Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Classification of Electromyographic Signals for Robotic Control

Advances in bioengineering have led to increasingly sophisticated prosthetic devices for amputees and paralyzed individuals. Control of such devices necessitates real-time classification of biosignals, e.g., electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from intact muscles. In this paper, we show that a 4-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm can be controlled in real-time using non-invasive surface EMG signals recorded from the forearm. The innovative features of our system include a physiologically-informed selection of forearm muscles for recording EMG signals, intelligent choice of hand gestures for easy classification, and fast, simple feature extraction from EMG signals. Our selection of gestures is meant to intuitively map to appropriate degrees of freedom in the robotic arm. These design decisions allow us to build fast accurate classifiers online, and control a 4-DOF robotic arm in real-time. In a study involving 3 subjects, we achieved accuracies of 92-98% on an 8-class classification problem using linear SVMs. These classifiers can be learned on-line in under 10 minutes, including data collection and training. Our study also analyzes the issues and tradeoffs involved in designing schemes for robotic control using EMG. Finally, we present details of online experiments where subjects successfully solved tasks of varying complexity using EMG to control the robotic arm.
Easy generation of airborne ultrasonic helical wavefronts

In this work, the feasibility to easily generate airborne ultrasonic helical wavefronts is demonstrated. We have experimentally obtained airborne ultrasonic Helical Wavefronts (HW) of great quality by gluing a ferroelectret film on a helicoid surface. A comparison between measured and theoretical results of the pressure and phase distributions of this type of wavefront is accomplished. The simple fabrication procedure, which results inexpensive and reliable, opens up a new alternative to explore the special features of wavefronts with screw-type dislocations.
A Wheat Homolog of MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 Acts in the Regulation of Germination[W][OA]

Among the environmental signals affecting seed development, temperature is the most influential in the formation of seed dormancy in wheat. In this study, transcriptional profiling of the effects of temperature on seed dormancy formation identified MFT as a candidate gene for seed dormancy regulation. Seed dormancy is an adaptive mechanism and an important agronomic trait. Temperature during seed development strongly affects seed dormancy in wheat (Triticum aestivum) with lower temperatures producing higher levels of seed dormancy. To identify genes important for seed dormancy, we used a wheat microarray to analyze gene expression in embryos from mature seeds grown at lower and higher temperatures. We found that a wheat homolog of MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT) was upregulated after physiological maturity in dormant seeds grown at the lower temperature. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that MFT was exclusively expressed in the scutellum and coleorhiza. Mapping analysis showed that MFT on chromosome 3A (MFT-3A) colocalized with the seed dormancy quantitative trait locus (QTL) QPhs.ocs-3A.1. MFT-3A expression levels in a dormant cultivar used for the detection of the QTL were higher after physiological maturity; this increased expression correlated with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region. In a complementation analysis, high levels of MFT expression were correlated with a low germination index in T1 seeds. Furthermore, precocious germination of isolated immature embryos was suppressed by transient introduction of MFT driven by the maize (Zea mays) ubiquitin promoter. Taken together, these results suggest that MFT plays an important role in the regulation of germination in wheat.
The Experimental Use of Introspection in the Scientific Study of Pain and its Integration with Third-Person Methodologies: The Experiential-Phenomenological Approach

Understanding the nature of pain depends, at least partly, on recognizing its subjectivity (thus, its first-person epistemology). This in turn requires using a first-person experiential method in addition to third-person experimental approaches to study it. This paper is an attempt to spell out what the former approach is and how it can be integrated with the latter. We start our discussion by examining some foundational issues raised by the use of introspection. We argue that such a first-person method in the scientific study of pain (as in the study of any experience) is in fact indispensable by demonstrating that it has in fact been consistently used in conjunction with conventional third-person methodologies, and this for good reasons. We show that, contrary to what appears to be a widespread opinion, there is absolutely no reason to think that the use of such a first-person approach is scientifically and methodologically suspect. We distinguish between two uses of introspective methods in scientific experiments: one draws on the subjects’ introspective reports where any investigator has equal and objective access. The other is where the investigator becomes a subject of his own study and draws on the introspection of his own experiences. We give examples using and/or approximating both strategies that include studies of second pain summation and its relationship to neural activities, and brain imaging-psychophysical studies wherein sensory and affective qualities of pain are correlated with cerebral cortical activity. We explain what we call the experiential or phenomenological approach that has its origins in the work of Price and Barrell (1980). This approach capitalizes on the scientific prospects and benefits of using the introspection of the investigator. We distinguish between its vertical and horizontal applications. Finally, we conclude that integrating such an approach to standard third-person methodologies can only help us in having a fuller understanding of pain and of conscious experience in general.
Purification and characterization of Helicobacter mustelae urease

