Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assistive computer input device for muscular atrophy patients

This article is aimed at people who suffer from muscular dystrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A webcam captures images of the user’s head, and the computer then processes these images to calculate and transform the swinging direction and distance of the user’s head into the position of the mouse cursor and into the action of clicking the mouse. To accurately and quickly recognize these features, this article used a round sticker with a diameter of 1 cm as an identification label, which is stuck on the user’s forehead. After the webcam captures the images, the program can recognize the positions of the identification label and move the mouse cursor. Through Windows API, this article determined the user’s intention and action of clicking the mouse on the basis of a series of movements to control the mouse cursor. As confirmed by the experimental results, the proposed assisted computer entry device for muscular atrophy patients is applicable and gives good results for the e-book reading program, use of the web browser, and the execution of the application software and mini-games developed by this system structure.
A Branch and Bound Algorithm for Transmission Network Expansion Planning Using Nonconvex Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming Models

The branch and bound (BB) algorithm is widely used to obtain the global solution of mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problems. On the other hand, when the traditional BB structure is directly used to solve nonconvex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems, it becomes ineffective, mainly due to the non-linearity and nonconvexity of the feasible region of the problem. This article presents the difficulties and ineffectiveness of the direct use of the traditional BB algorithm for solving nonconvex MINLP problems and proposes the formulation of an efficient BB algorithm for solving this category of problems. The algorithm is formulated taking into account particular aspects of nonconvex MINLP problems, including (i) how to deal with the nonlinear programming (NLP) subproblems, (ii) how to detect the infeasibility of an NLP subproblem, (iii) how to treat the nonconvexity of the problem, and (iv) how to define the fathoming rules. The proposed BB algorithm is used to solve the transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) problem, a classical problem in power systems optimization, and its performance is compared with the performances of off-the-shelf optimization solvers for MINLP problems. The results obtained for four test systems, with different degrees of complexity, indicate that the proposed BB algorithm is effective for solving the TNEP problem with and without considering losses, showing equal or better performance than off-the-shelf optimization solvers.
Optimization of the generation of temperature waves in flow metrology

ABSTRACT Temperature waves are used in metrology to determine flow velocities, as well as the coefficient of thermal diffusion, chemical composition, and other parameters of the flowing medium. This study presents a method for precise generation of temperature waves in flows, based on digitally controlled electronic system. A mathematical model and structure of the system implementing the method is described. The system consists of a wire temperature wave transmitter, supplied by the system setting the preset temperature function in time. The mathematical model of such system, together with results of model and optimization testing are presented. The system allows one to generate temperature waves of the shape preset by a digital signal, generated by a computer-based control system. Such a system may be used in analytical instrumentation.
Numerical studies of supersonic flow over a compression corner

Summary Numerical solutions of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are presented for the shock/boundary-layer interaction which occurs with the attached, near-adiabatic, turbulent flow of air over a two-dimensional compression corner of 11° at a Mach number of 2·5. It is shown that for this near-adiabatic flow, the isenthalpic and non-isenthalpic Navier-Stokes equations produce solutions which are very similar in respect of the velocity,pressure and density fields. In the first part of the work, two different upstream, or approaching boundary-layer profiles are considered: one with a normal full velocity profile and the other with a less full velocity profile corresponding to a boundary layer that has developed in an adverse pressure gradient. Several turbulence models are compared using the isenthalpic form of the equations (because the computations are more economical). It is found that agreement with previous experiments (such as in the location of the shock and density profile predictions) is improved in the vicinity of the interaction using the non-equilibrium Johnson-King model compared to the equilibrium models of Baldwin-Lomax and Cebeci-Smith. The second part of the work examines the effects of turbulent Prandtl number (Pr t ) modelling for this flow using the non-isenthalpic form of the Navier-Stokes equations. Three models for the turbulent Prandtl number are tested. It is found that modelling Pr t affects the velocity, pressure and density fields only very slightly, and that the main impact is on the prediction of temperatures very close to the wall. The adiabatic wall temperature variation through the interaction has been measured experimentally and compared with the predictions. The best agreement was obtained using Wassel and Catton's model for Pr, rather than the familiar assumption that Pr t = 0·9 everywhere in the flow.
How do teachers use minecraft outside of classrooms

This chapter first reviews narrative insights provided by our 17 Minecraft teachers and the end of the chapter includes a step by step guide to starting your own Minecraft club. Guest writer Zack Gilbert brings his experience explaining how he thinks about and goes about planning for a new club. First though we will explore why you might want to invest the time to start a club.
Making sense of democratisation: a case study about extracurricular music workshops in France

