Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Soft Robotic Glove for Hand Function Assistance in Stroke Survivors

Various robotic exoskeletons have been proposed for hand function assistance during activities of daily living (ADL) of stroke survivors. However, traditional exoskeletons involve the use of complex rigid systems that impede the natural movement of joints, and thus reduce the wearability and cause discomfort to the user. The objective of this paper is to design and evaluate a soft robotic glove that is able to provide hand function assistance using fabric-reinforced soft pneumatic actuators. These actuators are made of silicone rubber which has an elastic modulus similar to human tissues. Thus, they are intrinsically soft and compliant. Upon air pressurization, they are able to support finger range of motion (ROM) and generate the desired actuation of the finger joints. In this work, the soft actuators were characterized in terms of their blocked tip force, normal and frictional grip force outputs. Combining the soft actuators and flexible textile materials, a soft robotic glove was developed for grasping assistance during ADL for stroke survivors. The glove was evaluated on five healthy participants for its assisted ROM and grip strength. Pilot test was performed in two stroke survivors to evaluate the efficacy of the glove in assisting functional grasping activities. Our results demonstrated that the actuators designed in this study could generate desired force output at a low air pressure. The glove had a high kinematic transparency and did not affect the active ROM of the finger joints when it was being worn by the participants. With the assistance of the glove, the participants were able to perform grasping actions with sufficient assisted ROM and grip strength, without any voluntary effort. Additionally, pilot test on stroke survivors demonstrated that the patient's grasping performance improved with the presence and assistance of the glove. Patient feedback questionnaires also showed high level of patient satisfaction and comfort. In conclusion, this paper has demonstrated the possibility of using soft wearable exoskeletons that are more wearable, lightweight, and suitable to be used on a daily basis for hand function assistance of stroke survivors during activities of daily living.
06-003 Adaptive importance sampling for probabilistic validation of advanced driver assistance systems

We present an approach for validation of advanced driver assistance systems, based on randomized algorithms. The new method consists of an iterative randomized simulation using adaptive importance sampling. The randomized algorithm is more efficient than conventional simulation techniques. The importance sampling pdf is estimated by a kernel density estimate, based on the results from the previous iteration. The concept is illustrated with a simple adaptive cruise control problem.
A calibration method for proposed XRF measurements of arsenic and selenium in nail clippings

A calibration method for proposed x-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements of arsenic and selenium in nail clippings is demonstrated. Phantom nail clippings were produced from a whole nail phantom (0.7 mm thickness, 25 × 25 mm2 area) and contained equal concentrations of arsenic and selenium ranging from 0 to 20 µg g−1 in increments of 5 µg g−1. The phantom nail clippings were then grouped in samples of five different masses: 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg for each concentration. Experimental x-ray spectra were acquired for each of the sample masses using a portable x-ray tube and a detector unit. Calibration lines (XRF signal in a number of counts versus stoichiometric elemental concentration) were produced for each of the two elements. A semi-empirical relationship between the mass of the nail phantoms (m) and the slope of the calibration line (s) was determined separately for arsenic and selenium. Using this calibration method, one can estimate elemental concentrations and their uncertainties from the XRF spectra of human nail clippings.
Functional characterization of the Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA

The protein phosphatase calcineurin is an important mediator connecting calcium‐dependent signalling to various cellular responses in multiple organisms. In fungi calcineurin acts largely through regulating Crz1p‐like transcription factors. Here we characterize an Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA and demonstrate its mediation of cellular tolerance to increased concentrations of calcium and manganese. In addition to acute sensitivitiy to these ions, and decreased conidiation, the crzA null mutant suffers altered expression of calcium transporter mRNAs under high concentrations of calcium, and loss of virulence when compared with the corresponding complemented and wild‐type strains. We use multiple expression analyses to probe the transcriptional basis of A. fumigatus calcium tolerance identifying several genes having calA and/or crzA dependent mRNA accumulation patterns. We also demonstrate that contrary to previous findings, the gene encoding the Aspergillus nidulans calcineurin subunit homologue, cnaA, is not essential and that the cnaA deletion mutant shares the morphological phenotypes observed in the corresponding A. fumigatus mutant, ΔcalA. Exploiting the A. nidulans model system, we have linked calcineurin activity with asexual developmental induction, finding that CrzA supports appropriate developmental induction in a calcineurin and brlA‐dependent manner in both species.
Dual-isotope protocol for indium-111 capromab pendetide monoclonal antibody imaging.

