Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Therapist-Guided Telerehabilitation for Adult Cochlear Implant Users: Developmental and Feasibility Study

Background Cochlear implants can provide auditory perception to many people with hearing impairment who derive insufficient benefits from hearing aid use. For optimal speech perception with a cochlear implant, postoperative auditory training is necessary to adapt the brain to the new sound transmitted by the implant. Currently, this training is usually conducted via face-to-face sessions in rehabilitation centers. With the aging of society, the prevalence of age-related hearing loss and the number of adults with cochlear implants are expected to increase. Therefore, augmenting face-to-face rehabilitation with alternative forms of auditory training may be highly valuable. Objective The purpose of this multidisciplinary study was to evaluate the newly developed internet-based teletherapeutic multimodal system Train2hear, which enables adult cochlear implant users to perform well-structured and therapist-guided hearing rehabilitation sessions on their own. Methods The study was conducted in 3 phases: (1) we searched databases from January 2005 to October 2018 for auditory training programs suitable for adult cochlear implant users; (2) we developed a prototype of Train2hear based on speech and language development theories; (3) 18 cochlear implant users (mean age 61, SD 15.4 years) and 10 speech and language therapists (mean age 34, SD 10.9 years) assessed the usability and the feasibility of the prototype. This was achieved via questionnaires, including the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a short version of the intrinsic motivation inventory (KIM) questionnaires. Results The key components of the Train2hear training program are an initial analysis according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; a range of different hierarchically based exercises; and an automatic and dynamic adaptation of the different tasks according to the cochlear implant user’s progress. In addition to motivational mechanisms (such as supportive feedback), the cochlear implant user and therapist receive feedback in the form of comprehensive statistical analysis. In general, cochlear implant users enjoyed their training as assessed by KIM scores (mean 19, SD 2.9, maximum 21). In terms of usability (scale 0-100), the majority of users rated the Train2hear program as excellent (mean 88, SD 10.5). Age (P=.007) and sex (P=.01) had a significant impact on the SUS score with regard to usability of the program. The therapists (SUS score mean 93, SD 9.2) provided slightly more positive feedback than the cochlear implant users (mean 85, SD 10.3). Conclusions Based on this first evaluation, Train2hear was well accepted by both cochlear implant users and therapists. Computer-based auditory training might be a promising cost-effective option that can provide a highly personalized rehabilitation program suited to individual cochlear implant user characteristics.
Effects of priming with salicylic acid on germination traits of Dracocephalum moldavica L. under salinity stress

In order to evaluate the effects of seed priming with salicylic acid (SA) (0, 2, 10, and 20 mM) to increase salt tolerance (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl) in medicinal plant Dracocephalum moldavica at seed germination, an experiment was conducted as factorial in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The assessed parameters included germination percentage and rate, length, dry weight, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, and the activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase of the seedlings. Results revealed the values of germination indices significantly decreased with increasing salinity levels. Nevertheless, seed priming with SA (2 mM) significantly mitigated the adverse effects of salinity in D. moldavica. Under salinity and at this level of SA priming, seed germination percentage increased by 24% and 75% at 100 and 150 mM compared to exclusive salt stress. Also, germination rate augmented by SA priming up to 9.2% at 100 mM and 2 folds at 150 mM NaCl. The values of weight (+ 9.1% at 100 mM and +8 folds at 150 mM) and length (+12.5% at 100 mM and + 15.1% at 150 mM NaCl) of seedlings significantlyincreased by SA priming compared to the exclusively salt-stressed ones. SA priming increased antioxidant enzymes activities while it decreased the level of lipid peroxidation and ion leakage in the seedlings of D. moldavica. As a conclusion, SA improved seed performance in D. moldavica under salt stress by reduction of detrimental effects of oxidative stress.
A Lightweight and Intelligent Intrusion Detection System for Integrated Electronic Systems

With the recent advancement in AI technology, IDSs reinforced by AI have been adopted to ensure system and network security. Unfortunately, computational and storage overheads of such systems prevent them from being deployed in IESs. To overcome the challenges that restrict the applicability of intrusion detection for IESs, we propose a lightweight and intelligent IDS. The proposed system first generates the behavioral specifications that characterize the normal communication of an IES. Based on specifications, Gini index and the generalized system attributes are exploited to detect abnormal communications. To reduce the false positive rate, the data that do not abide the behavioral specifications is passed to a Naive Bayes classifier for further classification. Our experimental results show that the proposed system can achieve 95.84 percent accuracy and thus holds great promise for deployment in IESs as a lightweight and efficient IDS.
Methodology for the Estimation of the Aerodynamic Drag Parameters of Cyclists

