Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serious games for a technology-enhanced early screening of handwriting difficulties

Early screening of handwriting difficulties is key to start remediation activities that help distinguishing between a simple delay and dysgraphia. Technology is fundamental in this process, as also claimed by guidelines for dysgraphia diagnosis: it allows to implement artificial intelligence techniques to help in the discrimination of the difficulty. To this end, a serious game was leveraged to assess handwriting laws altered in dysgraphia starting from symbols drawing. 66 first and second graders were longitudinally tested both with the serious game and with a handwriting proficiency test. Objective features computed from the game were tested to understand if they significantly differed between children at risk and not at risk of dysgraphia, according to a standardized clinical test used to assess handwriting. Then, machine learning models were leveraged to predict the risk and understand the areas of difficulty. On average, 62% of the features significantly differ between risk levels for first graders, whilst only 35% for second graders, thus revealing a better sensitivity in younger children. This is encouraging for an early observation. As for machine learning, a Logistic classifier was able to predict risk with an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.84 for the risk class and 0.98 for the non-risk class. The results of this study could be a valid help for an artificial intelligence-enhanced screening of dysgraphia.
A Collection of Snakes from Volcan Tacana, Chiapas, Mexico

A survey of the herpetofauna of Volcan Tacana on the southern Mexico-Guatemala border was conducted in the summer of 1963. Collections were made at 2000, 4000, 7000 and 12,000 feet. Fifteenof the 19 species of snakes collected were found at low to moderate elevations and all of these showed the expected continuity between populations from the Pacific versants of Chiapas and Guatemala previously collected. Two of the species exhibited clinal variation in scale counts: Drymobius margaritiferus occidentalis and Ninia sebae punctulata. The latter subspecies was redefined on the basis of dorsal body banding and is to be distinguished from N. s. sebae by the lack of bands or, if banded, by only a part of the dorsal surface being banded, and by a narrower distance between bands (one to two scales as opposed to three or four scales). Three species, Drymobius chloroticus, Geophis cancellatus and Trimetopon hannsteini, were found at moderate to intermediate elevations. The Geophis represents the third reported specimen of the species and the Trimetopon is the first reported specimen of this genus in Mexico. Rhadinea lachrymans was collected at 7000 feet and represents an intermediate population between the previously recorded populations from Mount Ovando, Chiapas, and Volcan Tajumulco, Guatemala. Micrurus nigrocinctus ovandoensis is reduced to a junior synonym of M. n. zunilensis.
Tubular Eavesdropper on a Terahertz Link — A Tentative Study

As the wireless networks operating towards terahertz frequency band for larger data capacity up to Tbps and lower time latency of ms/us, there is one more advantage can be acquired - higher security at physical-layer with resiliency against eavesdropping attacks. This is attributed to the inherent priority of terahertz links as smaller beam divergence with shorter wavelengths, which exerts a more challenging to eavesdroppers when they trying to intercept signals from broadcasting links. In this works, we develop an eavesdropper, a dielectric tube which is commonly used in our daily life, achieve successful data eavesdropping from a line-of-sight link. This strategy can be more efficient with a lower possibility to be detected by the counter-measure method at the transmitter side as in reference [1].
Stiffness-based Offline Toolpath Error Compensation for Robotized Incremental Forming

This paper addresses the challenge of the poor accuracy and the toolpath deviation in Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) caused by the forming forces applied to the workpiece. The paper proposes an offline toolpath error compensation approach based on stiffness analysis. A truncated cone was used as a test case and the numerical simulation of the ISF process was conducted on Abaqus CAE software to extract forming forces corresponding to toolpath points. The compensation algorithm is based on the Virtual Joint Method (VJM) and is implemented on a FANUC R-2000iC/165F robot using RoboDK API for MATLAB. The results show that the deviation of the robot tool due to the forming forces may reach up to 20 mm which can be handled by the compensated toolpath. Finally, the study proposes an overall process for the stiffness-based correction algorithm.
Improving smallholder pig production for food security and livelihood of the poor in Southern Africa

