Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Development of a Pilot Training Program for Peer Leaders in Diabetes

Purpose The goal of this study is to describe the process of developing a program that trains peers to facilitate an empowerment-based diabetes self-management support intervention. Methods To guide and advise the development process, the authors formed a peer leader training action committee. The committee was an interdisciplinary group (principal investigator, nurse—certified diabetes educators, dietitian— certified diabetes educators, nutritionist, physician, and 3 community members) that met every 3 months over a 1-year period for continuous quality improvement meetings. During meetings, the committee reviewed and supervised the curriculum development, provided feedback, and informed modifications and improvements. Results The resulting peer leader training program is a 46-hour program with 2 training sessions conducted per week over a 12-week period. The competency-based training program is based on the theory of experiential learning, and it consists of 3 major components—namely, building a diabetes-related knowledge base, developing skills (communication, facilitation, and behavior change), and applying skills in experiential settings. All components are integrated within each training session using a range of instructional methods, including group brainstorming, group sharing, role-play, peer leader simulations, and group facilitation simulations. Conclusion Through the process described above, the authors developed a training program that equips peer leaders with the knowledge and skills to facilitate empowerment-based diabetes self-management support interventions. Future directions include conducting and evaluating the peer training program.
Evaluation of cumulative cognitive deficits from electroconvulsive therapy

Background Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective acute treatment for severe depression, but widely held concerns about memory problems may limit its use. Aims To find out whether repeated or maintenance courses of ECT cause cumulative cognitive deterioration. Method Analysis of the results of 10 years of cognitive performance data collection from patients who have received ECT. The 199 patients had a total of 498 assessments, undertaken after a mean of 15.3 ECT sessions (range 0–186). A linear mixed-effect regression model was used, testing whether an increasing number of ECT sessions leads to deterioration in performance. Results The total number of previous ECT sessions had no effect on cognitive performance. The major factors affecting performance were age, followed by the severity of depression at the time of testing and the number of days since the last ECT session. Conclusions Repeated courses of ECT do not lead to cumulative cognitive deficits. This message is reassuring for patients, carers and prescribers who are concerned about memory problems and confusion during ECT.
Prognostics and Health Management: A Review of Vibration Based Bearing and Gear Health Indicators

Prognostics and health management is an emerging discipline to scientifically manage the health condition of engineering systems and their critical components. It mainly consists of three main aspects: construction of health indicators, remaining useful life prediction, and health management. Construction of health indicators aims to evaluate the system’s current health condition and its critical components. Given the observations of a health indicator, prediction of the remaining useful life is used to infer the time when an engineering systems or a critical component will no longer perform its intended function. Health management involves planning the optimal maintenance schedule according to the system’s current and future health condition, its critical components and the replacement costs. Construction of health indicators is the key to predicting the remaining useful life. Bearings and gears are the most common mechanical components in rotating machines, and their health conditions are of great concern in practice. Because it is difficult to measure and quantify the health conditions of bearings and gears in many cases, numerous vibration-based methods have been proposed to construct bearing and gear health indicators. This paper presents a thorough review of vibration-based bearing and gear health indicators constructed from mechanical signal processing, modeling, and machine learning. This review paper will be helpful for designing further advanced bearing and gear health indicators and provides a basis for predicting the remaining useful life of bearings and gears. Most of the bearing and gear health indicators reviewed in this paper are highly relevant to simulated and experimental run-to-failure data rather than artificially seeded bearing and gear fault data. Finally, some problems in the literature are highlighted and areas for future study are identified.
Substitution of Biomass for Coal and Coke in Ironmaking Process

Biomass is renewable and carbon neutral. Biochar, derived from the carbonization of biomass, is a kind of solid fuel with excellent properties. Utilization of biomass in ironmaking process as heating agent and reducing agent contributes to energy conservation and emission reduction, and can partially replace for coal and coke. Research status of the utilization of biomass in ironmaking process is discussed. Application prospects of biomass energy in ironmaking process are analyzed, and a novel bioenergy auxiliary ironmaking system is suggested, which is meaningful for the effective use of biomass and for decreasing the consumption of fossil fuels, namely metallurgical coal and coke.
Towards Transferring Grasping from Human to Robot with RGBD Hand Detection

The task of transferring human knowledge and capabilities to robots is still an open problem. In this paper, we address the problem of transferring human grasping locations of a particular object to a robot manipulator. Using an RGBD sensor, we propose a computer vision based method for human hand detection. This method implements a pixelwise hand detection method with the Random Forest classification algorithm in the color channel. It also creates a kernel-based hand detection method in the depth channel. Based on the theory of joint probability, it fuses both color and depth cues. As a result, this method is able to deal with noisy background and occlusion. Moreover, we apply this method to a grasping task example. In our test, the robot is able to gain the grasping knowledge from visual observation. Our method is complemented with experimental results on the settings of four different sequences with different level of difficulties, and has achieved high performance with respect to hand detection accuracy in comparison with RGB and Depth only methods.
A Deviated Location and Updated Node Identity based Security Scheme for Preserving Source Node Location Privacy in Wireless Sensor Network

