Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional assessment of hand orthopedic disorders using a sensorised glove: preliminary results

The aim of this paper was to analyse the feasibility of using a sensor-based glove as a tool for the assessment of hand function in persons with orthopedic disorders such as rhizoarthrosis. A glove embedding 20 Hall-effect sensors was used for this purpose. Its performance in terms of repeatability were preliminary investigated in order to define an effective strategy for the use of the glove in these applications. After this preliminary phase, focused clinical experiments were carried out in order to verify the existence of differences usable for performance assessment in the postures of the hand of able-bodied and subjects affected by rhizoarthrosis during grasping. The data were processed by using the principal component analysis (PCA) technique. The preliminary results of these experiments showed that the use of the first and second principal components can allow to discriminate between able-bodied and disabled persons and also between disabled persons before and after the surgical intervention. For this reason, this approach could represent an effective tool for the surgeon during the rehabilitation process in this particular situation. Further experiments will be carried out in the future in order to confirm these preliminary results. Moreover, a new calibration procedure of the sensor-based glove will be developed in order to improve the performance of the glove.
Sphingomyelin Depletion Impairs Anionic Phospholipid Inward Translocation and Induces Cholesterol Efflux*

Background: Phosphatidylserine floppase activity of ABCA1 is required for optimal cholesterol efflux, as demonstrated via a floppase-impaired ABCA1 mutation. Results: Sphingomyelin depletion compensates for floppase-impaired ABCA1 and increases cell surface phosphatidylserine. Conclusion: Sphingomyelin depletion inhibits flip of anionic phospholipids and thus promotes cholesterol efflux. Significance: Flippase inhibition may serve as a novel drug target to increase cholesterol efflux. The phosphatidylserine (PS) floppase activity (outward translocation) of ABCA1 leads to plasma membrane remodeling that plays a role in lipid efflux to apolipoprotein A-I (apoAI) generating nascent high density lipoprotein. The Tangier disease W590S ABCA1 mutation has defective PS floppase activity and diminished cholesterol efflux activity. Here, we report that depletion of sphingomyelin by inhibitors or sphingomyelinase caused plasma membrane remodeling, leading to defective flip (inward translocation) of PS, higher PS exposure, and higher cholesterol efflux from cells by both ABCA1-dependent and ABCA1-independent mechanisms. Mechanistically, sphingomyelin was connected to PS translocation in cell-free liposome studies that showed that sphingomyelin increased the rate of spontaneous PS flipping. Depletion of sphingomyelin in stably transfected HEK293 cells expressing the Tangier disease W590S mutant ABCA1 isoform rescued the defect in PS exposure and restored cholesterol efflux to apoAI. Liposome studies showed that PS directly increased cholesterol accessibility to extraction by cyclodextrin, providing the mechanistic link between cell surface PS and cholesterol efflux. We conclude that altered plasma membrane environment conferred by depleting sphingomyelin impairs PS flip and promotes cholesterol efflux in ABCA1-dependent and -independent manners.
Fusion of stereo camera and MIMO-FMCW radar for pedestrian tracking in indoor environments

In this paper, we present a fusion of stereo camera and radar targets to significantly improve the tracking of pedestrians indoors especially suited for surveillance and security applications. Indoor environments pose bigger challenges for pedestrian tracking compared to outdoor environments. This makes pedestrian tracking with only a camera or radar difficult. In this work, we demonstrate that in some preliminary experiments our fusion system increases the multiple object tracking accuracy (MOTA) from -16.7% and 38.0% for camera or radar only tracking to 90.9% using a fusion of both. Furthermore, the proposed fusion system achieves a multiple object tracking precision (MOTP3D) of 90.3% compared to 83.4% and 81.8% obtained via camera and radar only tracking, respectively.
A Logic-base Interconnect for Supporting Near Memory Computation in the Hybrid Memory Cube

Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) has promised to improve bandwidth, power consumption, and density for nextgeneration main memory systems. In addition, 3D integration gives a “second shot” for revisiting near memory computation to fill the gap between the processors and memories. In this paper, we study the concept of “Smart Memory Cube (SMC)”, a fully backward compatible and modular extension to the standard HMC, supporting near memory computation on its Logic Base (LoB), through a high performance interconnect designed for this purpose. We take the first step towards SMC by designing a high bandwidth, low latency, and AXI-4.0 compatible interconnect optimized to serve the huge bandwidth demand by HMC’s serial links, and to provide extra bandwidth to a processor-in-memory (PIM) embedded in the Logic Base (LoB). Our results obtained from trace-based cycle accurate simulation demonstrate that this interconnect can easily meet the demands of current and future HMC instances (Up to 87GB/s READ bandwidth with 4 serial links and 16 memory vaults, and 175GB/s with 8 serial links and 32 memory vaults, for injected random traffic). The interference between the PIM traffic and the main links was found to be negligible with execution time increase of less than 5%, and average memory access time increase of less than 15% when 56GB/s bandwidth is requested by the main links and 15GB/s bandwidth is delivered to the PIM port. Lastly, a closed-loop cosimulation environment based on gem5 and Modelsim is under development to analyze the feedback effect between software and hardware.
Optimizing a highly fault tolerant software RAID for many core systems

We present a parallel software driver for a RAID architecture to detect and correct corrupted disk blocks in addition to tolerate disk failures. The necessary computations demand parallel execution to avoid the processor being the bottleneck for a RAID with high bandwidth. The driver employs the processing power of multicore and manycore systems. We report on the performance of a prototype implementation on a quadcore processor that indicates linear speedup and promises good scalability on larger machines. We use reordering of I/O orders to ensure balance between CPU and disk load.
A Genome-Wide Integrative Genomic Study Localizes Genetic Factors Influencing Antibodies against Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA-1)

Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is highly prevalent worldwide, and it has been associated with infectious mononucleosis and severe diseases including Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal lymphoma, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Although EBV has been the focus of extensive research, much still remains unknown concerning what makes some individuals more sensitive to infection and to adverse outcomes as a result of infection. Here we use an integrative genomics approach in order to localize genetic factors influencing levels of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG antibodies, as a measure of history of infection with this pathogen, in large Mexican American families. Genome-wide evidence of both significant linkage and association was obtained on chromosome 6 in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region and replicated in an independent Mexican American sample of large families (minimum p-value in combined analysis of both datasets is 1.4×10−15 for SNPs rs477515 and rs2516049). Conditional association analyses indicate the presence of at least two separate loci within MHC class II, and along with lymphocyte expression data suggest genes HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 as the best candidates. The association signals are specific to EBV and are not found with IgG antibodies to 12 other pathogens examined, and therefore do not simply reveal a general HLA effect. We investigated whether SNPs significantly associated with diseases in which EBV is known or suspected to play a role (namely nasopharyngeal lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis) also show evidence of associated with EBNA-1 antibody levels, finding an overlap only for the HLA locus, but none elsewhere in the genome. The significance of this work is that a major locus related to EBV infection has been identified, which may ultimately reveal the underlying mechanisms by which the immune system regulates infection with this pathogen.
Segmentation and Superquadric Modeling of 3D Objects

A new model for representing an unorganised 3D data points set is proposed. Based on superquadrics, this model allows to describe the points set with a union of superellipsoids. Two different segmentation and modeling methods are developed in order to determine the whole model: a region growing approach and a split and merge one. This second method leads to a low sensitive model compared to the one obtained by the region growing. The model is simple and compact: only 11 parameters are needed per superellipsoid. It seems promising for 3D object compression and 3D object indexing and retrieval. As the topological relations of the superellipsoids are known, the model can be associated to a graph. The graph theory can thus be used in order to compare and to measure the similarity between 3D objects.
School Administrators Turning Dystopias into Utopias: Technology Stories From Low Socio-Economic Schools

