Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ECG noise reduction based on stationary wavelet transform and zero-crossings interval thresholding

In this paper, a novel method for removing white gaussian noise from raw ECG signals based on Stationary Wavelet Transform and Interval Thresholding is proposed. Unlike the classical existing denoising methods in the wavelet domains, that apply a simple thresholding to details coefficients, we considers the extremums of each zero-crossings interval in the wavelet domain a whole to perform a thresholding function, which can highlight preserve the most clinical information about the region of the QRS complex in the reconstructed ECG signal. The performance of the proposed SWT-IT (Stationary wavelet transform-Interval Thresholding) method is evaluated in terms of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Percent Root Mean Square Difference (PRD) using real ECG signals acquired from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database. The simulations results show that the proposed method demonstrate superior performance compared with conventional ECG denoising approaches based on the wavelet filtering.
Importance and evaluation of comorbidity in rehabilitation.

PURPOSE The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between comorbidity and the disability in patients referred to a rehabilitation centre. Patients often suffer from associated diseases which may negatively influence the outcome. METHOD After evaluation of several scales, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) was selected. For the study 413 consecutive patients were enrolled. RESULTS In this series, neurological patients presented with higher severity and higher comorbidity than orthopaedic patients. Orthopaedic cases were older but neurological cases had higher severity and higher comorbidity. Indeed, a significant negative correlation between severity and dependence scores was found. Comorbidity, also, showed a significant negative correlation with FIM both in the orthopaedic and in the neurological patients. These data show that severe comorbid conditions influence functional autonomy. Severity and Comorbidity were correlated both in orthopaedic cases and in neurological cases as well. CONCLUSIONS A review of geriatric literature demonstrates lower values in the patients in rehabilitation. The difference is due to our accurate selection of patients at admission, where general health conditions are considered. In conclusion the CIRS scale should be used as a method for selecting patients at admission or as a prognostic index for improvement at discharge. CIRS, however, has some inconveniences and amelioration is necessary, such as the inclusion of a double testing (admission-discharge), psychiatric disturbances and a new item for skin alone. CIRS should not be applied if a patient referred for rehabilitation has the worst score in even a single item.
An Investigation of the Relative and Incremental Predictive Ability of Accrual- and Cash-Based Accounting Measures for Future Cash Flows: Australian Evidence

This research aims to present an empirical investigation of the relative and incremental predictive ability of alternative accrual- and cash-based accounting measures to forecast future cash flows in an Australian context. To achieve this goal, eight ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models on pooled time-series of cross-sectional data are developed. To evaluate the forecasting performance of the models, both within-sample and out-of-sample forecasting tests are employed. A number of contextual factors, including the length of the operating cash cycle, industry membership, firm profitability and firm size, were taken into account in the main OLS regression analysis of this study to examine whether the predictive ability of accrual- and cash-based data to forecast future cash flows were influenced by these factors. In addition, a more sophisticated approach used for estimating regression models, namely fixed-effects, is undertaken to control for unobseved differences across firms. Results from various regression model analyses suggest that cash flow from operations is more important than earnings in predicting future cash flows. Disaggregating earnings into cash flow from operations and accruals enhances the forecast of future cash flows, compared with aggregate earnings. The accrual component of earnings provides incremental information content for future cash flows beyond that provided by the cash flow component of earnings. Various decompositions of total accruals (i.e., current and non-current accruals, accrual components, and discretionary and nondiscretionary accruals) have incremental information content beyond that contained in total accruals. Disaggregating cash flow from operations into operating cash receipts and payments, as reported under the direct method of cash flow presentation, improves the predictive ability of aggregate cash flow from operations. Indirect cash flow information incrementally enhances the ability of direct cash flow components in forecasting future cash flows. This study also provides evidence that the model based on both accrual and cash flow components outperforms other existing cash flow prediction models. Various categorisations of the sample confirm that the findings are not conditional on the selected control factors. However, the results reveal new knowledge on the characteristics of accrual- and cash-based accounting data relating to future cash flows. For instance, this study documents that cash flow and its components (earnings and accruals) are more (less) informative to market participants in the forecast of a firm’s future cash flows when: (i) the firm is small; (ii) their operating cash cycle is short; and (iii) the firm makes a loss. Furthermore, the level of the predictive ability of both accrual- and cash-based accounting variables varies across industries.
Correct allometric analysis is always helpful for scaling flow‐mediated dilation in research and individual patient contexts

