Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State-of-the-art Versus Deep learning: A Comparative Study of Motor Imagery Decoding Techniques

State-of-the-art techniques (SOTA) for motor imagery decoding have largely involved the use of common spatial patterns (CSP) and power spectral density (PSD), for feature extraction. Other frequency transforms, such as wavelets and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) have also been used but the aforementioned two have been the most popular. For classification, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machines (SVM) have been mostly used. It is, however, worth investigating other approaches, such as deep learning, which offer a potential for improvement, but are not yet mainstream. Deep learning techniques based on neural networks (NNs) have been underexplored in motor imagery processing. Considering their success in other fields, which speaks to their potential for obtaining improved results over the SOTA, they should be explored for motor imagery decoding. This study takes a comparative approach in the use of deep learning as compared with the SOTA. From our findings, we infer that neural networks are suitable for motor imagery decoding and might be preferable over the SOTA. The use of specific feature extraction is also not as necessary as seen with SOTA approaches, though it might offer some gains in performance. Our results show a statistically significant improvement in decoding accuracies, up to 20% increase, with the use of NNs as compared with the SOTA. Also, we conclude that the use of crops for data augmentation might yield better results with shallow architectures as against deeper ones and that there might be other factors affecting the effectiveness of crops, needing further investigation.
Image and video manipulation: The generation of deepfakes

The growth of fake news is nowadays a growing reality, leading to users feeling insecure when consuming information. Text-based news is perhaps the most manipulated, but the video is rapidly gaining ground. Technology allows content to be easily adulterated, leading users to become misinformed. In this study, we explain the different image, video, and audio manipulation techniques that are carried out with software and advanced audiovisual techniques. The most prominent methods are morphing and warping, together with machine learning techniques. Also, artificial intelligence is a critical element in the growth of fake video generation. This brings with it the need to identify the fake videos to verify the facts being told. It is also essential to understand social tolerance, especially in humour programmes, as some media outlets use these mechanisms. Moreover, it is analysed the importance of privacy policies that affect how the users’ personal information is collected and their implications in their fundamental rights. Finally, it is concluded with the need for media and digital literacy campaigns in the education system to minimise this problem. Resumen El crecimiento de las noticias falsas es hoy en día una realidad creciente, que lleva a los usuarios a sentirse inseguros cuando consumen información. Las noticias basadas en texto son quizás las más manipuladas, pero el vídeo está ganando terreno rápidamente. La tecnología permite adulterar fácilmente los contenidos, lo que lleva a los usuarios a estar mal informados. En este estudio se explican las diferentes técnicas de manipulación de imagen, vídeo y audio que se llevan a cabo con software y técnicas audiovisuales avanzadas. Los métodos más destacados son el morphing y el warping, junto con las técnicas de aprendizaje automático. Además, la inteligencia artificial es un elemento crítico en el crecimiento de la generación de vídeos falsos. Esto conlleva la necesidad de identificar los vídeos falsos para verificar los hechos que se cuentan. También es esencial entender la tolerancia social, especialmente en los programas de humor, ya que algunos medios de comunicación utilizan estos mecanismos. Además, se analiza la importancia de las políticas de privacidad que afectan a la recogida de información personal de los usuarios y sus implicaciones en sus derechos fundamentales. Finalmente, se concluye con la necesidad de realizar campañas de alfabetización mediática y digital en el sistema educativo para minimizar este problema.
Effects of McConnell Taping on Function and Dynamic Postural Control in Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome represented by anterior knee pain is the most common condition experienced by individuals suffering from knee pathology. Pain behind the kneecap or around the kneecap is the main characteristic, can occur due to the stress on joint structures, commonly affecting athletes and females. It mostly occurs during ascending and descending stairs and remains in a sitting position for a prolonged duration. Objective: To determine the effects of McConnell taping on function and dynamic postural control in athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: This quasi-experimental study consisted of 38 participants with ages ranging from 18 to 40 years presenting with anterior knee pain. Data was collected from the Spine Physiotherapy clinic, Sahiwal. About 28 patients were treated with McConnell taping along with conventional physical therapy. Star excursion balance test and lower extremity functional test scale were used to assess functional and dynamic postural control before treatment and after 24 hours of treatment. Results: The outcomes revealed that there was a statistically significant difference within the group. The p-value was found significant (p<0.001) for both variables. Conclusion: This study concluded that McConnell taping was effective for treating patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome for functional and dynamic postural control. *Corresponding Author: Naeem Aslam, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan; Email: naeemaslam693@gmail.com Citation: Aslam N. , A. Razzaq, S. Iftikhar. 2021. Effects of McConnell taping on function and dynamic postural control in athletes with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The Healer Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, 1(1):9-14. Keywords: anterior knee pain; McConnell taping; patellofemoral pain syndrome
AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure Schottky Barrier Diodes with Graded Barrier Layer