The aerodynamic drag force has a relevant effect on cycling performance since it is one of the major resistive forces acting on the bicycle. For this reason, this paper presents the development of an experimental methodology to estimate the aerodynamic parameters of a bicycle-cyclist set. The methodology combines outdoor measurements to estimate the drag area with indoor measurements to measure the projected frontal area. The methodology was implemented to quantify the effect of posture in the aerodynamic parameters of a group of cyclists. The tests were performed to characterize the drag parameters associated with three postures defined by the position of the grip on the handlebar: tops, hoods, and drops. Significant differences in the aerodynamic parameters were found for the postures studied through the proposed methodology. The posture variation led to reductions of up to 11.8% in the drag area of the cyclists when passing from tops to drops posture. The results obtained are in agreement with the literature indicating that the implementation of the methodology is feasible for the estimation of the aerodynamic parameters in cycling.
Radiomics for Distinguishing Myocardial Infarction from Myocarditis at Late Gadolinium Enhancement at MRI: Comparison with Subjective Visual Analysis.

Purpose To evaluate whether radiomics features of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) regions at cardiac MRI enable distinction between myocardial infarction (MI) and myocarditis and to compare radiomics with subjective visual analyses by readers with different experience levels. Materials and Methods In this retrospective, institutional review board-approved study, consecutive MRI examinations of 111 patients with MI and 62 patients with myocarditis showing LGE were included. By using open-source software, classification performances attained from two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) texture analysis, shape, and first-order descriptors were compared, applying five different machine learning algorithms. A nested, stratified 10-fold cross-validation was performed. Classification performances were compared through Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Supervised and unsupervised feature selection techniques were tested; the effect of resampling MR images was analyzed. Subjective image analysis was performed on 2D and 3D image sets by two independent, blinded readers with different experience levels. Results When trained with recursive feature elimination (RFE), a support vector machine achieved the best results (accuracy: 88%) for 2D features, whereas linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed the highest accuracy (85%) for 3D features (P <.05). When trained with principal component analysis (PCA), LDA attained the highest accuracy with both 2D (86%) and 3D (89%; P =.4) features. Results found for classifiers trained with spline resampling were less accurate than those achieved with one-dimensional (1D) nearest-neighbor interpolation (P <.05), whereas results for classifiers trained with 1D nearest-neighbor interpolation and without resampling were similar (P =.1). As compared with the radiomics approach, subjective visual analysis performance was lower for the less experienced and higher for the experienced reader for both 2D and 3D data. Conclusion Radiomics features of LGE permit the distinction between MI and myocarditis with high accuracy by using either 2D features and RFE or 3D features and PCA. © RSNA, 2019Supplemental material is available for this article.
The Use of Radioactive Sodium as a Tracer in the Study of Peripheral Vascular Disease1

The employment of various artificially radioactive elements as “tracers” has been reported in a considerable number of biological and physiological studies. Atoms of a radioactive isotope of any element are chemically indistinguishable and inseparable from atoms of its normal stable isotopes. If they are administered to a living organism, the result is the same as from administration of the stable isotope, unless such a large amount is given that the accompanying radiation produces an effect. Each radioactive atom, however, in disintegrating emits beta or gamma radiation (or both) which can be detected in various ways. Any desired substance can thus be “tagged” by mixing with the stable atoms a relatively very small number of radioactive ones. The tagged atoms continue to be mingled with the normal ones administered at the same time, in the same proportions throughout their whole course through the body, except for radioactive decay, which can be allowed for if necessary. Hence, by determining the activit.
When obsolete technology meets convergence culture: The case of VHS videocassettes

Technological developments have led to a rethinking of how obsolete media should be treated when it becomes relatively inaccessible. This article focuses on Video Home System (VHS) videocassettes in digital culture. Using semi-structured interviews undertaken with people who converted their videocassettes into a digital format, this study explores the notion of participatory and convergence culture. It shows how media innovation results in emergent roles and functions for videocassettes, attributing new experiences and meanings to both digital and VHS formats. Specifically, divergence helps videocassette owners control and manage family memories, strengthening ties between family members and relations between friends. This culminates in the creation of an inherited object of memory. The findings indicate a lack of confidence in technology, especially in its ability to preserve family memories. In addition, it was found that a sort of spiritual power is attributed to videocassettes, which prevents their owners from throwing them away. This study offers a model of the divergence process and a set of terms relying on research into religion transformations and human–technology relations. These frameworks can be applied to participatory culture, more accurately accounting for old versus new media user behaviors.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sentiment topic emotion model on students feedback for educational benefits and practices