OBJECTIVE A dual-isotope imaging protocol using 99mTc-labeled red blood cells with 111In capromab pendetide monoclonal antibody imaging for detective and localizing nodal metastasis in prostate cancer is described. METHODS This protocol involves a single SPECT acquisition that is less time consuming and more comfortable for the patient than the currently recommended method, which requires two separate SPECT acquisitions performed on different days. RESULTS Forty patients were studied with the dual-isotope protocol. Preliminary data suggest increased accuracy compared with the single-isotope technique. CONCLUSION The dual-isotope technique assures the precise image registration needed for accurate comparison of blood pool and pelvic lymph node activity that is required for confident and accurate image interpretation.
THE IMPACTS OF PHILANTHROPY RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD CUSTOMER PURCHASE BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY

The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of philanthropy responsibility and ethical responsibility towards customer purchase behavior and customer loyalty on fast food restaurants. The research was conducted by using quantitative research design and hypothetical testing to explore philanthropic responsibility, ethical responsibility, customer purchase behavior, and customer loyalty variables. Samples were taken from 186 respondents of employee population in Jakarta. Structural equation modeling was used in order to test the proposed hypotheses. Research result showed the positive and significant impact of philanthropic responsibility towards customer purchase behavior. On contrary, there was no positive ethical responsibility impact found towards customer purchase behavior. These findings are supported by the fact that the majority of consumers purchased fast food base on impulsive buying and not driven by the fast food restaurants ethically responsible behavior. However, the research does show a positive and significant impact of customer purchase behavior on customer loyalty. Further research recommendation should be taken from more respondents in a broader population area. Companies are suggested to approach a strategic and relevant caused-related marketing and caused promotions in relation to philanthropy responsibility to increase customer purchase behavior.
Applicability of the Inclusive Wealth Index as a measure of sustainable development for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Following UNEP's global assessment of nations' sustainable development in 2012 and 2014, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) growth per capita has been negative. This study evaluates the extent to which the Inclusive Wealth Index is applicable to the nation. The study evaluates the method and makes new contributions for Saudi Arabia by adding components that had been omitted in the initial assessment, such as fisheries and minerals. The stocks for the fossil fuels had been changed to represent technically recoverable reserves, addressing the current paradox of increasing reserves. The global database sources are replaced with the local Saudi for 1999 until 2013. As a result, the new IWI is found to be closer to the 2014 report in absolute numbers and in comparable in the relative figures to the 2012 report, representing a still negative, unsustainable growth. The second part of the study looks at adapting the Inclusive Wealth Index to a subnational level, revealing large regional discrepancies between the Eastern Province and the Central regions, such as Mecca, Riyadh and Medina. Thesis Supervisor: Kenneth Strzepek Title: Research Scientist, MIT Joint Program Professor Emeritus of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, University of Boulder at Colorado Thesis Supervisor: Olivier L. de Weck Title: Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems Co-Director, Center for Complex Engineering Systems at KACST and MIT
Solution Form and Simple Iteration of a Nonsymmetric Algebraic Riccati Equation Arising in Transport Theory

We are interested in computing the minimal positive solution of a nonsymmetric algebraic Riccati equation arising in transport theory. We show that this computation can be done via computing only the minimal positive solution of a vector equation, which is derived from the special form of solutions of the Riccati equation. A simple iterative method is presented for solving the vector equation. The simple iteration is much more efficient than the Gauss--Jacobi method presented by Juang in [Linear Algebra Appl. , 230 (1995), pp. 89--100] for the Riccati equation. The symmetric case and bounds of the minimal positive solution are also considered. Numerical experiments are given.
When to Initiate Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa? A South African Cost-Effectiveness Study

Background Large-scale programmes increasing access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are being implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. However, cost-effectiveness of initiating treatment at different CD4 count thresholds has not been explored in resource-poor settings. Methods A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from a public health perspective using primary treatment outcomes, healthcare utilisation and cost data (Jan 2004 local prices; US$1=7.6 Rands) derived from the Cape Town AIDS Cohort. A Markov state-transition model was developed to estimate life-expectancy, lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), cost per life-year and QALY gained for initiating HAART at three CD4 cell count thresholds (<200/μl, 200–350/μl and >350/μl), including the no antiretroviral therapy (No-ART) alternative. Each treatment option was compared with the next most effective undominated option. Results Mean life-expectancy was 6.2, 18.8, 21.0 and 23.3 years; discounted (8%) QALYs were 3.1, 6.2, 6.7 and 7.4; and discounted lifetime costs were US$5,250, US$5,434, US$5,740, US$6,588 for No-ART, and therapy initiation at <200/μl, 200–350/μl and >350/μl scenarios respectively. Clinical benefits increased significantly with early therapy initiation. Initiating therapy at <200/μl had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$54 per QALY versus No-ART, 200–350/μl had an ICER of US$616 versus therapy initiation at <200/μl, and >350/μl had an ICER of US$1,137 versus therapy initiation at 200–350/μl ICERs were sensitive to HAART cost. Conclusions HAART is reasonably cost-effective for HIV-infected patients in South Africa, and most effective if initiated when CD4 count >200/μl. Deferring treatment to <200/μl would reduce the aggregate cost of treatment, but this should be balanced against the significant clinical benefits associated with early therapy.
Wideband Single-Layer DC-Decoupled Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) - to - Microstrip Transition Using an Interdigital Configuration

