Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FPGA HLS Today: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities

The year 2011 marked an important transition for FPGA high-level synthesis (HLS), as it went from prototyping to deployment. A decade later, in this article, we assess the progress of the deployment of HLS technology and highlight the successes in several application domains, including deep learning, video transcoding, graph processing, and genome sequencing. We also discuss the challenges faced by today’s HLS technology and the opportunities for further research and development, especially in the areas of achieving high clock frequency, coping with complex pragmas and system integration, legacy code transformation, building on open source HLS infrastructures, supporting domain-specific languages, and standardization. It is our hope that this article will inspire more research on FPGA HLS and bring it to a new height.
Contextual Data Cleaning with Ontology Functional Dependencies

Functional Dependencies define attribute relationships based on syntactic equality, and when used in data cleaning, they erroneously label syntactically different but semantically equivalent values as errors. We explore dependency-based data cleaning with Ontology Functional Dependencies (OFDs), which express semantic attribute relationships such as synonyms defined by an ontology. We study the theoretical foundations of OFDs, including sound and complete axioms and a linear-time inference procedure. We then propose an algorithm for discovering OFDs (exact ones and ones that hold with some exceptions) from data that uses the axioms to prune the search space. Toward enabling OFDs as data quality rules in practice, we study the problem of finding minimal repairs to a relation and ontology with respect to a set of OFDs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our techniques on real datasets and show that OFDs can significantly reduce the number of false positive errors in data cleaning techniques that rely on traditional Functional Dependencies.
A Scoping Review of Assistance and Therapy with Head-Mounted Displays for People Who Are Visually Impaired

Given the inherent visual affordances of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) used for Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), they have been actively used over many years as assistive and therapeutic devices for the people who are visually impaired. In this article, we report on a scoping review of literature describing the use of HMDs in these areas. Our high-level objectives included detailed reviews and quantitative analyses of the literature, and the development of insights related to emerging trends and future research directions. Our review began with a pool of 1,251 articles collected through a variety of mechanisms. Through a structured screening process, we identified 61 English research articles employing HMDs to enhance the visual sense of people with visual impairments for more detailed analyses. Our analyses reveal that there is an increasing amount of HMD-based research on visual assistance and therapy, and there are trends in the approaches associated with the research objectives. For example, AR is most often used for visual assistive purposes, whereas VR is used for therapeutic purposes. We report on eight existing survey articles, and present detailed analyses of the 61 research articles, looking at the mitigation objectives of the researchers (assistive versus therapeutic), the approaches used, the types of HMDs, the targeted visual conditions, and the inclusion of user studies. In addition to our detailed reviews and analyses of the various characteristics, we present observations related to apparent emerging trends and future research directions.
On the Edge of the Deployment: A Survey on Multi-access Edge Computing

Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) attracts much attention from the scientific community due to its scientific, technical, and commercial implications. In particular, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard convergence consolidates the discussions around MEC. Still, the existing MEC practical initiatives are incomplete in their majority, hardening or invalidating their effective deployment. To fill this gap, it is essential to understand a series of experimental prototypes, implementations, and deployments. The early implementations can reveal the potential, the limitations, the related technologies, and the development tools for MEC adoption. In this context, this work first brings a discussion on existing MEC initiatives regarding the use cases they target and their vision (i.e., whether they are more network-related or more distributed systems). Second, we survey MEC practical initiatives according to their strategies, including the ETSI MEC standard. Besides, we compare the strategies according to related limitations, impact, and deployment efforts. We also survey the existing tools making MEC systems a reality. Finally, we give hints to issues yet to be addressed in practice. By bringing a better comprehension of MEC initiatives, we believe this survey will help researchers and developers design their own MEC systems or improve and simplify the usability of existing ones.
The influence of prenatal steroid therapy on the occurrence of respiratory disorders and the use of respiratory support in prematurely born infants

