Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Ear-EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface using Concentration Level for Control

Ear-EEG is an alternative EEG acquisition method to the scalp-EEG conventionally used in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). It is a more comfortable, discreet, and fashionable method comparing to the scalp-EEG. This work proposes an Ear-EEG-based BCI system that detects and utilizes the concentration level as the BCI signal. The experiments conducted in this study shows that the concentration level can be detected from the Ear-EEG acquiring around the user's ears. In the online experiment, our BCI system achieve the average true positive rate of 83% with the performance time of 3.98 seconds and false discovery rate of 16%. This study serves as another proof that Ear-EEG is a reliable EEG acquisition method especially for the BCI system that aims for the daily-life applications for normal healthy users.
Sources of linear and non-linear synchrony between brain and muscles: Linear and non-linear CMC sources

This manuscript shows that it is possible to find distinct sources of brain activity, at similar frequencies, arising from linear and non-linear interactions of the brain with the muscular system. Those sources were obtained by maximizing coherence between multivariate signals recorded from brain and a single channel from the muscles. To find linear phase synchrony we used unrectified electromyographic recordings, whereas to de-mix nonlinear sources, we used rectified muscular measurements. In order to obtain the brain sources, we employed a recently published method called “cacoh”” that is able to maximize coherence over the complete frequency range of interest and simultaneously find patterns of sources for each them. Our results show that cortico- muscular interactions even at the same frequency range can have spatially distinct neuronal sources depending on whether interactions had linear or non-linear character.
Identification of Risk Factors for Postoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage and Comparison of Two Alternative Dural Augmentation Techniques in Posterior Fossa and Spinal Surgeries.

AIM Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common and potentially harmful complication of neurosurgical procedures. Studies with various dural sealants showed contradictory results in preventing CSF leakage. Here, we aimed to investigate comparative efficacy of a novel absorbable adhesive membrane (TissuePatchDural "TPD") and a fibrin glue (Tisseel "T") in reducing CSF leaks after posterior fossa and spinal procedures, and also to identify potential risk factors for CSF leakage. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 123 consecutive posterior fossa (n=77) and spinal (n=46) surgeries. Patients were grouped based on dural sealants used: 2-group comparison: TPD (n=56) vs no-TPD (n=67) and 3-group comparison: T only (n=43), TPD only (n=32) vs TPD+T (n=35). RESULTS Mean age was 38.9 ±22.2 years (62M, 61F). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Neither 2-group (TPD: 10.4% vs no-TPD: 8.9%; p=0.778) nor 3-group (T: 9.3% vs TPD: 6.3% vs TPD+T: 14.3%; p=0.539) comparisons revealed a significant difference in postoperative CSF leakage rates. Multivariate analysis showed that diagnosis (non-tumoral vs tumor) (OR: 5.487; 95% CI: 1.118-26.937; p=0.036); previous surgery (OR: 9.268; 95% CI: 1.911-44.958; p=0.006), postoperative hydrocephalus (OR: 5.456; 95% CI: 1.250-23.821; p=0.024) were independent predictors of postoperative CSF leakage. CONCLUSION TissuePatchDural is a novel dural sealant patch which can be safely used to reinforce dural closure in posterior fossa and spinal surgeries, and its efficacy is comparable to widely used fibrin glue (Tisseel). Non-tumoral pathologies, previous surgery, and postoperative hydrocephalus appear to be independent risk factors for postoperative CSF leakage.
Size-numerosity interaction depends retinal rather than perceived size

Walsh [1] has put forward an interesting theory ‘A Theory of Magnitude’ (AToM), which propounds shared visual processes for various quantity perceptions such as time, space and number. Supporting the AToM, the number of dots surrounded by smaller circles are perceived to be more numerous than dots surrounded by larger circles [2]. To examine the processing level of this size-numerosity interaction, we used the flash-lag effect, where a flashed stimulus appears to lag gradually changing stimuli, and dissociated physical from perceived size of surrounding stimuli. In the experiments, dots appeared at various timings relative to shrinking or expanding circles. In Experiment 1, participants judged the size of the surrounding circles at the time when the dots appeared. The dots perceptually lagged the changing circles about 250 ms (flash-lag effect). In Experiment 2, participants reported the number of dots. The perceived-lag between dots and surrounding circles did not affect the numerosity perception of the dots. These results suggest that the modulation of numerosity perception depends on the retinal rather than perceived size of surrounding circles and the interaction between size and numerosity perception involves visual processes earlier than perceptual registration of size of modulating stimuli.
First Compton imaging tests with i-TED