The AlGaN/GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) working as high-power mixer and multiplier show great potential in millimeter wave (MMW) field owing to their high breakdown voltage. Nevertheless, its further application is severely limited by large reverse leakage current (Jr) since the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel is hard to be pinched off at low voltage. To address this limitation, a graded AlGaN/GaN heterostructure is introduced to extend the 2DEG channel into a quasi-three-dimensional electron slab. By comparing the fixed Al composition AlGaN/GaN SBD, Jr of the graded AlGaN/GaN SBD is significantly reduced due to the extension of channel carriers, confirming the effective Jr suppression effect of this structure. Furthermore, on this basis, a recessed anode structure is utilized to expect a smaller Jr. The results indicated that the graded AlGaN/GaN SBDs with air-bridge structure have achieved a pretty low Jr value (1.6 × 10−13 A at -15 V), and its cutoff frequency is as high as 60.6 GHz. It is expected that such SBDs with low Jr have significant advantages in future applications.
The Color of Creatorship

Race enters writing, the making of art, as a structure of feeling, as something that structures feelings, that lays down tracks of affection and repulsion, rage and hurt, desire and ache. These tracks don’t only occur in the making of art; they also occur (sometimes viciously, sometimes hazily) in the reception of creative work. Here we are again: we’ve made this thing and we’ve sent it out into the world for recognition—and because what we’ve made is in essence a field of human experience created for other humans, the field and its maker and its readers are thus subject all over again to race and its infiltrations. In that moment arise all sorts of possible hearings and mis-hearings, all kinds of address and redress. —CLAUDIA RANKINE and BETH LOFFREDA, “On Whiteness and the Racial Imaginary”
Transient behavior of stochastic networks :application to production planning with load-dependent lead times

Dedication I would like to dedicate the dissertation to my father, Germán Riaño Cano, who was always an inspirational figure for me. iii Acknowledgements I want to thank my wife, Sandra López Bautista who has given me her unconditional support throughout these years. This dissertation is also her work. Also my children, Juan Diego and Alejandra Riaño López who were always the strongest motivation to keep going in the difficult moments. I want to thank the patience and constant cooperation of my advisors, Richard Serfozo and Steve Hackman. I am thankful to Dr.
A Study on Improving the Sensitivity of Indirect X-ray Detectors by Adding Hybrid Perovskite Quantum Dots

In this paper, we demonstrate the enhancement in detection sensitivity of an indirect X-ray detector based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene derivatives [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) by adding perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs). The weight ratio of P3HT and PC71BM was fixed at 1:1 (20 mg/mL in chlorobenzene), and different amounts of FAPbBr3 PeQDs of (0–3) mg were added to the P3HT:PC71BM active layer solution. The experimental results show that the detector using P3HT:PC71BM:FAPbBr3 PeQDs (1 mg) achieved a sensitivity of 2.10 mA/Gy∙cm2. To further improve the sensitivity, a ligand exchange experiment was performed on the P3HT:PC71BM:FAPbBr3 PeQDs (1 mg) detector. Under the condition of 12 h ligand exchange time, the detector with P3HT:PC71BM:FAPbBr3 PeQDs (1 mg) showed the highest sensitivity of 2.26 mA/Gy∙cm2, which was increased by 28% compared to the pristine detector with a P3HT:PC71BM active layer.
An Investigation of Preservice Teachers’ Apprenticeship of Observation Through a Lens of Autobiographical Memory

Preservice teachers’ schooling during their “apprenticeship of observation” has long been a focus of attention in teacher education as it is seen as influential in the development of teacher beliefs and in limiting preservice teachers’ openness to alternative conceptions of teaching. Looking through the lens of autobiographical memory, the research engaged 42 preservice teachers in semi-structured interviews exploring their talk about secondary schooling experiences. This research found that the participating preservice teachers agentically constructed nuanced schooling memories. Rather than their experiences of schooling practices imposing conceptions of teaching on them, participants were selective in encoding and recalling practices congruent with their goal of becoming a teacher. While acknowledging the important contribution of the apprenticeship of observation construct, these research findings suggest that when viewed through the lens of autobiographical memory, the construct is more nuanced than commonly presented, and, thus necessitates further consideration by teacher educators.
Modular Kirigami Arrays for Distributed Actuation Systems in Adaptive Optics