Abstract Introduction: Neonatology is a constantly developing branch of medicine. As it has developed, there has been a reduction in mortality rates among prematurely born infants. The main problem faced by premature infants is respiratory disorders. The frequency of neonatal respiratory failure is inversely proportional to the gestational age and the maturity of the gas exchange system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of steroid therapy in pregnant women on the occurrence of respiratory distress and the need for respiratory support in premature neonates. Materials and methods: The study covered 100 premature infants born in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Zdroje Specialist Independent Public Health Care Centre in Szczecin. The newborns were divided into research groups, which consisted of newborns with prenatal steroid therapy, and a control group, which consisted of newborns without steroid therapy. The study was retrospective and was carried out based on the analysis of medical records. Results: Breathing disorders were more frequent in newborns who had received steroid therapy before birth than in children without steroid therapy. Respiratory failure occurred in children who had received both 1 or 2 doses of prenatal steroid therapy. A similar percentage of children, with and without the use of steroid therapy, required mechanical ventilation. Continuous positive airway pressure was applied both in children who had received steroids during pregnancy and those who had not. However, newborns who had received steroids during pregnancy required respiratory support for a shorter time. Conclusions: 1. Prenatal steroid therapy does not reduce respiratory disorders in prematurely born children. 2. Respiratory support is required more often by newborns without steroid therapy during pregnancy.
Long-term trend of electric vehicle sales in Thailand

Abstract This research study aims at examining the long-term trend of EV sales in Thailand, utilising the system dynamics (SD) modelling approach. This approach is commonly used to model complex systems with causal relationships among key factors within the system. The developed SD model consists of five key factors affecting electric vehicle (EV) sales, namely, the environment, economy, charging infrastructure, government support, and battery maintenance. The simulation results show the increase in EV sales by ten times in the next 20 years with implementation plans related to the five key factors. The government support factor is the most important in enhancing EV sales in the short term. Several government support plans should be initiated to attract more EV consumers, such as subsidies and tax reductions. The environment and charging infrastructure factors are crucial to increasing EV sales in the long term. The enforcement of the CO2 tax and the provision of charging stations all around the country should be established to achieve a sustainable EV market in the long term. This research study contributes to the Thai government and automotive industry to better understand the complex relationships among key factors affecting EV sales. The related sectors may use the study results to plan for EV campaigns to promote the use of EVs and achieve a sustainable EV market.
The Effect of Maintenance Works to Physical and Chemical Conditions of Small Rivers in Agricultural Areas

Abstract Abiotic and biotic bounty of riparian waters may be affected by inadequate maintenance works. Improper planning and execution of maintenance works cause changes to hydrological and hydrochemical condition of water in small rivers, affecting biocenose of riverbeds by modifying the taxonomic composition of organisms inhabiting the regulated river section. Five (5) rivers were subject to studies - Plonia, Mysla, Tywa, Rurzyca, and Wardynka (Odra river basin), which were monitored before and after maintenance works consisting in desilting, mowing and removal of aquatic plants. This study examined hydrological (mean depth and width of small rivers, speed and flow), physical and chemical parameter of water (temperature, pH, O2, N-NO3, N-NH4, P-PO4) before and after dredging of selected rivers. Obtained results and resulting statistical analysis demonstrated increase in hydrological indices - depth, width, speed and flow. Among other physical and chemical properties that significantly increased following completion of maintenance works, were O2 and NH4. NO3 concentration and temperature dropped, but not statistically significant. Changes in hydrological and hydrochemical properties of waters caused by maintenance works may affect biodiversity of the regulated river sections, including changes in composition of ichthyofauna species.
Community Radio in Bangladesh: The Policy and the Spirit

This paper reviews Community Radio (CR) in Bangladesh in two steps. Firstly, it gives an exploratory review of the current scenario of the CR in Bangladesh. Secondly, it crticises the government of Bangladesh’s ‘Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy of 2008’ which was published in Bangladesh Gazette of 12 March 2008, under which the Ministry of Information had approved on 22 April 2010, 14 CR stations for installation, broadcast and operation for the first time in Bangladesh. From the exploratory review of the progress in some areas further challenges have been identified. While analysing the policy in the theoretical framework of development communication and the CR as a development aid, this paper found that some parts of this policy are rather contradictory to the basic spirit of CR concept. In particular, formation of some of the advisory and monitoring committees and their power to confiscate any number or all of CRs without serving any notice may prove to be fatal to the entire policy. The danger is two fold: first, this may increase the chances of self-censorship on the one hand and on the other may become a tool for the political victimisation. The paper therefore recommends that the Clauses 7.2. 2, 7.9. 1, 7.9. 2, 7.9. 3, 7.10, 7.13, 7.22 and 8.2 should be reconsidered and suitably amended to ensure that the CRs in Bangladesh neither turn into a government-owned transmission mechanism, nor succumb to any commercial pressures.
Lyme disease – treatment assessment based on anti-VIsE antibodies: a pilot study