Helicobacter mustelae is a urease-rich bacterium associated with gastritis in ferrets. The ureases of H. mustelae and Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium implicated in human gastritis, share many characteristics. Helicobacter sp. ureases appear to be unique among bacterial enzymes in exhibiting submillimolar Km values and in being composed of two subunits.
Adding Identity to the Moral Domain

Every discipline in the human sciences has contributed theoretical constructs intended to explain moral behavior. In their excellent article in this issue, Hardy and Carlo suggest that identity is a construct that adds to the explanatory power of current accounts of moral behavior. Moreover, they advocate for a particular vision of moral identity which is inspired by the work of Augusto Blasi [e.g., Blasi, 2004]. In this commentary on Hardy and Carlo, I (1) explore the questions concerning moral life for which moral identity is supposed to be the answer, and (2) examine the strengths and limitations of the formulation of identity in Hardy and Carlo’s paper.
Identifying aggressive victims in Chinese children’s peer groups

This study investigated the behavioural profiles and psychosocial adjustment of aggressive victims in Chinese children’s peer groups. Participants were 294 elementary school students in Tianjin, PR China (mean age 11.5 years). Peers’ nominations and teachers’ ratings were combined to form composite scores of aggression and victimisation. A comparison of four subgroups showed that aggressive victims were disliked by peers, rated as hyperactive, had fewer dyadic friends, poorer academic functioning, and lower assertive/prosocial ratings than did nonvictimised aggressors or the normative children. These findings suggest that there may be a common behavioural pattern that is associated with maladjustment among aggressive victims across cultural settings.
Standardized methods must be used to compare the properties of botulinum toxin serotypes

With little doubt, our knowledge about different types of botulinum toxin (BoNT), especially the numerous subtypes, has expanded significantly in recent times. As more subtypes are found, these must be studied in detail and characterised in comparison to the main members of each group. Their pharmacological properties are especially important since any changes, especially in biological activity/potency, need to be identified.
Contact allergenic potency: correlation of human and local lymph node assay data.

BACKGROUND Effective toxicologic evaluation of skin sensitization requires that potential contact allergens are identified and that the likely risks of sensitization among exposed populations are assessed. By definition, chemicals that are classified as contact sensitizers have the capacity to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in humans. However, this hazard is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon; clear dose-response relationships can be discerned and thresholds identified for both the induction of sensitization and the elicitation of ACD. Commonly, these parameters are grouped under the heading of potency, the determination of which is vital for risk assessment. Preclinical testing for sensitization potential is critically important for hazard assessment before human exposure. The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is the most recently accepted test method for sensitization hazard assessment. OBJECTIVE The aim was to compare potency estimations derived from LLNA data with clinical determinations of relative potency based on human data. METHODS No-effect levels (NOELs) for a range of 21 chemicals were determined from nondiagnostic human repeat patch test studies as reported in the literature. These levels were compared with LLNA EC(3) values, the estimated concentration required to produce a 3-fold increase (positive response) in draining lymph node cell (LNC) proliferative activity. RESULTS Using available human repeat patch test data, together with expert judgment, the compounds were classified as strong, moderate, weak, extremely weak, or nonsensitizing. Additionally, the potency of each chemical was classified independently based on its LLNA EC(3) value. The results show clearly that LLNA EC(3) values are very comparable with the NOELs calculated from the literature. Moreover, the potency rankings based upon LLNA EC(3) data support their human classification. CONCLUSION The present investigations show that the LLNA can be used to provide quantitative estimates of relative skin sensitizing potency EC(3) values that correlate closely with NOELs established from human repeat patch testing and from our clinical experience.
Primary refractory and relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Relapses continue to be problematic for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). New therapies generally are first tested in the salvage setting prior to incorporation into frontline regimens. Defining the prognosis at relapse (or at failure of induction) and subsequently predicting outcome would be useful to select the population in whom to test new strategies, rather than attempting traditional reinduction therapy.
Migration, Culture and Identity in Portugal