McLay et al. (Clin Physiol Funct Imaging (2017); DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12465) recently examined whether the allometric scaling of flow‐mediated dilation influenced the mean difference between samples of young and older adults compared with the traditional percentage change approach. They also explored whether a new scaling calculation improved the ability to obtain individually scaled flow‐mediated dilation. In our response to their study, we can demonstrate that McLay et al. (Clin Physiol Funct Imaging, 2017) have (i) managed to formulate a new scaling index which does nothing to remove the dependency of that index on baseline diameter and (ii) suggested, incorrectly, that the original allometric approach cannot be used to derive individually‐adjusted values of flow‐mediated dilation, which can be interpreted in a similar way to a percentage change.
Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oils from Zanthoxylum dissitum Leaves and Roots against Three Species of Storage Pests

This work aimed to investigate chemical composition of essential oils obtained from Zanthoxylum dissitum leaves and roots and their insecticidal activities against several stored product pests, namely the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and black carpet beetle (Attagenus piceus). The analysis by GC-MS of the essential oils allowed the identification of 28 and 22 components, respectively. It was found that sesquiterpenoids comprised a fairly high portion of the two essential oils, with percentages of 74.0% and 80.9% in the leaves and roots, respectively. The main constituents identified in the essential oil of Z. dissitum leaves were δ-cadinol (12.8%), caryophyllene (12.7%), β-cubebene (7.9%), 4-terpineol (7.5%) and germacrene D-4-ol (5.7%), while humulene epoxide II (29.4%), caryophyllene oxide (24.0%), diepicedrene-1-oxide (10.7%) and Z,Z,Z-1,5,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4,7-cycloundecatriene (8.7%) were the major components in the essential oil of Z. dissitum roots. The insecticidal activity results indicated that the essential oil of Z. dissitum roots exhibited moderate contact toxicity against three species of storage pests, L. serricorne, T. castaneum and A. piceus, with LD50 values of 13.8, 43.7 and 96.8 µg/adult, respectively.
Within Compound Associations Mediate the Retrospective Revaluation of Causality Judgements

The role of within-compound associations in the retrospective revaluation of causality judgements was investigated in a two-stage procedure in which the subjects were asked to learn whether or not different food stimuli caused an allergic reaction in hypothetical patients. In the compound-cue stage a number of compound cues, each consisting of a competing stimulus and a target stimulus, were associated with the reaction across a series of trials, whereas in the single-cue stage the subjects had the opportunity to learn which of the competing cues, when presented alone, caused the reaction. Each target stimulus was presented with the same competing cue across all compound trials in the consistent condition, but with a different competing cue on each trial in the varied condition. In a forward procedure, in which the single-cue stage preceded compound cue training, judgements of the causal effectiveness of the target stimuli were reduced or blocked by training them in compound with a competing cue that had been previously paired with the reaction. Moreover, the magnitude of this reduction was comparable in the consistent and varied conditions. This was not true, however, when the single- and compound-cue stages were reversed in the backward procedure. Judgements for target cues compounded with competing cues that were subsequently paired with the reaction were reduced only in the consistent condition. If it is assumed that stronger associations were formed between the competing and target stimuli during the compound-cue stage in the consistent condition than in the varied condition, this pattern suggests that the retrospective revaluation of causality judgements can be mediated by the formation of within-compound associations.
CT colonography to screen for colorectal cancer and aortic aneurysm in the Medicare population: cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE CT colonography (CTC) is a recommended test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening according to the updated 2008 American Cancer Society guidelines. CTC can also accurately detect abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This collaborative gastroenterology-radiology project evaluated the cost-effectiveness and clinical efficacy of CTC in the Medicare population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A computerized Markov model simulated the development of CRC and AAA in a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 U.S. adults > or = 65 years old. Screening with CTC at 5- and 10-year intervals using a 6-mm size threshold for polypectomy was compared with primary optical colonoscopy screening every 10 years and with no screening. Base case costs for CTC and optical colonoscopy were $674 and $795, respectively. The costs of the imaging workup for extracolonic findings at CTC were also included. RESULTS CTC resulted in 7,786 and 7,027 life-years gained at 5- and 10-year intervals, respectively, compared with 6,032 life-years gained with 10-year optical colonoscopy. The increase in overall efficacy with CTC was primarily due to prevention of AAA rupture because CRC prevention and CRC detection rates were similar for CTC and optical colonoscopy. All three strategies were highly cost-effective compared with no screening, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $6,088, $1,251, and $1,104 per life-year gained for 5-year CTC, 10-year CTC, and 10-year optical colonoscopy strategies, respectively. The ICER of 5-year CTC and 10-year CTC versus optical colonoscopy was $23,234 and $2,144 per life-year gained, respectively. CONCLUSION Because of its ability to simultaneously screen for both CRC and AAA, CTC is a highly cost-effective and clinically efficacious screening strategy for the Medicare population.
Reference values for a multiple repetition 6-minute walk test in healthy adults older than 20 years.