Bu calismanin amaci okul yoneticilerinin BIT entegrasyonu surecinde karsilastiklari engeller ve kisitlamalari incelemektir. Arastirma 12 okul yoneticisi ile yurutulmustur. Bu nitel calismada ise sosyo-ekonomik duzeyi dusuk olan okullarda gorev yapmakta olan uc yoneticinin deneyimleri yansitilmistir. Bu gorusmelerden dort tema belirlenmistir; BIT altyapisinin finanse edilmesi ve kurulmasi, BIT’in bakim-onarimi, ogretmenlerin profesyonel gelisimi ve teknoloji liderligi. Calisma sonuclarinin, benzer BIT entegrasyonu problemleri ile ugrasan BIT koordinatorleri ve okul yoneticileri icin zengin betimlemeler ve deneyimler saglamasi beklenmektedir.
Trade Growth, Production Fragmentation, and China's Environment

Trade growth for a relatively poor country is thought to shift the composition of industrial output towards dirtier products, aggravating environmental damage. China's rapidly growing trade and serious environmental degradation appear to be no exception. However, much of China's trade growth is attributable to the international fragmentation of production. This kind of trade could be cleaner, if fragmented production occurs in cleaner goods, or if China specializes in cleaner stages of production within these goods. Using Chinese official environmental data on air and water pollution, and official trade data, we present evidence that (1) China's industrial output has become cleaner over time, (2) China's exports have shifted toward relatively cleaner, highly fragmented sectors, and (3) the pollution intensity of Chinese exports has fallen dramatically between 1995 and 2004. We then explore the role of fragmentation and FDI in this trend toward cleaner trade. Beginning with a standard model of the pollution intensity of trade, we develop a model that explicitly introduces production fragmentation into the export sector. We then estimate this model using pooled data on four pollutants over ten years. Econometric results support the view that increased FDI and production fragmentation have contributed positively to the decline in the pollution intensity of China's trade, as has accession to the WTO and lower tariff rates.
ARE CONSUMER HEALTH CONCERNS INFLUENCING DIRECT-FROM-PRODUCER PURCHASING DECISIONS?

Abstract Research has shown health concerns may motivate consumers to purchase foods sold at direct market outlets, yet connections between management of specific diseases and food purchase decisions remain unclear. We utilize a two-step decision framework to evaluate whether family incidences of six illnesses (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, back/joint pain, and Alzheimer's disease/dementia) affect decisions to buy food at farmers’ markets and farm stands. We find that cancer, diabetes, obesity, and back/joint pain influence the decision to purchase from farm stands. Disease incidences have varying directional effects on frequency of purchase for both farmers’ markets and farm stands.
Flexible Carbon Nanotube Films for High Performance Strain Sensors

Compared with traditional conductive fillers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique advantages, i.e., excellent mechanical properties, high electrical conductivity and thermal stability. Nanocomposites as piezoresistive films provide an interesting approach for the realization of large area strain sensors with high sensitivity and low manufacturing costs. A polymer-based nanocomposite with carbon nanomaterials as conductive filler can be deposited on a flexible substrate of choice and this leads to mechanically flexible layers. Such sensors allow the strain measurement for both integral measurement on a certain surface and local measurement at a certain position depending on the sensor geometry. Strain sensors based on carbon nanostructures can overcome several limitations of conventional strain sensors, e.g., sensitivity, adjustable measurement range and integral measurement on big surfaces. The novel technology allows realizing strain sensors which can be easily integrated even as buried layers in material systems. In this review paper, we discuss the dependence of strain sensitivity on different experimental parameters such as composition of the carbon nanomaterial/polymer layer, type of polymer, fabrication process and processing parameters. The insights about the relationship between film parameters and electromechanical properties can be used to improve the design and fabrication of CNT strain sensors.
On the origin of near-infrared extragalactic background light anisotropy