Abstract Since the early 2000s, education policy in France has strongly encouraged publicly funded conservatoires and music schools to forge partnerships with various stakeholders in sectors outside of specialised music education. This change in the objectives traditionally assigned to music schools and conservatoires has given rise to new ‘pedagogical projects’, among which extracurricular music workshops are quite widespread. This study investigated the views of specialised music teachers in relation to these new pedagogical formats through an analysis of their evaluations of a workshop led in a French school between 2018 and 2019. I interviewed the music teachers who participated in the project (n = 8), those who refused to participate (n = 7) and also the administrative staff (n = 4). The results indicate that far from the ecumenism traditionally associated with policies promoting the democratisation of culture, conservatoire teachers think about and are involved in these projects in different ways, reflecting a wide range of considerations around pedagogy, project quality, purpose or politics.
Laboratory bench for the characterization of triboelectric properties of polymers

The use of polymers as materials for sliding machine components is due to their low cost, ease of manufacturing, as well as appropriate mechanical and thermal properties. The aim of this paper is to present the experimental bench designed for the study of the triboelectric charge generated in sliding conformal contacts between flat polymer materials. The experiments were performed with 4-mm-thick samples of polystyrene and 5-mm-thick samples of poly-vinyl-chloride.The normal contact force can be adjusted using an appropriate control system and measured by a force sensor (± 50 N). The translational back-and-forth motion of the samples is produced by a crank-shaft system that generates a sinusoidal translational speed profile, with amplitudes between 12 and 50 mm/s, for strokes of 36 to 60 mm. The distribution of charge at the surface of the samples is measured by the capacitive probe of an electrostatic voltmeter (± 10 kV). The experiments pointed out that this bench enables the evaluation of the non-uniformity of the electric charge accumulated on the sliding bodies and the study of the correlations that might exists between this charge and the external forces applied to the contact.
A bibliometric analysis on global eHealth

Background The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlights the potential of eHealth. Drawing the knowledge map of eHealth research through data mining and visual analysis technology was helpful to systematically present the research status and future trends of global academic circles. Methods Based on the web of Science Core Collection (SCIE/SSCI) database, using bibliometric theory and visual analysis technology, this work analyzed the global eHealth research publications from 2000 to 2021, and introduced the interdisciplinary characteristics, hot topics and future trends in this field. Results A total of 10188 authors, 891 journals, 3586 institutions, 98 countries using 12 languages had conducted eHealth research in the world. The United States, the Netherlands, Australia and the United Kingdom were the main forces and international cooperation. However, the international co-operation between Eastern and Western countries was still relatively few. The frontier of global eHealth research mainly focused on #0eHealth innovation, #1physical activity, #2generalised anxiety disorder, #3lightweight authentication protocol, #4 eHealth information, #5technology readiness, #6 ehealth literacy scale, #7family carer, #8citance analysis, #9 guiding patient. Clusters #3 lightweight authentication protocol and #9 guiding patient were the latest clusters, indicating the research trend and direction of eHealth in the future. Conclusions Cooperation network framework at the regional, national and global levels and the cooperation of multidisciplinary teams with complementary backgrounds and expertise were needed to realize the in-depth popularization and application of eHealth knowledge. Interdisciplinary international cooperation should be the trend of eHealth research in the future.
Identification of significant genes with a poor prognosis in skin cutaneous malignant melanoma based on a bioinformatics analysis