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the Compton imaging capabilities of a novel gamma-ray Total-Energy Detector called i-TED. The latter is intended for neutron-capture cross-sections measurements of astrophysical interest, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity by means of the simultaneous combination of Time-of-Flight with Compton-imaging techniques. The developed i-TED demonstrator comprises five position-sensitive radiation detection modules of high energy resolution, which feature an overall position-sensitive field-of-view of 125 cm2, and thus a high efficiency. Each detector module is based on 50x50 mm2 large LaCl3(Ce) monolithic crystals optically coupled to 8x8 pixels silicon photomultipliers. In previous works we have investigated the attainable energy resolution (~3.92(3)% at 662 keV) and spatial resolution (1-3 mm FWHM) for the detectors used in i-TED. In this work we present first Compton imaging tests carried out with i-TED and report on the interplay between scatter-absorber distance, image resolution and efficiency. This is an important aspect for the future implementation of i-TED in (n,γ) cross-section measurements, where a balance between efficiency and angular resolution has to be found, in order to optimize measuring time and background rejection. Finally, a discussion focused on the technique and scope of the project will be given.
Die to Wafer Direct Hybid Bonding Demonstration with High Alignment Accuracy and Electrical Yields

Die-To-Wafer (D2W) direct hybrid bonding is foreseen as a major breakthrough for the future of 3D components; however, its industrialization rises some additional challenges compared to Wafer-To-Wafer processing. This paper presents a 300mm wafer complete solution developed at LETI to improve bonding yield of D2W hybrid bonding using copper interconnections until the assessment of the electrical performances thanks to a dedicated 300mm electrical test vehicle and robust stacking system. Stackings with +/-1. 5μm accuracy and excellent bonding interface have been obtained (80% bonding yield). After stacking and annealing, the die can be thinned down to 10μm without damage. Electrical yield measured on daisy-chains with more than 20.000 connections present more than 75% yield and shown very limited drift after preliminary environmental reliability tests. All these results confirmed the high industrial potential of D2W hybrid bonding technology.
Demonstration of Intensity Modulation in Hybrid Photonic Crystal Laser

The possibility of direct intensity modulation in hybrid photonic crystal laser is reported under single-mode operation via an external fabry-perot filter. 21 dB extinction ratio was achieved in the output power of the hybrid photonic crystal laser, corresponding to DC switch voltage of 0.35 V, while bias was applied to a PhC integrated with p-n junction, was achieved.
An Improved Vector Control Strategy of VSC-HVDC Connected to Weak Power Grid

Voltage-sourced converter (VSC) based high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system has been widely employed in recent years. However, the transmission power of VSC-HVDC is limited when connected to a weak power grid. The mechanism and solution of this phenomenon are still the focus of current research. In this paper, the linear mathematical model of outer loop control of VSC including phase-locked loop is firstly established, then instability of VSC-HVDC connection in weak current network is proved by small signal model, and the interaction between active and reactive power rings is analyzed. It is concluded that the increase of the reactive loop response speed is beneficial to improve the stability of the system, and therefore an improved control strategy is proposed in this paper. Effectiveness of the method to improve the power transmission limit and the correctness of the analysis are verified in PSCAD/EMTDC.
A Novel Single Valued Neutrosophic Hesitant Fuzzy Time Series Model: Applications in Indonesian and Argentinian Stock Index Forecasting

This paper proposed a novel first-order single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy time series (SVNHFTS) forecasting model. Our aim is to improve the previously proposed neutrosophic time series (NTS) model by incorporating the degree of the hesitancy using single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set (SVNHFS) model instead of single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS). Our paper’s novelty is that we incorporate an algorithm that automatically converts the crisp dataset into the neutrosophic set that eliminates the need for experts’ input or opinions in determining the membership in each of the partitioned neutrosophic set. We also incorporate Markov Chain algorithm in the de-neutrosophication process to include the weightage of the repeating neutrosophic logical relationships (NLRs). Our paper’s significant contribution is to add to the existing body of knowledge related to fuzzy time series (FTS) by developing a new FTS model based on SVNHFS, one of the improved version of fuzzy sets, since this area of research is still relatively underdeveloped. To determine our proposed model’s capability, we apply our proposed SVNHFTS model to three real datasets while also comparing the result to the other FTS models based on improved versions of fuzzy sets. Our datasets include benchmark enrollment data of University of Alabama, IDX Composite (Indonesian composite stock index), and MERVAL index (Argentinian composite stock index). The result shows that our proposed SVNHFTS model outperforms most of the other FTS models in terms of AFE and RMSE, especially the previously proposed NTS model.
The Relationship Between Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypes and Biofilm Formation Capacity in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii

Background: Understanding of the biological factors responsible for prevalence and persistence of Acinetobacter baumannii in hospital settings is critical to prevent and control the corresponding nosocomial infections. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate whether the biofilm-forming ability is associated with the emergence of different antibiotic resistance phenotypes [multidrug resistance (MDR)/extensively drug resistance (XDR) and non-MDR] of A. baumannii. Methods: The capacities of biofilm formation in 80 clinical A. baumannii strains isolated from hospitalized burn patients in Bushehr, Iran, were assessed using the crystal violet staining. Results: The statistical analysis of the relationship between biofilm-forming ability and antibiotic resistance phenotypes among all clinical A. baumannii strains using one-way ANOVA test indicated that biofilm formation capacity of non-MDR A. baumannii isolates was significantly higher than that of MDR and XDR ones (P < 0.001), suggesting an inverse relationship between biofilm formation capacity and the acquisition of MDR/XDR phenotypes. Major international clonal types (ICI and ICII) also exhibited such a significant relationship (P < 0.0001). However, the investigation of A. baumannii IC variants showed no significant relationship between these phenotypes. Conclusions: Given that non-MDR A. baumannii isolates in major IC types were observed to form a strong biofilm compared to MDR/XDR ones, it seems that biofilm may play a key role in the persistence and survival of A. baumannii isolates with an inadequate level of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the results showed that the relationship between biofilm and antibiotic resistance phenotypes might be affected by the IC types (major IC types or IC variants).
An EMD based approach for Saliency Detection in Multimedia Data

The advancement of multimedia technology has increased the problem of its storage, transmission and display etc. As this multimedia data is mostly targeted to humans, multimedia researchers are working in field of incorporation of human’s perception, action related abilities. Detection of interesting content in images or videos based on human’s attention-based perspective is termed as Saliency. Various existing popular methods which have been used for saliency estimation were based on techniques like Difference of Gradients (DoG), K1 Divergence. These methods are time consuming and are applicable on selected parts of input only. This causes need to find a better approach which should be time-efficient and provides better results. In this paper Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) based approach is adopted with bottom-up features-based saliency estimation for image and video data. Result shows that incorporation of EMD which is based on calculating histogram differences to find minimal cost incurred in transforming input data as close as output data, provides better results in terms of time consumption.
Current Distribution and Input Impedance of an Insulated Linear Antenna in an Anisotropic Plasma

In this article, a new analytical method is proposed to solve the current distribution and input impedance of an insulated linear antenna in a homogeneous anisotropic ionosphere over a very low-frequency (VLF: 3–30 kHz) range. Due to the presence of the insulating layer, both the boundary conditions and the kernel function of the antenna are more complicated. The determination of the wave number $k_{L}$ requires extra analytical techniques, as the pole equation satisfied by $k_{L}$ will include both the ordinary and extraordinary waves. Computations show that for insulating layers of small thickness, the amplitude coefficient increases with the plasma density. However, if the insulation is sufficiently thick, then the coefficient will only be slightly affected by the plasma parameters. It is, thus, inferred that an insulating layer tends to make the antenna characteristics less dependent on the ambient plasma and, thus, more predictable. In addition, it is found that the input impedance of the antenna significantly increases with the insulation thickness. Calculations of driving-point admittances are presented for two case studies and compared with existing analytical work and the simulation results. Finally, this article may provide some heuristic support for designing VLF space-borne insulated linear antennas.
Study of Characteristics of Ce-doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 Scintillator

Recently developed Cerium-doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 (GAGG:Ce) is a promising scintillation material for nuclear and high energy physics radiation detection. The GAGG:Ce scintillator has a good energy resolution and fast decay time. A sample of GAGG:Ce was processed into 5×5×5 mm3 and polished. The photoluminescence properties were measured in our lab. The emission spectrum is peaked around 380 nm and 520 nm. The transmission of GAGG:Ce is higher than 80% at 520 nm. The afterglow of Ce-doped scintillator shows the count rate is about 150 Hz after few hours, which is higher than dark count rate of photomultiplier tube (PMT) due to thermoluminescence. In addition, the energy resolution and decay time of GAGG:Ce were studied. The results show that the GAGG:Ce scintillator has a good energy resolution by optimizing measurement conditions. Last but not least, the fast component of decay time was found.
Effect of Substrate Choice on Transient Performance of Lateral GaN FETs

