Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immediate Improvement in Subjective Visual Vertical and Disequilibrium Predicts Resolution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Following Single Canalith Repositioning Maneuver

Objective: To evaluate whether immediate post-canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) vestibular changes are predictive of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) resolution. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Adults (n = 27) with posterior canal BPPV. Interventions: Single CRM with Frenzel goggles. Main Outcome Measures: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for disequilibrium, the subjective visual vertical (SVV), the subjective visual horizontal (SVH), and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) were administered pre- and immediately following single CRM. Dix-Hallpike was performed 1–3 weeks after CRM to assess for BPPV resolution. Pre- and post-treatment vestibular assessments were compared between groups to determine if post-CRM vestibular changes could predict BPPV resolution. Results: The change in VAS score following CRM treatment was statistically different between patients who responded to CRM treatment (n = 15) and those who did not (n = 12), (–0.07 points versus –2.40 points, respectively; P = 0.03). Likewise, a significantly greater improvement in SVV score was observed for CRM responders compared with CRM nonresponders (0.92° versus –0.06°, respectively; P = 0.02). Change in SVH and mCTSIB scores did not differ significantly between groups. Additionally, patient age was found to predict outcome of CRM treatment, with older patients more likely to experience persistent BPPV (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Immediate improvement in VAS and SVV scores following CRM may be useful in predicting resolution of BPPV and may assist in directing the timing and need for future interventions. Younger age may have a favorable predictive value for improvement following single CRM.
In vitro antioxidant activity of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) peel

Free radicals are electron-deficient species that are very reactive to cause various diseases, such as diabetes, cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, and others. For this reason, antioxidant compounds are needed that can inhibit the performance of free radicals. Caco is a plant that contains many phenolic and flavonoid compounds that have potential as antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as in vitro antioxidant assay. Cocoa fruit powder was macerated with methanol, and then fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate as solvents. The antioxidant power was measured by DPPH and ABTS methods. The phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method, and the flavonoid content was measured using the AlCl3 colourimetric method. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest antioxidant activity using both the DPPH and ABTS methods with IC50 values of 5.61±0.032 mg/mL and 5.773±0.018 mg/mL, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate fraction showed high values, namely 22.767±0.1097 mg GAE/g sample and 90.337±0.552 mg QE/g sample, respectively. The cocoa peel can be developed as a natural antioxidant and can be used as a functional food.
Wrist Photoplethysmography Signal Quality Assessment for Reliable Heart Rate Estimate and Morphological Analysis

Photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals are mainly employed for heart rate estimation but are also fascinating candidates in the search for cardiovascular biomarkers. However, their high susceptibility to motion artifacts can lower their morphological quality and, hence, affect the reliability of the extracted information. Low reliability is particularly relevant when signals are recorded in a real-world context, during daily life activities. We aim to develop two classifiers to identify PPG pulses suitable for heart rate estimation (Basic-quality classifier) and morphological analysis (High-quality classifier). We collected wrist PPG data from 31 participants over a 24 h period. We defined four activity ranges based on accelerometer data and randomly selected an equal number of PPG pulses from each range to train and test the classifiers. Independent raters labeled the pulses into three quality levels. Nineteen features, including nine novel features, were extracted from PPG pulses and accelerometer signals. We conducted ten-fold cross-validation on the training set (70%) to optimize hyperparameters of five machine learning algorithms and a neural network, and the remaining 30% was used to test the algorithms. Performances were evaluated using the full features and a reduced set, obtained downstream of feature selection methods. Best performances for both Basic- and High-quality classifiers were achieved using a Support Vector Machine (Acc: 0.96 and 0.97, respectively). Both classifiers outperformed comparable state-of-the-art classifiers. Implementing automatic signal quality assessment methods is essential to improve the reliability of PPG parameters and broaden their applicability in a real-world context.
Fused Architecture for Dense and Sparse Matrix Processing in TensorFlow Lite

