Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A simple vision based anthropometric estimation system using webcam

Anthropometry can be defined as the science of dimensional measurement of the size and proportions of the human body. Anthropometric measurement is used in a lot of fields such as medical, forensics and clothing. The modern anthropometry techniques are expensive and takes up a lot of space while traditional anthropometry techniques are slow and susceptible to human error. Hence, there is a need for the development of a vision-based estimation system that is cheap, fast, accurate and portable. The study in this project proposes a noble way of using Raspberry 3B+ with Logitech C310 camera to perform estimation of chest, waist, hip circumference and body height through 2D images. The system works by implementing Pixel Density Method, HSV thresholding method, OpenPose deep neural network, bounding box method, pixel counting method and Ramanujans ellipse circumference approximation method to achieve objectives of this study. The percentage error between the estimated result and the measured result of chest, waist, hip circumference and body height are only 2.11%, 4.66%, 4.31% and 1.74%. In conclusion, a vision based anthropometric estimation system is successfully developed with high accuracy using all the proposed methods.
TCPLS: Closely Integrating TCP and TLS

TCP and TLS are among the most essential protocols in today's Internet. TCP ensures reliable delivery of data while TLS secures the data transfer. Following the layered model, TLS was designed to be as independent as possible from the underlying transport protocol. This paper revisits this assumption and demonstrates the various benefits that a closer integration between TCP and TLS brings. We implement a first TCPLS prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of this integration. We show its usefulness on different use cases such as the benefit of bandwidth aggregation during a connection migration, and discuss several open research directions.
ThermalCane: Exploring Thermotactile Directional Cues on Cane-Grip for Non-Visual Navigation

Non-visual feedback (e.g., auditory and haptic) has been used as directional cues for the blind and visually impaired (BVI) users. This paper presents the design and the evaluation of ThermalCane, a white-cane grip instrumented with multiple flexible thermal modules, to offer thermotactile directional cues for BVI users. We also conducted two thermotactile experiments on users’ perception of ThermalCane. Our first experiment with twelve BVI users reports on the selection of the thermal-module configuration, considering the BVI users’ perceptive accuracy and preference. We then evaluated the effectiveness of the four-module ThermalCane in walking with 6 BVI users, in comparison with vibrotactile cues. The results show that the thermal feedback yielded significantly higher accuracy than the vibrotactile feedback. The results also suggested the feasibility of using thermal directional cues around the cane grip for BVI users’ navigation.
Ensuring Accessibility: Individual Video Playback Enhancements for Low Vision Users

Although software products are becoming increasingly accessible and assistive tools like screen readers becoming widely available, people with low vision still face insufficient support when it comes to consumption of digital video content. In this paper, we present an accessible desktop video player software, which allows people with low vision to adapt the presentation of digital videos according to their specific needs. For visual enhancement, we implemented a broad range of image manipulation techniques, like adaptation of contrast, color manipulation (e.g. inverting, grey scale transformations) and edge detection algorithms for sharpness optimization. Based on the feedback from low vision users, we discuss how to implement enhancement filter configuration and how to consider several input modalities.
Development and validation of serological markers for detecting recent exposure to Plasmodium vivax infection

In order to accelerate towards malaria elimination, improved targeting of limited resources is essential. A major gap in our elimination toolkit for Plasmodium vivax malaria is the identification of individuals carrying arrested liver stages, called hypnozoites. These clinically silent but frequently relapsing hypnozoites are key to P. vivax persistence. Whilst hypnozoites cannot be directly detected, individuals who have had recent exposure to P. vivax and have not been treated are likely to harbor these parasites. By measuring IgG antibody responses to over 300 P. vivax proteins, a panel of serological markers capable of detecting exposure to P. vivax infections in the prior 9-month period was identified and validated. Using antibody responses to 8 P. vivax proteins, 80% sensitivity and specificity for detecting recent infections were achieved in three independent studies conducted in Thailand, Brazil and the Solomon Islands. As these individuals have a high likelihood of harboring hypnozoites, the suite of these 8 antibody responses can serve as biomarkers for the identification of individuals who should be targeted for treatment with liver-stage drugs such as primaquine and tafenoquine in mass drug administration programs aimed at controlling and eliminating P. vivax malaria. One Sentence Summary The manuscript describes identification and validation of a novel panel of P. vivax proteins that can be used to detect recent exposure to P. vivax infections within the prior 9 months.
Detonation Branching in a PDE with Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuel

