Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supporting Social Interaction in Care Environments: Exploring Stakeholder Perspectives on the Potential of Interactive Technology

ABSTRACT This article explores care stakeholders’ perspectives on how interactive technology can help form socially active environments in residential care settings. Based on participatory workshops, involving representatives from multiple stakeholder groups, the authors identify a set of considerations relevant for design of social inclusion technology for care settings. The design considerations relate to the following topics: users, places, themes, value, and role. The authors also present three mock-ups emanating from the workshops, representing the participants’ visions as to how technology can contribute to social interaction by accommodating considerations related to the above topics. The results from this study highlight the importance of social inclusion technology being firmly anchored in the local and collaboratively produced care environment. In particular, their findings illustrate how the local—i.e., the wider social context in which the care residents live, and in which activities and things gain social meaning and value—can offer a rich design space and valuable source of inspiration for social inclusion technology. Potential negative implications of social inclusion technology are also briefly discussed. The main contribution of this article is an increased understanding of the intimate relationship between designs for social inclusion and the wider social context in which care residents live.
Reliability and differences in quadriceps femoris muscle morphology using ultrasonography: The effects of body position and rest time

Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to: (1) to determine the reliability of rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area and echo intensity obtained using panoramic ultrasound imaging during seated and supine lying positions before and after a 5-minute rest period and (2) to determine the influence of body position and rest period on the magnitude of rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area and echo intensity measurements. Methods A total of 23 males and females (age = 21.5 ± 1.9 years) visited the laboratory on two separate occasions. During each visit, panoramic ultrasound images of the rectus femoris were obtained in both a seated and a supine position before (T1) and after a 5-minute (T2) rest period to quantify any potential changes in either muscle cross-sectional area and/or echo intensity. Results None of the muscle cross-sectional area or echo intensity measurements exhibited systematic variability, and the ICCs were 0.98–0.99 and 0.88–0.91, and the coefficients of variation were ≤ 3.9% and ≤ 8.2% for muscle cross-sectional area and echo intensity, respectively. Our results indicated that muscle cross-sectional area was greater in the seated than supine position, whereas echo intensity was greater in the supine position. Further, echo intensity increased in the seated position from T1 to T2. Conclusion Both rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area and echo intensity may be reliably measured in either a seated or supine lying position before or after a 5-minute rest period. Aside from echo intensity in the seated position, rest period had no influence on the magnitude of muscle cross-sectional area or echo intensity. Comparison of muscle cross-sectional area values that are obtained in different body positions is ill-advised.
Trends in seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis infections in Iranian blood donors from 2003 to 2005.

E trends in blood donor infectious disease rates is essential for monitoring blood supply safety and donor screening effectiveness. Monitoring the incidence of transfusiontransmission infections in blood donors is important for estimating the risk of transfusion and optimizing donor recruitment strategies to minimize transmission. The blood transfusion service of Islamic Republic of Iran requires that all donations of whole blood, plasma, and transfusable components for fractionation into injectable derivatives should take serologic tests for syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by a sensitive and specific test, antibody to hepatitis C virus (antiHCV), antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-Ab), and VDRL. Collecting facilities are prepared to provide reported testing of all reactive tests for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis infections. The samples are retested in duplicate in a single test run;
A computational model of emotional alignment

In order to make human-robot interaction more smooth and intuitive it is necessary to enable robots to interact emotionally. Having a robot which can align to interlocutors emotion expressions will enhance its emotional and social competence. Therefore we propose a computational model of emotional alignment. This model regards emotions from a communicative and interpersonal view and is based on three layers: The first layer comprises the automatic emotional alignment, the second layer the schematic emotional alignment and the third one the conceptual emotional alignment. In a next step we have to implement our model on a robotic platform and to evaluate it.
Assessment of perception of first professional MBBS students in India about a teaching learning activity in Biochemistry

Objectives: To obtain feedback from the 1 st Professional MBBS students on their perception of the existing method of lecture classes in Biochemistry. st Professional MBBS students in the 1 st semester of the academic year 2008 - 2009. Results: Three items with the highest and least Satisfaction Index were segregated and compared against an 'average satisfaction' of 66.67%. The summary of the consolidated observation on the most appreciated and least appreciated aspects and suggestions for improvements were taken into consideration and discussed. Further, Interpretation of the feedback reflected that the learners still preferred to be taught in a predominantly individualized care-based environment. Conclusion: Feedback from the students facilitates a change in preconceived notions about teaching- learning principles on the part of the faculty. At the same time, it is evident from the feedback obtained that the students still prefer to be taught in an individualized care-based environment which reflects their lack of or incomplete attitudinal shift towards the more institutionalized care-based environment of a medical education institution.
SAT-Based Fault Equivalence Checking in Functional Safety Verification