In this article, we present a hardware architecture optimized for sparse and dense matrix processing in TensorFlow Lite and compatible with embedded-heterogeneous devices that integrate central processing unit and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) resources. The fused architecture for dense and sparse matrices design offers multiple configuration options that tradeoff parallelism and complexity, and uses a dataflow model to create four stages that read, compute, scale, and write results. All stages are designed to support TensorFlow Lite operations including asymmetric quantized activations, column-major matrix write, per-filter/per-axis bias values, and current scaling specifications. The configurable accelerator is integrated with the TensorFlow Lite inference engine running on the ARMv8 processor. We compare performance/power/energy with the state-of-the-art RUY software multiplication library showing up to 18× acceleration and 48× in dense and sparse modes, respectively. The sparse mode benefits from structural pruning to fully utilize the digital signal processing blocks present in the FPGA device.
STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF TRACTOR POWER AND SPEED ON SOME FIELD PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS WORKING ON A CLAY LOAM SOIL

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tractor power and forward speed on the drawbar pull, wheel slippage and fuel consumption when a 2WD tractor was linked with a mounted disc plow and working on a clay loam soil. Two levels of tractor drawbar power and three levels of forward speed were evaluated. Results showed that the increase in tractor power and speed and their interaction had a highly significant effect on these three field performance parameters. It was found that as the tractor power increased from 53.2 kW to 68.4 kW, the average pull increased by 55%, while the increase in tractor speed from 5 km/hr to 9 km/hr increased the pull by 39% and 36% for the medium and large tractors, respectively. When the power of the tractor was greater, the average wheel slippage was reduced up to 55%, but when the higher speed was used the average slippage was increased by 31% and 12% for the two tractors, respectively. The average fuel consumption rate was observed to be increased with the increase in tractor power and speed giving an average increase of 60% with the bigger tractor. However, using the higher speed gave an average increase in fuel consumption of 72% and 60% for the two tractors, respectively. The multiple correlation analysis indicated that power and speed accounted jointly for 98.1%, 97.7% and 92.6% of drawbar pull, slippage and fuel consumption rate variability, respectively. The big tractor (68.4kW) working at medium speed 7km/hr showed a tendency to give optimum values of the three field parameters operating on this type of soil.
Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students towards Online Learning in a Medical College in the National Capital Region (NCR), India

Background: Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe, it has not been possible to conduct traditional classroom teaching in view of the closure of schools and colleges in our country since March 2020. Hence, it is important to study the highlights, demerits, and bottlenecks in the implementation of online education from a student’s perspective. Methods: The present study was carried out to assess perceptions regarding virtual classroom among undergraduate students of a tertiary medical college in U.P. A pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire was used. Study was conducted through an online survey. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 377 participants were included in the study. More than half of the participants (54.9%) preferred a mixed mode of learning which includes both online and offline learning. Lack of interaction with teachers (66.3%) and fellow students (57.6%) and lack of quiet space at home to listen to online classes (44%) were a few of the perceived demerits of online classes. Internet speed was found to be one of the most challenging issues faced in online learning (78.5%). Conclusion: Students’ perception of the blended learning mode was positive. They were, however, less enthusiastic about online learning than they were about conventional classroom learning.
Gender and outcomes in total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review on healthcare disparities in the United States

Background: The authors evaluated the currently available evidence regarding the effect gender has, if any, on utilization of and outcomes after total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty. Recent studies have shown that TKA and THA are not utilized equally across different demographic cohorts. Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE database was performed using keywords “disparities,” “arthroplasty,” “joint replacement,” “hip,” “knee,” “gender,” and “outcomes” in all possible combinations. All English studies with levels of evidence I to IV published over the last 20 yr were included in the review. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed on the data collected where applicable. Results: A total of 33 articles that met inclusion and quality criteria were analyzed. Overall, men and women have similar utilization rates of THA and TKA. Men and women have similar expectations regarding outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Female gender has been shown to be protective against mortality, major complications, and revisions after TJA. However, women are at higher risk of being discharged to a facility after TJA compared with men (P<0.05). Functional outcomes are similar for men and women. Conclusions: This systematic review showed that there are no significant differences in utilization of and outcomes after TJA between men and women. Female gender was shown to be protective against complications but remained a risk factor for nonhome discharge after TJA. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Comparative Dose–Response Study on the Infusion of Norepinephrine Combined with Crystalloid Coload versus Colloid Coload for Preventing Hypotension During Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