Abstract Introduction: Although the causative agent of Lyme disease (LD) has been known for a long time, and so far it has been possible to develop patterns useful in diagnosis and treatment, several factors continue to complicate the management of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. These include high species diversity of the spirochete causing LD and the lack of a treatment that could guarantee a complete and sustained eradication of infection in all patients. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of patients with LD based on the measurement of LD-related antibodies generated in response to the highly immunogenic VlsE antigen evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Lyme Trace ELISA). Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 10 healthy volunteers (control group) and 21 outpatients (experimental group) with LD, living in the West Pomeranian Province of Poland. The serum samples of the experimental and control groups were tested with the anti-Borrelia IgG plus VlsE ELISA, anti-Borrelia IgG immunoblot, and anti-VlsE IgG Lyme Trace ELISA. Results: Research showed that the mean value of anti-VIsE IgG antibody concentration decreased after treatment by 41.6%, 35.9%, and 31.7% in the serum dilutions 1:101, 1:1010, and 1:10100, respectively. A statistically significant difference was obtained in antibody concentration in the serum dilution 1:101 before (R) and after (R*) treatment. The R/R* ratio presented at least a 4-fold decrease in antibody concentration in 2 patients (9.5%), thereby suggesting the effectiveness of the therapy. In serum samples diluted at 1:101 and 1:1010, antibody levels showed an increase after treatment in 7 patients (33.3%), and at a dilution of 1:10100, this increase was found in 6 patients (28.6%). The R/R* ratio differed significantly between the subgroups, where the antibody concentration increased after treatment and then decreased. Conclusion: Summing up, it can be concluded that the Lyme Trace ELISA assay used in the study to assess the level of anti-VlsE IgG antibodies showed insufficient satisfactory results in the assessment of monitoring the effectiveness of treatment in patients with LD before and after the treatment. The assessment of the effectiveness of treatment should, as such, still be based on the evaluation of the clinical symptoms of the disease, treating the quantification of IgG antibodies with the use of recombinant VlsE antigens as an additional tool.
A primitive model for intercalation–conversion bifunctional battery materials

Exploiting the synergy between intercalation and conversion reactions in a single battery material seems to be an emerging trend. We develop, herein, a primitive physicochemical model to understand the basic features of this new kind of battery material. The model describes intercalation and conversion reactions at the solid‐electrolyte interface, coupled with a solid‐phase diffusion process. Two cases of the electrode–electrolyte interface are considered. In the first case, the conversion reaction does not change the structure of the electrode–electrolyte interface. In the second case, the conversion reaction forms/decomposes a new phase of matter deposited on the electrode surface. The model sheds light on a few interesting aspects of the intercalation–conversion bifunctional system, including two‐stage discharging–charging behavior, interplay between intercalation and conversion reactions, and asymmetry between discharging and charging processes.
Hybrid dual conductor on Ni‐rich NCM for superior electrochemical performance in Lithium‐ion batteries

To enhance the conductivity of cathode materials, we propose a surface modification of Li1.03(Ni0.88Co0.08Mn0.04)O2 (NCM) cathode materials with a high ionic conductor (Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7[PO4]3, LATP) and a high electronic conductor (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs). In this study, a lithium‐ion conductor with a structure similar to NASICON was successfully synthesized via a modified Pechini method. For the surface modification, a prepared nanosized LATP and a commercial Ni‐rich NCM (Ni ≥80%) were combined by grinding them together. LATP‐coated Ni‐rich NCM exhibits a high diffusion level (2.144 × 10−6 cm2∙s−1) in the voltage range of 2.8 to 4.35 V at 25°C owing to increased ionic conductivity. Subsequently, MWCNTs, which are electrically conducting, are coated onto the LATP‐coated Ni‐rich NCM via a wet process. The electrochemical performance of the MWCNT/LATP dual‐coated Ni‐rich NCM was evaluated at 25°C and 45°C. The results demonstrate that the dual‐coated Ni‐rich NCM cathode materials exhibit a high discharge capacity, adequate rate capability, and stable cycling performance.
Association of Social Determinants of Health With Rapid Response Events: A Retrospective Cohort Trial in a Large Pediatric Academic Hospital System