Over 70% of the people in Southern Africa are poor and survive on less than one United States dollar a day. As such, food insecurity, low levels of income and high prevalence of HIV/AIDS are the major challenges. Indigenous pigs, largely owned by women and children, are threatened with disappearance. This review discusses the role and attributes of the indigenous pigs in smallholder farming areas in Southern Africa and threats to the indigenous pig populations. Large framed fast-growing imported pigs cannot thrive in rural production systems where there is high risk and a multitude of constraints. Indigenous pigs have several attributes, which are largely related to their hardiness and adaptation to survive under smallholder farming environments. They reach puberty at about 4 months of age and have excellent mothering abilities. Indigenous pigs are also less susceptible to A. suum infection than Large White pigs. They deposit most of the fat subcutaneously and not intramuscularly, which can easily be trimmed off to yield a leaner carcass. The trimmed body fat can then be used for other purposes, most especially, cooking. Indiscriminate crossbreeding and the erosion of rural cultures are the chief contributors to the reduction in the indigenous pig populations. Research should focus on increasing reproductive performance, genetic characterisation, establishing reliable markets as well as developing appropriate diets and feeding systems for this gene pool.
Sleep Staging Using Wearables and Deep Neural Networks

There is a well-established association between sleep and health status, but the current gold-standard for analysing sleep, polysomnography, is too disruptive and expensive to enable longitudinal monitoring. There is, therefore, a growing interest in automated sleep scoring, or staging, using a combination of wearable technology to acquire cardio-respiratory vital signs and machine learning to learn how these vital signs vary with sleep state. However, sleep and the associated cardio-respiratory signals also change significantly with age, in part because of age-related changes in the autonomic nervous system, and this impacts the accuracy of wearable sleep staging methods. This paper investigates how the accuracy of a deep neural network model trained on the Sleep Heart Health Study database varies with the age of the subject. We show that the classification accuracy for each sleep stage decreases with age. We also present proof-of-concept analysis of longitudinal sleep data from a COVID-19 Challenge Study with a younger cohort (18 - 29 years of age), discuss the impact of having trained the deep neural network model on a database with an age range from 40 to 89+, and suggest how this issue may be addressed.Clinical relevance— This paper highlights how changes in sleep behaviour with age can affect neural network sleep staging using cardio-respiratory vital signs and machine learning, resulting in less accurate sleep staging in some age groups, and discusses potential methods for addressing this.
Isotherms of Lattice Thermal Conductivity and Self-Organization Processes in Semiconductor Pb1-xSnxTe Solid Solutions

The isotherms of total $\lambda$, electronic $\lambda_{\mathrm{E}}$ and lattice $\lambda_{\mathrm{L}}$ thermal conductivities were obtained in the temperature range (300 - 700) K for the polycrystalline samples of semiconductor $\mathrm{Pb}_{1-\mathrm{I}}\mathrm{Sn}_{\mathrm{I}}\mathrm{Te}$ solid solutions $(\mathrm{x}=0-1)$ prepared from the bulk cast annealed alloys. It was shown that $\lambda_{L}$ varies nonmonotonically, having minima near $x=0.20$ and $x =0.7$. The observed nonmonotonic behavior of the dependence of $\lambda_{\mathrm{L}}$ on the composition is attributed to the manifestation of self-organization processes in these solid solutions that take place at certain compositions corresponding to the stoichiometric ratio of components in the cationic sublattice. It is suggested that it is the processes of redistribution of Pb and Sn cations leading to the formation of ordered structures that stimulate the transition into the topological TCI state after the transition into a gapless state and formation of an inversion band structure.
Performance Degradation Assessment of Rolling Bearing Based on Difference of Eigenvalues in Random Matrix Theory

The difference of eigenvalues index based on Random Matrix Theory (RMT) was proposed to overcome the problem that traditional feature extraction methods hardly extract effective feature when the sample data is large and severe noise in signal, which further affects the accuracy of bearing state detection. Firstly, a technique based on matrix randomization is proposed, which can construct a large dimensional random matrix that meeting the requirement of random matrix theory through matrix randomization processing. Secondly, the convergence characteristics of eigenvalues and the difference between matrix eigenvalues in Marchenko-Pastur (M-P) law based on random matrix theory can achieve noise reduction, and a rolling bearing eigenvalue difference index is proposed to reduce noise interference. Finally, rolling bearing full life data collected by Intelligent Maintenance System (IMS) was used for application research. The experimental results show that: the feasibility and effectiveness of M-P law in the field of bearing state monitoring can be verified, and the proposed index not only can detect the abnormal occurrence in advance, but also can accurately describe the degradation process of rolling bearing.
Drying of Watermelon Rind and Development of Cakes from Rind Powder

