Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Multichannel Surface EMG System for Hand Motion Recognition

Surface electromyography (sEMG)-based hand motion recognition has a variety of promising applications. While a person performs different hand motions, commands can be extracted to control external devices, such as prosthetic hands, tablets and so forth. The acquisition of discriminative sEMG signals determines the accuracy of intended control commands extraction. This paper develops an 16-channel sEMG signal acquisition system with a novel electrode configuration that is specially designed to collect sEMG on the forearm. Besides, to establish the relationship between multichannel sEMG signals and hand motions, a 2D EMG map is designed. Inspired from the electromyographic (EMG) map, this paper proposes an EMG feature named differential root mean square (DRMS) that somewhat takes the relationship between neighboring EMG channels into account. In the task of four hand motion discrimination by K-means and fuzzy C-means, DRMS outperforms traditional root mean square (RMS) by 29.0% and 36.8%, respectively. The findings of this paper support and guide the use of sEMG techniques to investigate sEMG-based hand motion recognition.
QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA: THE ROLE OF JOB INVOLVEMENT AND SENSE OF EFFICACY

his study developed and tested a model for examining the relationship between employees' perceptions of quality of work life (QWL), and organizational commitment in the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia. The relationships were compared across the two sectors. The study is based on a sample of 353 employees from different organizations, using path analysis method. The findings indicate significant differences in the perceptions of employees about QWL in the public and private sectors. Employees of public sector showed more commitment toward their organizations. The findings also show that job involvement is the strongest predictor of organizational commitment in the private sector. Globally, the relationship between quality of work life and organizational commitment is partially mediated by sense of efficacy and job involvement. Findings highlight that the organizational commitment of younger female employees is higher than the commitment among their male counterparts towards the organization. On the other hand, elder male employees show higher organizational commitment than elder females.
Compound sensory action potentials evoked by tactile and by electrical stimulation in normal median and sural nerves

The compound sensory action potential evoked by electrical stimulation provides a measure of the number and physiological properties of myelinated fibers in the nerve but does not allow evaluation of the most distal part of the sensory nerve. This study compares the compound sensory action potential, evoked by electrical and tactile stimuli, and recorded through needle electrodes placed close to the median and sural nerves of 22 normal males aged 16–51 years. The tactile probe, with a slight preindentation, delivered an indentation of the skin of 200 μm at a rate of 400 μ/ms at the tip of digit III and the dorsolateral side of the foot. The responses were recorded from the median nerve at wrist and elbow and from the sural nerve at the lateral malleolus and midcalf. The amplitudes of the responses averaged 0.5 μV and 0.7 μV in the sural and the median nerves (P < 0.02), respectively, which was only 5–10% of the amplitude evoked by electrical stimulation. The mean maximal conduction velocity determined by tactile stimulation was 54 m/s in the sural nerve compared with 65 m/s in the median nerve and similar to that calculated after electrical stimulation. In the median nerve the sensory conduction velocity was 8% faster than the motor conduction velocity. These findings indicated that only a fraction of the fibers in the nerve were activated by the probe and that the response was conducted along large myelinated sensory fibers. The latency of the tactile response was longer than that of the electrically evoked response due to the receptor delay and conduction along thin distal fiber portions. The delay at the mechanoreceptors was about 1 ms in the sural and 0.65 ms in the median nerve (P < 0.01). © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Frequency of psycho‐oncologic and social service counseling in cancer centers relative to center site and hospital characteristics: Findings from 879 center sites in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy

There is extensive evidence that patients with cancer and cancer survivors have a strong need for expert support in relation to the psychological and social consequences of the disease. The requirements set out in the German Cancer Society's cancer center certification system include the routine provision of psycho‐oncologic care (POC) and social service counseling for every patient. The current study investigated which organizational and structural characteristics in hospitals account for variations in psychosocial care provision in these centers.
Atomic Representation of Glitches-Preliminary Results

