Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classification of Fall Detection System for Elderly: Systematic Review

Article History: Received: 10 November 2020; Revised: 12 January 2021; Accepted: 27 January 2021; Published online: 05 April 2021 Abstract: Elderly are the world’s largest growing population, categorized over the age of 60 to 65 years. They are the ones who prone to fall due to their old age and low self-efficacy, thus making them vulnerable to different accidents. Even doing daily activities can also expose the elderly to a fall incident. As a result, it has gained the attention of many researchers in conducting studies related to the elderly daily health care, especially in relation to the fall detection system. This paper aims to provide a systematic review on the classification of fall detection systems for the elderly. This systematic review is designed based on the existing and extensive literature review on fall detection systems guided by the prisma statement (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) review method. Based on this systematic review, four overarching themes that provide in-depth information on fall detection to detect fall events have been identified; classification of fall detection, basis development, type of sensor and detection technique. In a nutshell, the fall detection approach has successfully provided an alternative health care services for elderly who choose to live independently. Therefore, it is important to continue to develop a fall detection system that integrates with technology in order to provide a safe living environment for elderly, and for children, it can offer as an alternative for monitoring systems.
Nonconvex and nonsmooth total variation regularization method for diffuse optical tomography based on RTE

Diffuse optical tomography with near-infrared light is a promising technique for noninvasive study of the functional characters of human tissues. Mathematically, it is a seriously ill-posed parameter identification problem. For the purpose of better providing both segmentation and piecewise constant approximation of the underlying solution, nonconvex nonsmooth total variation based regularization functional is considered in this paper. We first give a theoretical study on the well-posedness of solutions corresponding to this minimization problem in the Banach space of piecewise constant functions. Moreover, our theoretical results show that the minimizers corresponding to a sequence nonconvex nonsmooth potential functions which converge to the 0–1 functions, can be used to approximate the solution to the weak Mumford–Shah regularization. Then from the numerical side, we propose a double graduated nonconvex Gauss–Newton algorithm to solve this nonconvex nonsmooth regularization. All illustrations and numerical experiments give a flavor of the possibilities offered by the minimizers of the proposed algorithm.
No-till agriculture and the deception of sustainability in Brazil

ABSTRACT Agronomists and policy makers have proposed no-tillage practice and advocacy in the tropical savannah (Cerrado) of Brazil as a model for agriculture elsewhere. Building from intensive research with Embrapa and ethnographic research with two communities of transnational soy farmers, this paper explores the origins of no-tillage farming in the state of Paraná and the adoption and exploitation of no-tillage by large-scale farmers in the Cerrado of Brazil’s center-west. The spread of no-till was made possible by farmer innovation in Paraná, scientific research adapting the practice to the tropics, and and heavy application of chemical herbicides to control weeds without manual cultivation and intense soil fertility amendments in order to make the Cerrado productive for industrial agriculture. Small-scale Mennonites in the state of Goiás adopted it as an emergency measure to save their land base and compete with neighboring Brazilian farmers; large-scale family farmers from the U.S. adopted no-till to save on labor expense and reduce their liability in the face of labor laws. This indicates that while no-till in Brazil reduces soil erosion and is not a problem in itself, it emerges from a context of socio-technical fixes and its implementation supports farm profitability and agricultural expansion in the Cerrado.
Characterizing the Topographic Changes and Land Subsidence Associated with the Mountain Excavation and City Construction on the Chinese Loess Plateau

A mega project, Mountain Excavation and City Construction (MECC), was launched in the hilly and gully region of the Chinese Loess Plateau in 2012, in order to address the shortage of available land and create new flat land for urban construction. However, large-scale land creation and urban expansion significantly alters the local geological environment, leading to severe ground deformation. This study investigated the topographic changes, ground deformation, and their interactions due to the MECC project in the Yan’an New District (YND). First, new surface elevations were generated using ZiYuan-3 (ZY-3) stereo images acquired after the construction in order to map the local topographic changes and the fill thickness associated with the MECC project. Then, the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time series and 32 Sentinel-1A images were used to assess the spatial patterns of the ground deformation in the YND during the postconstruction period (2017–2018). By combining the InSAR-derived results and topographic change features, the relationship between the ground deformation and large-scale land creation was further analyzed. The results indicated that the MECC project in the YND has created over 22 km2 of flat land, including 10.8 km2 of filled area, with a maximum fill thickness of ~110 m. Significant uneven ground deformation was detected in the land-creation area, with a maximum subsidence rate of approximately 121 mm/year, which was consistent with the field survey. The strong correlation between the observed subsidence patterns and the land creation project suggested that this recorded uneven subsidence was primarily related to the spatial distribution of the filling works, along with the changes in the thickness and geotechnical properties of the filled loess; moreover, rapid urbanization, such as road construction, can accelerate the subsidence process. These findings can guide improvements in urban planning and the mitigation of geohazards in regions experiencing large-scale land construction.
From Dots to Stripes to Sheets: Shape Control of Lead Sulfide Nanostructures