With a increased area of the applications of WSN, the security mechanisms are rising issue of outmost concern. The most important challenges threatening the successful installation of sensor systems is its privacy. Many privacy-related issues has been addressed by security mechanisms, but one sensor network privacy issue that cannot be adequately addressed by network security is source-location privacy One important class of sensor-driven applications is to monitor a valuable resources. For instance, sensors will be deployed in places like natural habitats to monitor the activities of endangered animals, or may be used in military purposes. In these asset monitoring applications, it is important to provide security to the source sensor’s location. In this paper, we had proposed security scheme for preserving source node location privacy. We had developed a model assuming that attacker can monitor traffic in small area instead of whole network. Finally, we proposed a deviated location and updated node identity based scheme for efficiently protecting source node from hotspot locating attack. The protection scheme has shown the better performance which is proved by simulation results. The protection scheme has recovered the network performance in presence of attacker and provides attack free environment. General Terms Privacy, WSN, TCP
Wireless Expanders

This paper introduces an extended notion of expansion suitable for radio networks. A graph G=(V,E) is said to be an (α_w, β_w) -\em wireless expander if for every subset S \subseteq V s.t. |S|łeq α_w \cdot |V| , there exists a subset S'\subseteq S s.t. there are at least β_w \cdot |S| vertices in V\backslash S that are adjacent in G to exactly one vertex in S' . The main question we ask is the following: to what extent are ordinary expanders also good wireless expanders? We answer this question in a nearly tight manner. On the positive side, we show that any (α, β)-expander with maximum degree Δ and β\geq 1/Δ$ is also a $(α_w, β_w)$ wireless expander with α_w \ge α$ and β_w = Ømega(β / łog (2 \cdot \min\Δ / β, Δ \cdot β\ ))$. Thus the wireless expansion can be smaller than the ordinary expansion by at most a factor that is logarithmic in \min\Δ / β, Δ \cdot β\ , which, in turn, depends on the average degree rather than the maximum degree of the graph. In particular, for low arboricity graphs (such as planar graphs), the wireless expansion matches the ordinary expansion up to a constant factor. We complement this positive result by presenting an explicit construction of a "bad'' (α, β) -expander for which the wireless expansion is β_w = O(β / łog (2 \cdot \min\Δ / β, Δ \cdot β\ ) . We also analyze the theoretical properties of wireless expanders and their connection to unique neighbor expanders, and then demonstrate their applicability: Our results (both the positive and the negative) yield improved bounds for the spokesmen election problem that was introduced in the seminal paper of Chlamtac and Weinstein from 1991 to devise efficient broadcasting for multihop radio networks. Our negative result yields a significantly simpler proof than that from the seminal paper of Kushilevitz and Mansour from 1998 for a lower bound on the broadcast time in radio networks.
Multi-User Detection Using ADMM-Based Compressive Sensing for Uplink Grant-Free NOMA

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is considered a primary candidate addressing the challenge of massive connectivity in fifth generation wireless communication systems. In this letter, we propose a low-complexity NOMA mechanism with efficient multi-user detection (MUD) based on the adaptive alternating direction method of multipliers, which is able to jointly detect user activity and transmitted data. The proposed algorithm leverages the transmit symbol estimate and active user set as “prior knowledge,” which can be obtained from the previous iterations/time intervals, for improved MUD performance. We demonstrate that our proposed mechanism outperforms the state-of-art MUD NOMA schemes.
Adaptive optimal control algorithm for maturing energy management strategy in fuel-cell/Li-ion-capacitor hybrid electric vehicles

Energy management in a fuel cell/Li-ion capacitor hybrid vehicle needs to determine appropriate power split among the load and distinct power sources in order to minimize fuel consumption and power fluctuations in the fuel cell system while supplying adequate power to the load, and the state-of-charge of the Li-ion capacitor maintained at the permissible levels. This paper formulates this case as a problem of fuel minimization subject to mixed equality and inequality constraints imposed by the dynamics and operational limitations of the fuel cell and Li-ion capacitor. Then the adaptive optimal control algorithm is proposed to automatically draw out the best energy management strategy via reinforcement learning and sequential optimization in standard driving cycles. The results of testing the algorithm in a fuel cell/Li-ion capacitor hybrid sedan verifies the efficacy of the proposed design in energy saving.
Direct multilevel carrier modulation using millimeter-wave balanced vector modulators

