Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joystick Haptic Force Feedback for Powered Wheelchair - A Model-based Shared Control Approach

This paper proposes a novel approach for designing an assistance system via haptic joystick force feedback on an electric wheelchair using model-based shared control approach. Assistance system supports wheelchair users through haptic force at joystick which can make the user-wheelchair interaction becomes more intuitive. Firstly Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy model is used to build an augmented model of user-wheelchair system to deal with non-linear nature of system. Unknown input observers are developed to estimate wheelchair position errors which are considered as user intention based on joystick motions. Fuzzy logic optimal controller is synthesized by Linear Matrix Inequalities method to provide assistance haptic forces feedback to user via joystick. Simulation and experimental results show that this assistance system can predict the desired motion of user and reduce user hand force thanks to haptic force at joystick.
Noisy 𝓁0-Sparse Subspace Clustering on Dimensionality Reduced Data

Sparse subspace clustering methods with sparsity induced by $\ell^{0}$-norm, such as $\ell^{0}$-Sparse Subspace Clustering ($\ell^{0}$-SSC)~\citep{YangFJYH16-L0SSC-ijcv}, are demonstrated to be more effective than its $\ell^{1}$ counterpart such as Sparse Subspace Clustering (SSC)~\citep{ElhamifarV13}. However, the theoretical analysis of $\ell^{0}$-SSC is restricted to clean data that lie exactly in subspaces. Real data often suffer from noise and they may lie close to subspaces. In this paper, we show that an optimal solution to the optimization problem of noisy $\ell^{0}$-SSC achieves subspace detection property (SDP), a key element with which data from different subspaces are separated, under deterministic and semi-random model. Our results provide theoretical guarantee on the correctness of noisy $\ell^{0}$-SSC in terms of SDP on noisy data for the first time, which reveals the advantage of noisy $\ell^{0}$-SSC in terms of much less restrictive condition on subspace affinity. In order to improve the efficiency of noisy $\ell^{0}$-SSC, we propose Noisy-DR-$\ell^{0}$-SSC which provably recovers the subspaces on dimensionality reduced data. Noisy-DR-$\ell^{0}$-SSC first projects the data onto a lower dimensional space by random projection, then performs noisy $\ell^{0}$-SSC on the projected data for improved efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of Noisy-DR-$\ell^{0}$-SSC.
Importance of Hemodynamic Right and Left Ventricular Parameters and CPET-Data in Fallot-Patients and Patients with Fallot-like Pathologies

This study aimed at finding the pivotal cardiac parameter that extensively affects peak oxygen uptake in percent of a reference value – VO2max% – which serves as means of exercise capacity within a collective of patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and patients with Fallot-like pathologies. By conducting a random forests analysis, it was possible to excerpt right ventricular pressure (RVP) as the cardiac parameter that has the biggest impact on exercise capacity. Pulmonary regurgitation, which has been surveyed comprehensively by other authors before, showed no impact on exercise capacity in the random forests analysis within this collective.
Prehospital Administration of Rectal Diazepam in Pediatric Status Epilepticus

Seizures are a common pediatric problem encountered by prehospital personnel. Status epilepticus is defined as seizure activity lasting longer than 15 minutes, or recurrent seizures that occur close together without a period of consciousness between ictal periods. It is estimated that 60,000 to 160,000 cases of status epilepticus occur each year within the United States. Prior to 1960, status epilepticus carried a 50% morbidity rate. However, improved anticonvulsive medications, aggressive airway management, and the spread of EMS Systems throughout the nation have reduced the morbidity rate to a range of 8% to 12%. Prompt and vigorous treatment is paramount in the successful management of status epilepticus because delays can result in neuronal damage and death. Although intravenous diazepam currently is the drug of choice to terminate seizure activity, it may be difficult to rapidly establish a patent intravenous (IV) line during status epilepticus in young children with vigorous motor activity. Alternate routes, such as intramuscular injections, are unreliable due to unpredictable absorption. Rectal administration of diazepam may provide an useful alternate route for delivery of the drug during status epilepticus when IV attempts fail. In this review, the authors discuss a case of status epilepticus wherein intravenous access could not be established rapidly and the patient was given diazepam rectally with favorable results.
Application of random survival forest for competing risks in prediction of cumulative incidence function for progression to AIDS