Controlling anisotropy in nanostructures is a challenging but rewarding task because confinement in one or more dimensions influences the physical and chemical properties of the items decisively. In particular, semiconducting nanostructures can be tailored to gain optimized properties to work as transistors or absorber material in solar cells. We demonstrate that the shape of colloidal lead sulfide nanostructures can be tuned from spheres to stripes to sheets by means of the precursor concentrations, the concentration of a chloroalkane coligand and the synthesis temperature. All final structures still possess at least one dimension in confinement. The structures cover all dimensionalities from 0D to 3D. Additionally, the effect of temperature on the shape and thickness of PbS nanosheets is shown and electrical transport measurements complement the findings.
Development and Demonstration of an HBIM Framework for the Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage

ABSTRACT Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology is becoming widespread with many potential uses, such as facility and asset management for new buildings. Recently, it has also been applied for the maintenance of built heritage, within the so-called Historical BIM (HBIM) field. A BIM model, empowered by detailed embedded information, is an excellent tool to monitor and infer on the behaviour, performance and deterioration of heritage buildings, collecting and classifying diverse data that can co-exist in an asset model. However, three main issues must be tackled: lack of standardization, insufficient interoperability and inherent complexity of the information. It is essential to balance model’s geometrical and non-geometrical features, such as the level of detail accuracy and the quantity of linked information, to make the methodology cost-effective and hence more attractive for end-users. The present work focuses on the development of easy-to-implement strategy to report and monitor damage evolution over time. Standardization and simplification of the procedures are pursued by using Product Data Templates (PDTs) and focusing on interoperability of information through specific provisions of export/import definitions for Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). The developed methodology is tested on the Ducal Palace in Guimarães, Portugal, one of the most prominent monuments of the country.
Exploring dynamic relationships between employees’ personalities and psychosocial work factors

ABSTRACT The current study addresses the potentially dynamic relationship between employees’ personality and their working conditions. A six-year full-panel longitudinal study of employed individuals was used to test whether (I) task-related, (II) social and (III) organizational work factors contribute to change Big-Five personality traits over time and whether personalities change working conditions. Bivariate latent change score analyses were conducted on repeated-measures data (four waves) from 2356 Norwegian employees. The results showed that specific work factors pertaining to task-related and social characteristics (i.e. leadership) were associated with personality trait changes. Contrary to our expectations, none of the work factors predicted change in neuroticism and extraversion, and we offer several possible explanations for these findings. The results also showed that all personality traits may play an active role in shaping specific attributes of the work environment over time and thereby shed light on how employees’ working conditions emerge.
Teaching and Learning Arabic as a Second Language: A Case Study of Dubai

Enrolment into Arabic as a second language (ASL) in Dubai has increased steadily due to the high influx of immigrant populations. Although Arabic is the primary language in Dubai mandatory taught in primary schools in Dubai, training and learning face challenges that affect learning a teaching objective. The extant investigation aimed to examine the teaching and learning of ASL in Dubai through exploring the importance of ASL, ALS programs in Dubai, ASL changes and solutions, and the role of technology infusion and motivation in ASL training and learning. The examination utilized a qualitative case study where seven teachers and eight learners were interviewed. The researcher analyzed the data using thematic analysis. The data obtained revealed that ASL is important among non-Arabic natives and immigrants since its improved communication and interaction. The main challenge noted included curriculum shortcomings, inadequate training and learning, poor technology utilization, and insufficient learning times. The findings suggested curriculum review, increase in the technology used in training and learning, and allocation of more time for ASL lessons to curb the challenges. The examinations discuss the policy, practice, and research implications of the findings. Although the findings are insightful in ASL training and learning in Dubai, the researcher recommended extensive research using different methodologies, sample sizes, and other cities in the UAE.
Is the Platinum Rule credible? An examination of other-regarding perceptions and attitudes toward unethical behavior