Glitches are transients of environmental or instrumental origin appearing in the data channel of existing large baseline interferometer based gravitational wave detectors. Their presence limits severely the performance of gravitational wave detection/estimation algorithms based on the customary Gaussian noise assumption, and requires adopting ad-hoc data laundering techniques. Modeling glitches is in important issue both for simulating the instruments' noise background and for designing gravitational wave detection algorithms with improved performance. We believe that glitches can be modeled as superpositions of very simple time-frequency atoms, and discuss the use of a Matching-Pursuit algorithm to decompose glitches into Sine-Gaussian and Ring-Down components. The method has been tested on the data-channel glitch database maintained by P. Saulson and co-Workers [1]. Preliminary results appear encouraging, and suggest that only a few atoms may be needed to represent most of the observed glitches. The Waves Group Implementation. Matching Pursuit We used a dictionary of (complex) Sine-Gaussian (Gabor) functions. These are minimum spread atoms, depending on 5 parameters only (amplitude, initial phase, location in time, location in frequency, and time spread). In order to decompose glitches into time-frequency atoms we implemented a modified Matching Pursuit (MP) algorithm [4]. MP was originally designed to decompose very complicated (e.g., musical) signals into thousands of time-frequency atoms. Hopefully, MP should be effective in decomposing much simpler signal into a much smaller number of atoms. Our preliminary findings suggest that this approach is generally successful, although special care is required in several stages of the algorithm, compared to standard implementations. The MP flow diagram is sketched below. 1 ( (4 ) ) t f π − Δ ⋅Δ =
Three Essays on International Transmission of Business Cycles

This dissertation consists of three chapters on international transmission of business cycles. It constructs dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium (DSGE) models that incorporate heterogeneous agents on the producer side; entry and exit dynamics; fixed exporting costs; and iceberg trade costs. I explain simulation results along the way how the models matter for policy and empirical regularities identified in the literature. This dissertation shows how micro-founded firm-level dynamics can improve the performance of the standard international business cycle models. In the first chapter, In this paper, I propose a two-country, dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium (DSGE) model with endogenous tradability, product differentiation, variously determined physical capital, and an elastic labor supply to explore the propagation of business cycles across countries. I show that the model successfully addresses international relative price dynamics (its appreciation with positive home productivity shock) through the entry of producers and their cut-off productivities of exporting. The use of endogenous physical capital in the model induces a more realistic framework since the simulated model is compared to the investment data that covers spending on capital equipment, structures and inventories for producers entry and exit dynamics. Building the model with endogenous capital and elastic labor supply weakens the volatility of investment compared to conventional international real business cycle (IRBC) models. The model also accounts for several features of the data, such as the volatility of aggregate variables and their correlations with GDP. In the second chapter, I explore the aggregate effects of trade restrictions in a two-country, dynamic, stochastic, general equilibrium (DSGE) model with firm selection and variable adjustment of markup. As a response to the trade collapse in the global crisis of 2008 and 2009, temporary trade restrictions have emerged in several countries. With analyzing the dynamics of a negative macroeconomic shock in the home economy first, and the subsequent introduction of trade restrictions in the foreign economy second, I show that both economies are in a worse position than they were during the economic downturn. The follow-ups to the recession and trade restrictions are investigated through three mechanisms: a) variable markup as a new avenue of increasing competitive pressure for producers (e.g. more competitive firms lower their markups.); b) average individual firms' specific productivity cut-off, which induces their optimum export choice (e.g. an increase in the export productivity cut-off means exporting becomes more difficult than before.); and c) the movement of international relative prices (e.g. the real exchange rate and terms of trade). In the final chapter, I examine the effects of adding non-traded sector and trade in intermediate goods sector, and their impact on the `Backus-Smith' (BS) puzzle and the features of the non-traded output. Conventional…
Performance Evaluation of Threshold-Based TOA Estimation Techniques Using IR-UWB Indoor Measurements

Ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) technology is a viable candidate for enabling accurate localization through time of ar- rival (TOA) based ranging techniques. These ranging techniques exploit the high time resolution of the UWB signals to estimate the TOA of the ﬁrst signal path. Nevertheless, these techniques are facing the problem of proper multipath mitigation especially in harsh propagation environments in which the ﬁrst path may not exist or it may not be the strongest. This paper presents a realistic comparison between the ranging performances of four threshold-based TOA estimation techniques using experimental data collected from an IR-UWB indoor propagation measurement campaign performed in an ofﬁce building.
Towards Structural Logistic Regression: Combining Relational and Statistical Learning