Background Social determinants of health (SDH) are known to impact hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. Little is known about the association between SDH and pediatric rapid response (RR) events and understanding this impact will help guide future interventions aimed to eliminate health disparities in the inpatient setting. Objectives The primary objective of this study is to describe the association between SDH and RR utilization (number of RR events, time to RR event, shift of event and caller). The secondary objective is to determine if SDH can predict hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU transfer, critical deterioration (CD), and mortality. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. We reviewed all RR events from 2016 to 2019 at a large, academic, pediatric hospital system including a level 1 trauma center and two satellite community campuses. All hospitalized patients up to age 25 who had a RR event during their index hospitalization were included. Exposure variables included age, gender, race/ethnicity, language, income, insurance status, chronic disease status, and repeat RR event. The primary outcome variables were hospital LOS, ICU transfer, CD, and mortality. The odds of mortality, CD events and ICU transfer were assessed using unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression. Associations with hospital LOS were assessed with unadjusted and multivariable quantile regression. Results Four thousand five hundred and sixty-eight RR events occurred from 3,690 unique admissions and 3301 unique patients, and the cohort was reduced to the index admission. The cohort was largely representative of the population served by the hospital system and varied according to race and ethnicity. There was no variation by race/ethnicity in the number of RR events or the shift in which RR events occurred. Attending physicians initiated RR calls more for event for non-Hispanic patients of mixed or other race (31.6% of events), and fellows and residents were more likely to be the callers for Hispanic patients (29.7% of events, p = 0.002). Families who are non-English speaking are also less likely to activate the RR system (12% of total RR events, p = 0.048). LOS was longest for patients speaking languages other than Spanish or English and CD was more common in patients with government insurance. In adjusted logistic regression, Hispanic patients had 2.5 times the odds of mortality (95% CI: 1.43–4.53, p = 0.002) compared with non-Hispanic white patients. Conclusion Disparities exist in access to and within the inpatient management of pediatric patients. Our results suggest that interventions to address disparities should focus on Hispanic patients and non-English speaking patients to improve inpatient health equity. More research is needed to understand and address the mortality outcomes in Hispanic children compared to other groups.
Sex Differences in Memory: Do Female Reproductive Factors Explain the Differences?

Background The sex differences in memory impairment were inconclusive, and the effect of female reproductive factors (age at menarche, age at menopause, and reproductive period) on the differences was not clear. We aimed to examine the sex differences in objective and subjective memory impairment in postmenopausal women and age- and education-matched men and explore whether the differences were differed by female reproductive factors. Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Using the case–control matching method, 3,218 paired postmenopausal women and men matched for age and education were selected. Memory was assessed using the three-word recall task and a self-rated question. Poisson regression models with a robust error variance were used. Results The relative risk was 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.08–1.38) for objective memory impairment in women compared with men (23.87% vs. 27.36%), and 1.51 (1.36–1.67) for subjective memory impairment (39.34% vs. 28.25%) after adjusting the confounders. The higher risk of objective memory impairment in women was different among groups of age at menarche in a linear pattern, with younger age at menarche associated with higher risks of objective memory impairment (p < 0.001 for trend). It was also different among groups of menopausal age and reproductive period in an approximate U-shaped pattern, with a similar risk of objective memory with men in women menopause at 52–53 years and having a reproductive period of 31–33 years and higher risks in women with earlier or later menopause (RRs raging form 1.17 to1.41) and a shorter or longer period of reproduction (RR, 1.23–1.29). The higher risks of subjective memory impairment in women were not different among different groups of reproductive factors. Conclusions Postmenopausal women were at an increased risk of objective and subjective memory impairment than men. The higher risks in objective memory, but not subjective memory, were varied by age at menarche, age at menopause, and reproductive periods, which may help understand the underlying mechanisms of sex differences in cognitive ageing and guide precise intervention to preventing dementia among older women and men.
Optimal design of tapered roller bearings for maximum rating life under combined loads

Using the relationships of the ISO 281 standard, this paper optimizes the internal dimensions of tapered roller bearings for maximum rating life. The bearing system addressed contains two identical bearings subjected to an arbitrary combination of centred radial and axial forces. It is shown that the basic rating life increases more than quadratically with the roller infill and the aspect ratio of the rollers, increases with the sixth power of the pitch diameter of the roller set and decreases with the third power of the applied radial force. Further, for any given ratio of axial to radial force, an optimal contact angle exists which maximizes the rating life of the bearing pair, irrespective of the actual bearing size and ratio of roller diameter to pitch diameter. The optimization procedure can either be used to design custom-made bearings or to select from manufacturers’ catalogues the bearing with the best contact angle for any assigned loading condition.