This paper uses data for 53 countries from the World Values Survey in a multilevel regression analysis that seeks to disentangle individual, institutional and other-regarding factors affecting ethical decision-making. The dependent variable is an index of how intolerant people are of unethical conduct. The explanatory variables indicate the perceived trustworthiness and fairness of others. Controls include variables for individual and institutional factors. Findings are that perceptions of trustworthiness in people unknown to them and perceptions of fairness in others correlate with a greater tolerance of unethical behavior, especially in countries with moderate levels of institutional quality. High institutional quality moderates the negative relationship between perceptions and ethical attitudes. The findings confirm the relevance of other-regarding factors and reinforce the importance of quality institutions in supporting ethical decision-making.
Methods of gratitude expression and their effects upon well-being: Texting may be just as rewarding as and less risky than face-to-face

ABSTRACT In three studies of U.S. and Taiwanese participants, we tested the common assumption that it is more satisfying to express gratitude face-to-face (FtF) than indirectly (i.e. by text or email). Scenario-based Study 1 assessed lay theories, finding that participants indeed expected more positive emotion but also expected more negative emotion to accompany FtF expression. Retrospective study 2 assigned participants to recall their emotions after a recent time they thanked somebody, either FtF or by text message. Positive emotions did not differ in the two conditions. Longitudinal Study 3 assigned participants to create three thanking episodes, either FtF, by phone, or by text. All three gratitude conditions boosted well-being compared to a neutral control condition, but differed little from each other in their effects. Cultural differences were observed but were mostly irrelevant to our hypotheses. Our results indicate that texting somebody a quick ‘thank you’ may be just as positively impactful as, and less risky than, thanking them to their face.
High-Resolution Mangrove Forests Classification with Machine Learning Using Worldview and UAV Hyperspectral Data

Mangrove forests, as important ecological and economic resources, have suffered a loss in the area due to natural and human activities. Monitoring the distribution of and obtaining accurate information on mangrove species is necessary for ameliorating the damage and protecting and restoring mangrove forests. In this study, we compared the performance of UAV Rikola hyperspectral images, WorldView-2 (WV-2) satellite-based multispectral images, and a fusion of data from both in the classification of mangrove species. We first used recursive feature elimination‒random forest (RFE-RF) to select the vegetation’s spectral and texture feature variables, and then implemented random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms as classifiers. The results showed that the accuracy of the combined data was higher than that of UAV and WV-2 data; the vegetation index features of UAV hyperspectral data and texture index of WV-2 data played dominant roles; the overall accuracy of the RF algorithm was 95.89% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.95, which is more accurate and efficient than SVM. The use of combined data and RF methods for the classification of mangrove species could be useful in biomass estimation and breeding cultivation.
EXAMINING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ISLAMIC BANKS PROFITABILITY AND THE BUSINESS CYCLE IN INDONESIA

This study aims to examine the correlation between Islamic banks' profitability in Indonesia and the business cycle, which measured by composite leading Indicator (CLI). This study used several annual data covering the period from 2004-2018. This study utilizes Islamic banks profitability represent by Return on Asset (ROA) data as the dependent variable, CLI data as the dependent variable, and six control variables including Gross Domestic Product, Inflation, Financial to Deposit Ratio, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Non-Performing Finance, and Operating Costs Operating Income. This study adopted multiple regression analysis by using EViews 9.0 software. This study reveals that CLI has a positive and significant impact on ROA, which indicated that the expansion of business cycle activities would increase Islamic banks' profitability. Thus, this study suggests that Islamic bank should engage with the companies that relied on their business activities in the rill sector to boost their profitability. The limitation of this study is this study adopted Indonesian Islamic banks in general. Therefore, this study does not capture the correlation amongst the variables in the specific Islamic banks and region, which might be different from this result due to the differences in banks' internal conditions, culture, and the business cycle in the various region.
Proximate Predictors of Vaginal Delivery in Primigravid women at a Tertiary Health Facility in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background Successful vaginal delivery (VD) is the desire of every parturient. This is however not always so especially for primigravid women. Predictive factors can help the counselling process and allay the anxiety that this group of parturients experience. Objective To determine the prevalence and predictors of vaginal delivery among primigravid women at a tertiary health facility.
Dielectric Spectroscopy: a Rapid Method for the Determination of Solvent Biocompatibility During Biotransformations

Dielectric spectroscopy provides a convenient means of determining the degree of intactness of biological cells. 4-terminal dielectric measurements of suspensions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.4 MHz show that, as with all other biological cells, these organisms possess a substantial β-dispersion. The additional of octanol to such suspensions causes a rapid decrease in the electrical capacitance of the suspension, which parallels the cellular viability as determined by methylene blue staining. The kinetics of cell death are determined in part by the rate of dissolution of the organic solvent in the aqueous phase. The toxicity of several organic solvents to S. cerevisiae is studied using this technique, and is found to be dependent upon the polarity of the solvent. The present method provides a simple and rapid means for assessing the biocompatibility of solvents used in biotransformations.
Digital Transformation Leadership Characteristics: A Literature Analysis