PURPOSE To (1) identify greatest 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) from among several repetitions (best 6MWD) in a wide age range of healthy volunteers to develop reference values for the multiple repetition 6MWD, and (2) investigate the influence of demographics, anthropometrics, and habitual exercise activity on best 6MWD. METHODS Four 6MWD were performed on the same day in a 20-meter corridor by 41 male and 38 female healthy volunteers ranging in age from 20 to 80 years. The greatest 6MWD by each subject from among four 6MWDs was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS Eighty-six percent had their best 6MWD after the first walk; an average increase of 43 meters was observed from first to best 6MWD (P < 0.003). Best 6MWD averaged 698 +/- 96 meters and was inversely related to age (P < 0.001), directly to height (P < 0.001), and was greater in men than women (P < 0.0002). A regression model accounted for 41% of between-subject variability in best 6MWD (P < 0.00000001). In a subset of older subjects, predicted 6MWD significantly underestimated measured best 6MWD when reference values were used from another study where test familiarization was not provided, but this difference disappeared when value were used from the present and a third study where test familiarization was provided. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to provide predicted 6MWD values performed with multiple repetitions and for subjects in the 20-40-year-old age range. Selection of appropriate predicted 6MWD values for interpretation of performance should be guided by subject age and degree of test familiarization provided.
Miniaturized lensless imaging systems for cell and microorganism visualization in point‐of‐care testing

Low‐cost, robust, and user‐friendly diagnostic capabilities at the point‐of‐care (POC) are critical for treating infectious diseases and preventing their spread in developing countries. Recent advances in micro‐ and nanoscale technologies have enabled the merger of optical and fluidic technologies (optofluidics) paving the way for cost‐effective lensless imaging and diagnosis for POC testing in resource‐limited settings. Applications of the emerging lensless imaging technologies include detecting and counting cells of interest, which allows rapid and affordable diagnostic decisions. This review presents the advances in lensless imaging and diagnostic systems, and their potential clinical applications in developing countries. The emerging technologies are reviewed from a POC perspective considering cost effectiveness, portability, sensitivity, throughput and ease of use for resource‐limited settings.
Superior reliability prediction in design and development phase

High demanded reliable components or systems projects necessitate reliability prediction in early design and development phase. Historically reliability predictions are performed using standardization of the technique such as MIL-HDBK-217 or similar handbook, which in many cases has produced inaccurate reliability results. Today's complex designs, which have intricate interfaces and boundaries, cannot rely on these methods to predict reliability. This paper presents superior reliability prediction approach for design and development of projects that demands high reliability where traditional prediction approach has failed to do the job. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated with a suitable example of solder ball failures on a silicon chip and circuit board. Reliability of solder ball has been accurately predicted. Sensitivity analysis, which determines factors that can mitigate or eliminate the failure mode(s) has been performed. Probabilistic analysis such as the burden capability method is employed for assessing the probability of failure mode occurrences, which provides a structured approach to ranking of the failure modes, based on a combination of their probability of occurrence and severity of their effects. The effective number of simulation runs for various random variables and how to compute the life is also presented.
Effects of silicate resupply to silicate‐deprived Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae) in stationary or senescent phase: short‐term patterns of growth and cell death

The ability of nutrient‐deprived phytoplankton to recover in the short term when nutrients are resupplied has been studied for nitrogen and phosphorus, but the case for silicate (Si) is poorly understood. Si‐limited Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) Fryxell et Hasle (grown in batch culture) was harvested in stationary phase (when cell numbers stopped increasing ~2 d after Si depletion) and senescence (when cell numbers declined ~4 d after Si depletion) and Si was resupplied at different concentrations (from 0 to 100 μM). Cell numbers, proportion of dead cells, variable fluorescence emissions (Fv/Fm), and activities of proteases were measured during Si depletion and for 24 h after Si resupply. As Si was depleted, the specific growth rate declined, dead cells increased from ~2% in log phase, to ~25% in stationary phase to over 35% in senescence, and activities of proteases associated with cell death increased several‐fold. Concentration‐dependent recovery of growth rate was seen after 24 h for cultures resupplied with Si in stationary phase but not in senescence. However, resupply of Si at 100 μM to stationary phase cultures alone increased protease activity to nearly the levels seen in senescence. Differences in the responses to Si resupply suggest that the ability and time to recover from Si depletion depend not only on the growth phase but also on the concentration resupplied.
Resituating Aotearoa New Zealand mental health legislation in the context of social and occupational justice