: This study reports on the possibility of value addition to watermelon rinds by processing of cakes using watermelon rind flour with wheat flour. Good quality fresh watermelon rinds were collected from local market. Chemical analysis of watermelon rind flour revealed that it contains 10.72% moisture, 11.21% protein, 73.18% carbohydrates, 12.61% ash and 2.38% fat. Three samples of watermelon rind flour cakes containing 10.0%, 20.0% and 30.0% watermelon rind flour in combination with wheat flour were processed. The properties of the cakes were evaluated in terms of volume, moisture content, crumb and crust characteristics etc. The cake supplemented with low level of watermelon rind flour had significantly improved the cake volume than those with high level of watermelon rind flour. Moisture content of cakes affected with the substitution levels of wheat flour with watermelon rind flour. Crumb and crust quality, symmetry and bloom of the cake containing 10.0% watermelon rind flour was significantly better than those of cakes containing 20.0% and 30.0% flour. The overall acceptability of the cake sample incorporating 10.0% watermelon rinds flour was more acceptable and significantly better from other cake samples prepared with watermelon rinds flour.
A pilot study on fear and risk of fall: The impact of an 8-month multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling aged adults

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an 8-month multicomponent exercise program in community-dwelling older adults. A comprehensive approach was employed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a thrice-weekly exercise intervention. Aged over 60 years, the capacity to stand and walk with or without assistive equipment, being physically inactive, medical clearance, and living in the community were all eligibility criteria. The Timed-up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale were used to examine risk of falling. The Fall-Efficacy Scale International was used to examine the fear of falling. The community-based exercise program involved thirty-five participants, the average age was 67.54 years (SD = 3.81) and 71% were female. At-tendance rates ranged from 76% to 100% on average. There was a significant trend toward a clinically important improvement in the timed-up and go test (t = 4.66; p < .001; d = 0.20), berg balance scale (t = -11.20; p < .001; d = 1.47) and fall-efficacy scale international (t = 5.81; p < .001; d = 0.88). This study has provided preliminary evidence that an 8-month community-based low-cost exercise program may be effective in improving agility, balance, and decreasing fear of falling in older people.
Attribute-Based Encryption for Circuits of Unbounded Depth from Lattices

Although we have known about fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) from circular security assumptions for over a decade [Gentry, FOCS ’10; Brakerski-Vaikuntanathan, STOC ’11], there is still a significant gap in understanding related homomorphic primitives supporting all unrestricted polynomial-size computations. One prominent example is attribute-based encryption (ABE). The state-of-the-art constructions, relying on the hardness of learning with errors (LWE) [Gorbunov-Vaikuntanathan-Wee, STOC ’13; Boneh et al., Eurocrypt ’14], only accommodate circuits up to all predetermined depth, akin to leveled homomorphic encryption. In addition, their components (master public key, secret keys, and ciphertexts) have sizes polynomial in the maximum circuit depth. Even in the simpler setting where a single key is published (or a single circuit is involved), the depth dependency persists, showing up in constructions of 1-key ABE and related primitives, including laconic function evaluation (LFE), 1-key functional encryption (FE), and reusable garbling schemes. So far, the only approach of eliminating depth dependency relies on indistinguishability obfuscation. Intriguingly, for over a decade, it has remained unclear whether the circular security assumptions empowering FHE can similarly benefit ABE. In this work, we introduce new lattice-based techniques to overcome the depth-dependency limitations: •Relying on a circular security assumption, we construct LFE, 1-key FE, 1-key ABE, and reusable garbling schemes capable of evaluating circuits of unbounded depth and size. •Based on the evasive circular LWE assumption, a stronger variant of the recently proposed evasive LWE assumption [Wee, Eurocrypt ’22; Tsabary, Crypto ’22], we construct a full-fledged ABE scheme for circuits of unbounded depth and size. Our constructions eliminate the multiplicative overheads polynomial in depth from previous constructions. Our LFE, 1key FE, and reusable garbling schemes achieve almost optimal succinctness. Their ciphertexts and input encodings are proportional in length to the input, while function digest, secret keys, and garbled circuits maintain a constant size independent of circuit parameters. Our ABE schemes offer short components, with master public key and ciphertext sizes linear in the attribute length and secret key being constant-size.
Iceberg-induced changes to polynya operation and regional oceanography in the southern Ross Sea, Antarctica, from in situ observations

Abstract Two massive tabular icebergs calved from the Ross Ice Shelf in 2000 (B-15) and 2002 (C-19) and perturbed regional ocean processes for several years. Here we document the ocean's response in McMurdo Sound to the icebergs using in situ data collected before, during and after the icebergs’ residence in the Ross Sea. Departures from typical McMurdo Sound seasonal oceanography included the non-appearance of Antarctic Surface Water in summer, a cooler and more homogeneous water column during winter and ‘super-fresh’ High Salinity Shelf Water that gradually recovered its salinity. We found that each iceberg triggered a distinct response to regional ocean processes. B-15a, the largest piece of iceberg B-15, restricted surface circulation, cooled and freshened the upper water column and reduced melting near the ice shelf front for four years. Iceberg C-19 interrupted the operation of the Ross Sea polynya, from which McMurdo Sound took three to four years to recover, and was responsible for a geographic shift in the dense water formation region for the south-western Ross Sea. These results differ from earlier modelling studies and highlight the challenges of modelling the polar ocean. We also show that one pathway previously thought to supply dense water to the Ross Ice Shelf cavity was not operating at that time.
Assessment the Incidence of Gastrointestinal Problems for Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