Abstract Inductive logic programming (ILP) techniques are useful for analyzing data in multi-table relational databases. Learned rules can potentially discover relationships that are not obvious in "flattened" data. Statistical learners, on the other hand, are generally not constructed to search relational data; they expect to be presented with a single table containing a set of feature candidates. However, statistical learners often yield more accurate models than the logical forms of ILP, and can better handle certain types of data, such as counts. We propose a new approach which integrates structure navigation from ILP with regression modeling. Our approach propositionalizes the first-order rules at each step of ILP's relational structure search, generating features for potential inclusion in a regression model. Ideally, feature generation by ILP and feature selection by stepwise regression should be integrated into a single loop. Preliminary results for scientific literature classification are presented using a relational form of the data extracted by ResearchIndex (formerly CiteSeer). We use FOIL and logistic regression as our ILP and statistical components (decoupled at this stage). Word counts and citation-based features learned with FOIL are modeled together by logistic regression. The combination often significantly improves performance when high precision classification is desired.
A Comprehensive and Practical Green ICT Framework

Most user organizations are implementing Green ICT to some extent. Some have adopted a deliberate policy, others are implementing it piecemeal as their ICT systems evolve. But many of them have not properly defined Green ICT, which means they cannot properly identify which areas to address. A comprehensive and practical Green ICT framework helps overcome this problem. Such a Green ICT framework can also provide metrics and measurements to guide its progress and ascertain its success. Measurement is important, because it enables benchmarking and comparisons, by quantifying the degree of implementation of Green ICT. User organizations can then be compared to each other, or to themselves over time, to determine the extent and effectiveness of their Green ICT strategies. A Green ICT framework can also enable different industry sectors and even nations to be compared.This chapter outlines a research-based yet highly practical Green ICT framework. My organization, Envirability has developed this framework in conjunction with RMIT University. It is based on a 4 x 5 matrix with four vertical “pillars”: Lifecycle, End User IT, Enterprise and Data Center IT, and IT as a Low-Carbon Enabler. Each pillar lends itself to a five-level Capability Maturity Model metric which can be based on a detailed survey of the organization’s policies and practices in each area. The five horizontal dimensions, or “actions” are applied across the four pillars: Attitude, Policies, Practices, Technologies and Metrics This chapter presents the framework and also outlines an approach to applying the framework to an organization to measure its Green ICT maturity by benchmarking its Green ICT activities.
Telomere Length in Old Age and Cholesterol Across the Life Course

This research was conducted as part of the Mexican Study of Nutritional and Psychosocial Markers of Frailty in Community-Dwelling Elderly. Conflict of Interest: The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the authors and has determined that the authors have no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this paper. This project was funded by the National Council for Science and Technology of Mexico (SALUD-2006-C0145075). Author Contributions: Dr. Pozos-López developed the concept and design of the study, conducted the analyses and interpreted the data. She wrote the manuscript under the supervision of Drs. Navarrete-Reyes and Ávila-Funes. The coauthors certify that they have participated substantially in the concept and design of this work, the analysis of the data, and preparation of the manuscript. They have reviewed the final version of the manuscript and have approved it for publication. Sponsor’s Role: None.
Verbal Short-Term Memory Development and Spoken Language Outcomes in Deaf Children With Cochlear Implants

Objectives: Cochlear implants (CIs) help many deaf children achieve near-normal speech and language (S/L) milestones. Nevertheless, high levels of unexplained variability in S/L outcomes are limiting factors in improving the effectiveness of CIs in deaf children. The objective of this study was to longitudinally assess the role of verbal short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) capacity as a progress-limiting source of variability in S/L outcomes after CI in children. Design: Longitudinal study of 66 children with CIs for prelingual severe-to-profound hearing loss. Outcome measures included performance on digit span forward (DSF), digit span backward (DSB), and four conventional S/L measures that examined spoken-word recognition (Phonetically Balanced Kindergarten word test), receptive vocabulary (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test ), sentence-recognition skills (Hearing in Noise Test), and receptive and expressive language functioning (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Fourth Edition Core Language Score; CELF). Results: Growth curves for DSF and DSB in the CI sample over time were comparable in slope, but consistently lagged in magnitude relative to norms for normal-hearing peers of the same age. For DSF and DSB, 50.5% and 44.0%, respectively, of the CI sample scored more than 1 SD below the normative mean for raw scores across all ages. The first (baseline) DSF score significantly predicted all endpoint scores for the four S/L measures, and DSF slope (growth) over time predicted CELF scores. DSF baseline and slope accounted for an additional 13 to 31% of variance in S/L scores after controlling for conventional predictor variables such as: chronological age at time of testing, age at time of implantation, communication mode (auditory-oral communication versus total communication), and maternal education. Only DSB baseline scores predicted endpoint language scores on Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and CELF. DSB slopes were not significantly related to any endpoint S/L measures. DSB baseline scores and slopes taken together accounted for an additional 4 to 19% of variance in S/L endpoint measures after controlling for the conventional predictor variables. Conclusions: Verbal STM/WM scores, process measures of information capacity, develop at an average rate in the years after cochlear implantation, but were found to consistently lag in absolute magnitude behind those reported for normal-hearing peers. Baseline verbal STM/WM predicted long-term endpoint S/L outcomes, but verbal STM slopes predicted only endpoint language outcomes. Verbal STM/WM processing skills reflect important underlying core elementary neurocognitive functions and represent potential intervention targets for improving endpoint S/L outcomes in pediatric CI users.
How have the IAS/IFRS adoption affected earnings management in EU? The effect of the absence/divergence of regulation and of legal enforcement