Background Skin cutaneous malignant melanoma (SKCM) is a deadly mutated malignancy that arises from melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin. This study sought to identify effective treatment targets that could serve as prospective therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes. Methods The GSE83583, GSE111766, and GSE104849 data sets from the GPL10558 platform in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used in this study. The candidate genes were identified using the GEO2R tool and a Venn diagram. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) preliminary analyses of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, and R software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was examined using Cytoscape software. The survminer package was used to examine the overall survival of patients with the identified genes. The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) was used to verify the protein levels of significant genes with poor prognosis. The highly expressed genes in the melanoma tissues were visualized using the ggplot2 package. Results In total, 160 DEGs from 124 melanoma tissues and 9 normal melanocyte tissues were examined in this study. Cytoscape displayed 19 central nodes from the 160 DEGs. The re-analysis showed that the cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily B member 1 (CYP1B1) and protein kinase C beta (PRKCB) were significantly enriched in the micro ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in cancer. Conclusions CYP1B1 and PRKCB were overexpressed in and correlated with the poor prognosis of SKCM. Our findings might help explore the prognosis and diagnostic markers of SKCM.
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Treatment in Comorbid Nicotine Addiction with Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective: Nicotine addiction is a common health problem in psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of rTMS on comorbid nicotine addiction in patients receiving recurrent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Method: Data of 32 patients (23 MDD, 9 OCD) were evaluated retrospectively. We compared the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAS), Yale-Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale (Y-BOCS), and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores at three time points (before treatment “0th week”, at the end of treatment “6th week”, and 12 weeks after this assessment “18 th week”). Results: The patients’ mean age was 40.47±10.20, 13 (40.6%) were women. A significant reduction was found in HAM-D, BAS, FTND at weeks 6 (p<0.001 for all) and 18 (p<0.001 for all) compared to baseline scores. A binary logistic regression showed that changes in depression and anxiety symptoms were not associated with the changes in FTND ratings at weeks 6 and 18 (p=0.158, p=0.251, respectively). Conclusion: In this study, it can be said that rTMS treatment reduces the severity of nicotine addiction accompanying MDD and OCD, independent of the recovery of the psychiatric disease. This study suggests that rTMS can be an effective treatment for nicotine addiction comorbid with psychiatric disorders. We recommend placebo-controlled randomized double-blind studies.
An Equilibrium Analysis of the Effects of Neighborhood-based Interventions on Children

To study the effects of neighborhood and place-based interventions, this paper incorporates neighborhood effects into a general equilibrium (GE) heterogeneous-agent overlapping-generations model with endogenous location choice and child skill development. Importantly, housing costs as well as neighborhood effects are endogenously determined in equilibrium. Having calibrated the model using U.S. data, we use simulations to show that predictions from the model match reduced form evidence from experimental and quasi-experimental studies of housing mobility and urban development programs. After this validation exercise, we study the long-run and large-scale impacts of vouchers and place-based subsidies. Both policies result in welfare gains by reducing inequality and generating improvements in average skills and productivity, all of which offset higher levels of taxes and other GE effects. We find that a voucher program generates larger long-run welfare gains relative to place-based policies. Our analysis of transition dynamics, however, suggests there may be more political support for place-based policies.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Suspected Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV

Objective The diagnosis of suspected opportunistic infections in HIV patients is challenging due to the wide range of potential causes. This study used mNGS to analyse specimens of suspected opportunistic infections in HIV patients from a single centre to explore this method’s applicability as a diagnostic tool compared to that of CMTs. Methods We retrospectively investigated 46 suspected opportunistic infections in people living with HIV(PLWH) Hospitalized at Hangzhou Xixi hospital from January 2020 to August 2021. In total, we collected 49 samples (3 patients provided 2 samples) and sent them out for mNGS. Results mNGS had a better detection rate for fungi and nontuberculous mycobacteria than that of CMTs. Specifically, the diagnostic detection rate of fungi (11 vs 19, P<0.05) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (1 vs 6, p<0.05) was significantly higher; there was no difference in detection rate for other pathogens (bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or viruses). The sensitivity of mNGS was 90.91%, 50%, 0%, 100%, and 100% for detecting fungi, bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria, and viruses, respectively; the corresponding specificities were 74.29%, 97.73%, 86.36%, 86.67%, and 91.11%. Conclusion mNGS technology provides an alternative and promising method of identifying suspected opportunistic infections in PLWH. Thus, the best diagnosis strategy may be using a combination of mNGS and CMTs.
Training Set Optimization in an Artificial Neural Network Constructed for High Bandwidth Interconnects Design

In this article, a novel training set optimization method in an artificial neural network (ANN) constructed for high bandwidth interconnects design is proposed based on rigorous probability analysis. In general, the accuracy of an ANN is enhanced by increasing training set size. However, generating large training sets is inevitably time-consuming and resource-demanding, and sometimes even impossible due to limited prototypes or measurement scenarios. Especially, when the number of channels in required design are huge such as graphics double data rate (GDDR) memory and high bandwidth memory (HBM). Therefore, optimizing the training set selection process is crucial to minimizing the training datasets for developing an efficient ANN. According to rigorous mathematical analysis of the uniformity of the training data by probability distribution function, optimization flow of the range selection is proposed to improve accuracy and efficiency. The optimal number of training data samples is further determined by studying the prediction error rates. The performance of the proposed method in terms of accuracy is validated by comparing the scattering parameters of arbitrarily chosen strip and microstrip type GDDR interconnects obtained from EM simulations with those predicted by ANNs using default and the proposed training-set selection methods.
Low-Profile Wideband Circularly Polarized Array Antennas Using Integrated Half-Power Quadrature Power Divider