Background Although the optimal infusion dose of norepinephrine combined with crystalloid coload for preventing spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAIH) for cesarean delivery has been established, the infusion regimen of norepinephrine combined with colloid coload has not been fully quantified. The objective of this study was to compare and determine the median effective dose (ED50) and 90% effective dose (ED90) of norepinephrine infusion combined with crystalloid coload versus colloid coload for preventing SAIH during cesarean delivery. Methods Two hundred parturients were randomly assigned to receive norepinephrine infusion at 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, or 0.10 µg/kg/min in combination with 10 mL/kg crystalloid coload or colloid coload to prevent SAIH. The study period was defined as the interval from the commencement of intrathecal injection to delivery of the neonate. The primary outcome was non-occurrence of hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than 80% of the baseline before delivery. The ED50 and ED90 of norepinephrine infusion dose were determined using probit regression analysis. By calculating the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of relative median potency to determine whether the prophylactic infusion of norepinephrine requirement was different between the two groups. Results The derived ED50 and ED90 of norepinephrine infusion combined with crystalloid coload were 0.030 (95% CIs 0.020 to 0.038) and 0.097 (95% CIs 0.072 to 0.157) µg/kg/min, respectively. The ED50 and ED90 of norepinephrine infusion combined with colloid coload were 0.021 (95% CIs 0.013 to 0.029) and 0.070 (95% CIs 0.053 to 0.107) µg/kg/min, respectively. The estimate of relative median potency for norepinephrine between the two groups was 1.37 (95% CIs 0.94 to 2.23). Conclusion Under the conditions of this study, 10 mL/kg colloid coload reduced the dose of prophylactic norepinephrine infusion by approximately 30% in parturients during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery compared with the crystalloid coload.
Activity of resistance inducers against Plasmopara viticola in vineyard

Plasmopara viticola (Berk. M. A. Curtis) Berl. & De Toni, the causal agent of grapevine downy mildew (DM), is an Oomycete responsible for serious yield and quality losses, and its management still largely depends on the use of fungicides (Gessler et al., 2011). However, numerous alternative products are under investigation to comply with the European restrictions on pesticide use (Directive 2009/128/EC) for a more sustainable and safe agriculture. Among the alternatives to fungicides, the use of plant resistance inducers seems promising. Resistance inducers (RIs) are molecules able to trigger plant defense mechanisms through a cascade of processes and lead to the development of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR) (Delaunois et al., 2014). These processes are mediated by phytohormones such as salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), and others that activate effective basal plant resistance mechanisms against pathogens (López et al., 2008; Héloir et al., 2019).
Reduced-order filtering for discrete-time singular systems under fading channels

In this paper, the reduced-order filtering problem for discrete-time singular systems under fading channels is studied. Our aim is to design a reduced-order filter to ensure the filtering error system with fading measurements is stochastically admissible and meets the given performance index. And the designed method is less conservative. However, the standard linear matrix inequality (LMI) cannot be obtained due to the nonlinear terms in decoupling. For this purpose, a new LMI is obtained by using new decoupling method. Finally, numerical example and electrical circuit example are given to clearly illustrate that the proposed method is less conservative than that of the existing method.
Game-like interactive exercise versus visual feedback in patients with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy post mastectomy: A randomized comparative study

Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most frequent side effects of antineoplastic agents, with a prevalence of 19 to 85%. In terms of clinical manifestations, CIPN is primarily a sensory neuropathy with motor and autonomic alterations of varying intensity and duration. CIPN consider as major problem for both cancer patients and survivors, as well as for their healthcare providers, possibly increasing the risk of falling. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of game-like interactive exercise versus visual feedback training on the risk of falling and sensory integration in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after mastectomy. Methods: In this randomized comparative study, 30 female patients diagnosed with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after mastectomy were randomly allocated into two equal groups; group (A) underwent game-like interactive exercise using the Biodex Balance System (BBS), while group (B) underwent a visual feedback training program using BBS. The treatment was applied for three sessions per week for four consecutive weeks. All subjects in both groups were assessed using the fall risk index and sensory integration test (sway index) in four sensory conditions at baseline and at the end of the study for both groups.
Compressed basis GMRES on high-performance graphics processing units