Abstract Culture and identity are dynamic realities. Therefore, the essentialist view of culture and identity does not explain the process of integration of minorities in a context of acculturation, and leads to policies of ghettoisation. This text focuses on what we describe as cultural transfusion. By means of this process, we analyse two tendencies in personal identity: the first tendency, among professionals, integrates the culture of origin into the emerging cultural identity; the second denies the culture of origin and idealises the target culture as its aim in life. The most representative minorities in Portugal originate from the former colonies, Angola, Cabo Verde, Mozambique, East Timor, Macaw, Brazil and St. Tomé, and the immigrants from Eastern Europe that came to Portugal in the 1980s. We also describe the cultural and ethnic diversity of Portuguese society and show how nationalist ideology, imperialist ideals and the ‘Luso-tropical’ theory of Gilberto Freyre shaped the ‘soft-racism’ of the Portuguese. Furthermore, we give account of the recent trends of migration from Eastern Europe to Portugal, and try to explain Portuguese policy towards immigration after joining the European Union.
Theoretical analysis of quantum ghost imaging through turbulence

Atmospheric turbulence generally affects the resolution and visibility of an image in long-distance imaging. In a recent quantum ghost imaging experiment [P. B. Dixon et al., Phys. Rev. A 83, 051803 (2011)], it was found that the effect of the turbulence can nevertheless be mitigated under certain conditions. This paper gives a detailed theoretical analysis to the setup and results reported in the experiment. Entangled photons with a finite correlation area and a turbulence model beyond the phase screen approximation are considered.
Consuming the Objectified Self: The Quest for Authentic Self

This study explores the practice of “the selfie,” a self-portrait photograph, to understand what the selfie means to young adults. We examine how the people who take and share their selfies discover, present, and pursue their real selves and how this process is subject to social consumption practices. In-depth interviews with 66 young adults were conducted. Findings reveal three phases of authenticating acts in selfie practice: to embody, transfer, and use the self. The valued identity benefits that consumers obtain in selfie practice are identified; these are feeling connected, feeling in control, and feeling virtuous. Throughout the performance of multiple roles as photographers, models and users of selfie pictures, the young adults to take selfies reap benefits that are relevant to their identity projects and to their quest for their authentic selves.
The patterns of output growth of firms and countries: new evidence on scale invariances and scale specificities

This work brings together two distinct pieces of evidence concerning, at the macro level, international distributions of incomes and their dynamics, and, at the micro level, the size distributions of firms and the properties of their growth rates. First, our empirical analysis provides a new look at the international distribu- tions of incomes and growth rates by investigating more closely the relationship between the two entities and the statistical properties of the growth process. Second, we identify the statistical properties that are invariant with respect to the scale of observation (country or firm) as distinct from those that are scale specific. This exercise proposes a few major interpretative challenges regarding the correlating processes underlying the statistical evidence.
Proper names and the theory of metaphor

Metaphorical expressions involving proper names have been discussed only sporadically. This paper demonstrates that there are in fact interesting things to be said about such metaphors, and makes two key points, one general and one specific. The general point is that their behavior accords more with the class-inclusion model of metaphor than the correspondence model. Having established this, I make the more specific point that there are cultural dimensions to these metaphors that pose particular problems for the kind of correspondence model proposed by Lakoff and his associates.
The value of ambulatory blood pressure in older adults: the Dublin outcome study.

BACKGROUND ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) appears to be a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular outcome than blood pressure (BP) measured in the clinic setting in younger adults. OBJECTIVES the purpose of this study was to determine if ABPM predicted total and cardiovascular mortality independently of clinic BP and other cardiovascular risk factors in those aged 65 years and over. METHODS one thousand one hundred and forty-four individuals aged 65 and over referred to a single BP clinic had 24-h ABP measurement and clinic measurement at baseline off treatment. There were 385 deaths (of which 246 were cardiovascular) during a mean follow-up period of 6.7 years. RESULTS with adjustment for gender, age, risk indices and also for clinic BP, a higher mean value of ABPM was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. The relative hazard ratio for each 10-mmHg rise in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 1.10 (1.06-1.18, P < 0.001) for daytime and 1.18 (1.11-1.25, P < 0.001) for night-time SBP. The hazard ratios for each 5-mmHg rise in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 1.05 (1.00-1.10, P = NS) for daytime and 1.09 (1.04-1.14, P < 0.001) for night-time diastolic pressure. The hazard ratios for night-time ABPM remained significant after adjustment for daytime ABPM. CONCLUSIONS ambulatory measurement of BP is superior to clinic measurement in predicting cardiovascular mortality in elderly subjects. Night-time BP is the strongest predictor of outcome in this age group.
Characterisation of the Proteome of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Canicola as a Resource for the Identification of Common Serovar Immunogenic Proteins

