Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
P300 Detection with Brain–Computer Interface Application Using PCA and Ensemble of Weighted SVMs

ABSTRACT Brain–computer interface (BCI) P300 speller can be used as a powerful aid for severely disabled people in their everyday life. The character recognition using P300 speller involves two stages for classification. First stage is to detect the P300 signal and second one is to determine the right character from the detected P300. Features are important for classification, but large feature dimension is a problem for P300 classification as computational complexity increase due to more number of features. In this work, principal component analysis (PCA) based ensemble of weighted support vector machine (PCA-EWSVM) is used for character recognition. The proposed method includes PCA for feature extraction and an ensemble of weighted SVM (EWSVM) for classification. PCA is used to reduce the redundant features and ensemble of weighted classifier for minimizing the classifier variability. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated on data-set of the BCI Competition II and data-set II of the BCI Competition III.
The Natural History of PBC: Has It Changed?

The prognosis and natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have improved signiﬁcantly during the last few decades. Patients are diagnosed at earlier stages, are more likely to be asymptomatic at diagnosis, and are more likely to receive medical treatment. The survival of asymptomatic patients is longer than the median survival of symptomatic patients. The natural history of PBC has been assessed in the presence of effective therapy, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Evidence suggests that UDCA delays histological progression in PBC and decreases the risk of development of esophageal varices. Survival of UDCA-treated patients is better than that of untreated patients and also is better than that predicted by the Mayo model. For patients in early stages of PBC, UDCA treatment may normalize survival. However, patients with stage III and IV PBC do not respond as well to UDCA. Therefore, there is a continued need for additional treatment in patients with advanced disease.
Barotropic and Baroclinic Eddy Feedbacks in the Midlatitude Jet Variability and Responses to Climate Change–Like Thermal Forcings

AbstractStudies have suggested that the persistence in the meridional vacillation of the midlatitude jet (i.e., annular mode time scale) in comprehensive climate models is related to the model biases in climatological jet latitude, with important implications for projections of future climates and midlatitude weather events. Through the use of the recently developed finite-amplitude wave activity formalism and feedback quantifying techniques, this paper has quantified the role of barotropic and baroclinic eddy feedbacks in annular mode time scales using an idealized dry atmospheric model.The eddy–mean flow interaction that characterizes the persistent anomalous state of the midlatitude jet depends on processes associated with the lower-tropospheric source of vertically propagating Rossby waves, baroclinic mechanisms, and processes associated with upper-tropospheric wave propagation and breaking, barotropic mechanisms. A variety of climate change–like thermal forcings are used to generate a range of meridi.
Power optimization, network coding and decision fusion in multi-access relay networks

Multi-access relay (MAR) assisted communication appears in various applications such as hierarchical wireless sensor networks (WSN), two-way relay channels (TWRC) etc. since it provides a high speed and reliable communication with considerably large coverage. In this thesis, we develop the optimal power allocation, network coding and information fusion techniques to improve the performance of MAR channel by considering certain criterion (e.g., minimizing the average symbol error rate (SER) or maximizing the average sum-rate. For this purpose, we first derive optimal information fusion rules for hierarchical WSNs with the use of complete channel state information (CSI) and the partial CSI using channel statistics (CS) with the exact phase information. Later, we investigate the optimization of the MAR channel that employs complex field network coding (CFNC), where we have used two different metrics during the optimization: achievable sum rate and SER bound of the network under the assumption of receiver CSI. After that, we formulate the optimal power allocation problem to maximize the achievable sum rate of the MAR with decode and forward relaying while considering fairness among users in terms of their average achievable information rates under the constraints on the total power and network geometry. We show that this problem is non-convex and nonlinear, and obtain an analytical solution by properly dividing parameter space into four regions. Then, we derive an average SER bound for the CFNC coded MAR channel and aim to jointly optimize the CFNC and the relay power by minimizing SER bound under the total power constraint, which we prove as a convex program that cannot be solved analytically since the Karush-Khun-Tucker (KKT) conditions result in highly nonlinearity equations. Following that, we devise an iterative method to obtain SER optimal solutions which uses the information theoretical rate optimal analytical solution during the initialization and we show that this speeds up the convergence of the iterative method as compared to equal power allocation scheme. Next, we integrate CFNC into WSNs that operate over non-orthogonal communication channel, and derive optimal fusion rule accordingly, combine the SER bound minimization and the average rate-fairness ideas to come up with an approximate analytical method to jointly optimize CFNC and the relay power. Simulation results show that the proposed methods outperform the conventional methods in terms of the detection probability, achievable average sum-rate or average SER.
Development of Learning Devices Oriented Model Eliciting Activities to Improve Mathematical Problem Solving Ability Junior High School Students