Krylov methods provide a fast and highly parallel numerical tool for the iterative solution of many large-scale sparse linear systems. To a large extent, the performance of practical realizations of these methods is constrained by the communication bandwidth in current computer architectures, motivating the investigation of sophisticated techniques to avoid, reduce, and/or hide the message-passing costs (in distributed platforms) and the memory accesses (in all architectures). This article leverages Ginkgo’s memory accessor in order to integrate a communication-reduction strategy into the (Krylov) GMRES solver that decouples the storage format (i.e., the data representation in memory) of the orthogonal basis from the arithmetic precision that is employed during the operations with that basis. Given that the execution time of the GMRES solver is largely determined by the memory accesses, the cost of the datatype transforms can be mostly hidden, resulting in the acceleration of the iterative step via a decrease in the volume of bits being retrieved from memory. Together with the special properties of the orthonormal basis (whose elements are all bounded by 1), this paves the road toward the aggressive customization of the storage format, which includes some floating-point as well as fixed-point formats with mild impact on the convergence of the iterative process. We develop a high-performance implementation of the “compressed basis GMRES” solver in the Ginkgo sparse linear algebra library using a large set of test problems from the SuiteSparse Matrix Collection. We demonstrate robustness and performance advantages on a modern NVIDIA V100 graphics processing unit (GPU) of up to 50% over the standard GMRES solver that stores all data in IEEE double-precision.
Introducing the qualitative performance gap: stories about a sustainable building

ABSTRACT In the design and operations industries, the performance gap is a common discrepancy found between predicted building energy performance and actual energy performance. The performance gap is considered to have negative impacts for the brand of ‘green’ buildings, designers and operators. A socially based analogue is proposed here: the qualitative performance gap, defined as the perceived gap between what inhabitants expect and their actual experience of the building environment. This concept is explored at a regenerative Living Lab: the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) in Vancouver, Canada. ‘Official’ and ‘lived’ stories about the building were interpreted from sources of building information and interviews. Expectations about and forgiveness of building performance were gained from pre- and post-occupancy evaluations and interviews. The solution to the qualitative performance gap is not to eliminate it, but, in line with the concept of interactive adaptivity, to use the gap to generate new stories and new consequences for human wellbeing. The qualitative performance gap is thus conceived as positively generative, of new stories of place and identity. This work recommends crafting an ‘official story’ of social aspirations, and a communication feedback loop amongst designers, operators and building inhabitants, transparently sharing successes and failures.
Error bounds for learning the kernel

The problem of learning the kernel function has received considerable attention in machine learning. Much of the work has focused on kernel selection criteria, particularly on minimizing a regularized error functional over a prescribed set of kernels. Empirical studies indicate that this approach can enhance statistical performance and is computationally feasible. In this paper, we present a theoretical analysis of its generalization error. We establish for a wide variety of classes of kernels, such as the set of all multivariate Gaussian kernels, that this learning method generalizes well and, when the regularization parameter is appropriately chosen, it is consistent. A central role in our analysis is played by the interaction between the sample error and the approximation error.
Writing Interventions for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are likely to experience writing challenges that can negatively impact their overall academic, vocational, and social success. The goals of this study were to determine what writing interventions have been used with students with IDD, how their writing skills have been measured, the effects of those interventions, and study-level moderators via meta-analytic procedures. We identified 96 writing-related outcomes reported in 52 studies that included 424 students with IDD. A majority of studies used strategy instruction/self-regulated strategy development (SRSD), direct instruction, or response prompting to instruct writing skills, and the most common outcome measures were related to writing output, conventions, quality rubrics, elements, and spelling. Results indicated that writing interventions led to significant improvements in students’ writing skills. These effects were moderated by intervention type and study quality.