INTRODUCTION: Social work and occupational therapy mental health practitioners face a range of tensions in relation to statutory obligations in the context of maintaining a focus on the ideals of social or occupational justice. APPROACH: The aim of this article is to highlight some of the complexities for social work and occupational therapy practitioners in an environment dominated by a medico-legal worldview. Those complexities include creating and maintaining a therapeutic relationship, adhering to legal obligations; and staying focused on professional values and beliefs. We have explored notions of social justice and occupational justice and undertaken a descriptive chronological review of Aotearoa New Zealand mental health legislation. IMPLICATIONS: We have provided an insight in to some of the key factors that have influenced the development of mental health legislation in this country in relation to social and occupational justice. We have considered how the medico-legal worldview influences staying true to the notions of social and occupational justice and have made suggestions for change relative to practice and the legislation.
An approach to the automatic detection of weld defects in radiography films using digital image processing

Oil refinery industry is using large amount of radiographic films of weld defects, requiring human work by technicians to interpretation. This paper presents a method and automated system for determination of weld defect from radiographic films by using the image processing technique. The hardware and software system rapidly and automatically convert the radiographic films into digital images, then analyzes and compares with the digitalized radiographic images database. The probable defects and its type recognized defect are determined. This approach will be significant in developing a professional system for partially replacing technician work in image interpretation, ensuring quality and productivity in welding manufacturing technology.
Effective and Long-Lasting Immunity against the Parasite Leishmania major in CD8-Deficient Mice

ABSTRACT The results of earlier investigations that tested whether CD8+ T cells are required in the defense againstLeishmania major have been inconsistent. We used CD8-deficient mice to directly address this issue. After primary infection with L. major, CD8-deficient mice controlled the infection for over 1 year and mounted strong T helper 1 cell responses. Thus, CD8+ T cells are not required for the long-term control of a primary infection with L. major.
Symptom experience after discontinuing use of estrogen plus progestin.

CONTEXT Little is known about women's experiences after stopping menopausal hormone therapy. OBJECTIVE To describe women's symptoms and management strategies after stopping the intervention in a large estrogen plus progestin trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional survey of 8405 women (89.9%; N = 9351) at 40 clinical centers who were still taking study pills (conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone [CEE + MPA] or placebo) when the estrogen plus progestin intervention (Women's Health Initiative) was stopped. Surveys were mailed 8 to 12 months after the stop date. Logistic regression was used to model vasomotor symptoms and pain or stiffness symptoms as functions of former treatment and baseline symptoms, adjusted for appropriate covariates. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms (vasomotor or pain and stiffness) and management strategies. RESULTS Respondents' mean (SD) age at trial stop date was 69.1 (6.7) years. They averaged 5.7 years of taking study pills. Moderate or severe vasomotor symptoms after discontinuing study pill use were reported by 21.2% of former CEE + MPA and 4.8% of placebo group respondents overall and by 55.5% and 21.3%, respectively, with these symptoms at baseline (randomization). Compared with respondents in the former placebo group, moderate or severe vasomotor symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.92-6.89) and pain or stiffness symptoms (AOR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.95-2.40) were more likely in respondents in the former CEE + MPA group. Both vasomotor symptoms (AOR, 5.36; 95% CI, 4.51-6.38) and pain or stiffness symptoms (AOR, 3.21; 95% CI, 2.90-3.56) also were more likely in women with these symptoms at baseline. Women reported a wide range of strategies to manage symptoms. CONCLUSIONS More than half of the women with vasomotor symptoms at randomization to active CEE + MPA also reported these symptoms after discontinuing use of the study pills. However, these participants did not include women who were unwilling to be randomized or who had stopped taking the study pills earlier. These findings should be considered when advising women to treat menopausal symptoms with hormone therapy for as short duration as possible. Investigation of alternative strategies to manage menopausal symptoms is warranted.