The importance of being able to design affordable, high-performance, millimeter-wave transmitters for digital communications and radar applications is increasing. To this end, two monolithic millimeter-wave vector modulators have been realized at 38 and 60 GHz for use in direct multilevel carrier modulation. It is shown that, by employing balanced biphase amplitude modulator elements, accurate constellations are achieved with broad-band operation from 20 to 40 GHz and 55 to 65 GHz. Modulations of 16- and 256-QAM have been demonstrated, both at 38 and 60 GHz, using this technique. Each balanced biphase amplitude modulator uses a pair of reflection-type attenuators operated in push-pull mode. This study investigates the suitability of this topology for use as a full biphase amplitude modulator for multilevel digital modulation schemes. It is found that the technique is very robust and the resulting analog vector modulator can be a very important component for many future millimeter-wave applications.
Communication theory of secrecy systems

THE problems of cryptography and secrecy systems furnish an interesting application of communication theory.1 In this paper a theory of secrecy systems is developed. The approach is on a theoretical level and is intended to complement the treatment found in standard works on cryptography.2 There, a detailed study is made of the many standard types of codes and ciphers, and of the ways of breaking them. We will be more concerned with the general mathematical structure and properties of secrecy systems.
Predicting Learning Result of Learner in E-learning Course with Feature Selection Using SVM

In recent years, data mining targeting educational data has been widely performed. With the spread of the e-learning system, activities of various learners have been recorded. By analyzing this record, research is being conducted to evaluate the achievement level of the learner and to find hidden problems. In this paper, we compare the existing method and the method by SVM using feature selection for the method of classifying the final result from the learner's activity record. This confirms the effectiveness of the method using feature selection. Next, we confirmed that the click stream which is the activity data in the e-learning system is more effective than the learner's profile in classification of grades. In the classification of learners with good grades, the connection records and the number of clicks in the latter period of the learning period are important factors, further the difference in the important features by the grade evaluation was shown.
The contribution of theory to the design, delivery, and evaluation of interprofessional curricula: BEME Guide No. 49

Abstract Background: Interprofessional curricula have often lacked explicit reference to theory despite calls for a more theoretically informed field that illuminates curricular assumptions and justifies curricular practices. Aim: To review the contributions of theory to the design, delivery, and evaluation of interprofessional curricula. Methods: Four databases were searched (1988–2015). Studies demonstrating explicit and a high-quality contribution of theory to the design, delivery or evaluation of interprofessional curricula were included. Data were extracted against a comprehensive framework of curricular activities and a narrative synthesis undertaken. Results: Ninety-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies (86%) originated from the UK, USA, and Canada. Theories most commonly underpinned “learning activities” (47%) and “evaluation” (54%). Theories of reflective learning, identity formation, and contact hypothesis dominated the field though there are many examples of innovative theoretical contributions. Conclusions: Theories contribute considerably to the interprofessional field, though many curricular elements remain under-theorized. The literature offers no “gold standard” theory for interprofessional curricula; rather theoretical selection is contingent upon the curricular component to which theory is to be applied. Theories contributed to interprofessional curricula by explaining, predicting, organizing or illuminating social processes embedded in interprofessional curricular assumptions. This review provides guidance how theory might be robustly and appropriately deployed in the design, delivery, and evaluation of interprofessional curricula.
Different non-synonymous polymorphisms modulate the interaction of the WRN protein to its protein partners and its enzymatic activities

Werner syndrome (WS) is characterized by the premature onset of several age-associated pathologies including cancer. The protein defective in WS patients (WRN) is a helicase/exonuclease involved in DNA replication and repair. Here, we present the results of a large-scale proteome analysis that has been undertaken to determine protein partners of different polymorphic WRN proteins found with relatively high prevalence in the human population. We expressed different fluorescently tagged-WRN (eYFP-WRN) variants in human 293 embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and used a combination of affinity-purification and mass spectrometry to identify different compositions of WRN-associated protein complexes. We found that a WRN variant containing a phenylalanine residue at position 1074 and an arginine at position 1367 (eYFP-WRN(F-R)) possesses more affinity for DNA-PKc, KU86, KU70, and PARP1 than a variant containing a leucine at position 1074 and a cysteine at position 1367 (eYFP-WRN(L-C)). Such results were confirmed in a WRN-deficient background using WS fibroblasts. Interestingly, the exonuclase activity of WRN recovered from immunoprecipitated eYFP-WRN(L-C) variant was lower than the eYFP-WRN(F-R) in WS cells. Finally, HEK293 cells and WS fibroblasts overexpressing the eYFP-WRN(F-R) variant were more resistant to the benzene metabolite hydroquinone than cells expressing the eYFP-WRN(L-C) variant. These results indicate that the protein-protein interaction landscape of WRN is subject to modulation by polymorphic amino acids, a characteristic associated with distinctive cell survival outcome.
CYP3A4 mutation causes vitamin D–dependent rickets type 3

