Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hearing-Impaired Children in the United Kingdom, III: Cochlear Implantation and the Economic Costs Incurred by Families

Objectives: This article addresses two questions. First, are there differences in the economic costs incurred by families of hearing-impaired children depending on whether or not children have cochlear implants? Second, are these differences important when assessed from the perspective of society? Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, parents of a representative sample of hearing-impaired children provided data about annual resources used by the family because of their child’s hearing impairment. The data yielded estimates of two variables: out-of-pocket expenditure and time away from normal activities by parents. The economic cost of the two variables was estimated in &U20AC;uros (&U20AC;) at 2001/2 price levels, and summed to estimate the overall economic cost incurred by the family. Linear regression was used to estimate the association between costs and implantation, while controlling for average (unaided, preoperative) hearing level, age at onset of hearing impairment, age, gender, the number of additional disabilities, parental occupational skill level, ethnicity, and parental hearing status. The cumulative economic cost incurred by the families of implanted children, between implantation and age 16 yr, was calculated from estimates of the overall economic cost associated with implantation and compared with estimates of the incremental health-sector cost of implantation. Results: Data were provided by the families of 2858 children, 468 of whom had received a cochlear implant. Compared with the families of nonimplanted children, out-of-pocket expenditure was estimated to be significantly higher for families when children were implanted before the age of 5 yr and had used their implant for less than 2 yr, as was lost productivity when children had used their implants for less than 2 yr. Overall economic cost was estimated to be significantly higher for the families of implanted children who had used their implants for less than 2 yr. The cumulative economic cost was estimated to be &U20AC;3355 for a family whose child was implanted at age 3 yr and &U20AC;949 for a child implanted at age 6 yr. These costs correspond, at most, to 3% of the incremental health-sector costs of implantation. Conclusions: Compared with families of nonimplanted children, families of implanted children incur additional costs in the 2 yr after implantation. These costs are small in relation to the health-sector costs of providing implantation.
Distinct Superficial and Deep Laminar Domains of Activity in the Visual Cortex during Rest and Stimulation

Spatial patterns of spontaneous neural activity at rest have previously been associated with specific networks in the brain, including those pertaining to the functional architecture of the primary visual cortex (V1). However, despite the prominent anatomical differences between cortical layers, little is known about the laminar pattern of spontaneous activity in V1. We address this topic by investigating the amplitude and coherence of ongoing local field potential (LFP) signals measured from different layers in V1 of macaque monkeys during rest and upon presentation of a visual stimulus. We used a linear microelectrode array to measure LFP signals at multiple, evenly spaced positions throughout the cortical thickness. Analyzing both the mean LFP amplitudes and between-contact LFP coherences, we identified two distinct zones of activity, roughly corresponding to superficial and deep layers, divided by a sharp transition near the bottom of layer 4. The LFP signals within each laminar zone were highly coherent, whereas those between zones were not. This functional compartmentalization was found not only during rest, but also when the receptive field was stimulated during a visual task. These results demonstrate the existence of distinct superficial and deep functional domains of coherent LFP activity in V1 that may reflect the intrinsic interplay of V1 microcircuitry with cortical and subcortical targets, respectively.
Towards fully spray coated organic light emitting devices

Pi-conjugated polymer light emitting devices have the potential to be the next generation of solid state lighting. In order to achieve this goal, a low cost, efficient and large area production process is essential. Polymer based light emitting devices are generally deposited using techniques based on solution processing e.g.: spin coating, ink jet printing. These techniques are not well suited for cost-effective, high throughput, large area mass production of these organic devices. Ultrasonic spray deposition however, is a deposition technique that is fast, efficient and roll to roll compatible which can be easily scaled up for the production of large area polymer light emitting devices (PLEDs). This deposition technique has already successfully been employed to produce organic photovoltaic devices (OPV)1. Recently the electron blocking layer PEDOT:PSS2 and metal top contact3 have been successfully spray coated as part of the organic photovoltaic device stack. In this study, the effects of ultrasonic spray deposition of polymer light emitting devices are investigated. For the first time – to our knowledge -, spray coating of the active layer in PLED is demonstrated. Different solvents are tested to achieve the best possible spray-able dispersion. The active layer morphology is characterized and optimized to produce uniform films with optimal thickness. Furthermore these ultrasonic spray coated films are incorporated in the polymer light emitting device stack to investigate the device characteristics and efficiency. Our results show that after careful optimization of the active layer, ultrasonic spray coating is prime candidate as deposition technique for mass production of PLEDs.
CFD analysis of head and helmet aerodynamic drag to wheelchair racing