A diffuse cosmic glow is not primordial A cumulative map of all photons ever emitted by any star or galaxy is a highly desirable historical record of the universe's evolution. For this reason, cosmologists have sought to measure this diffuse distribution of light: the extragalactic background light. Zemcov et al. sent up a rocket to measure the fluctuations in this faint background and found largescale fluctuations greater than known galaxies alone should produce (see the Perspective by Moseley). Stars tidally stripped from their host galaxies are the most likely culprit, rather than unknown primordial galaxies. Science, this issue p. 732; see also p. 696 Emission fluctuations that trace the cosmic history are most consistent with the light from intrahalo stars at low redshift. [Also see Perspective by Moseley] Extragalactic background light (EBL) anisotropy traces variations in the total production of photons over cosmic history and may contain faint, extended components missed in galaxy point-source surveys. Infrared EBL fluctuations have been attributed to primordial galaxies and black holes at the epoch of reionization (EOR) or, alternately, intrahalo light (IHL) from stars tidally stripped from their parent galaxies at low redshift. We report new EBL anisotropy measurements from a specialized sounding rocket experiment at 1.1 and 1.6 micrometers. The observed fluctuations exceed the amplitude from known galaxy populations, are inconsistent with EOR galaxies and black holes, and are largely explained by IHL emission. The measured fluctuations are associated with an EBL intensity that is comparable to the background from known galaxies measured through number counts and therefore a substantial contribution to the energy contained in photons in the cosmos.
Regulatory Toxicology in Controversy

This article examines the way in which public controversies affect regulatory science. It describes the controversy that unfolded in Europe around the use of the ninety-day rat-feeding tests for the risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants. This type of test had been criticized for almost two decades by toxicologists, nongovernmental organizations, and industry alike for its inability to capture the specific health effects of GM plants. But GM risk assessment experts showed great reluctance to move toward a more systematic use of other tests, such as chronic two-year studies or toxicogenomic techniques, and made sure that official guidance continues to recommend the use of the ninety-day rat-feeding study. The article shows that these tactics of standardization are a defining feature of regulatory science, and a resource for toxicity experts to defend their authority and credibility against competing expertises that arise during controversies.
Behavioral impact of sickle cell disease in young children with repeated hospitalization

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) in children with a history of repeated hospitalization is distressing for children as well as their parents leading to anxiety and has negative effects on the psychological state of children and their families. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the overall effect of SCD on the behavior of young children age 1½ to 5 years old who had repeated history of hospitalization, compared to a control group of healthy children attended a vaccination clinic. Patients and Methods: Thirty-five children of age 1½ to 5 years who have SCD and repeated history of hospitalization were recruited from pediatric clinic as the study group and matched with same number of healthy children who attended vaccination clinic, as a control group. Both groups were administered the child behavior checklist (CBCL) 1½ to 5 years and diagnostic and statistical (DSM)-oriented scale. Behavior data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Children who have SCD had statistically significant behavioral changes on CBCL compared to the control group: Anxiety/depression (65.2 vs. 55.1; P < 0.001), somatic complaint (66.7 vs. 54.4; P < 0.001) withdrawn (63.4 vs. 53.2; P < 0.001), aggressive behavior (60.4 vs. 56; P=0.04), and internalizing symptoms (64.7 vs. 51.5; P < 0.001), respectively. The DSM scale showed that children with SCD scored significantly higher in pervasive developmental disorder compared to the control group (60.9 vs. 53.9; P < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Children with SCD who had history of repeated hospitalization are at an increased risk of developing behavioral problems. Psychological counseling, social support, and proper pain management could minimize these behavioral consequences.
Is there a Japanese 'gay identity'?