We, the Editors and Publisher of the journal Behaviour & Information Technology, have retracted the following article which was part of the Special Issue on Behaviour Monitoring and Management of Customers, People and Organizations using Deep Learning: K. Nimala & R. Jebakumar (2021) Sentiment topic emotion model on students feedback for educational benefits and practices, Behaviour & Information Technology, 40:3, 311-319, DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2019. 1687756 After publication it came to our attention that the person named as the Guest Editor of the Special Issue was impersonated by a fraudulent entity and the articles were not reviewed fully in line with the journal's peer review standards and policy. We did not find any evidence of misconduct by the authors. However, in order to ensure full assessment has been conducted, we sought expert advice on the validity and quality of the published articles from independent peer reviewers. Following this post publication peer review, the editor has determined that the articles do not meet the required scholarly standards to remain published in the journal, and therefore has taken the decision to retract the articles. The authors have been informed of this decision. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted articles will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but they will be digitally watermarked on each page as ‘Retracted’.
Is it time to make regular cardiopulmonary resuscitation training mandatory for all New Zealand registered physiotherapists?

Physiotherapists are lead providers of rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament injury in New Zealand. Rehabilitation is considered an essential component following anterior cruciate ligament injuries, but there is considerable variability regarding preand post-operative management. This study used data from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) for the years 2013/14 to 2015/16 to gain insight into the physiotherapy management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in New Zealand. Data were extracted from 647 claims from people with a completed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and 221 claims from people with a confirmed injury who did not undergo surgery. In the 12 months following either anterior cruciate ligament injury or surgery, 81% of claimants had fewer than 15 ACC-funded physiotherapy treatments, and 13% of claimants had no ACC-funded physiotherapy treatments. Nine percent of claimants had a previous or subsequent claim for an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Compared to best practice literature, the results indicate a significant number of people in New Zealand received fewer than the recommended number of physiotherapy treatments following anterior cruciate ligament injury. Possible reasons may include the cost of private physiotherapy services, a lack of endorsement from the respective orthopaedic surgeons, decreased patient adherence/motivation and decreased patient understanding of the importance of rehabilitation. Fausett, W. , Wilkins, F. , Reid, D. , Larmer, P., & Potts, G. (2019). Physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament injury in New Zealand: Are we doing enough? New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 47(3), 139-149. https://doi.org/10.15619/NZJP/47.3. 02
What’s in a Tweet? Gender and sexism moderate reactions to antifat sexist humor on Twitter

Abstract The present study investigated whether antifat sexist humor (compared to antifat sexist statements or control statements), conveyed via Tweets, would impact perceptions of an overweight female target depicted in a workplace harassment scenario. We examined whether gender, antifat attitudes, and sexism would impact joke perceptions and moderate perceptions of the joke-relevant target. Participants (n = 451) were drawn from MTurk and completed the study online. They were randomly exposed to one of three tweet conditions and then read and responded to the harassment vignette, among filler vignettes, before completing sexism and antifat measures. Antifat attitudes unexpectedly shifted as a function of study prime and were thus not considered as a moderator. Results showed that men high in hostile sexism reported a greater likelihood of retweeting/favoriting antifat sexist jokes than men low on hostile sexism or women high in hostile sexism. Individuals high in hostile sexism in the joke condition found the behavior of the target less appropriate, and the behavior of the ostensible perpetrator more appropriate, than those in the control condition and those low on hostile sexism. Similar findings were obtained for benevolent sexism. Findings underscore the power of social media as a vehicle for disparagement humor and its consequences.
An Intelligent Classification Model for Surface Defects on Cement Concrete Bridges

This paper mainly improves the visual geometry group network-16 (VGG-16), which is a classic convolutional neural network (CNN), to classify the surface defects on cement concrete bridges in an accurate manner. Specifically, the number of fully connected layers was reduced by one, and the Softmax classifier was replaced with a Softmax classification layer with seven defect tags. The weight parameters of convolutional and pooling layers were shared in the pre-trained model, and the rectified linear unit (ReLU) function was taken as the activation function. The original images were collected by a road inspection vehicle driving across bridges on national and provincial highways in Jiangxi Province, China. The images on surface defects of cement concrete bridges were selected, and divided into a training set and a test set, and preprocessed through morphology-based weight adaptive denoising. To verify its performance, the improved VGG-16 was compared with traditional shallow neural networks (NNs) like the backpropagation neural network (BPNN), support vector machine (SVM), and deep CNNs like AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet on the same sample dataset of surface defects on cement concrete bridges. Judging by mean detection accuracy and top-5 accuracy, our model outperformed all the contrastive methods, and accurately differentiated between images with seven classes of defects such as normal, cracks, fracturing, plate fracturing, corner rupturing, edge/corner exfoliation, skeleton exposure, and repairs. The results indicate that our model can effectively extract the multi-layer features from surface defect images, which highlights the edges and textures. The research findings shed important new light on the detection of surface defects and classification of defect images.
The Role of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Preventing Coronary Artery Disease