Wheelchair racing, an important event in Paralympics, it requires huge effort from its athletes to overcome the resistive forces. The resistive forces in wheelchair racing are aerodynamic drag and rolling friction. CFD methodology can play a determinant role in aerodynamic analysis. The aim of this study was to analyses the aerodynamic drag at different speeds and attack angles of a human head with a helmet, whilst extrapolating results to better suit the needs of wheelchair racing athletes. Computer Fluid Dynamics methodology was used in this study. A 3D head and helmet scan was obtained from a Paralympics athlete. The 3D model was exported to fluent software generating the aerodynamic drag after numerical simulation. Regardless the velocity, 90° attack angle (subject looking down) presented higher aerodynamic drag (0.732 N) Wheelchair racing athletes should maintain a 0° attack angle (looking forward) mainly at speeds greater than 3.5 m/s.
Minimum Distances of the QC-LDPC Codes in IEEE 802 Communication Standards

This work applies earlier results on Quasi-Cyclic (QC) LDPC codes to the codes specified in six separate IEEE 802 standards, specifying wireless communications from 54 MHz to 60 GHz. First, we examine the weight matrices specified to upper bound the codes' minimum distance independent of block length. Next, we search for the minimum distance achieved for the parity check matrices selected at each block length. Finally, solutions to the computational challenges encountered are addressed.
Tax-and-spend: democratic scheduling for real-time garbage collection

Real-time Garbage Collection (RTGC) has recently advanced to the point where it is being used in production for financial trading, military command-and-control, and telecommunications. However, among potential users of RTGC, there is enormous diversity in both application requirements and deployment environments. Previously described RTGCs tend to work well in a narrow band of possible environments, leading to fragile systems and limiting adoption of real-time garbage collection technology. This paper introduces a collector scheduling methodology called tax-and-spend and the collector design revisions needed to support it. Tax-and-spend provides a general mechanism which works well across a variety of application, machine, and operating system configurations. Tax-and-spend subsumes the predominant pre-existing RTGC scheduling techniques. It allows different policies to be applied in different contexts depending on the needs of the application. Virtual machines can co-exist compositionally on a single machine. We describe the implementation of our system, Metronome-TS, as an extension of the Metronome collector in IBM's Real-time J9 virtual machine product, and we evaluate it running on an 8-way SMP blade with a real-time Linux kernel. Compared to the state-of-the-art Metronome system on which it is based, implemented in the identical infrastructure, it achieves almost 3x shorter latencies, comparable utilization at a 2.5x shorter time window, and mean throughput improvements of 10-20%.
Activity pad: teaching tool combining tangible interaction and affordance of paper

In this paper, we describe the design process and early experiences of the Activity Pad, an interactive digital artifact for active learning environments. The pad combines a 4x6 grid of programmable NFC readers together with printed sheets of A4-sized paper to allow teacher-driven creation of interactive learning applications featuring application-specific tangibles. We describe iterative design process for this teaching tool, including mock-up prototypes, focus group discussions with teachers and the first complete prototype together with two example applications. Teachers were eager to innovate applications for the Activity Pad, and the feedback indicates the potential of this kind of teaching tool in diverse learning environments.
Word-level rate of speech modeling using rate-specific phones and pronunciations

Variations in rate of speech (ROS) produce changes in both spectral features and word pronunciations that affect ASR systems. To cope with these effects, we propose to use rate specific phone models and pronunciations for ROS modeling at the word level. Words are given three types of pronunciations fast, slow, and medium-consisting of rate-specific phone models, respectively. This approach allows us to model within sentence rate variation. To better model coarticulation effects, we introduce the concept, of zero-length phones, which enables short phones to be skipped without having to change their neighboring phones' contexts. A data-driven approach is used to prune the pronunciation dictionary derived from rules for phone reduction. We tested these approaches on the Hub 4 database and achieved a relative improvement of 2.0% over the baseline-an evaluation-quality version of SRI's DECIPHER continuous speech recognition system-for clean native speech in the 1996 development set.
Real-time architecture on FPGA for obstacle detection using inverse perspective mapping

This paper presents an embedded architecture to implement in real time the Inverse Perspective Mapping (IPM) algorithm. The IPM algorithm allows a robot to detect obstacles under the hypothesis that the ground is flat, and the definition of an obstacle being anything that has a height above the ground. This algorithm is based on modifying the camera's angle of view to remove the perspective effect for the ground plane. The algorithm is implemented using co-design techniques and validated on a Stratix 3 FPGA. Several approaches proposed to develop an architecture devoted to this algorithm, are compared. Finally the proposed methodology can be extended to many cameras. The algorithm was fully tested for one camera and partially tested for 4 cameras.
Estimating the effects of transcription factors binding and histone modifications on gene expression levels in human cells