ABSTRACT Digital Transformation has generated much research and curiosity recently, with the COVID-19 global pandemic accelerating its pace across all industry sectors. Current literature has not adequately provided a comprehensive understanding of Digital Transformation Leadership (DTL). The objective of this research is to explore the characteristics of DTL by undertaking a comprehensive review of Information Systems literature using a systematic procedure of identifying and coding 87 research papers, resulting in 600 coded excerpts, capturing the ‘who’ and ‘what’ of DTL. Our analysis identifies eight DTL characteristics, namely: digital strategist, digital culturalist, digital architect, customer centrist, organisational agilist, data advocate, business process optimiser and digital workplace landscaper. We discuss mapping the DTL characteristics to c-suite roles, presenting a taxonomy from the literature, of interest to both academics and practitioners. This research raises the awareness of the concept of DTL characteristics, especially amongst those in positions of leadership and decision making authority.
Trilemma, dilemma or 2.5-lemma in the transmission of monetary policy: evidence from a Markov-switching panel data model

ABSTRACT We examine the spill-over effects of interest rate transmission of United States monetary policy to peripheral countries with various exchange rate regimes and capital control management policies. To do so, we propose a two-state continuous-time hidden Markov-switching panel data model using an empirical framework based on the Taylor rule. We find peripheral countries with flexible exchange rates and free capital mobility respond differently to changes in short-term US interest rates under the two regimes based on interest rate volatility. Under the high volatility regime, peripheral countries respond to decreases but not to increases in short-term US interest rate. Under the low volatility regime, peripheral countries respond more strongly to an increase than a decrease in short-term US interest rate. In addition, peripheral countries under high volatility regimes respond more strongly than countries under low volatility regimes to a decrease in short-term US interest rate. In both volatility regimes, capital controls insulate the peripheral countries from changes in the short-term US interest rate regardless their exchange rate regimes.
A Qualitative Study Investigating Stroke Survivors’ Perceptions of their Psychosocial Needs Being Met During Rehabilitation

Background: Depression and anxiety can negatively impact one’s recovery, outcomes, and quality of life. Even though therapists consider the mental health needs of their clients to be a priority, they are dissatisfied with their ability to completely address these needs. The purpose of this study was to examine the client’s perspective regarding the extent to which health care professionals addressed their psychosocial needs after a stroke. Method: A phenomenological research design was used to collect data from six participants. Interviews and focus group were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Member checks, peerreview, multiple coders, triangulation, and expert examination were used to increase trustworthiness of findings. Results: Five themes emerged. People with strokes: (a) experience an array of emotions, (b) are not likely to initiate disclosure of their state of mental health, (c) feel their psychosocial needs are not being addressed by health care professionals, (d) grieve the loss of prior roles post stroke and work hard to establish a new normal routine and purpose in life, and (e) have suggestions for improved care. Conclusion: These findings reinforce the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals post stroke and the importance of identifying methods to enhance the ability to effectively address the psychosocial needs of clients post stroke. Comments The authors report no potential conflicts of interest.
Varieties of Error and Varieties of Evidence in Scientific Inference

According to the variety of evidence thesis items of evidence from independent lines of investigation are more confirmatory, ceteris paribus, than, for example, replications of analogous studies. This thesis is known to fail (Bovens and Hartmann; Claveau). However, the results obtained by Bovens and Hartmann only concern instruments whose evidence is either fully random or perfectly reliable; instead, for Claveau, unreliability is modelled as deterministic bias. In both cases, the unreliable instrument delivers totally irrelevant information. We present a model that formalizes both reliability and unreliability differently. Our instruments either are reliable, but affected by random error, or are biased but not deterministically so. Bovens and Hartmann’s results are counter-intuitive in that in their model a long series of consistent reports from the same instrument does not raise suspicion of ‘too-good-to-be-true’ evidence. This happens precisely because they contemplate neither the role of systematic bias, nor unavoidable random error of reliable instruments. In our model, the variety of evidence thesis fails as well, but the area of failure is considerably smaller than for Bovens and Hartmann and Claveau, and holds for (the majority of) realistic cases (that is, where biased instruments are very biased). The essential mechanism that triggers variety of evidence thesis failure is the rate of false to true positives for the two kinds of instruments. Our emphasis is on modelling beliefs about sources of knowledge and their role in hypothesis confirmation in interaction with dimensions of evidence, such as variety and consistency.