Detecting equivalence classes of injected faults for functional verification of electronic systems is an important task because it helps reducing the number of faults to qualify a verification environment, and hence, improves the performance of qualification process and the validation time required for large-scale electronic systems. This paper describes an efficient way of detecting equivalent injected faults in a mapped netlist in order to speedup the qualification process of a verification environment for functional safety. The presented fault models include general faults resulting in arbitrary functional changes, in addition to conventional stuck-at faults. The solution is based on structural pruning and functional analysis performed by a synergistic combination of iterative Boolean satisfiability and guided simulation. It should be noted that traditional brute-force-like methods would take many hours or even days to identify thousands of equivalent functional faults injected to a small circuit with only hundred of cells. The proposed approach can achieve excellent fault reduction ratios within few seconds for such small circuits. The implementation also scales well for the largest ISCAS’89 and OpenCores benchmarks containing over 35K gates and 490K general functional faults.
Quantized Output Feedback Control for Stochastic Semi-Markov Jump Systems With Unreliable Links

This brief is concerned with the problem of quantized output feedback (OF) control for semi-Markov jump systems subject to unreliable links. The jump among the operation modes is subject to the semi-Markov process, where the transition probabilities depend not only on the next system mode but the sojourn time at current mode as well. The communication link is considered to be unreliable, in which the packet dropouts described by a stochastic Bernoulli parameter and signal quantization are taken into account simultaneously. The purpose is to synthesize an OF controller, which ensures that the closed-loop system is mean-square $\sigma $ -error stable. Some sojourn time-dependent criteria are established for the realizability of admissible OF controller. With the help of those criteria, the controller gains could be obtained by finding a solution to a convex optimization problem. Finally, both a numerical example and a PWM-driven boost converter are presented to confirm the availability and feasibility of the proposed approach.
Intentional Controlled Islanding and Risk Assessment: A Unified Framework

Power systems are prone to cascading outages leading to large-area blackouts, and intentional controlled islanding (ICI) can mitigate these catastrophic events by splitting the system into sustainable islands. ICI schemes are used as the last resort to prevent cascading events; thus, it is critical to evaluate the corresponding system risks to ensure their correct operation. This paper proposes a unified framework to assess the risk of ICI schemes. First, a novel ICI method to create islands with minimum power imbalance is presented. Further, a risk assessment methodology is used to assess the probability and impact of the main operational modes of the ICI scheme. The unified framework provides insights on the benefits of implementing ICI, considering the uncertainties related to its reliability. The ICI scheme is demonstrated using the IEEE 9-bus system. The proposed unified framework is then fully deployed on the actual power system of Cyprus. Multiple case studies on the real network are created to demonstrate the adaptability and robustness of the proposed scheme to different system conditions. The adoption of the unified framework highlights that the system risk significantly reduces with the ICI in service, even when the reliability uncertainties associated with the scheme are considered.
Factorized Distillation: Training Holistic Person Re-identification Model by Distilling an Ensemble of Partial ReID Models

Person re-identification (ReID) is aimed at identifying the same person across videos captured from different cameras. In the view that networks extracting global features using ordinary network architectures are difficult to extract local features due to their weak attention mechanisms, researchers have proposed a lot of elaborately designed ReID networks, while greatly improving the accuracy, the model size and the feature extraction latency are also soaring. We argue that a relatively compact ordinary network extracting globally pooled features has the capability to extract discriminative local features and can achieve state-of-the-art precision if only the model's parameters are properly learnt. In order to reduce the difficulty in learning hard identity labels, we propose a novel knowledge distillation method: Factorized Distillation, which factorizes both feature maps and retrieval features of holistic ReID network to mimic representations of multiple partial ReID models, thus transferring the knowledge from partial ReID models to the holistic network. Experiments show that the performance of model trained with the proposed method can outperform state-of-the-art with relatively few network parameters.
Dosage Compensation and Gene Expression of the X Chromosome in Sheep