Transcription factors and histone modifications are vital for the regulation of gene expression. Hence, to estimate the effects of transcription factors binding and histone modifications on gene expression, we construct a statistical model for the genome-wide 15 transcription factors binding data, 10 histone modifications profiles and DNase-I hypersensitivity data in three mammalian. Remarkably, our results show POLR2A and H3K36me3 can highly and consistently predict gene expression in three cell lines. And H3K4me3, H3K27me3 and H3K9ac are more reliable predictors than other histone modifications in human embryonic stem cells. Moreover, genome-wide statistical redundancies exist within and between transcription factors and histone modifications, and these phenomena may be caused by the regulation mechanism. In further study, we find that even though transcription factors and histone modifications offer similar effects on expression levels of genome-wide genes, the effects of transcription factors and histone modifications on predictive abilities are different for genes in independent biological processes.
A reduced order model of the linearized incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for the sensor/actuator placement problem

A reduced order modeling approach of the Navier-Stokes equations is presented for the design of a distributed optimal feedback kernel. This approach is based on a Krylov subspace method where significant modes of the flow are captured in the model. This model is then used in an optimal feedback control design where sensing and actuation is performed on the entire flow field. This control design approach yields an optimal feedback kernel which provides insight into the placement of sensors and actuators in the flow field. As an evaluation of this approach, a two-dimensional shear layer and driven cavity flow are investigated.
Fuller capital account opening in China and India : mind the gap 1

The inevitably large influence of fast-growing China and India on global financial markets creates a global interest in their getting their capital account liberalisation right (Tseng and Cowen, 2006; Winters and Yusuf, 2007; Bussière and Mehl, 2008). Both economies have set further capital account opening as their medium-term policy goal (RBI, 2006; SAFE, 2008). An understanding of the challenges faced by policymakers requires robust assessments of the current degree of financial integration and possible directions of tensions across a range of key financial markets in the two largest emerging markets in the world.
Thrust Bump Air Foil Bearings with Variable Axial Load: Theoretical Predictions and Experiments

Thrust air foil bearings are critical components in high-efficiency turbomachinery, such as two-stage compressors subjected to large and irregular axial forces. In this article, a model of thrust bump foil bearings that predicts deflection with variable axial load is developed assuming no tilting effect of the thrust collar. To predict the air clearance, deflection of the elastic foundation was used in the air film height equation. Combined Dirichlet and Neumann-type boundary conditions were used for static load performance predictions. To verify the theoretical model, tests were performed with three different thrust air foil bearings with outer radii of 45, 50, and 55 mm. The rotating speed ranged from 10,000 to 25,000 rpm. From the test results, the model using nonlinear stiffness was in better agreement with the experimental results than the model using linear stiffness.
Transient activity of Golgi-like membranes as donors of vesicular stomatitis viral glycoprotein in vitro

Previous reports demonstrated that the vesicular stomatitis viral glycoprotein (G protein), initially present in membranes of a Chinese hamster ovary mutant cell line (clone 15B) that is incapable of terminal glycosylation, can be transferred in vitro to exogenous Golgi membranes and there glycosylated (E. Fries and J. E. Rothman, 1980, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 77:3870-3874; and J. E. Rothman and E. Fries, 1981, J. Cell Biol. 89:162-168). Here we present evidence that Golgi-like membranes serve as donors of G protein in this process. Pulse-chase experiments revealed that the donor activity of membranes is greatest at approximately 10 min of chase, a time when G protein has been shown to have arrived in Golgi stacks (J. E. Bergmann, K. T. Tokuyasu, and S. J. Singer, 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 78:1746-1750). Additional evidence that the G protein that is transferred to exogenous Golgi membranes in vitro had already entered the Golgi membranes in vivo was provided by observations that its oligosaccharides had already been trimmed, and that its distribution in a sucrose density gradient was coincident with that of enzymatic markers of Golgi membranes. The capacity of this Golgi-like membrane to serve as donor is transient, declining within 5 min after "trimming" in vivo as the G protein enters a "nontransferable" pool. The rapidity of the process suggests that both the "transferable" and "nontransferable" pools of G protein reside in Golgi-like membranes.
Mining Points-of-Interest Association Rules from Geo-tagged Photos

The advent of photo-sharing services results in massive user-generated geo-tagged photos. These photos implicitly and explicitly indicate points-of-interest and their associations. This study aims to combine two data mining techniques: clustering and association rules mining to mine areas of attraction, and their associative patterns. We analyze photos from Flickr in the area of Queensland, Australia, a popular tourist destination hosting the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rain forest. We report interesting experimental results and discuss findings.
The Effect of Zeolite on the Crystallization Behaviour and Tribological Properties of UHMWPE Composite