This brief presents a study on the effect of substrate choice on the performance of lateral GaN transistors. This is accomplished using a previously calibrated TCAD model of the device which was used to investigate the effect of substrate choice on capacitance-voltage characteristics of the device. It is shown in simulation that <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${C} _{\mathrm{ GD}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${C} _{\mathrm{ DS}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> have a demonstrable dependence on substrate selection and is consistent with expectations regarding the substrate materials conductivity. The device model was then used in transient simulation where the choice of substrate was shown to noticeably affect the model’s turn-on and turn-off energy.
Assortativity Properties of Scale-Free Networks

Nodes distribution by degrees is the most important characteristic of complex networks, but not comprehensive one. While degree distribution is a first order graph metric, the assortativity is a second order one. Assortativity coefficient is a measure of a tendency for nodes in networks to connect with similar or dissimilar ones in some way. As a simplest case, assortative mixing is considered according to nodes degree. In general, degree distribution forms an essential restriction both on the network structure and on assortativity coefficient boundaries. The problem of determining the structure of SF- networks having an extreme assortativity coefficient is considered. The estimates of boundaries for assortativity coefficient have been found. It was found, that these boundaries are as wider as scaling factor of SF-model is far from one of BA-model. In addition, the boundaries are narrowing with increasing the network size.
Relationships Between Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle Size, Plasma Lipoproteins, and Progression of Coronary Artery Disease

Background— The Diabetes Atherosclerosis Intervention Study showed that treatment with fenofibrate decreases progression of coronary atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes. We determined whether on-treatment plasma lipid concentrations and LDL particle size contribute to the favorable effect of fenofibrate on the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and Results— A total of 418 subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to 200 mg micronized fenofibrate daily or placebo. The mean follow-up time was 39.6 months. LDL peak particle diameter (LDL size) was determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis from 405 subjects at baseline and at the end of the study. Progression of CAD was measured with quantitative coronary angiography. LDL size increased significantly more in the fenofibrate group than in the placebo group (0.98±1.04 versus 0.32±0.92 nm, P<0.001). In the combined group, small LDL size was significantly associated with progression of CAD measured as the.
LTE-LAA and WiFi in 5G NR Unlicensed: Fairness, Optimization and Win-Win Solution

LTE Licensed Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) has been considered as a promising solution for harmonious coexistence with WiFi in the 5G NR Unlicensed. In this paper, we study the open question of how to adaptively tune system parameters to maximize the total network sum rate with the prerequisite that the 3GPP notion of fairness is guaranteed between LAA and WiFi in LTE-WiFi-coexisting networks. Explicit expressions of the maximum network sum rate and the corresponding optimal initial backoff window sizes of WiFi nodes and LAA UEs are obtained, and verified by simulation results. The analysis further shows that there exists a win-win solution for LAA design, where not only the 3GPP fairness can always be maintained, but the new-installed LTE-WiFi coexisting network can outperform a legacy WiFi network as well. To achieve it, the transmission opportunity (TXOP) of LAA needs to exceed a certain threshold. The analysis provides direct guidance for network optimization and protocol design for LTE-LAA and WiFi coexistence.
Thin interface limit of the double-sided phase-field model with convection

The thin interface limit of the phase-field model is extended to include transport via melt convection. A double-sided model (equal diffusivity in liquid and solid phases) is considered for the present analysis. For the coupling between phase-field and Navier–Stokes equations, two commonly used schemes are investigated using a matched asymptotic analysis: (i) variable viscosity and (ii) drag force model. While for the variable viscosity model, the existence of a thin interface limit can be shown up to the second order in the expansion parameter, difficulties arise in satisfying no-slip boundary condition at this order for the drag force model. Nevertheless, detailed numerical simulations in two dimensions show practically no difference in dendritic growth profiles in the presence of forced melt flow obtained for the two coupling schemes. This suggests that both approaches can be used for the purpose of numerical simulations. Simulation results are also compared to analytic theory, showing excellent agreement for weak flow. Deviations at higher fluid velocities are discussed in terms of the underlying theoretical assumptions. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Patterns in soft and biological matters’.
Prevalence of post-traumatic musculoskeletal disorders among the Rana Plaza tragedy patients.

v CHAPTERI: INTRODUCTION 1-10 1.1 Background Information 1-5 1.2 Rational 6 1.3 Research question 7 1.4 Objective 8 1.5 List of Variable 9 1.6 Operational definition 10 CHAPTERII: LITERATURE REVIEW 1119 CHAPTERIII: METHODOLOGY 20 24