This paper aims to investigate the effect produced by the adoption of IAS/IFRS on earn-ings management in European Union. We calculate four indexes for the periods 2000-2003 and 20062009 to identify different reasons that could lead insiders to manipulate earnings and by comparing them we observe that the IAS/IFRS first-time adoption produced different effects on earnings management depending on the countries analysed and the kind of earnings management investigated. Moreover, while we find a positive relation between the reduction of earnings management and the extent to which IAS/IFRS regulates issues not covered by domestic standards, on the contrary we do not find any relation be-tween the such reduction and the existing divergence between domestic standards and IASB stand-ards. Finally, our findings also show a positive and significant relation between the reduction of the earnings management and the level of the legal enforcement of each country.
Phloem Transport of the Receptor DWARF14 Protein Is Required for Full Function of Strigolactones1

DWARF 14 protein, a strigolactone receptor, is transported through phloem to axillary buds and the transport is required for full function of strigolactones to suppress shoot branching. The cell-to-cell transport of signaling molecules is essential for multicellular organisms to coordinate the action of their cells. Recent studies identified DWARF14 (D14) as a receptor of strigolactones (SLs), molecules that act as plant hormones and inhibit shoot branching. Here, we demonstrate that RAMOSUS3, a pea ortholog of D14, works as a graft-transmissible signal to suppress shoot branching. In addition, we show that D14 protein is contained in phloem sap and transported through the phloem to axillary buds in rice. SLs are not required for the transport of D14 protein. Disruption of D14 transport weakens the suppression of axillary bud outgrowth of rice. Taken together, we conclude that the D14 protein works as an intercellular signaling molecule to fine-tune SL function. Our findings provide evidence that the intercellular transport of a receptor can regulate the action of plant hormones.
An Efficient Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction Algorithm for WiMAX System

In order to decrease implementation complexity, a method which can effectively reduce the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the WiMAX system is proposed. We firstly oversample the WiMAX system, then normalize, finally clip and filter the signals. Improvements on PAPR reduction, out-of-band radiation and bit error rate performances are discussed in this paper. Simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the PAPR of WiMAX system
The effects of honey supplementation on seminal plasma cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidants during 8 weeks of intensive cycling training.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of natural honey supplementation on seminal plasma cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and antioxidants during 8 weeks of intensive cycling training in male road cyclists. Thirty-nine healthy nonprofessional male road cyclists aged 18-28 years participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to exercise + supplement (E + S, n = 20) and exercise (E, n = 19) groups. All subjects participated in 8 weeks of intensive cycling training. Ninety minutes before each training session, subjects in the E + S group supplemented with 70 g of honey, whereas subjects in the E group received 70 g of an artificial sweetener. All subjects had an initial semen sampling at baseline (T(1)). The next 6 semen collections were collected immediately (T(2)) and 12 (T(3)) and 24 hours (T(4)) after the last training session in week 4, as well as immediately (T(5)) and 12 (T(6)) and 24 hours (T(7)) after the last training session in week 8, respectively. In the E group, 8 weeks of intensive cycling training significantly increased seminal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < .008) and significantly decreased the levels of seminal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < .008). Significantly less elevation in seminal IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, ROS, and MDA levels (P < .008) and significant increases in seminal SOD, catalase, and TAC concentrations were observed after the honey supplementation in the E + S group (P < .008). It may be possible that honey supplementation following long-term intensive cycling training would be effective in attenuating the probable aggravating effects of intensive cycling training on spermatogenesis and fertility capacity in road cyclists.