Objective: There has remained a need to better understanding of prognostic factors that affect the survival or risk in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), particularly in developing countries. The aim of the present study aimed to identify the prognostic factors influencing AIDS progression in HIV positive patients in Hamadan province of Iran, using random survival forest in the presence of competing risks (death from causes not related to AIDS). This method considers all interactions between variables and their nonlinear effects. Method(s): A data set of 585 HIV-infected patients extracted from 1997 to 2011 was utilized. The effect of several prognostic factors on cumulative incidence function (probability) of AIDS progression and death were investigated. Result: The used model indicated that using antiretroviral therapy tuberculosis co-infection are two top most important variables in predicting cumulative incidence function for AIDS progression in the presence of competing risks, respectively. The patients with tuberculosis had much higher predicted cumulative incidence probability. Predicted cumulative incidence probability of AIDS progression was also higher for mother to child mode of HIV transmission. Moreover, transmission type and gender were two top most important variables for the competing event. Men and those patients with IDUS transmission mode had higher predicted risk compared to others. Conclusion: Considering nonlinear effects and interaction between variables, confection with tuberculosis was the most important variable in prediction of cumulative incidence probability of AIDS progression.
Transplantation of Neural Progenitor Cells within Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel in Traumatic Brain Injury in Experiment

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibilities of transplantation of autologous neural progenitor cells from C57BL/6 mouse nasal olfactory lamina propria in the hydrogel based on low-, medium-, and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid during a reconstructive operation after an open traumatic brain injury (TBI) in experiment. Materials and Methods. A reconstructive therapy was performed on the model of an open traumatic brain injury using the autologous neural progenitor cells from C57BL/6 mouse nasal olfactory lamina propria in a hydrogel based on high, medium, and low molecular hyaluronic acid 7 days after injury. Short-term and long-term impairments of neurological functions and memory due to TBI were assessed using a series of behavioral and cognitive tests (modified neurological severity score (mNSS)), open field test, novel object recognition test and passive avoidance behavior). High-field magnetic resonance tomography was used for visualization of a lesion cavity. Results. Implantation of autologous neural progenitor cells in the hydrogel based on high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid in contrast to low- and medium-molecular weight had a protective effect reducing neurological deficit and restoring motor functions, short-term and long-term memory in the posttraumatic period. The effect of hydrogel molecular weight on the morphological characteristics of the injury cavity was less effective during the autologous neural progenitor cells transplantation after TBI. Conclusion. Transplantation of autologous neural progenitor cells from C57BL/6 mouse nasal olfactory lamina propria in the hydrogel based on high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid into the injury focus after open brain trauma promotes functional recovery of reflex and cognitive behavior of animals in the posttraumatic period. words:
The Application Prospect Autologous Bone Marrow Extract Buffy Coat in Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Mini-Review

Cartilage injury is an important cause of osteoarthritis; however, there is no effective method of cartilage regeneration at present. Therefore, it would be of great value to explore and develop new methods of cartilage regeneration. In recent years, it has become a hot topic on repairing damaged cartilage by using tissue engineered cartilage domestic and abroad. It’s the key factor to success for getting cell source which is effective, applicable and easy to obtain in the technology of cartilage tissue engineering filed. This article summarizes the research progress of bone marrow extract buffy coat in cartilage tissue engineering.
Diffuse Vaginal Adenosis

Abstract. Diffuse vaginal adenosis is a rare disease presenting severe symptoms and difficult to treat. It has not previously been described in the Scandinavian literature. Three typical cases are reported, two in children of 14 years and one in a woman of 20 years, who were all treated for imperforate hymen and haematocolpos. None of the patients had been subjected to oestrogen treatment in utero. The colposcopic findings are very characteristic and are described in relation to the histological examination. The pathogenesis, treatment and risk of malignant transformation are discussed.
Co-design of open educational practices in a distance university