Abstract : A pulse detonation engine (PDE) capitalizes on the large mass flux and pressure rise associated with detonations to create thrust, which is proportional to PDE cycle frequency. This research showed that using a branched detonation as an ignition source, as opposed to standard spark ignition, deposits more energy into the thrust tube head. The increase in energy decreases ignition delay and detonation to deflagration transition (DDT) time. This allows a theoretical 85% cycle frequency increase that is accompanied by an 85% increase in thrust. The increase in energy also reduces the need for a DDT enhancement device, thereby increasing thrust as much as 30%. While detonation branching has been accomplished using gaseous hydrogen, this was the first instance of detonation branching using liquid hydrocarbon fuel.
Knowledge Sharing in Online Community: A Review

Rapid advancement of technology is unstoppable, spiralling at an exponential rate with new breakthrough almost everyday. In one area, social media has positively evolved into a platform for information and knowledge sharing among people whom eagerly willing and at times competing in sharing knowledge and experiences within these knowledge seeking audiences. Attractive attributes such as photo, audio and video have developed a new culture of sharing knowledge and experience into something very pleasant and satisfying. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review previous research papers related to knowledge sharing in virtual communities. Seven research papers were selected to be reviewed based on its elements, methods and findings used by these researchers. There were several outcome differences that can be deduced from these papers. Most of the papers focus on attitudes, knowledge sharing, technologies intention to use, community participation, satisfaction level, identification, trust, culture sharing and knowledge content. No doubt that sharing information is important in disseminating information to people, but the easiness of sharing and obtaining information and experience from one’s own fingertip has upwardly propelled our living standards.
Interpretation of Peripheral Arterial and Venous Doppler Waveforms: A Consensus Statement From the Society for Vascular Medicine and Society for Vascular Ultrasound

This expert consensus statement on the interpretation of peripheral arterial and venous spectral Doppler waveforms was jointly commissioned by the Society for Vascular Medicine (SVM) and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU). The consensus statement proposes a standardized nomenclature for arterial and venous spectral Doppler waveforms using a framework of key major descriptors and additional modifier terms. These key major descriptors and additional modifier terms are presented alongside representative Doppler waveforms, and nomenclature tables provide context by listing previous alternate terms to be replaced by the new major descriptors and modifiers. Finally, the document reviews Doppler waveform alterations with physiologic changes and disease states, provides optimization techniques for waveform acquisition and display, and provides practical guidance for incorporating the proposed nomenclature into the final interpretation report.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Quality Evaluation of Dance Multimedia Teaching in Higher Vocational Colleges

Through scientific and effective evaluation of dance classroom teaching quality, teachers can objectively and accurately evaluate teaching methods, attitudes and effects, and lay a cognitive foundation for the improvement of dance teaching quality. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the teaching quality of dance multimedia in vocational colleges based on artificial intelligence technology. The application of BP neural network in teaching evaluation and the algorithm of BP neural network teaching quality evaluation model are studied, and the construction of dance classroom teaching quality evaluation system is discussed. First, the same teacher uses the same teaching materials and uses different teaching methods to teach the students in the two classes respectively, and secondly, an interest survey on dance classes. The experimental results show that multimedia teaching has brought great convenience to teachers in preparing lessons and improved their professional level. In addition, the use of courseware to demonstrate actions in teaching avoids the negative impact on student presentations due to differences in teacher age, technology, and personal understanding. Compared with the control class, the experimental class increased the density of free practice by 10.93%, and the heart rate increased by 8 times / min.
Research needs for disruptive technologies in smart cities

Internet of things (IoT) is one of the current disruptive technologies that is considered one of the most promising and widely discussed topics in connection with Smart City implementations. However, the IoT revolution comes along with other so-called disruptive technologies. Making sense of the data gathered through sensors comes along with discussions of AI, Big Data, Machine Learning and other such technological advancements. While a number of projects already address current challenges of exploiting such technological advancements in digital government, the full scope of deploying the disruptive technologies in smart city initiatives requires more research. This paper therefore aims at investigating research needs in successfully implementing and deploying disruptive technologies in smart cities. The paper first analyses existing EU-funded projects concerning the research needs these projects address and/or put forward. Subsequently, a future scenario is developed to demonstrate the potentials of using disruptive technologies in smart cities. Finally, nine research needs (technical and nontechnical) derived from the comparison of existing research needs from the projects and from the future scenario.
Galectin Secretion and Modulation in Sheep Blood

