Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integration of childhood epilepsy into Primary Health Center to Improve Antiepilepsy Drugs (AEDs) Adherence in Resource-Constrained District of Pakistan

Introduction: There is a dearth of data on effectiveness-assessment of community interventions regarding the adherence improvement among children with epilepsy (CWE) in outreach financially-poor settings. This study was therefore designed to determine the impact of integration of childhood epilepsy into primary care to improve the level of adherence to antiepileptic drugs and the factors that are associated with nonadherence. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of interventions through free community childhood epilepsy center aimed at improving adherence to antiepileptic medication in CWE in an outreach financially constrained district. Methods: During this interventional study, 240 children (160 children being treated and followed in the free community primary care childhood epilepsy center and 80 children not being treated at this center) aged 4 months to 18years, diagnosed with epilepsy and treatment initiated with at least 1 AED for the past 3 months, were selected for data collection. The childhood epilepsy camps were held at local community centers provided open access, and no user fees or charges for medication were made. Local physicians, who were provided with special training and visiting pediatric neurology fellows carried out screening to help the three visiting pediatric neurologists confirming the diagnoses for data collection. Data was collected by a questionnaire divided into three parts: 1) demographical information about patients 2) information about medication adherence profile using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8), and 3) data on intervention-effectiveness of the community childhood epilepsy center (CCEC) on antiepileptic drug adherence. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Results: Among the 240 children and adolescents with epilepsy who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 160 (66.6%) reported seeking treatment from TDBUCEC and 80 (33.4%) were seeking AED(s) from other sources. The age range was 04 months - 18 years while the male to female ratio was 1.26:1. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs by self-report was found to be 85% (was 42% in 2014 without community intervention) among the children being treated, provided free AEDs with consultations and followed at the epilepsy center, whereas adherence was 37.5% among the children not being intervened by this center. There was no statistical difference in age and gender among these two groups. Conclusion: Majority of children had good adherence levels when supported and given free treatment in their own community. The best intervention strategy to improve adherence to antiepileptic medication among CWE is integration and implementation of childhood epilepsy in primary health care to provide free uninterrupted anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) and pediatric epilepsy consultations in outreach resource-constrained districts in Pakistan.
Context-aware efficient message propagation

Applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare brought the massification of personal short messages, distributed in (soft) real-time on the Internet to a large number of users. These messages are complemented with rich contextual information such as the identity, time and location of the person sending the message. Such contextual messages raise serious concerns in terms of scalability and delivery delay; this results not only from their huge number but also because the set of user recipients changes for each message (as their interests continuously change), preventing the use of well-know solutions such as pub-sub and multicast trees. This leads to the use of non-scalable broadcast based solutions or point-to-point messaging. We propose Radiator, a middleware to assist application programmers implementing efficient context propagation mechanisms on their applications. Based on each user current context, Radiator continuously adapts each message propagation path and delivery delay, making an efficient use of network bandwidth, arguably the biggest bottleneck in the deployment of large-scale context propagation systems. Our experimental results demonstrate a 20x reduction on consumed bandwidth without affecting the real-time usefulness of the propagated messages.
Modeling and Validation of Object-Oriented Test Case through Finite State Machine

Distributed computing approach is preferred over centralized approach due to low cost involvement and for providing reliability and expandability to network. An object-oriented language Unified Modeling Language is proposed by the authors to model the dynamic behavior for execution of tasks for the digital watch under distributed environment. A UML state diagram is designed and then converted into the transition diagram for computation of valid test cases by the use of Finite State Machine (FSM). Test cases are validated for the validation of the UML state diagram. The approach for generating the test cases through FSM is very reliable and efficient and does not support for the invalid test cases.
Subset selection in noise based on diversity measure minimization

We develop robust methods for subset selection based on the minimization of diversity measures. A Bayesian framework is used to account for noise in the data and a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation procedure leads to an iterative procedure which is a regularized version of the focal underdetermined system solver (FOCUSS) algorithm. The convergence of the regularized FOCUSS algorithm is established and it is shown that the stable fixed points of the algorithm are sparse. We investigate three different criteria for choosing the regularization parameter: quality of fit; sparsity criterion; L-curve. The L-curve method, as applied to the problem of subset selection, is found not to be robust, and we propose a novel modified L-curve procedure that solves this problem. Each of the regularized FOCUSS algorithms is evaluated through simulation of a detection problem, and the results are compared with those obtained using a sequential forward selection algorithm termed orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP). In each case, the regularized FOCUSS algorithm is shown to be superior to the OMP in noisy environments.
Video shot segmentation and classification

