1 gene. This gene was initially discovered in 1996 as a tumor suppressor gene in human malignant melanoma. Then in the year 2003, researchers found that mutations of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPR54), which is the strongly cognate receptor of kisspeptin, were associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in mice and humans. There are many kisspeptin distribution and function studies (both in vitro and in vivo) in mammals. In ruminants, kisspeptin has been studied mainly in sheep and to some extent in goats and cattle. In ewes, Kiss1 is expressed in the arcuate nucleus to forward signals relevant to negative feedback regulation of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), and is also responsible for positive feedback regulation of GnRH at the time of the preovulatory GnRH/luteinizing hormone (LH) surge via the hypophyseal portal circulation. Although there are Kiss1 cells in the preoptic area, whether they play a role in the sex steroid feedback regulation of GnRH secretion has not been discovered yet. Previous research indicates, however, that kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling is a key regulator of puberty, reproductive function and fertility via the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis, which produces a neuroendocrine substrate to stimulate gonadotropin releasing hormone and has the potential to replay feedback effects from the sex hormones to GnRH neurons.
Response of potato cv . Kufri sadabahar to zinc fertilization

In order to investigate the response of potato cv. ‘Kufri Sadabahar’ with respect to various doses of zinc sulphate (15, 20 and 25 kg/ha) as basal and split application, field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Vegetable Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. The pooled data indicated that dry leaf weight (0.89g) at 75 days after planting (DAP), number of tubers (11.50 per plant) at dehaulming, weight of tubers (558.33g per plant) at de-haulming and tuber yield (47.24 kg per plot) were maximum under treatment T7 (zinc sulphate @ 25 kg ha as basal). The maximum total chlorophyll content (1.23 mg/g) was recorded under treatment T7 (zinc sulphate @ 25 kg ha as basal) at initial stage of growth i.e., 45 DAP, whereas, it was maximum (1.10 and 0.86 mg/g) under treatment T9 (zinc sulphate @ 12.5 kg ha as basal and 12.5 kg ha at the time of earthing up) during 60 and 75 DAP, respectively. Results also indicated that the emergence per cent was statistically non-significant at 30 DAP. Based on present study, it can be concluded that zinc sulphate application as basal and/ or split at 25 kg/ha increases plant growth and yield of potato cv. ‘Kufri Sadabahar’ under tarai region of Uttarakhand.
Relative tolerance of some tropical freshwater microcrustaceans to acidification

The present work reports on the effects of low pH values on the mortality of 3 freshwater zooplankton available in the freshwater ponds of Midnapore district. Acute bioassay tests on Daphnia lumholtzi, Moina brachiata, and Heliodiaptomus viduus to varying acidic pH levels of water were performed in the laboratory using serial grades of hydrochloric acid solution. Among the 3 genera, M. brachiata was found to respond sharply to acid stress in a 1-h assay, since 100% mortality was achieved at pH 5.79 (2.347 mM HCl), as compared to H. viduus, which showed 100% death in 1 h only below pH 4.9 (2.978 mM HCl). In fact, it appears that H. viduus is more tolerant to short-term acidification than M. brachiata after a 1-h exposure. This study determined that adult M. brachiata had the lowest Lc50 values and H. viduus had the highest Lc50 values at both 1 h and 24 h. The survival pattern of D. lumholtzi closely resembled that of H. viduus rather than M. brachiata. Higher sensitivity of M. brachiata, even to the slightest alteration of pH as revealed by chi-square tests (significant differences with others), has prompted us to consider this species as a sensitive indicator of aquatic pollution, particularly acidification.
Declaración de París

2. La revolución tecnológica, incluida la biotecnología y, particularmente, la información, es el factor desencadenante de este proceso histórico. Con la globalización de la información, de la economía, del comercio y de los movimientos de capital, se abren espacios de oportunidad completamente nuevos, que permiten iniciativas transformadoras de dimensiones extraordinarias, como muestra la incorporación de nuevos países y regiones al desarrollo y los avances científicos en materia de medicina o en la producción alimentaria. Hasta hoy, sin embargo, los efectos más llamativos son los lacerantes incrementos de la desigualdad en todas las sociedades nacionales y entre las distintas zonas del mundo.
Assessing Overweight and Cardiovascular Risks Among College Students

Abstract Although studies regarding health issues and the obesity epidemic have increased in recent years, few of these studies target college-aged students. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in race/ethnicity with respect to prevalence of overweight/obesity (defined by body mass index or BMI) among college students attending an urban university. In addition, the demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risks between the overweight and obese group (n=138) were compared to the underweight and normal weight group (n=349). The study included 487 college students under 40 years of age who identified their origin as white (non-Hispanic), black (non-Hispanic), or Hispanic. There were 32.65% white, 33.26% Hispanic, and 34.09% black. The mean and median ages were 21 and 19 years, respectively. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 28.11%, with 23.91% (white), 34.06% (Hispanic), and 42.03% (black). Age-, gender-, and race-/ethnicity-adjusted cardiovascular risk levels (blood pressure, pulse pressure, blood glucose and lipid profiles) significantly varied between two groups. The findings suggest that screening cardiovascular risks among a college-aged population is warranted. Our study further indicates the need for weight management and risk reduction of overweight-related chronic diseases on campus.
Formalized requirements management in the briefing and design phase, A pivotal review of literature

The aim of this article is to provide a knowledge base for developing further theoretical frameworks and conceptual models that support IT-implementation for formalized requirements management in the briefing and design phases. Related standards or technology-supported methods are not within the immediate focus area of this article. During the briefing and design phase, a wide range of requirements are articulated, documented, communicated and iteratively evaluated and modified. Issues with addressing and implementing such requirements are more common to the architecture/engineering/construction/operation (AECO) industry compared with other industries. Earlier theoretical propositions mainly originating from cognitive science could shed new light on how information technology (IT) developments may be best exerted for formalized requirements management. For conducting this literature review, a framework suggested by vom Brocke et al. (2009) and a taxonomy developed by Cooper et al. (1998) were implemented. This review has its focus on the central issues of the reviewed articles. The analysis process follows an espousal position and the organization of the findings is conceptual. Through analysis and synthesis of literature, major characteristics and dynamics intrinsic to requirements management in the AECO industry have been identified. Moreover, a number of theoretical views on design and validation processes namely Pattern Language, Schema Theory (Chan, 1990) and the theory of axiomatic design (Suh, 2001) have been revisited with the aim of disclosing their take on formalized requirements formulation and modification. As a prerequisite for developing further theoretical grounds for formalized requirements management, terminological and taxonomic ambiguities throughout the requirements management discourse have been notified. Inconsistent interpretations of such terms as objective, goal, constraint, criteria, variable, parameter and attribute throughout literature have been extracted and presented in both verbal and diagrammatic formats.
A Test of the Catering Theory of Dividends: The case of the Japanese Electric Appliances Industry

We test the catering theory of dividends using data from firms in the Japanese electrical appliances industry. Our empirical investigations reveal that, in the Japanese electrical appliances industry, corporate managers do not consider catering behavior in either their dividend initiation decisions or their continuation decisions. This result is particularly important because it is different from existing evidence for the US. We also find that one of the most important determinants of dividend initiations among Japanese electrical appliances industry firms is the value-weighted dividend yield in the industry. Namely, we find that after the value-weighted dividend yield declines, Japanese firms in the industry tend to initiate dividend payments.