Galectins (GAL) are β-galactoside binding proteins that can modulate both pregnancy and the response to pathogens. Increased susceptibility to infection by pathogens is linked to periparturient immune suppression and a periparturient rise (PPR) in parasite eggs on pasture. The possible role of GAL in periparturient immune relaxation and PRR needs definition. The objective of this study was to evaluate galectin secretion and its relationship to measures of the immune relaxation and PRR in periparturient sheep. Samples were collected from pregnant St. Croix sheep (n=6) weekly at days -21 to + 21 relative to lambing. Fecal samples were collected and evaluated for strongyle and coccidia parasite eggs. The concentration of IgA and IgE coproantibodies, total microbial DNA, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus levels in fecal samples were used as indicators of gut health. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture and assessed for Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total and differential white blood cell counts. Total protein concentrations and protein profile were evaluated in serum. Secretion of GAL 1, 3, 9 and 14 were evaluated using ELISAs. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and statistical significance was declared at P <0.05. Galectins tested were secreted in sheep blood. Differential modulation of GAL secretion and correlation with periparturient immune suppression and parasite infection was observed. Galectin secretion was modulated by the periparturient period, type and status of parasite infection. This first insight into a possible role of secreted galectins in periparturient immune relaxation and PRR improves the understanding of the immune response, informs development of management programs and therapeutics and presents Galectin profiles as biomarkers with diagnostic potential.
Precursor processing by SBT3.8 and phytosulfokine signaling contribute to drought stress tolerance in Arabidopsis

Increasing drought stress poses a severe threat to agricultural productivity. Plants, however, evolved numerous mechanisms to cope with such environmental stress. Here we report that the stress-induced production of a peptide signal contributes to stress tolerance. The expression of phytosulfokine (PSK) peptide precursor genes, and transcripts of three subtilisin-like serine proteases, SBT1.4, SBT3.7 and SBT3.8 were found to be up-regulated in response to osmotic stress. Stress symptoms were enhanced in sbt3.8 loss-of-function mutants and could be alleviated by PSK treatment. Osmotic stress tolerance was improved in plants overexpression the precursor of PSK1 (proPSK1) or SBT3.8 resulting in higher fresh weight and improved lateral root development in the transgenic compared to wild-type plants. We further showed that SBT3.8 is involved in the biogenesis of the bioactive PSK peptide. ProPSK1 was cleaved by SBT3.8 at the C-terminus of the PSK pentapeptide. Processing by SBT3.8 depended on the aspartic acid residue adjacent to the cleavage site. ProPSK1 processing was impaired in the sbt3.8 mutant. The data suggest that increased expression in response to osmotic stress followed by the post-translational processing of proPSK1 by SBT3.8 leads to the production of PSK as a peptide signal for stress mitigation. Highlight The expression of phytosulfokine precursor genes and processing by the subtilase SBT3.8 are upregulated in response to osmotic stress for improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis.
Creating questionnaires that align with ASL linguistic principles and cultural practices within the Deaf community

Conducting human-centered research by, with, and for the ASL-signing Deaf community, requires rethinking current human-computer interaction processes in order to meet their linguistic and cultural needs and expectations. This paper highlights some key considerations that emerged in our work creating an ASL-based questionnaire, and our recommendations for handling them.
Effects of transcranial alternating-current stimulation to secondary motor areas on cortical oscillations in stroke patients

Background There is growing evidence that secondary motor areas are relevant for recovery after motor stroke. Communication among brain areas occurs via synchronization of oscillatory activity which can potentially be modulated via transcranial alternating-current stimulation (tACS). Hypothesis We hypothesized that tACS to secondary motor areas of the stroke-lesioned hemisphere leads to modulation of task-related connectivity among primary and secondary motor areas, reflected in metrics of EEG coupling in the frequency domain. Methods We applied focal tACS at 1mA peak-to-peak intensity to ipsilesional ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and supplementary motor area (SMA) in chronic stroke patients while they moved their impaired hand. To probe effects of stimulation on cortical oscillations, several task-related EEG-based connectivity metrics (coherence, imaginary coherence, phase-locking value, mutual information) were assessed before and after each stimulation. Results Overall, we found significant but weak modulations of the motor network by tACS. Stimulation of PMv reduced task-related coupling between (i) both primary motor cortices (M1) (coherence, −0.0514±0.0665 (mean±SD, active stimulation) vs. 0.0085±0.0888 (sham), p=0.0029) and (ii) between ipsilesional M1 and contralesional PMv (coherence, - 0.0386±0.0703 vs. 0.0226±0.0694, p=0.0283; phase-locking value, −0.0363±0.0581 vs. 0.0036±0.0497, p=0.0097) compared with sham stimulation. Conclusions In this exploratory analysis, tACS to the ipsilesional PMv induced a weak decrease of task-related connectivity between ipsilesional M1 and contralesional M1 and PMv. As an excess of interhemispheric coupling is under discussion as maladaptive phenomenon of motor reorganization after stroke (e.g., bimodal balance-recovery model), tACS-induced reduction of coupling might be an interesting approach to assist re-normalization of the post-stroke motor network.
Development of Knowledge Management System for Determining Organizational Performances, Total Quality Management, And Culture