Genetic forms of vitamin D–dependent rickets (VDDRs) are due to mutations impairing activation of vitamin D or decreasing vitamin D receptor responsiveness. Here we describe two unrelated patients with early-onset rickets, reduced serum levels of the vitamin D metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and deficient responsiveness to parent and activated forms of vitamin D. Neither patient had a mutation in any genes known to cause VDDR; however, using whole exome sequencing analysis, we identified a recurrent de novo missense mutation, c.902T>C (p.I301T), in CYP3A4 in both subjects that alters the conformation of substrate recognition site 4 (SRS-4). In vitro, the mutant CYP3A4 oxidized 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with 10-fold greater activity than WT CYP3A4 and 2-fold greater activity than CYP24A1, the principal inactivator of vitamin D metabolites. As CYP3A4 mutations have not previously been linked to rickets, these findings provide insight into vitamin D metabolism and demonstrate that accelerated inactivation of vitamin D metabolites represents a mechanism for vitamin D deficiency.
Dynamic parallelization of recursive code: part 1: managing control flow interactions with the continuator

While most approaches to automatic parallelization focus on compilation approaches for parallelizing loop iterations, we advocate the need for new virtual machines that can parallelize the execution of recursive programs. In this paper, we show that recursive programs can be effectively parallelized when arguments to procedures are evaluated concurrently and branches of conditional statements are speculatively executed in parallel. We introduce the continuator concept, a runtime structure that tracks and manages the control dependences between such concurrently spawned tasks, ensuring adherence to the sequential semantics of the parallelized program. As a proof of concept, we discuss the details of a parallel interpreter for Scheme (implemented in Common Lisp) based on these ideas, and show the results from executing the Clinger benchmark suite for Scheme.
Fabrication of Nano-Strctures on PEDOT:PSS Film by Nanoimprint Lithography

It is very hard to fabricate nano-strctures on PEDOT:PSS film by conventional Nanoimprint Lithography for its non-thermoplastic property. Here we demonstrated a new nanoimprint process to pattern the PEDOT:PSS film at low temperature and low pressure by adding proper amount of Glycerol into PEDOT:PSS solution and pressing the Si-mold into Glycerol-PEDOT:PSS film under a pressure of 6.2Mpa for 45min at 80°C. We also compared our result to L. Tan and co-workers’. They found that positive replica was left on PEDOT:PSS film after pressing the Si-mold into Glycerol-PEDOT:PSS film under a pressure of 10Kpa for 5min at 80°C, but our work showed negative replica formed. Pressing time maybe is the critical reason to explain the different results. Holding the pressure longer gave the PEDOT:PSS enough time to flow into Si-mold and also gave Glycerol enough time to evaporate so that PEDOT:PSS became strong enough when separated the Si-mold from the PEDOT:PSS film. At last, Roman spectra was measured to confirm adding glycerol to PEDOT:PSS will not influence its molecular structure.
Designing a Game for Learning Math by Composing: A Finnish Primary School Case

Music is filled with mathematical relations. When creating music, the composer must keep in mind the rhythm, the notes, and how well they ring with each other. Our aim was to design an application that teaches these relationships and allows users to compose their own songs using numbers. Our work follows the design science research method, and we have co-designed the application together with elementary school students and teachers in Finland. This paper demonstrates the design process and provides an analysis on our design based on data collected from the participants in two separate sessions.
Constructing and testing privacy-aware services in a cloud computing environment: challenges and opportunities

After decades of engineering development and infrastructural investment, Internet connections have become a commodity product in many countries, and Internetscale "cloud computing" has started to compete with traditional software business through its technological advantages and economy of scale. Cloud computing is a promising enabling technology of Internetware. One distinct characteristic of cloud computing is the global integration of data, logic, and users, but such integration magnifies a sharp concern about privacy, which is one of the most frequently cited reasons by enterprises for not migrating to cloud-based solutions. We argue that cloud-based systems should include privacy as a fundamental design goal, and that privacy in a cloud environment is bidirectional, covering both end users and application providers. End users need privacy-aware software services that prevent their private data from being exposed to other users or the cloud providers. Application providers need a privacy-protected testing methodology to prevent the companies' internal activities and product features from leaking to external users. Focusing on privacy protection, we discuss the research challenges in this unique design space, and explore potential solutions for enhancing privacy protection in several important components of the system.