A transition from the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) to the microstrip line with built-in dc-decoupling is presented. The proposed transition has an interdigital configuration on a single layer. It features a 25% relative bandwidth with less than 0.7 dB of insertion loss and more than 15 dB of return loss.
Angry rumination and the self-regulation of aggression.

Angry rumination is an emotion regulation mechanism that requires extensive cognitive resources. Resource depletion models of self-regulation posit that self-control is a limited, renewable resource. In this chapter, I review evidence that angry rumination is capable of increasing aggressive behaviour and that this is at least partially due to increased demand on executive control mechanisms. Thus, angry rumination overwhelms self-control mechanisms, which results in aggression even toward innocent targets. Furthermore, alcohol, which is known to reduce self-regulatory capacity, exacerbates the aggression-augmenting effects of angry rumination. This holds true whether angry rumination is experimentally manipulated or examined within the context of individual differences. Individual differences in displaced aggression may be especially informative in this regard because such individuals exhibit nonaggressive, controlled behavior immediately following a provocation, yet ultimately harm innocents due to excessive angry rumination. Additional evidence from social neuroscience demonstrates that brain regions involved in executive control and emotion regulation are recruited during angry rumination, and therefore at risk for depletion.
The Plain Truth about Plain Packaging: An Econometric Analysis of the Australian 2011 Tobacco Plain Packaging Act

From December 2012 standardised packaging for tobacco products - known as 'plain packaging' - has been mandatory in Australia. This paper evaluates the preliminary evidence - in the form of ABS household expenditure on tobacco data - to establish whether the policy has been successful. Despite our econometric efforts, the data refused to yield any indication this policy has been successful; there is no empirical evidence to support the notion that the plain packaging policy has resulted in lower household expenditure on tobacco than there otherwise would have been. There is some faint evidence to suggest, ceteris paribus, household expenditure on tobacco increased.
Propulsion System Dynamic Modeling of the NASA Supersonic Concept Vehicle for AeroPropulsoServoElasticity

A summary of the propulsion system modeling under NASA's High Speed Project (HSP) AeroPropulsoServoElasticity (APSE) task is provided with a focus on the propulsion system for the low-boom supersonic configuration developed by Lockheed Martin and referred to as the N+2 configuration. This summary includes details on the effort to date to develop computational models for the various propulsion system components. The objective of this paper is to summarize the model development effort in this task, while providing more detail in the modeling areas that have not been previously published. The purpose of the propulsion system modeling and the overall APSE effort is to develop an integrated dynamic vehicle model to conduct appropriate unsteady analysis of supersonic vehicle performance. This integrated APSE system model concept includes the propulsion system model, and the vehicle structural-aerodynamics model. The development to date of such a preliminary integrated model will also be summarized in this report.propulsion system dynamics, the structural dynamics, and aerodynamics.
Student loan choice architecture matters: dynamic effects of a default loan amount change and of a change in the online loan application screen. *