Free market stipulated organizations to improve quality and competitiveness. To achieve this improvement, companies had to implement Total Quality Management so that the vision and mission of companies as one of the main competing factors in the free market were achieved. Many companies had problems in measuring and implementing the organizational performance and Total Quality Management because it needed enough budgets so that a system was needed to measure this organizational performance. The objective of this study was (1) to measure the organizational performance, (2) to measure the implementation of Total Quality Management, and (3) to measure the organizational culture by using Knowledge Management System (KMS)-based approach at Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The advantage of this study was to provide the best recommendations for companies. To develop this system, the writers conducted surveys to several MSMEs, invited experts and practitioners to acquire the knowledge, and carried out the literature study to obtain the recommendation about the best organizational culture at MSMEs. This study developed software used to measure the organizational performance, Total Quality Management, and organizational culture is seen from the Knowledge Management System (KMS) principles. The developed software had been examined to several companies and MSMEs with a very high level of accuracy in giving a recommendation.
Cortical myosin minifilaments orchestrate the arrangement of microridge protrusions on epithelial cell surfaces

Actin-based protrusions vary in morphology, stability, and arrangement on cell surfaces. Microridges are laterally-elongated protrusions arranged in maze-like patterns on mucosal epithelial cells that rearrange dynamically by fission and fusion. To characterize how microridges mature and investigate the mechanisms driving fission and fusion, we imaged microridges in the maturing skin of zebrafish larvae. After their initial development, microridges continued to lengthen and microridge alignment became increasingly well ordered. Imaging F-actin and Non-Muscle Myosin II (NMII) revealed that microridge fission and fusion were associated with local NMII activity in the apical cortex. Inhibiting NMII blocked rearrangements, reduced microridge density, and altered microridge spacing. High-resolution imaging revealed that individual cortical NMII minifilaments are tethered to protrusions, often connecting adjacent microridges. NMII minifilaments connecting the ends of microridges fused them together, whereas minifilaments oriented perpendicular to microridges severed them or pulled them closer together. Our findings demonstrate that as cells mature, microridges continue to remodel and form an increasingly orderly arrangement through a process orchestrated by cortical NMII contraction.
Visualization of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Glioma With Molecular Imaging

Gliomas, particularly high-grade gliomas including glioblastoma (GBM), represent the most common and malignant types of primary brain cancer in adults, and carry a poor prognosis. GBM has been classified into distinct subgroups over the years based on cellular morphology, clinical characteristics, biomarkers, and neuroimaging findings. Based on these classifications, differences in therapeutic response and patient outcomes have been established. Recently, the identification of complex molecular signatures of GBM has led to the development of diverse targeted therapeutic regimens and translation into multiple clinical trials. Chemical-, peptide-, antibody-, and nanoparticle-based probes have been designed to target specific molecules in gliomas and then be visualized with multimodality molecular imaging (MI) techniques including positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF), bioluminescence imaging (BLI), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thus, multiple molecules of interest can now be noninvasively imaged to guide targeted therapies with a potential survival benefit. Here, we review developments in molecular-targeted diagnosis and therapy in glioma, MI of these targets, and MI monitoring of treatment response, with a focus on the biological mechanisms of these advanced molecular probes. MI probes have the potential to noninvasively demonstrate the pathophysiologic features of glioma for diagnostic, treatment, and response assessment considerations for various targeted therapies, including immunotherapy. However, most MI tracers are in preclinical development, with only integrin αVβ3 and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant MI tracers having been translated to patients. Expanded international collaborations would accelerate translational research in the field of glioma MI.
Tripod: Learning Latent Representations for Sequences

We propose a new model for learning and extracting latent representations from sequences, which generates a tripartite representation: global style, memory-based and summary-based partitions. We show the relevance of these representations on a couple of mainstream tasks such as text similarity and natural language inference. We argue that the generic nature of this approach makes it applicable to many other tasks that involve modelling of discreet-valued sequences (time-ordered) and, with some modifications even to image and speech processing. We encourage everyone to try our opensource code and our Python3 API
The summary of missile electromagnetic catapult technology

Missile electromagnetic catapult technology is the important application of electromagnetic launch technology in the field of missile and a great breakthrough compared with tradition catapult technology. Inducing main components and technological advantages of missile electromagnetic catapult system. Sketching technical characteristics of three missile electromagnetic launcher including coil launch, DC motor and rail launch. Introducing current development situation of missile electromagnetic catapult technology in home and abroad. Carding key technologies which restrict practicability of missile electromagnetic catapult technology. Expecting prospects for development of missile electromagnetic catapult technology.