This study aims to develop a learning device-oriented model of eliciting activities (MEA) tested the validity and effectiveness to improve mathematical problem solving ability junior high school students of class VII. This type of research is the development of learning devices with 4-D models of Thiagarajan which consists of four phases: 1) define; 2) design; 3) develop; and 4) disseminate. The subjects were students of SMPN 17 Medan. The results showed that the learning device classified both criteria that meets the requirements of validity and effective. MEA implementation-oriented learning device can improve students' mathematical problem solving ability SMPN 17.
A computational model of spasticity based on a decoupling of the alpha and gamma efferents

A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF SPASTICITY BASED ON A DECOUPLING OF THE ALPHA AND GAMMA EFFERENTS by Bruno A. Mantilla It is generally accepted that spasticity results from changes in the excitability of the stretch reflex. This change lowers the threshold of the motoneurons of the spinal cord where the integration of a signal from velocity/position sensors is processed and then fed back to the contracting muscle (alpha-extrafusal and gamma-intrafusal fibers). The stretch reflex depends on the initial length of the muscle, the stretch velocity and voluntary activity. The exact sequence of the triggering events remains unknown, is poorly understood and as a result is controversial. The clinical classification scales are mainly subjective and by definition, inaccurate. This computational model of spasticity is based on the concept of the existence of a normal neuromuscular control coupling function, which ordinarily encloses the extrafusal and intrafusal fibers, and explains the spasticity as a result of the uncoupling of this normal mechanism. The model involves mechanical parameters and basic neuromuscular control theory. A COMPUTATIONAL MODEL OF SPASTICITY BASED ON A DECOUPLING OF THE ALPHA AND GAMMA EFFERENTS by Bruno A. Mantilla A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of New Jersey Institute of Technology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering Department of Biomedical Engineering
Use of the Bone-Anchored Cochlear Stimulator (Baha) and Satisfaction among Long-Term Users

The bone-anchored cochlear stimulator (Baha system) has been successfully used in the rehabilitation of patients with conductive/mixed hearing loss and unilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, more commonly known as single-sided deafness (SSD). Review of the literature revealed improvement in measured Baha-aided thresholds when compared to unaided responses. Only a few patient satisfaction studies in the literature reﬂect long-term follow-up ﬁndings. This article reviews the efﬁcacy of Baha in a variety of patient diagnoses and reports on preliminary results of long-term patient satisfaction with Baha in 11 patients. A questionnaire was developed for this study that examines several dimensions of Baha use and practicality. The participants used the device for more than 1 year and responded to the questionnaire in writing or by telephone survey. The 30-item questionnaire probed several areas of interest: hearing performance; listening in groups; listening to music; localization; listening in large venues; and the pragmatic use of the device, such as requiring assistance to insert or remove the device, Baha satisfaction, sequelae to surgery, and change in participation limitation. For questions 1 to 30, the participant was asked to respond to the questions on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (disagree strongly) to 5 (agree strongly) or to indicate ‘‘not applicable. ’’ Nine additional questions explored whether the participants had other signiﬁcant vision or medical conditions that might have an inﬂuence on the ability to adjust to Baha use.
Relationship between Expectations and Satisfaction for Baha Implant System in Patients with Single-Sided Deafness

The Baha auditory osseointegrated implant system is gaining clinical acceptance as an alternative treatment option for patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). As satisfaction is related to expectations, if postﬁtting performance with the Baha matches or exceeds initial expectations, the patient may consider this management a success and have satisfaction with treatment outcome. In contrast, unrealistically high preoperative expectations for this management approach may result in dissatisfaction if performance falls short after the sound processor is ﬁtted. The present study explores the relationship be-tween preﬁtting expectations and postﬁtting satisfaction in a sample of 10 patients with acquired unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The Expected Consequences of Hearing Aid Ownership (ECHO) questionnaire was administered before ﬁtting the Baha, and its companion questionnaire, namely the Satisfaction with Ampliﬁcation in Daily Life (SADL), was administered at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postﬁtting. No signiﬁcant differences were observed between the ECHO and SADL administrations. Scatter plots were generated to examine the relationship between expectations and satisfaction. Overall, patients were more satisﬁed with Baha use than initially expected, and satisfaction was maintained over an 18-month period. Establishment of initial realistic expectations and ongoing counseling are highlighted as essential components of the rehabilitation process when using Baha implantable technology in the management of patients with SSD.
Two-scale models for reactive transport and evolving microstructure