This paper investigates the widespread representation of (mainly male) homosexuality in a variety of Japanese popular cultural media. Generally, representation of homosexuality in Japan is situated in the 'entertainment world' and male homosexuality, in particular, is often conflated with transsexuality and transgenderism. Discussion of homosexuality as a 'lifestyle choice' or in terms of 'sexual rights' is extremely rare, even in the Japanese gay media. It is suggested that media discourses about homosexuality, which conflate it with transsexuality, work against same-sex desiring men in Japan developing a politicized sense of 'gay identity'. Interview data from Japanese men as well as material gathered from the gay media are used to reflect on Altman's notion of 'global queering' and to question the argument put forward by some Western gay and lesbian theorists that 'gay identity' is something Japanese homosexuals 'lack', and should therefore develop.
Additive Synergism between Asbestos and Smoking in Lung Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Smoking and asbestos exposure are important risks for lung cancer. Several epidemiological studies have linked asbestos exposure and smoking to lung cancer. To reconcile and unify these results, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a quantitative estimate of the increased risk of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking and to classify their interaction. Five electronic databases were searched from inception to May, 2015 for observational studies on lung cancer. All case-control (N = 10) and cohort (N = 7) studies were included in the analysis. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs), relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model for the association of asbestos exposure and smoking with lung cancer. Lung cancer patients who were not exposed to asbestos and non-smoking (A-S-) were compared with; (i) asbestos-exposed and non-smoking (A+S-), (ii) non-exposure to asbestos and smoking (A-S+), and (iii) asbestos-exposed and smoking (A+S+). Our meta-analysis showed a significant difference in risk of developing lung cancer among asbestos exposed and/or smoking workers compared to controls (A-S-), odds ratios for the disease (95% CI) were (i) 1.70 (A+S-, 1.31–2.21), (ii) 5.65; (A-S+, 3.38–9.42), (iii) 8.70 (A+S+, 5.8–13.10). The additive interaction index of synergy was 1.44 (95% CI = 1.26–1.77) and the multiplicative index = 0.91 (95% CI = 0.63–1.30). Corresponding values for cohort studies were 1.11 (95% CI = 1.00–1.28) and 0.51 (95% CI = 0.31–0.85). Our results point to an additive synergism for lung cancer with co-exposure of asbestos and cigarette smoking. Assessments of industrial health risks should take smoking and other airborne health risks when setting occupational asbestos exposure limits.
Analysis and Improvement of the BAN Modified Andrew Secure RPC Protocol

In this paper, We have found a new man-in-the-middle attack on the BAN modified Andrew Secure RPC protocol with a protocol model-checker based on SAT. The man-in-the-middle attack, during which an intruder can impersonate an honest agent and forge a set of messages to communicate with another honest agent, destroys the assumed authentication of the protocol, one of the important properties of security protocol. Subsequently, we have reasoned about vulnerability of the protocol and proposed a remedial method to overcome the weakness of the protocol. The method, simple and effective, can be helpful to analyze and design other security protocols.
MPEG‐7 Homogeneous Texture Descriptor

MPEG‐7 standardization work has started with the aims of providing fundamental tools for describing multimedia contents. MPEG‐7 defines the syntax and semantics of descriptors and description schemes so that they may be used as fundamental tools for multimedia content description. In this paper, we introduce a texture based image description and retrieval method, which is adopted as the homogeneous texture descriptor in the visual part of the MPEG‐7 final committee draft. The current MPEG‐7 homogeneous texture descriptor consists of the mean, the standard deviation value of an image, energy, and energy deviation values of Fourier transform of the image. These are extracted from partitioned frequency channels based on the human visual system (HVS). For reliable extraction of the texture descriptor, Radon transformation is employed. This is suitable for HVS behavior. We also introduce various matching methods; for example, intensity‐invariant, rotation‐invariant and/or scale‐invariant matching. This technique retrieves relevant texture images when the user gives a querying texture image. In order to show the promising performance of the texture descriptor, we take the experimental results with the MPEG‐7 test sets. Experimental results show that the MPEG‐7 texture descriptor gives an efficient and effective retrieval rate. Furthermore, it gives fast feature extraction time for constructing the texture descriptor.