This paper focuses on the analysis of a co-design process of open educational practices (OEP) for the development of transversal competences in a distance university. Through the active participation of teachers, students and researchers, the aim is to facilitate the curricular design of OEP, which favors the development of students’ transversal competences. The study is part of a broader research that applies the model of design-based research (DBR). Specifically, this paper deals with the analysis of the design phase, with a qualitative approach, by using participant observation and the analysis of the design products elaborated in the co-design process. The study aims to answer the following research questions: How is the co-design method carried out and how does it contribute to the design of OEP for the development of transversal competences? What kind of contributions do participants make and what role do they assume in the co-design process? The results reflect the dynamics of the co-design process, the type of contributions and roles assumed by each participant and the effective contribution of the co-design method for the design of the PEA, considering on one hand the degree of understanding and incorporation of the relevant concepts in the designed scenarios and, secondly, the usefulness of the design instruments used.
Comparative Study of Digital Forensic Investigation on Cyber Criminal

Digital forensic investigation has undergone tremendous changes in the last decade from initial computers to current mobile devices and storage devices. The significance of digital forensics in the process of prosecuting digital criminals who use digital devices. The process of analysing digital forensic investigations requires a model or framework so that the investigation process can run in more detail and structure. As in previous studies, there is no digital forensic investigation that addresses one standard for all. The digital crimes have increased around the world and have resulted in being developed of survey models that can be escalade to find digital evidence. In some previous studies, there have been many discussions about models or frameworks in investigating a digital forensic case, and these models can be widely used. Some models discuss a detailed process, and some discuss a process in general, this can lead to digital forensic investigators having difficulty choosing the right model in investigating a case. The digital forensic investigation must be carried out effectively, efficiently and structured, with several significant steps that must be considered. Every step and phase must produce documentation that is important in understanding how the investigation process is built. The goal of this paper was to study and compare the digital forensic investigation model. The study also included interpretation and illustration of fundamental concepts used by the framework or model.
A controlled trial of the effect of calcium supplementation on bone density in postmenopausal women.

Background. The effectiveness of calcium in retarding bone loss in older postmenopausal women is unclear. Earlier work suggested that the women who were most likely to benefit from calcium supplementation were those with low calcium intakes. Methods. We undertook a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to determine the effect of calcium on bone loss from the spine, femoral neck, and radius in 301 healthy postmenopausal women, half of whom had a calcium intake lower than 400 mg per day and half an intake of 400 to 650 mg per day. The women received placebo or either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate malate (500 mg of calcium per day) for two years. Results. In women who had undergone menopause five or fewer years earlier, bone loss from the spine was rapid and was not affected by supplementation with calcium. Among the women who had been postmenopausal for six years or more and who were given placebo, bone loss was less rapid in the group with the higher dietary calcium intake. In those with the lower calcium intake, calcium citrate malate prevented bone loss during the two years of the study; its effect was significantly different from that of placebo (P less than 0.05) at the femoral neck (mean change in bone density [+/- SE], 0.87 +/- 1.01 percent vs. -2.11 +/- 0.93 percent), radius (1.05 +/- 0.75 percent vs. -2.33 +/- 0.72 percent), and spine (-0.38 +/- 0.82 percent vs. -2.85 +/- 0.77 percent). Calcium carbonate maintained bone density at the femoral neck (mean change in bone density, 0.08 +/- 0.98 percent) and radius (0.24 +/- 0.70 percent) but not the spine (-2.54 +/- 0.85 percent). Among the women who had been postmenopausal for six years or more and who had the higher calcium intake, those in all three treatment groups maintained bone density at the hip and radius and lost bone from the spine. Conclusions. Healthy older postmenopausal women with a daily calcium intake of less than 400 mg can significantly reduce bone loss by increasing their calcium intake to 800 mg per day. At the dose we tested, supplementation with calcium citrate malate was more effective than supplementation with calcium carbonate.
A Systematic Review of a Virtual Reality System from the Perspective of User Experience