Reactive transport in materials with a complex microstructure is a phenomenon that frequently occurs in nature and in technical applications. An example are chemical reactions taking place in the pores of concrete structures. Since these processes are highly influenced by the geometry of the microstructure, it is a difficult task to understand and predict their behaviour on a macroscopic scale. It has been shown by periodic homogenisation that for certain situations two-scale models are appropriate. Periodic homogenisation is an averaging method that is limited to a uniform and constant microstructure. However, in general a porous medium contains multiple phases that evolve in time. For instance, the air–water mixture in an unsaturated porous medium varies due to chemical reactions or non-constant boundary conditions. In certain applications, such effects need to be captured in a mathematical model. In this thesis, two-scale models are formulated for reactive transport in a porous medium with an evolving phase configuration. The reaction–diffusion problem is motivated by a chemical degradation process in concrete structures. The model equations are formally derived from a pore-scale model by homogenisation, but are defined on a time-dependent geometry. Two different settings are considered: In the first one, the evolution of the pore geometry is independent of the reaction–diffusion process and can be considered as a-priori given. This leads to a semilinear two-scale system of parabolic PDEs. In the second setting, the pore water evolves due to the reaction itself, which results in a quasilinear model. Using a transformation to a reference configuration, it is proven that both two-scale models are well-posed. A simple numerical implementation that works with both settings is suggested and validated. The qualitative behaviour of the solutions of the two-scale models are illustrated for an academic example. In summary, the results give a solid theoretical fundament for further important tasks such as the identification of model parameters or the design of efficient numerical algorithms suitable for real-world applications.
Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis of Dialysis Access Grafts Using the MTI Castañeda Over-the-Wire Brush Catheter and Reteplase

Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PMT) has emerged as an alternate treatment used in most patients presenting with a thrombosed hemodialysis graft. Although the gold standard, surgical revision of thrombosed hemodialysis grafts is reserved for those cases of recurrent thrombosis despite the use of percutaneous techniques and for complicated cases after PMT. Nevertheless, as for every other procedure, PMT has its own set of limitations and cost issues. New mechanical devices have begun to emerge on the market to help accelerate clot dissolution with or without thrombolytic medications. These devices have decreased the time required to lyse clot and decrease the overall cost of percutaneous treatment. This article describes the use of the Microtherapeutics, Inc. (MTI) Castañeda over-the-wire brush and our experience with this device in the treatment of the clotted hemodialysis graft.
Neural Encoding of Speech and Music: Implications for Hearing Speech in Noise

Understanding speech in a background of competing noise is challenging, especially for individuals with hearing loss or deﬁcits in auditory processing ability. The ability to hear in background noise cannot be predicted from the audiogram, an assessment of peripheral hearing ability; therefore, it is important to consider the impact of central and cognitive factors on speech-in-noise perception. Auditory processing in complex environments is reﬂected in neural encoding of pitch, timing, and timbre, the crucial elements of speech and music. Musical expertise in processing pitch, timing, and timbre may transfer to enhancements in speech-in-noise perception due to shared neural pathways for speech and music. Through cognitive-sensory interactions, musicians develop skills enabling them to selectively listen to relevant signals embedded in a network of melodies and harmonies, and this experience leads in turn to enhanced ability to focus on one voice in a background of other voices. Here we review recent work examining the biological mechanisms of speech and music perception and the potential for musical experience to ameliorate speech-in-noise listening difﬁculties.
The anisotropic size effect of the electrical resistivity of metal thin films: Tungsten

The resistivity of nanoscale metallic conductors is orientation dependent, even if the bulk resistivity is isotropic and electron scattering cross-sections are independent of momentum, surface orientation, and transport direction. This is demonstrated using a combination of electron transport measurements on epitaxial tungsten layers in combination with transport simulations based on the ab initio predicted electronic structure, showing that the primary reason for the anisotropic size effect is the non-spherical Fermi surface. Electron surface scattering causes the resistivity of epitaxial W(110) and W(001) layers measured at 295 and 77 K to increase as the layer thickness decreases from 320 to 4.5 nm. However, the resistivity is larger for W(001) than W(110) which, if describing the data with the classical Fuchs-Sondheimer model, yields an effective electron mean free path λ* for bulk electron-phonon scattering that is nearly a factor of two smaller for the 110 vs the 001-oriented layers, with λ(011)*= 1.
LISA Pathfinder: an experimental analysis of the LPF free-fall performance

The wave observatory requires free-falling test masses that serve as refer­ ences of geodesic motion to within a residual stray acceleration of 3 fm/s2 J v'Hz at frequencies above 0.1 mHz. The LISA Pathfinder (LPF) mission is dedicated to demonstrating the tech­ nology of free-falling test masses at a level close to the LISA goal. This article addresses the experimentally-based performance analysis for the LPF measurement of differential test mass acceleration noise, including a discussion of the applicability of the LPF results to the LISA mission.
From Outcomes to Evidence: Establishing Best Practices for Audiologists