We propose a technique for video shot segmentation and classification based on singular value decomposition (SVD). For the input video sequence, we create a feature-frame matrix A, and perform the SVD on it. From this SVD, we are able to not only derive the refined feature space to better segment the video sequence along the time axis, but also define metrics to enable classifications of the detected video shots. Using these SVD properties, we achieve the two goals of accurate video shot segmentation, and visual content-based shot classification at the same time.
A New Approach of Digital Forensic Model for Digital Forensic Investigation

the research introduces a structured and consistent approach for digital forensic investigation. Digital forensic science provides tools, techniques and scientifically proven methods that can be used to acquire and analyze digital evidence. The digital forensic investigation must be retrieved to obtain the evidence that will be accepted in the court. This research focuses on a structured and consistent approach to digital forensic investigation. This research aims at identifying activities that facilitate and improves digital forensic investigation process. Existing digital forensic framework will be reviewed and then the analysis will be compiled. The result from the evaluation will produce a new model to improve the whole investigation process.
Working Papers in Responsible Banking & Finance Regulatory Change and Capital Adjustment of Cooperative Financial Institutions

We investigate the determinants of US credit union capital-to-assets ratios, before and after the implementation of the current capital adequacy regulatory framework in 2000. Capitalization varies pro-cyclically, and credit unions classified as adequately capitalized or below followed a faster adjustment path than well capitalized credit unions. Credit unions managed their capital more actively following the change in regulation. During the recent financial crisis, large credit unions experienced a smaller reduction in capitalization, on average, than small credit unions. The z-score risk measure was a more reliable predictor of survival or nonsurvival during the crisis than several other financialhealth indicators. WP No 12-003 4th Quarter 2012 Regulatory Change and Capital Adjustment of Cooperative Financial
Cell- and stimulus-dependent heterogeneity of synaptic vesicle endocytic recycling mechanisms revealed by studies of dynamin 1-null neurons

Mice lacking expression of dynamin 1, a GTPase implicated in the fission reaction of synaptic vesicle endocytosis, fail to thrive and exhibit severe activity-dependent endocytic defects at their synapses. Here, we have used electron tomography to investigate the massive increase in clathrin-coated pit abundance that is selectively observed at a subset of synapses in dynamin 1 KO primary neuron cultures under conditions of spontaneous network activity. This increase, leading to branched tubular plasma membrane invaginations capped by clathrin-coated buds, occurs selectively at inhibitory synapses. A similar massive increase of clathrin-coated profiles (in this case, of clathrin-coated vesicles) is observed at inhibitory synapses of neurons that lack expression of synaptojanin 1, a phosphoinositide phosphatase involved in clathrin-coated vesicle uncoating. Thus, although excitatory synapses are largely spared under these conditions, inhibitory synapses are uniquely sensitive to perturbation of endocytic proteins, probably as a result of their higher levels of tonic activity leading to a buildup of clathrin-coated intermediates in these synapses. In contrast, the predominant endocytic structures observed at the majority of dynamin 1 KO synapses after acute stimulation are endosome-like intermediates that originate by a dynamin 1-independent form of endocytosis. These findings reveal a striking heterogeneity in the mode of synaptic vesicle recycling in different synapses and functional states.
Beamforming Design for Coexistence of Full-duplex Multi-cell MU-MIMO Cellular Network and MIMO Radar

In this paper we investigate the co-existence between a multi-cell multi-user (MU) full-duplex (FD) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) cellular network and a MIMO radar. While a joint beam-forming design technique at the cellular base-stations and users is proposed to maximize the detection probability of the MIMO radar subject to constraints of data rate per user in each cell and transmit power, null-space based waveform projection is used to mitigate the interference from the radar towards the cellular network. In particular, the proposed technique optimizes the performance of detection probability by maximizing its lower bound, which is obtained by exploiting the monotonically increasing relationship of detection probability and its non-centrality parameter. Numerical results show the feasibility of spectrum sharing between both systems.
On the Power Management of Simultaneous Multithreading Processors

Simultaneous multithreading (SMT) processors are widely used in high performance computing tasks. However, with the improved performance of the SMT architecture, the utilization of their functional units is significantly increased, straining the power budget of the processor. This increases not only the dynamic power consumption, but also the leakage power consumption due to the increased temperature. In this paper, a comparison of the static and dynamic sleep signal generation techniques for SMT processors is presented. This is conducted under various workloads to assess their effectiveness in leakage power management. Results show that the dynamic approach exhibits a threefold increase in leakage savings, compared with that of the static approach for certain functional units.
SPIRIT IP-XACT Extensions and Exploitation for Verification Software Methodology