Ohno’s hypothesis predicts that the expression of the single X chromosome in males needs compensatory upregulation to balance its dosage with that of the diploid autosomes. Additionally, X chromosome inactivation ensures that quadruple expression of the two X chromosomes is avoided in females. These mechanisms have been actively studied in mice and humans but lag behind in domestic species. Using RNA sequencing data, we analyzed the X chromosome upregulation in sheep fetal tissues from day 135 of gestation under control, over or restricted maternal diets (100%, 140% and 60% of National Research Council Total Digestible Nutrients), and in conceptuses, juvenile, and adult somatic tissues. By computing the mean expression ratio of all X-linked genes to all autosomal genes (X:A), we found that all samples displayed some levels of X chromosome upregulation. The degrees of X upregulation were not significant (P-value = 0.74) between ovine females and males in the same somatic tissues. Brain, however, displayed complete X upregulation. Interestingly, the male and female reproduction-related tissues exhibited divergent X dosage upregulation. Moreover, expression upregulation of the X chromosome in fetal tissues was not affected by maternal diets. Maternal nutrition, however, did change expression levels of several X-linked genes, such as sex determination genes SOX3 and NR0B1. In summary, our results showed that X chromosome upregulation occurred in nearly all sheep somatic tissues analyzed, thus support Ohno’s hypothesis in a new species. However, the levels of upregulation differed by different subgroups of genes such as those that are house-keeping and “dosage-sensitive”.
STIM Proteins and Orai Ca2+ Channels Are Involved in the Intracellular Pathways Activated by TLQP-21 in RAW264.7 Macrophages

TLQP-21 is a neuropeptide which has been implicated in regulation of nociception and other relevant physiologic functions. Although recent studies identified C3a and gC1q receptors as targets for TLQP-21, its intracellular molecular mechanisms of action remain largely unidentified. Our aim was (i) to explore the intracellular signaling pathway(s) activated by JMV5656, a novel derivative of TLQP-21, in RAW264.7 macrophages, and (ii) to assess linkages of these pathways with its purported receptors. JMV5656 stimulated, in a dose-dependent fashion, a rapid and transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in RAW264.7 cells; repeated exposure to the peptide resulted in a lower response, suggesting a possible desensitization mechanism of the receptor. In particular, JMV5656 increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels by a PLC-dependent release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. STIM proteins and Orai Ca2+ channels were activated and played a crucial role. In fact, treatment of the cells with U73122 and thapsigargin modulated the increase of intracellular Ca2+ levels stimulated by JMV5656. Moreover, in RAW264.7 cells intracellular Ca2+ increases did not occur through the binding of JMV5656 to the C3a receptor, since the increase of intracellular Ca2+ levels induced by JMV5656 was not affected by specific siRNA against C3aR. In summary, our study provides new indications for the downstream effects of JMV5656 in macrophages, suggesting that it could activate receptors different from the C3aR.
TimbreTron: A WaveNet(CycleGAN(CQT(Audio))) Pipeline for Musical Timbre Transfer

In this work, we address the problem of musical timbre transfer, where the goal is to manipulate the timbre of a sound sample from one instrument to match another instrument while preserving other musical content, such as pitch, rhythm, and loudness. In principle, one could apply image-based style transfer techniques to a time-frequency representation of an audio signal, but this depends on having a representation that allows independent manipulation of timbre as well as high-quality waveform generation. We introduce TimbreTron, a method for musical timbre transfer which applies "image" domain style transfer to a time-frequency representation of the audio signal, and then produces a high-quality waveform using a conditional WaveNet synthesizer. We show that the Constant Q Transform (CQT) representation is particularly well-suited to convolutional architectures due to its approximate pitch equivariance. Based on human perceptual evaluations, we confirmed that TimbreTron recognizably transferred the timbre while otherwise preserving the musical content, for both monophonic and polyphonic samples.
Skew-aware polarity assignment in clock tree

In modern sequential VLSI designs, clock tree plays an important role in synchronizing different components in a chip. To reduce peak current and power/ground noises caused by clock network, assigning different signal polarities to clock buffers is proposed in previous work. Although peak current and power/ground noises are minimized by signal polarities assignment, an assignment without timing information may increase the clock skew significantly. As a result, a timing-aware signal polarities assigning technique is necessary. In this article, we propose a novel signal polarities assigning technique which can not only reduce peak current and power/ground noises simultaneously but also render the clock skew in control. The experimental result shows that the clock skew produced by our algorithm is 94% of original clock skew in average while the clock skews produced by three algorithms (Partition, MST, Matching) in the absence of post clock tuning steps in the previous work are 235%, 272%, and 283%, respectively. Moreover, our algorithm is as efficient as the three algorithms of the previous work in reducing peak current and power/ground noises.
[Prevalence of Malaria, Intestinal and Urinary parasite infections in Kalifabougou, Mali].