The demands on adaptive optics are increasing to achieve high performance and meet the requirements for accuracy and reliability with these systems. At present, common technologies for actuator arrays are highly developed and designed in complex arrangements leading to bulky devices. In this work, we pro-pose an approach for designing modular actuation arrays by means of kirigami metasheets realigned in parallel and leveled in plane. The study focuses on the numerical analysis of diﬀerent cut patterns to couple lift-oﬀ motions within a thin, scalable sheet. A design of a modular actuation array is explained and illustrated in the context of a deformable mirror. The optimal lift-oﬀ positions within the array are calculated for this example by a proposed positioning algorithm, which makes use of common methods in adaptive optics such as Zernike polynomial ﬁtting. The algorithm is validated by several simulations calculating the membrane deﬂection, and the overall concept is discussed.
The Development and Psychometric Validation of the Brief Disability-Related Stress Scale in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Disability-related stress is the unique stressful experiences and challenges people with disabilities encounter. The goal of the study was to develop and validate the Brief Disability-Related Stress Scale (BDRSS) in a sample of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Findings demonstrated that the BDRSS is unidimensional and has good psychometric properties (internal consistency reliability coefficient [Cronbach’s α = .86]). The BDRSS was also found to correlate with the Perceived Stress Scale–10 (PSS-10; r = .69). Results of this study suggested the potential clinical utility of incorporating the BDRSS in rehabilitation, mental health, and neuropsychology settings to assess stressors experienced by people with MS.
TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION MULTIVARIATE INFORMATION FOREWARNING AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RESEARCH

This paper introduces multivariate information automatism collection,wireless transmission, forewarning,safety management,etc. and key technologies of TMIGS,and it uses wireless communication to combine three-dimensional laser scanning,personnel equipment orientation,all kinds of sensor data collection, communication video and safety management to realize tunnel construction face image collection,display,edit and analysis,and construction face stability monitoring and personnel orientation management. And certain tunnel measuring item and section scanning technology are combined to forewarn around rock distortion and exceed, lack digging,and all kinds of sensors of selected measuring section of wireless data collection and synthesis analysis are brought forward. While danger is approaching tunnel,TMIGS can compute,analysis,awake, forewarn and startup emergency plan class IV in advance to guarantee worker safety to maximum extent. TMIGS has an important meaning for dynamic design and general supervision,and it enhances safety degree in tunnel construction.
Purity of maltose-binding protein – Recombinant streptavidin expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (pD861-MBP: 327892)

Nearly 95% of streptavidin which is expressed in Escherichia coli found as an inclusion body. Protein expressed in an inclusion body form requires further steps for the folding process related to its purification. Whereas the purity level of the recombinant streptavidin is very crucial mainly for the specification test in diagnostic system. In this study, we designed synthetic gene of streptavidin to be fused with maltose-binding protein (MBP) gene to enhance its solubility when expressed in E. coli BL21 (pD861-MBP: 327892) and purified using amylose resin with gradient column buffer. Based on the SDS-PAGE characterization, the majority of recombinant streptavidin was found in soluble than that of insoluble form. Recombinant streptavidin was found at its suitable size at 56.6 kDa in the soluble protein fraction with a concentration of 537.42 mg/L. The purest fraction of streptavidin recombinant was obtained at the 58th fraction in a concentration of 0.86 mg/L with purity level of 98.77%. Compared to the initial crude protein extract, the level of purity is lower, 6.03%. In summary, the MBP purification method improves the purity level and enhances the solubility of the recombinant streptavidin.
Detection Of The R-wave In Ecg Signals

This thesis aims at providing a new approach for detecting R-waves in the ECG signal and generating the corresponding R-wave impulses with the delay between the original R-waves and the R-wave impulses being lesser than 100 ms. The algorithm was implemented in Matlab and tested with good results against 90 different ECG recordings from the MIT-BIH database [1]. The Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) forms the heart of the algorithm providing a multi-resolution analysis of the ECG signal. The wavelet transform decomposes the ECG signal into frequency scales where the ECG characteristic waveforms are indicated by zero crossings. The adaptive threshold algorithms discussed in this thesis search for valid zero crossings which characterize the R-waves and also remove the Preventricular Contractions (PVC's). The adaptive threshold algorithms allow the decision thresholds to adjust for signal quality changes and eliminate the need for manual adjustments when changing from patient to patient. The delay between the R-waves in the original ECG signal and the R-wave impulses obtained from the algorithm was found to be less than 100 ms.
Ameliorative Effects of Lycopene on Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Male Rats