The effect of two changes in the student loan choice architecture (nudges) on borrowing behavior and study success are studied, using detailed registry data including all students in higher education between 2004 and 2015 in the Netherlands. DUO, the Dutch executive governmental institution on education which is responsible for providing the student financing, (1) changed the amount a student borrows by default (automatically) when the eligibility for the performance-related grants has expired and (2) removed the ’maximum borrowing tick box’ from the loan application screen. A quasi-experimental design is employed to estimate the (dynamic) impact of the default option change and the removal of the tick box on borrowing behavior, by means of differences-in-differences estimations. The default loan amount change resulted in an average reduction of the requested loan amount of approximately C330 (72%) in the first month and C1200 (46%) in the first year for students who did not borrow when they were still eligible to receive grants. The removal of the tick box reduced the chance first-time borrowers requested the maximum loan amount with 30 percentage points. However, the impact on borrowing behavior was more modest: on average the requested loan amount was reduced by approximately 8.8%. The impact of student borrowing behavior on study success is estimated by employing an instrumental variable analysis, exploiting the exogenous variation in borrowing behavior created by the default loan amount change. Though there are certain limitations attached to this approach, it can be concluded that the reduction in the requested loan amounts at least did not lead to a reduction in average study success. The results indicate the design of the choice architecture has a substantial impact on decision-making in the context of student loans, and that default options are strong tools which have a non-neutral impact on behavior, not only with respect to one-time decisions, but also in a context where individuals can adjust their decision at frequent intervals facing negligible transaction cost. *Master thesis for the Master in Economics and Business, Policy Economics, at the Erasmus School of Economics. Thesis supervisor: prof.dr. B. Jacobs. First reader: prof.dr. H.D. Webbink. Internship supervisor at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science: drs. M.W. van der Steeg. I gratefully acknowledge valuable comments by A. S. Booij (UVA, Tinbergen Institute). †Email: whdvisser@gmail.com & 454659wv@eur.nl. Student number: 454659.
The Impact of the Blockchain on the Supply Chain: A Theory-Based Research Framework and a Call for Action

Purpose This paper aims to strive to close the current research gap pertaining to potential implications of the blockchain for supply chain management (SCM) by presenting a framework built on four established economic theories, namely, principal agent theory (PAT), transaction cost analysis (TCA), resource-based view (RBV) and network theory (NT). These theories can be used to derive research questions that are theory-based as well as relevant for the industry. This paper is intended to initiate and stimulate an academic discussion on the potential impact of the blockchain and introduces a framework for middle-range theorizing together with several research questions. Design/methodology/approach This paper builds on previous theories that are frequently used in SCM research and shows how they can be adapted to blockchain-related questions. Findings This paper introduces a framework for middle-range theorizing together with several research questions. Research limitations/implications The paper presents blockchain-related research questions derived from four frequently used theories, namely, PAT, TCA, RBV and (NT). These questions will guide future research pertaining to structural (PAT, TCA) and managerial issues (RBV, NT) and will foster middle-range theory development in SCM research. Practical implications Blockchain technology has the potential to significantly change SCM. Given the huge investments by industry, academic research is needed which investigates potential implications and supports companies. In this paper, various research questions are introduced that illustrate how the implications of blockchain on SCM can be investigated from different perspectives. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, no academic papers are published in leading academic journals that investigate the relationship between SCM and blockchain from a theory-based perspective.
Galerkin Finite Volume Analyzer for 2 D Plane Strain Problems under Static and Vibrating Concentrated Loads

A Numerical Analyzer for Scientific and Industrial Requirements (NASIR) software which utilizes novel matrix free Finite Volume is applied for solving plane strain solid state problems on linear triangular element meshes. The developed shape function free Galerkin Finite Volume structural solver explicitly computes stresses and displacements in Cartezian coordinate directions for the two dimensional solid mechanic problems under either static or dynamic loads. The accuracy of the introduced algorithm is assessed by comparison of computed results of cantilever structural elements under static concentrated load with analytical solutions. Then, the performance of the introduced method to solve structural plane strain problem under forced and vibrating loads is demonstrated. The performance of the solver is presented in terms of stress and strain contours as well as convergence behavior of the method.
Mapping nucleosome positions using DNase-seq

Although deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) was used to probe the structure of the nucleosome in the 1960s and 1970s, in the current high-throughput sequencing era, DNase I has mainly been used to study genomic regions devoid of nucleosomes. Here, we reveal for the first time that DNase I can be used to precisely map the (translational) positions of in vivo nucleosomes genome-wide. Specifically, exploiting a distinctive DNase I cleavage profile within nucleosome-associated DNA—including a signature 10.3 base pair oscillation that corresponds to accessibility of the minor groove as DNA winds around the nucleosome—we develop a Bayes-factor–based method that can be used to map nucleosome positions along the genome. Compared to methods that require genetically modified histones, our DNase-based approach is easily applied in any organism, which we demonstrate by producing maps in yeast and human. Compared to micrococcal nuclease (MNase)-based methods that map nucleosomes based on cuts in linker regions, we utilize DNase I cuts both outside and within nucleosomal DNA; the oscillatory nature of the DNase I cleavage profile within nucleosomal DNA enables us to identify translational positioning details not apparent in MNase digestion of linker DNA. Because the oscillatory pattern corresponds to nucleosome rotational positioning, it also reveals the rotational context of transcription factor (TF) binding sites. We show that potential binding sites within nucleosome-associated DNA are often centered preferentially on an exposed major or minor groove. This preferential localization may modulate TF interaction with nucleosome-associated DNA as TFs search for binding sites.