NXP and Magillem Design Services have collaborated in the frame of a European project called SPRINT. One of the objective of this work was to study the possibility to exploit in the IP integration verification area the new standard IP-XACT issued by the SPIRIT consortium for packaging and managing metadata for hardware platform. This paper presents the overall capabilities of IP-XACT for the management and automation of ESL methodologies and it presents the methodology, based on software, used by NXP for IP integration verification; extensions in the standard for supporting the automation are listed. Then after explaining how the existing tool flow could be enhanced, the paper details the specification of new generators for an automated verification flow and their application on a real platform by NXP.
Spatial discrimination of vibrotactile stimuli around the head

Several studies evaluated vibrotactile stimuli on the head to aid orientation and communication. However, the acuity for vibration of the head's skin still needs to be explored. In this paper, we report the assessment of the spatial resolution on the head. We performed a 2AFC psychophysical experiment systematically varying the distance between pairs of stimuli in a standard-comparison approach. We took into consideration not only the perceptual thresholds but also the reaction times and subjective factors, like workload and vibration pleasantness. Results show that the region around the forehead is not only the most sensitive, with thresholds under 5mm, but it is also the region wherein the spatial discrimination was felt to be easier to perform. We also have found that it is possible to describe acuity on the head for vibrating stimulus as a function of skin type (hairy or glabrous) and of the distance of the stimulated loci from the head midline.
EMPS: an environment for memory performance studies

This paper describes an overview of environment for memory performance studies (EMPS). EMPS is a framework to allow different data gathering and simulation tools to be composed together to predict the performance of parallel programs on a variety of current and future high end computing (HEC) systems. The framework seeks to combine the automated nature of direct execution simulation with the predictive capabilities of performance modeling.
A lens antenna for multi-beam scanning

A lens antenna for multi-beam scanning is presented. The antenna system is composed of a feed linear array, a binary diffractive dielectric lens (BDL) and a voltage-controlled ferroelectric lens (VCFL). The feeds at different offset foci of the BDL generate receiving/radiating beams pointing to different angles; the VCFL made of ferroelectric slabs generate variable linear phase shift when loaded with corresponding DC voltages to steer the scanning multiple beams.
Hilbert schemes of points on some classes of surface singularities

We study the geometry and topology of Hilbert schemes of points on the orbifold surface [C^2/G], respectively the singular quotient surface C^2/G, where G is a finite subgroup of SL(2,C) of type A or D. We give a decomposition of the (equivariant) Hilbert scheme of the orbifold into affine space strata indexed by a certain combinatorial set, the set of Young walls. The generating series of Euler characteristics of Hilbert schemes of points of the singular surface of type A or D is computed in terms of an explicit formula involving a specialized character of the basic representation of the corresponding affine Lie algebra; we conjecture that the same result holds also in type E. Our results are consistent with known results for type A, and are new for type D. The crystal basis theory of the fundamental representation of the affine Lie algebra corresponding to the surface singularity (via the McKay correspondence) plays an important role in our approach. The result gives a generalization of G\"ottsche's formula and has interesting modular properties related to the S-duality conjecture. The moduli space of torsion free sheaves on surfaces are higher rank analogs of the Hilbert schemes. In type A our results reveal their Euler characteristic generating function as well. Another very interesting class of normal surface singularities is the so-called cyclic quotient singularities of type (p,1). As an outlook we also obtain some results about the associated generating functions.
Binaural models and virtual acoustics to study spatial perception

To evaluate all aspects of binaural signal processing algorithms, an objective measure of how they affect spatial perception is required. We are developing such a measure using a data-driven approach based on virtual acoustics and models of binaural signal processing of the auditory system. We present a brief overview of the methods and models that we use to study spatial perception. We discuss the binaural cues of realistic signals in more detail, and demonstrate the importance of interaural coherence as a binaural cue. We conclude with an outlook on our future work.
Visual data integration based on description logic reasoning

Despite many innovative systems supporting the data integration process, designers advocate more abstract metaphors to master the inherent complexity of this activity. In fact, the visual notations provided in many modern data integration systems might run into scale up problems when facing the integration of big data sources. Thus, higher level visual notations and automatic schema mapping mechanisms might be the key factors to make the data integration process more tractable. In this paper we present the Conceptual Data Integration Language (CoDIL), a visual language providing conceptual level visual mechanisms to manipulate and integrate data sources, together with a formalization of the language icon operators by means of ALCN Description Logic. The formalization allowed us to define the logic-level semantics of CoDIL, providing reasoning rules for validating the correctness of a data integration process and for generating the logic-level reconciled schema.
Structures and Structural Phase Transitions in Confined Liquid Crystal Systems