In this work, the effects of adding different filler loadings (520 wt%) of zeolite to the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix on the crystallinity behaviour and tribological properties were studied. The zeolite/UHMWPE composites were fabricated using hot compression moulding. The crystallization behaviour was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tribological properties were monitored using a Ducom TR-20 pin-on-disc tester under different sliding speeds of 0.209 ms-1 and 0.419 ms-1 and with various applied loads of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 N. The worn surfaces of the zeolite/UHMWPE composites were observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the addition of zeolite into UHMWPE matrix can effectively enhance the percentage crystallinity of the UHMWPE. 15 wt% zeolite-reinforced UHMWPE composites show the increase of 47% in percentage crystallinity as compared to pure UHMWPE. The wear mass loss of the composites was found to be reduced by the incorporation of zeolite in UHMWPE. In addition, the average coefficient of friction (COF) was also found to decrease with the addition of zeolite. The lowest average COF was obtained by 20 wt% zeolite reinforcements into UHMWPE. Shallower grooves and smoother worn surfaces were observed for zeolite/UHMWPE as compared to pure UHMWPE.
A hierarchical estimator development for estimation of tire-road friction coefficient

The effect of vehicle active safety systems is subject to the friction force arising from the contact of tires and the road surface. Therefore, an adequate knowledge of the tire-road friction coefficient is of great importance to achieve a good performance of these control systems. This paper presents a tire-road friction coefficient estimation method for an advanced vehicle configuration, four-motorized-wheel electric vehicles, in which the longitudinal tire force is easily obtained. A hierarchical structure is adopted for the proposed estimation design. An upper estimator is developed based on unscented Kalman filter to estimate vehicle state information, while a hybrid estimation method is applied as the lower estimator to identify the tire-road friction coefficient using general regression neural network (GRNN) and Bayes' theorem. GRNN aims at detecting road friction coefficient under small excitations, which are the most common situations in daily driving. GRNN is able to accurately create a mapping from input parameters to the friction coefficient, avoiding storing an entire complex tire model. As for large excitations, the estimation algorithm is based on Bayes' theorem and a simplified “magic formula” tire model. The integrated estimation method is established by the combination of the above-mentioned estimators. Finally, the simulations based on a high-fidelity CarSim vehicle model are carried out on different road surfaces and driving maneuvers to verify the effectiveness of the proposed estimation method.
Nonlinear Cross-Diffusion with Size Exclusion

The aim of this paper is to investigate the mathematical properties of a continuum model for diffusion of multiple species incorporating size exclusion effects. The system for two species leads to nonlinear cross-diffusion terms with double degeneracy, which creates significant novel challenges in the analysis of the system. We prove global existence of weak solutions and well-posedness of strong solutions close to equilibrium. We further study some asymptotics of the model, and in particular we characterize the large-time behavior of solutions.
Effects of Matrix Microcracking on the Response of 2D Braided Textile Composites Subjected to Compression Loads

This article is concerned with the implementation of a coupled damage-elastic-plastic constitutive model for the matrix material of a 2D triaxial braided carbon fiber composite (2DTBC) subjected to compression loads. Damage in the matrix of 2DTBC is in the form of matrix microcracking which is observed in laboratory experiments of 2DTBC coupons subjected to cyclic loading. In the model, the matrix is treated as a continuously evolving solid governed by a coupled elastic-plastic damage theory which is modified from the classical elasto-plastic theory. With this description of the matrix, the response of 2DTBC to compression loading is studied through the adoption of a representative unit cell that consists of a progressively damaging matrix and elastic-plastic progressively damaging fiber tows. Results from the analysis are compared against a model without evolving damage and also against available experimental data to understand the significance of matrix damage and its influence on compression load bearing capability.
Optimal control promotional policy for consumer durable product in a segmented market incorporating goodwill

Owing to the competitive structure of the market, firms concentrate excessively on promotional activities to maximize their profit. In this paper, we formulate an optimal control problem to find promotional effort policies for the case when the firm promotes its product at mass and segment specific level in a segmented market. The adoption is measured through the innovation diffusion model with respect to mass and differentiated promotion. The objective of proposed model is profit maximization where the sales evolve through promotion which in turns built up goodwill described by Nerlove-Arrow Model. The solution of the proposed problem is obtained using maximum principle. Some special cases of the proposed optimal control problem are also discussed. The application of the discretized version of the proposed problem is illustrated through a numerical.
Triaxial Woven Fabrics

This paper describes some of the unique properties and performance characteristics of triaxial woven fabrics. With three systems of yarn interlacing at sixty-degree angles with one another, triaxial woven fabrics provide less of an anistotropic behavior and offer an alternative to the inherent structural weaknesses of biaxial woven fabrics: It is shown that triaxial woven fabrics exhibit a relatively higher and more uniform resistance to extension, shear deformation, and burst deformation than comparable biaxial woven fabrics.