ABSTRACT Virtual reality (VR) is receiving attention enough to be considered as its revival age in both industrial and academic field. Since VR systems have various types of interaction with users and new types of interaction are constantly being developed, various studies investigating user experience (UX) of VR systems are continuously needed. However, there is still a lack of research on the taxonomy that can recognize the main characteristics of VR system at a glance by reflecting the influencing factors of UX. Therefore, we collected and reviewed the research related to the UX evaluation of the VR system in order to identify the current research status and to suggest future research direction. To achieve this, a systematic review was conducted on UX studies for VR, and taxonomies of VR system including influencing factors of UX were proposed. A total of 393 unique articles were collected, and 65 articles were selected to be reviewed via Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. The selected articles were analyzed according to predefined taxonomies. As a result, current status of research can be identified base on the proposed taxonomies. Besides, issues related to VR devices and technology, and research method for future research directions can be suggested.
The Use of Self-sampling for HPV Testing to Improve Cervical Cancer Screening Participation among Under-screened Women Living in Rural Ontario

Papanicolaou (Pap) testing has greatly reduced the incidence of and mortality due to cervical cancer. However, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is being increasingly recommended for primary cervical cancer screening. One benefit of HPV testing is the opportunity for selfsampled specimen collection. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine if HPV selfsampling can improve participation in cervical cancer screening in under-screened rural communities. A systematic literature review and mixed methods study design addressed three objectives. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis calculated a pooled estimate of HPV self-sampling uptake in under-screened women (objective 1). Qualitative thematic analysis of community focus groups explored barriers to cervical cancer screening in an underscreened rural population and described women’s initial attitude towards HPV self-sampling (objective 2). These findings supported the design and implementation of a pragmatic randomized HPV self-sampling pilot study that determined the feasibility and acceptability of athome HPV self-sampling to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening in an underscreened rural community (objective 3). Meta-analysis of the literature found under-screened
Context Map Analysis of Fake News in Social Media: A Contextualized Visualization Approach

Visualization tools in text analytics are typically based on content analysis, using n-gram frequencies or topic models which output commonly used words, phrases, or topics in a text corpus. However, the interpretation of these visual output and summary labels can be incomplete or misleading when words or phrases are taken out of context. We use a novel Context Map approach to create a connected network of n-grams by considering the frequency in which they are used together in the same context. We combine network optimization techniques with embedded representation models to generate an visualization interface with clearer and more accurate interpretation potential. In this paper, we apply our Context Map method to analyze fake news in social media. We compare news article veracity (true versus false news) with orientation (left, mainstream, or right). Our approach provides a rich context analysis of the language used in true versus fake
Clock Skew Estimation for Timestamp-Free Synchronization in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks

Existing packet-based synchronization approaches take extensive energy for industrial wireless sensor networks due to substantial timing message exchanges. Combined with acknowledgement (ACK), this article proposes an energy-efficient synchronization protocol without exchanging timestamps. Also, a mapping rule of ACK response time is presented for the joint estimation of skew and fixed delay without requiring a following response in each cycle, so that estimation can be implemented in parallel to data transmission. Then, the timestamp-free synchronization technique is extended to the receiver-only synchronization scenario to further reduce communication overhead. Assuming Gaussian variable delays, the maximum likelihood estimators and corresponding lower bounds for slave node and silent node are developed, as well as a low-complexity estimator for silent node. In addition, considering the dynamics of clock, a timestamp-free clock skew tracking algorithm using Kalman filtering is developed. Simulation results validate the efficiency of the proposed estimators.
Asymmetric J-curve: evidence from industry trade between U.S. and U.K.

ABSTRACT Previous research that assessed the impact of exchange rate changes on the trade balance between the U.S. and U.K. assumed the effects are symmetric. In this paper, we add to the literature on the asymmetric J-curve phenomenon by considering the trade balance of 68 two-digit industries that trade between the two countries. We find short-run asymmetric effects of the real dollar-pound rate in almost all industries. However, short-run asymmetric effects were translated into significant long-run asymmetric effects in 25 industries. Indeed, the asymmetric J-curve hypothesis was supported in 18 industries.
The Effect of Transformational and Transactional Leadership on Readiness for Change in the Educational Ministries in Yemen: Learning Organizational Culture as a Mediator

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