Discussed are two numerical packages for computing equilibrium structures of liquid crystals. The first uses Frank elasticity in a rectangular geometry in two spatial dimensions. The second uses a tensor order parameter and Landau-deGennes free energy in the geometry of a finite circular cylinder. The Frank code is being used to study the phenomenon of the “stripe phase” in thin nematic films in the bendFreedericksz geometry. The cylinder code is being used to investigate configurations in liquid crystals confined in microscopic cylindrical pores subject to homeotropic anchoring conditions. Preliminary results of these projects are presented.
Heat Exposure and Hypohydration Exacerbate Physiological Strain During Load Carrying

Abstract Adams, EL, Casa, DJ, Huggins, RA, DeMartini-Nolan, JK, Stearns, RL, Kennedy, RM, Bosworth, MM, DiStefano, LJ, Armstrong, LE, and Maresh, CM. Heat exposure and hypohydration exacerbate physiological strain during load carrying. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 727–735, 2019—Heat exposure and hypohydration induce physiological and psychological strain during exercise; however, it is unknown if the separate effects of heat exposure and hypohydration are synergistic when co-occurring during loaded exercise. This study compared separate and combined effects of heat exposure and hypohydration on physiological strain, mood state, and visual vigilance during loaded exercise. Twelve men (mean ± SD; age, 20 ± 2 years; body mass, 74.0 ± 8.2 kg; maximal oxygen uptake, 57.0 ± 6.0 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed 4 trials under the following conditions: euhydrated temperate (EUT), hypohydrated temperate (HYT), euhydrated hot (EUH), and hypohydrated hot (HYH). Exercise was 90 minutes of treadmill walking (∼50% V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, 5% grade) while carrying a 45-lb rucksack. Profile of Mood States and the Scanning Visual Vigilance Test were completed before and after exercise. The separate effects of heat exposure (EUH) and hypohydration (HYT) on post-exercise rectal temperature (Tre) were similar (38.25 ± 0.63°C vs. 38.22 ± 0.29°C, respectively, p > 0.05), whereas in combination (HYH), post-exercise Tre was far greater (39.32 ± 0.43°C). Increase in Tre per 1% body mass loss (BML) for HYH (vs. EUH) was greater than HYT (vs. EUT) (0.32 vs. 0.04°C, respectively, p = 0.02); heart rate increase per 1% BML for HYH (vs. EUH) was 7 b·min−1 compared with HYT (vs. EUT) at 3 b·min−1 (p = 0.30). Hypohydrated hot induced greater mood disturbance (post-exercise ‐ pre-exercise) (35 ± 21 units) compared with other conditions (EUT = 3 ± 9 units; HYT = 3 ± 16 units; EUH = 16 ± 26 units; p < 0.001). No differences occurred in visual vigilance (p > 0.05). Independently, heat exposure and hypohydration induced similar physiological strain during loaded exercise; when combined, heat exposure with hypohydration, synergistically exacerbated physiological strain and mood disturbance.
Recurrent Abortions in Asian Indians: No Role of Factor V Leiden Hong Kong/Cambridge Mutation and MTHFR Polymorphism

Recurrent fetal loss is a frequent health problem. Data accumulated over the past few years have suggested a possible correlation between thrombophilia and fetal loss. Although a clear association has been established between fetal loss and certain thrombophilic states, such as antiphospholipid antibody syndromes, antithrombin deficiency, and combined defects, reports on the prevalence of inherited prothrombotic defects such as factor V Leiden mutation and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism in fetal loss are contradictory. The prevalence of these 2 mutations in Asian Indians with recurrent fetal loss has not yet been studied. In light of this, the present study looked at the prevalence of these mutations in 85 patients with spontaneous recurrent abortion and 31 controls. The authors did not find any significant role of these mutations in the development of recurrent abortion.
Statistical ray tracing in plasmas with random density fluctuations.

The propagation of light rays in a plasma is considered for small density fluctuations superimposed upon a given background density profile. The lowest-order angular spreading, focusing, and drift effects are calculated in the geometrical-optics limit using a statistical random-walk approach. This method is an economical semianalytic alternative to a purely numerical ray-trace approach and is of particular but not exclusive interest in describing the propagation of laser light in laser-produced plasmas. The model is applied to a simple fluctuation spectrum characterized by an rms amplitude and by a correlation length. Results are presented for the evolution of the intensity profiles of beams incident on a plane-parallel linear-profile plasma slab as a function of the angle of incidence. Comparisons of these results with numerical Monte Carlo ray-trace solutions show good agreement. Density fluctuations as small as a few percent of the critical density can, for example, produce significant angular broadening in the specularly reflected beam and reduce the sensitivity of the absorption fraction to the incidence angle, particularly near normal incidence.