Soil transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis are neglected tropical diseases (NTD), affecting the health status of endemic Malian populations. Mali has a national NTD elimination program using the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy combining Albendazole, Ivermectinand Praziquantel. Malaria still remains a public health problem in Mali. The Community health Center (CSCOM) in Kalifabougouvillage in the Kati health district has benefited from such MDA program since 2010. AIM To evaluate the prevalence rate of malaria, intestinal and urinary parasite infections in the local population. MATERIEL AND METHODS We conducted a nested cross sectional and cohort study in May 2011 on volunteers aged three months old to 25 years old. Blood smear (blood), Kato-Katz (Stools) and urine filtration techniques were used to evaluate parasite prevalence. Informed consent and assentment were obtained from the volunteers before their inclusion. All volunteers received treatment against the parasite diseases of interest according to the guidelines of national disease control programs. RESULTS A total of 688 volunteers were included. The prevalence rates of parasitic infections were 22.1% [95% CI= 22.06 - 22.12] for Plasmodium falciparum, 9% [95% CI: 8.9-9.034] for Schistosoma haematobium; 3.5% [95% CI: 3.48-3.513] for Hymenolepis nana and 0.1% [95% CI : 0.093-0.107] for Schistoso mamansoni. The prevalence rate of the co-infection Plasmodium falciparum - Schistosoma haematobium was 2.18% [95% CI= 2.17 - 2.19] in Kalifabougou. CONCLUSION Praziquantel and Albendazole-based MDA and Artemisinin based combined therapy (ACTs) could explain theobserved low prevalence of helminthiasis and malaria in Kalifabougou, Mali.
EVALUATION OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS BY BEDSIDE SCORING PROCEDURE

Background: Foot ulceration and lower limb amputation are still common complications of Diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetic foot problems account for more hospitalization days than any other diabetic problem. The main etiologic factors are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. An easy, simple to use and low cost method for screening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy will be very useful. Methods: From May 2003 to May 2004, all diabetic patients (type 1) referred to endocrine clinic of Namazi Hospital were evaluated for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), using the bedside scoring procedure. A score of 3-5 indicated mild, 6-8 moderate, and 9- 10 severe DPN. The perception of vibration, temperature, pinprick and ankle reflex was examined. Tuning fork (128 Hz), neuropen, cold and warm water and reflex hammer were used for evaluation. Findings: In this study we evaluated 80 patients (34 male and 46 female) with type 1 DM, with the age range of 6-31 years (Mean±SD 18.16±5.22 yr). The overall prevalence of DPN was 13.75%: mild in 7.5%, moderate in 5% and severe in 1.25% of the patients. The most common physical finding was the absence of ankle reflex. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of DPN. The prevalence of DPN was significantly associated with age, duration of DM and BMI (P< 0.05). There was no significant correlation with sex, HbAlc, puberty, parental consanguinity and family history of DM. Conclusions: Bedside scoring procedure is a simple, low cost and easy method for screening of DPN in patients with type 1 DM in outpatient clinic. Examination of ankle reflex is very important. It is concluded that the diabetic patients need better follow-up and more education.
Parastomal Hernia Is a Problem Yet to Be Solved

Parastomal hernia is a common surgical problem which is associated with discomfort and irritation in addition to acute complications. This review presents the history, different classifications and terms which are used to describe parastomal herniation. It also details the different techniques for parastomal hernia diagnosis and presents evidence-based risk factors associated with its occurrence. It gives a detailed overview of modern treatment options and discusses different strategies for repair of parastomal hernia as well as advantages and disadvantages for each technique. J Curr Surg. 2015;5(2-3):151-156 doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.14740/jcs268w
Reducing rates of Agrotain® for seedrow applications

The introduction of direct seeding in the western Canadian prairies has necessitated placing urea N fertilizer with the seed. Plant stand reduction due to seed-placement of high rates of urea N fertilizers is attributed to the toxic effects of ammonia/ammonium. Current guidelines for seedrow placement of nitrogen in general and urea in particular to avert seedling damage are based on seedbed utilization, soil texture (Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization 2001) and seedbed moisture (Western Cooperative Fertilizers Limited 2002). However, crop requirements often exceed these guidelines, which results either in reduction of potential yield through application of lower than recommended N rates or application of fertilizer in a less efficient manner.