One of the major challenges in health care today is to ensure optimum outcomes for patients presenting with similar problems no matter where or from whom they receive their treatment. One of our objectives as clinicians, and as a profession, should be to capture and systemize the practices that lead to the best outcomes and eliminate those that result in less than optimal results. Fortunately, there are methods to assist us in achieving this goal. This article reviews these methods through examining how we can use outcome measures and evidence-based practice principles to establish best clinical practices in audiology. Although the focus of this review is on hearing aid–related intervention, the principles discussed are applicable to all aspects of audiologic diagnostics and treatment.
Equivalence between a Gravity Field and an Unruh Acceleration Temperature Field as a Possible Clue to “Dark Matter”

Einstein’s equivalence principle allows one to compare the magnitudes of a gravitational acceleration field with the magnitudes of a field of Unruh acceleration temperatures. The validity of such a comparison is demonstrated by using it to derive the effective Hawking black body radiation at a Schwarzschild black hole horizon. One can then extend the black hole thought experiment to a Hawking-Unruh temperature equation expressed in terms of the Schwarzschild radius. This follows an inverse radius law rather than an inverse radius-squared law. Following a brief discussion of current theoretical failures to explain galactic rotation curves, the Unruh acceleration temperature equations are brought together to show how a rotating supermassive black hole galactic system should follow an inverse radius rule of centripetal gravitational force and centripetal acceleration. This result appears to indicate that galactic observations currently attributed to dark matter may in part be attributed to classical Newtonian dynamics superimposed on a relativistic rotating system powered by a supermassive black hole.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in the Management of Refractory Ascites

The purpose of this article is to describe the pathophysiological basis for the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites, the short-and long-term hemodynamic, biochemical, and hormonal changes after TIPS, and the results of controlled trials of TIPS in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. TIPS placement is associated with normalization of sinusoidal pressure and a signiﬁcant improvement in urinary sodium excretion that correlates with suppression of plasma renin activity (indicative of an improvement in effective arterial blood volume). Although effective in preventing the recurrence of ascites, the efﬁcacy of TIPS is offset by an increase in the incidence of severe hepatic encephalopathy, a high incidence of shunt dysfunction, and a higher cost without an overall survival beneﬁt, which should be reevaluated in light of polytetraﬂuoroethylene-covered stents. TIPS placement is currently indicated in selected cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites who require more than two to three large-volume paracenteses per month.
Alcohol and Iron

Iron in its free ferrous and ferric states may serve as a physiological regulator of normal intracellular functions but can be a double-edged sword when linked to several pathways of cellular toxicity. In particular, oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity leading to both necrosis and apoptosis (so-called necrapoptosis) may be promoted by increased intracellular free iron. When hepatocyte iron accumulates to excess in clinical alcohol abuse or in an experimental, combined model of iron and alcohol hepatotoxicity, there is evidence for synergy among the putative pathways of oxidative stress. Just how excess hepatocyte iron accumulates in alcohol excess is unknown, but when the usual safe harbor for intracellular iron, namely the endosomal-lysosomal compartment, is compromised, it becomes a potent source of free, chelatable pro-oxidant iron. In this regard excess iron in alcohol-induced liver damage and alcohol excess in iron-overload disease are powerful cocktails promoting subcellular organelle damage leading to cell death and ﬁbrogenesis. In some experimental circumstances, only the combined insults of both alcohol and iron overload are capable of inducing cell injury and ﬁbrogenesis. There are clinical examples for such relative resistance to each hepatotoxin presented to the liver in isolation that lend support to this concept of synergy of pro-oxidant pathways of liver injury.
Optimization of Sea Surface Current Retrieval Using a Maximum Cross-Correlation Technique on Modeled Sea Surface Temperature

Using sea surface temperature from satellite images to retrieve sea surface currents is not a new idea, but so far its operational near-real-time implementation has not been possible. Validation studies are too region specific or uncertain, sometimes because of the satellite images themselves. Moreover, the sensitivity of the most common retrieval method, the maximum cross correlation, to the parameters that have to be set is unknown. Using model outputs instead of satellite images, biases induced by this method are assessed here, for four different seas of western Europe, and the best of nine settings and eight temporal resolutions are determined. The regions with strong currents return the most accurate results when tracking a 20-km pattern between two images separated by 6-9 h. The regions with weak currents favor a smaller pattern and a shorter time interval, although their main problem is not inaccurate results but missing results: where the velocity is too low to be picked by the retrieval. The results are not impaired by the restrictions imposed by ocean surface current dynamics and available satellite technology, indicating that automated sea surface current retrieval from sea surface temperature images is feasible, for pollution confinement, search and rescue, and even for more energy-efficient and comfortable ship navigation.