Over 230 serovars of Leptospira interrogans have been identified; however few have been completely characterised. The aim of this study was to characterise the proteome of serovar Canicola and to compare this against the serovars of Copenhageni and Pomona. 2D-LC/MS analysis identified 1653 Leptospira proteins in serovar Canicola; 60 of these proteins were common to Copenhageni and Pomona, 16 of which are known to be immunogenic. This study provides the first reported proteome for serovar Canicola and suggests that proteomic comparison of different serovars could be used as a tool for identification of novel target molecules for vaccine development.
Inter-organisational infrastructure in the Australian travel sector

Recent advances in technical capabilities have facilitated an increase in the reach and range of the connectivity of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). It is proposed that one resultant opportunity is an enhanced ability to supply a common service to a group of firms that operate at a similar point in the value chain – referred to here as Joint Service Provision (JSP). It is argued that JSP will be most appropriate for the development of inter-organisational infrastructure as a result of organisational, institutional and industry level considerations. One specific issue, for noninfrastructural services, is the potential impact on the relative competitive positions of organisations using such services. A case study of electronic distribution in the Australian travel sector was conducted to determine whether use of JSP was indeed increasing. The study also sought to ascertain whether the implications for the source and location of value within the sector varied depending upon whether the JSP represented the development of inter-organisational infrastructure or not.
Faster recovery after 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery than after 20-gauge vitrectomy in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Background and methods We compared surgical procedures and outcomes, including duration of recovery period, in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy that underwent 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery with those that underwent 20-gauge vitrectomy. Seventy-two eyes from 53 patients that underwent 20-gauge vitrectomy in 2006 and 87 eyes from 55 patients that underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy in 2010 were studied. The surgical procedures, ie, number of vitreous procedures, operating time, and ratio of type of intraocular tamponade were compared between the two groups. In addition, the outcomes, ie, postoperative complications, anatomical success, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and duration of hospitalization as an indicator of the postoperative recovery period were also compared. Results There were no significant differences in surgical procedures or ratio of cases with postoperative complications between cases with 20-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy. The final anatomical success rate was 100% in the two groups. BCVA at 6 months after the final vitrectomy was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA for both types of vitrectomy (P < 0.05), and was not significantly different between the two groups. The average duration of hospitalization was 19.5 days after 20-gauge vitrectomy, which was significantly longer than the 11.0 days after 25-gauge vitrectomy (P < 0.001). Conclusion These results indicate that the anatomical and functional improvements after 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery are not significantly different from those after 20-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, the significantly shorter recovery period after 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery suggests that it is less traumatic than 20-gauge vitrectomy.
A combined MV and LV network voltage regulation strategy for the reduction of voltage unbalance

Voltage regulation is a crucial practice in distribution networks to ensure that the steady state voltage levels at customer connection points are within prescribed limits. In addition to ensuring required voltage levels, within a range of power quality problems, voltage unbalance is an important factor that determines the quality of supply. With regard to voltage regulation, one of the common methods employed by distribution network service providers is volt/var control. This method regulates the voltage of a network by controlling the voltage at the zone substation and by the injection or absorption of reactive power at different locations in the network. Typically, volt/var control is employed in medium voltage networks only, which overlooks the growth of distributed generation in low voltage networks. The increasing penetration of distributed generation may change the paradigm of voltage regulation to the extent that traditional volt/var control may not be effective. However, the effects of this increasing penetration can be countered by exploiting the versatility of distributed generation devices. This paper proposes a holistic volt/var control approach which takes into account voltage regulation in both medium and low voltage networks and voltage unbalance reduction in a low voltage network. The proposed control method utilises an on load tap changer and a fixed capacitor bank in the medium voltage network and also photovoltaic inverters in the low voltage network. The proposed control is tested on a modified IEEE 13 node test feeder over a 24-hour period over which the load varies. The results demonstrated that the proposed control method is able to perform voltage regulation and voltage unbalance reduction concurrently.
Genericity from a Cross-Linguistic Perspective

Abstract In this article, I will investigate genericity from a cross-linguistic perspective. After discussing some methodological and theoretical problems involved in this task, I will present a multidimensional approach, arguing that it is necessary to factor apart different types of information involved in the notion of genericity. In the empirical part, generic marking and interpretation in the nominal domain will be analyzed in terms of this approach for five languages: English, German, French, Hungarian, and Greek. As a result, I will claim a fundamental typological difference between QUALITY-marking languages (English) and DISCOURSE REFERENT-marking languages (French, Hungarian, Greek), with German representing a mixed type between the two.