Lipid-lowering therapy with statins has been established as effective treatment for preventing cardiovascular events. However, a lipid-lowering strategy is yet to be established for specific subsets of patients such as those with familial hypercholesterolemia or those who cannot tolerate statin therapy. The enzyme proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol receptors in the liver, causing receptor breakdown and the inability to eliminate LDL cholesterol from the blood. When PCSK9 is inhibited, LDL receptors maintain their function and the serum concentration of LDL cholesterol can be reduced. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that PCSK9 inhibitors reduce LDL cholesterol significantly when added to statin therapy [1,2]. However, the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on preventing cardiovascular events has not been examined. Here, we reviewed and summarized current evidence regarding PCSK9 inhibitors.
Effective elastic moduli of metal honeycombs manufactured using selective laser melting

Honeycomb cellular structures exhibit unique mechanical properties such as high specific strength, high specific stiffness, high energy absorption and good thermal and acoustic performance. This paper aims to use numerical modeling to investigate the effective elastic moduli, in-plane and out-of-plane, for thick-walled honeycombs manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM). ,Theoretical predictions were performed using homogenization on a sample scale domain equivalent to the as-manufactured dimensions. A Renishaw AM 250 machine was used to manufacture hexagonal honeycomb samples with wall thicknesses of 0.2 to 0.5 mm and a cell size of 3.97 mm using 304 L steel powder. The SLM-manufactured honeycombs and cylindrical test coupons were tested using flatwise and edgewise compression. Three-dimensional finite element and strain energy homogenization were conducted to determine the effective elastic properties, which were validated by the current experimental outcomes and compared to analytical models from the literature. ,Good agreement was found between the results of the effective Young’s moduli ratios numerical modeling and experimental observations. In-plane effective elastic moduli were found to be more sensitive to geometrical irregularity compared to out-of-plane effective moduli, which was confirmed by the analytical models. Also, it was concluded that thick-walled SLM manufactured honeycombs have bending-dominated in-plane compressive behavior and a stretch-dominated out-of-plane compressive behavior, which matched well with the simulation and numerical models predictions. ,This work uses three-dimensional finite element and strain energy homogenization to evaluate the effective moduli of SLM manufactured honeycombs.
System Level Modelling of Batteries in Spacecraft Power System in Multiple Source and Multiple Load Configuration

In present day spacecraft applications, power system uses solar arrays as the primary source of power generation and rechargeable Lithium ion batteries as secondary source of power. In normal orbits, during sunlit period, solar arrays support the power requirement from all the subsystems and payloads along with the charge power requirement of batteries. During eclipse period, entire load should be supported by batteries. In addition to the eclipse support, starting from launch pad to till deployment of solar panels, all loads will be on batteries. Contingency loads should also be taken care by batteries. So, battery sizing is very critical part in designing the power system of spacecraft. In multiple source and multiple load configuration where two or more batteries are connected to same Spacecraft power bus, current sharing between the batteries is expected, which needs to be considered for optimized sizing and designing of batteries. The scenario becomes complex with additional constraints namely some loads can come on one battery and not on others or vice versa. Even in a configuration where potential difference exists between batteries, current sharing will start as soon as this difference vanishes. A system level simulation model is developed, using network equations, to analyze in‐circuit performance of batteries in multiple source and multiple load power system. The simulation model uses actual current sharing and predicts State of Charge (SOC) of each battery from which Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) is derived. This OCV of batteries is used periodically for finding actual current sharing which runs in a loop for analyzing battery performance in multisource system. Currently a configuration in which two batteries are connected to two buses, which are paralleled and having different loads, is simulated. Optimized battery sizing, actual current sharing and SOC of each battery are derived. This model can also be extended to a system where more than two batteries are present. Two different approaches are used for simulation and results are compared. The developed generic model has features to use in multiple battery configuration.