Low-profile wideband circularly polarized (CP) array antennas using integrated half-power quadrature power divider (HP-QPD) are presented. A novel HP-QPD is first proposed as an important design concept for CP radiation. Detailed analyses show that the proposed HP-QPD can have half-power CP radiation and the remaining half-power transmission with equal-magnitude but quadrature phase difference. Therefore, it can be utilized for designing a 1 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 CP array antenna. Compared to the traditionally designed single-feed or dual-feed CP counterparts, this 1 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 array antenna can have more than four times wider axial ratio (AR) bandwidth with three CP modes and a simple feed network. This 1 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 array antenna was then designed, fabricated, and measured for performance verification. Both measured and simulated results show that this array antenna can have a wide overlapped impedance and AR bandwidth of 7.9% with a thin dielectric thickness of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.031\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. The 1 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 array antenna was further extended to a 1 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 8 linear array antenna for high gain CP radiation. Measured results show that unidirectional and symmetrical radiation patterns are achieved with high peak realized gain of 15.4 dBic, low profile, and simple feed network.
Reified scarcity & the problem space of ‘need’: unpacking Australian social housing policy

Abstract Social housing is today a highly residualised sector due to a combination of declining public investment and intensified targeting of stock to the neediest households. We argue that residualisation has opened up a distinct ‘problem space’ wherein policy making and debate are organised around a distinct set of questions and imperatives. Drawing on research into the management of social housing waitlists in Australia, we show how this problem space is characterised by a preoccupation with finding ever more fine-grained ways of targeting social housing to the neediest households in the context of growing scarcity of housing stock. Defining and operationalising ‘neediness’ becomes the focal point for policy making and struggles thereover, overshadowing questions of supply and broader debates about the role of social housing in addressing the housing crisis. The problem space of neediness is thus characterised by a tendency to reify social housing scarcity, transforming it into a natural and inevitable constraint that policy makers must simply manage.
HGVul: A Code Vulnerability Detection Method Based on Heterogeneous Source-Level Intermediate Representation

Vulnerability detection on source code can prevent the risk of cyber-attacks as early as possible. However, lacking ﬁne-grained analysis of the code has rendered the existing solutions still suﬀering from low performance; besides, the explosive growth of open-source projects has dramatically increased the complexity and diversity of the source code. This paper presents HGVul, a code vulnerability detection method based on heterogeneous intermediate representation of source code. The key of the proposed method is the ﬁne-grained handling on heterogeneous source-level intermediate representation (SIR) without expert knowledge. It ﬁrst extracts graph SIR of code with multiple syntactic-semantic information. Then, HGVul splits the SIR into diﬀerent subgraphs according to various semantic relations, which are used to obtain semantic information conveyed by diﬀerent types of edges. Next, a graph neural network with attention operations is deployed on each subgraph to learn representation, which captures the subtle eﬀects from node neighbors on their representation. Finally, the learned code feature representations are utilized to perform vulnerability detection. Experiments are conducted on multiple datasets. The F1 of HGVul reaches 96.1% on the sample-balanced Big-Vul-VP dataset and 88.3% on the unbalanced Big-Vul dataset. Further experiments on actual open-source project datasets prove the better performance of HGVul.
Characterization of Rhodanese Extracted from Synodontis schall Liver

Rhodanese, a cyanide detoxifying enzyme was extracted from the liver of Synodontis schall and its characteristics investigated. Crude enzyme preparation was prepared and the enzyme was assayed by measuring the activity of rhodanese in RU min-1 mg-1. The results revealed that rhodanese extracted from Synodontis schall liver had km values for Na2S2O3 and KCN were 12.23mM±1.36 and 8.45mM±1.05 respectively. The enzyme had higher affinity for KCN than Na2S2O3. Dithio oxiamide, 2-mercaptoethanol and sodium metabisulfite were not capable of replacing Na2S2O3 as sulfur donors. Na2S2O3 had the highest relative activity followed by ammonium sulphate. Synodontis schall liver rhodanese had optimum activity at pH 8.0 and 45ºC. Relative activities of cations tested showed that none had any significant effect on Synodontis schall liver rhodanese. Rhodanese present in the liver of Synodontis schall had properties similar to those from other sources.