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver cancer-causing the high rate of mortality worldwide. The present study evaluates the possible protective role of lycopene during diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in rats for 16 weeks. A patch of 60 male rats was divided according to the required treatment into 6 groups. DEN was given to rats in drinking water (100 mg/L) to induce HCC. In the present study. The groups supplied with lycopene were administered with lycopene at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg BW/orally/daily during the experiment. The DEN alone administered group induced alterations in all the investigated parameters. The lycopene pretreated DEN groups showed significant ameliorations in a dose-dependent manner against the deleterious alterations of DEN in the biological markers, oxidative stress, liver function, lipid profile, hematological parameters, serum inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), immunohistochemical markers, caspase-3 liver content and histopathological changes, where the lycopene dose of 20 mg/kg showed better ameliorative effects. In conclusion, the oral administration of lycopene provides considerable protective effects against DEN-induced HCC which suggested the potential efficacy of lycopene as an additional chemopreventive agent in the treatment of HCC. lycopene, diethylnitrosamine, hepatocellular carcinoma, apoptosis, oxidative stress
Occupational segregation and gender pay gap dynamics in the formal sector of South Africa

Orientation: The participation of women in the labour force in South Africa has improved and, whilst the gender pay gap is narrowing, it remains persistent. Gender integration in occupations has been slow, and there remains a strong association between income and factors such as gender and occupations.Research purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the improved labour force participation of women on occupational gender segregation. The term gender is used synonymously with sex in this article, referring to biological (rather than psychological) gender.Motivation for study: Status of occupational gender segregation is a good measure of effect of the increased labour force participation of women and narrowing the gender pay gap.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytic components was conducted. The gender representation and pay gap were determined in 10 job families, across six industries.Main findings: Seven occupations have achieved integration at various levels, and three occupations remain fully segregated. The gender pay gap in favour of men in male-dominated occupations is narrower than in female-dominated occupations. A statistically significantly large gap in favour of women was found in some male-dominated occupations.Practical/managerial implications: Convergence towards similar pay for work of similar value has been achieved in occupations in various industries.Contribution/value-add: The number of men in an occupation, whilst still a causal factor in the pay gap, was found to no longer be sufficient to deduce that the income of that occupation would be higher, as postulated in literature.
Why APIs? Anticipated value, barriers, and opportunities for standards-based application programming interfaces in healthcare: perspectives of US thought leaders

Abstract Objective Improving health data interoperability through application programming interfaces (APIs) is a focus of US policy initiatives and could have tremendous impact on many aspects of care delivery, such as innovation, operational efficiency, and patient-centered care. To better understand the landscape of API use cases, we interviewed US thought leaders involved in developing and implementing standard-based APIs. Materials and Methods We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with US subject matter experts (SMEs) on APIs. SMEs were asked to describe API use cases along with value and barriers for each use case. Written summaries were checked by the SME and analyzed by the study team to identify findings and themes. Results We interviewed 12 SMEs representing diverse sectors of the US healthcare system, including academia, industry, public health agencies, electronic health record vendors, government, and standards organizations. Use cases for standards-based APIs fell into six categories: patient-facing, clinician-facing, population health and value-based care, public health, administrative, and social services. The value across use cases was viewed as unrealized to date, and barriers to the use of APIs varied by use case. Conclusions SMEs identified a diverse set of API use cases where standard-based APIs had the potential to generate value. As policy efforts seek to increase API adoption, our work provides an early look at the landscape of API use cases, value propositions, and barriers. Additional effort is needed to better understand the barriers and how to overcome them to create value, such as through demonstration projects and rigorous evaluations for specific use cases.
High vocational diversified teaching evaluation and its system design

The teaching evaluation is not only a critical way to manage the teaching quality but also a complicated system project intertwined with many other factors.Hence a scientific and effective evaluation system for instruction has great significance to accelerate the educational reform and improve the quality of teaching.This paper analyzes the features of diversified teaching evaluation system and its working process and brings forward the function and the design scheme of a diversified teaching evaluation system based on Web.
Experimental Analysis of the Vibroacoustic Response of an Electric Window-Lift Gear Motor Generated by the Contact Between Carbon Brushes and Commutator

of the Vibroacoustic Response of an Electric Window-Lift Gear Motor Generated by the Contact Between Carbon Brushes and Commutator. ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the experimental vibroacoustic behavior of an electric window-lift gear motor for automotive vehicle which consists of a DC motor and a worm gear. A specific test bench is designed. A standard configuration allows characterization of the levels and spectral contents of vibrations, acoustics and dynamic forces. The influence of operating speed, applied torque and mechanical imbalance is evaluated and the dispersion of results due to manufacturing, components assembly and operating temperature is highlighted. A modified configuration using an external drive allows the discrimination of some excitation sources associated to the contact between brushes and commutator by removing them one after the other. The respective weight of friction, mechanical shocks, electrical current flow and commutation arcs occurring jointly at the brush/commutator interface are dissociated and evaluated. The friction and the mechanical shocks between brushes and commutator blades increase the vibroacoustic response of the window-lift gear motor. The flowing of electrical current in brushes/commutator contacts tends to moderate the frictional component of excitation sources while commutation arcs induce their rising, leading to a global additive contribution to the dynamic response.