: Gastrointestinal tract has many important functions for critically ill patients especially it maintains immunological functions, decreases infection and promotes better survival rate. Several studies have confirmed that GI symptoms are frequent in the ICU with up to 62% of patients exhibiting at least one GI symptom for at least 1 day. Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to assess the incidence of Gastrointestinal Problems for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Materials and Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized was used in this study. Setting the study was conducted at El-fayoum university hospital. The study subjects; A Purposive sample of 60 patients from both genders, with different ages and educational levels were selected for this study. Tools of the study consist of tool of the study consist of Two tools, tool(1) Patient Assessment sheet (2) Modified Gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale (GSRS). Results: A total 60 patients were enrolled in the study with mean age X¯ ± SD (52.40 ± 14.40) . also it was noted that 55.0% of the studied patients were male.it was found that (56.7%) of studied patients have mild gastrointestinal problems. While (1.67%) of the studied patient have severe gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion. About two thirds of studied patient were male, nonsmoker and give feed by oral method. Also neurological and respiratory problems were the majority of causes of ICU admission. Moreover, about more than half of the studied patients have mild gastrointestinal problems, while more than one third of them have moderate gastrointestinal problems (Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Reflux and distention). Recommendations: Replication of the study using a large probability samples acquired from different geographic areas. Incorporate abdominal massage as a routine care for critically ill patients receiving enteral feeding to relieve gastrointestinal problems.
Prevalence and causes of stress among nurses at Ndola Central Hospital – A nurses’ perspective

: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and causes of stress amongst nurses at Ndola Central Hospital from the nurses’ perspective. The study was conducted at Ndola Central Hospital, situated in Ndola District, on the Copperbelt province of Zambia. The study was designed as a cross sectional descriptive study. The results of this study may be used to guide policy makers and nursing managers to develop a stress prevention and management model specific to the Zambian situation. Methods: The study sample consisted of 183 nurses randomly selected from a frame combining all nurses from outpatient, medical, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgical, theatre and critical care wards. Data for the study was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data management and analysis for the study was performed using Epi info version 3.2. 2. Means and their standard deviations were used to describe continuous variables whereas frequency and percentage distributions were used to describe categorical variables. Results: One hundred and ninety nurses were targeted for inclusion into the study of which 183 responded; giving a 96.3% response level. The majority (86%) of the respondents were female. Almost all (93.4%) of the respondents had experienced occupational stress, of these 66.7% rated it as very high. Nurse-patient ratio was reported as a stress factor by most (92.3%) of nurses. Sleeping disturbances and recurring headaches were reported as the most (89.1% and 85.2% respectively) symptoms of stress experienced. Talking to colleagues about stressful factors was the most (80.9%) coping mechanism reported. Conclusion: The level of occupational stress as reported by the nurses was high, and in many cases accompanied by a number of emotional and physical symptoms. This observation calls for the formulation of stress management programmes, training on coping skills, as well as development and implementation of strategies for the improvement of work conditions and environment for nurses in public hospitals, with special focus on reducing work-related sources of stress in Ndola Central Hospital.
Effect of Collective Bargaining on Employee Motivation in the Zimbabwean Gold Mining Sector

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of collective bargaining on employee motivation in the Zimbabwean gold mining sector. The continued restless among employees at various gold mines in the midlands province has resulted in productivity levels dwindling. There has been increased labour turnover by employees as well as increased union representation to management. Questionnaire were used to collect data. In this article a population of one thousand employees was used. A sample of two hundred employees was selected across the board. The results of the study indicate positive relationships between collective bargaining and job satisfaction among the employees in the Zimbabwean gold mining sector. Implications of these results are that the human resource interventions are required in order to create an environment in which employees can freely engage in collective bargaining. Furthermore, the results indicate that collective bargaining engenders intrinsic motivation and above all allows for the protection of employee’s rights and welfare as well as promoting industrial democracy. This study recommends that managers should guard against preventing or obstructing employees from seeking legal redress to protect their interest. In addition, labour officers should be given the right of reasonable access to workers during working hours at their organisations for the purposes of advising the workers on the law. The employees should be given a latitude to belong to a trade union and or workers committee.